Accessibility

POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES AND THE INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS

Statement of Commitment

Downtown Montessori/Day Care Connection (DTMS/DCC) is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), including the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC).

Training

DTMS/DCC will provide training to workers (staff/providers, students, volunteers) on Ontario’s accessibility laws and on the Ontario Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities. All persons who participate in developing and implementing DTMS/DCC policies, and those who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of DTMS/DCC, will receive training. Training will be provided in a way that best suits the duties of workers. Training will also be provided when any changes are made to DTMS/DCC accessibility policies.

DTMS/DCC has taken the following steps to ensure workers are provided with the training needed to meet Ontario’s accessible laws. Workers are provided information about the Customer Service Standard of the AODA and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR). The IASR is comprised of the Information and Communications Standard; the Employment Standard; the Transportation Standard; and the Design of Public Spaces Standard. The information is provided in print, electronically, through videos, and in communication with a Manager, Director or Executive Director. DTMS/DCC will keep a record of the training that is provided.

DTMS/DCC will provide training to workers who deal with the public or other third parties on their behalf. Individuals in the following positions will be trained:

Executive Director/Directors/Managers/Providers

Nutritional Staff

Specialists (ex. French, Music, Yoga, etc.)

Registered Early Childhood Educators/Montessori Teachers/Assistants

Part-time Ratio/Casual/Supply Staff

Students/Volunteers

This training will be provided to workers as soon as possible after being hired or beginning duties.

DTMS/DCC does not provide transportation services, so the Transportation Standard does not apply. However, there is some information available in various formats along with all of the standards for those interested.

DTMS/DCC will meet the requirements for the Design of Public Spaces Standard when building or making major modifications to public spaces wherever applicable, and resources are available for those interested.

Kiosks                                                      

DTMS/DCC does not use kiosks at this time, but if kiosks are used in the future, DTMS/DCC will ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are taken into consideration when designing, procuring or acquiring self-service kiosks. When replacing a payment terminal, options will be examined that take into consideration the needs of people with various disabilities as much as possible.

Accessible Customer Service Standard

Providing Goods and Services to People with Disabilities

Downtown Montessori/Day Care Connection is committed to excellence in serving all clients including people with disabilities. Some of the core values of DTMS/DCC are the dedication to diversity and inclusion, which ensure that we show mutual respect for each other within the community and beyond. This commitment to a culture of dignity, integration, equality of opportunity and independence is necessary in fostering a rich learning and working environment.

Assistive devices

We will ensure that our workers are trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by clients with disabilities while accessing our goods or services.

Communication

We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.

Service animals

We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public with the exception of the kitchen in accordance with Ontario regulation 562 under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. The Nutritional Staff will come out of the kitchen to communicate with a person with a service animal.

Support persons

A person with a disability will be allowed to have a support person accompany them on our premises.

Fees will not be charged for a support person to accompany the person with a disability on the DTMS/DCC premises.

Notice of temporary disruption

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for clients with disabilities such as an accessible washroom, elevator or ramp if applicable, DTMS/DCC will notify clients promptly. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

The notice will be placed at or near the area of disrupted service.

Training will include:

  • An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR)
  • AccessForward Customer Service Standard Module with certificate retained in worker’s file
  • DTMS/DCC’s Accessibility Policy and Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
  • How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities
  • Finding out how to communicate with a person with a disability by asking verbally or via a note how one can help
  • How to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or the assistance of a service animal or a support person
  • How to use the Relay Service or other methods which may help with providing goods or services to people with disabilities
  • The Relay Service is for communicating with a person who is deaf, orally deaf, deafened or hard of hearing and can be accessed at 1-800-855-0511. There is no charge for local calls; standard charges apply for long distance calls
  • Staff will be trained to communicate with customers over the telephone in clear, plain language and to speak clearly and slowly
  • What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing the DTMS/DCC goods and services

Workers will also be trained when changes are made to our accessible customer service plan.

Feedback process

DTMS/DCC will ensure that the process for receiving and responding to feedback is accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging for the provision of accessible formats and communications upon request.

Clients who wish to provide feedback on the way DTMS/DCC provides goods and services as well as support to people with disabilities can e-mail, communicate verbally, leave a suggestion, etc. All feedback will be directed to Manjit Dhaliwal, Director of Administration. Clients can expect a response within five business days. Complaints will be addressed according to our organization’s regular complaint management procedures.  Complaints can be directed to a Director via email, in person with an appointment or by filling in a Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Form.  A response indicating that the complaint has been received and will be investigated will be provided within 2 business days.

Information and Communications Standard

DTMS/DCC is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. We will consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs. We will consult with a person making a request to determine the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.

DTMS/DCC will provide accessible formats and communication supports at no additional cost and as quickly as possible when a person with a disability asks for them, taking into account the specific accessibility needs of the person with a disability.

DTMS/DCC will notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports.

DTMS/DCC has made all websites and publicly available web content on those sites conform with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.0, Level AA.

DTMS/DCC will ensure that existing feedback processes are accessible by providing accessible formats and communication supports upon request.

DTMS/DCC will ensure that all publicly available emergency information is made accessible upon request.

Workers will complete the AccessForward Information and Communications Standard Module with certificate retained in worker’s file as soon as possible after being hired or beginning duties.

Accessible Emergency Information DTMS/DCCis committed to providing clients with publicly available emergency information in an accessible way upon request. We will also provide workers with disabilities with individualized emergency response information when necessary.

Employment Standard

DTMS/DCC is committed to fair and accessible employment practices.

  • We will notify the public and workers that, when requested, DTMS/DCC will accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment, assessment and hiring processes right through to performance management or redeployment, and separation or retirement
  • In employment advertisements and recruiting, we will state that accommodation is available upon request for applicants with a disability, and we will ensure that employment requirements are essential to job completion
  • We will provide accessible formats and communication supports, upon request from applicants or workers with disabilities, taking into account the person’s accessibility needs due to a disability
  • When making offers of employment, we will notify the successful applicant of the DTMS/DCC policies for accommodating employees with disabilities
  • We will inform DTMS/DCC workers of its policies (and any amendments or updates to these policies) used to support persons with a disability, including policies on the provision of job accommodations that take into account a worker’s accessibility needs due to disability. This information will be provided as soon as is practicable after commencing employment
  • Upon request of the worker with a disability, DTMS/DCC will consult with the worker to provide or arrange for the suitable provision of accessible formats and communication supports for information that is needed to perform the job, and generally available to other workers
  • We will take into account the accessibility needs of workers with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans, when conducting performance management, assessing career development and advancement of workers, as well as redeploying workers
  • Workers will complete the AccessForward Employment Standard Module with certificate retained in worker’s file as soon as possible after being hired or beginning duties.

Workplace Emergency Response Information

We will provide individualized workplace emergency response information to workers who have a disability, if the disability is such that the individualized information is necessary, and if DTMS/DCC is aware of the need for accommodation due to the worker’s disability. DTMS/DCC will provide this information as soon as is practicable after becoming aware of the need for accommodation.

Where a worker requires assistance, DTMS/DCC will, with the consent of the worker, provide the workplace emergency response information to the person(s) designated by DTMS/DCC to provide assistance to the worker.

DTMS/DCC will review the individualized workplace emergency response information when the worker moves to a different location or position within the organization, when the worker’s overall accommodation needs change or plans are reviewed.

Documented Individual Accommodation Plans

DTMS/DCC will maintain a written process for the development of documented individual accommodation plans for workers with disabilities. If requested, information regarding accessible formats and communication supports provided will also be included in individual accommodation plans. In addition, the individual Accommodation Plan will include individual workplace emergency response information and will identify any other accommodations that are to be provided.

Return to Work Process

DTMS/DCC will maintain a documented return to work process for its workers who have been absent from work due to a disability and who require disability related accommodations in order to return to work.

The return to work process will outline the steps DTMS/DCC will take to facilitate the return to work and will include documented individual accommodation plans as part of the return to work process.

This return to work process will not replace or override any other return to work process created by or under any other statute, including but not limited to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. For further information, see the DTMS/DCC Return to Work Policy.

Modifications to this or other policies

Any policy of DTMS/DCC that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.

DTMS/DCC will endeavour to prevent and remove other accessibility barriers that are identified. If there are any questions regarding this policy or if a copy of this document in an alternative format is needed, Manjit Dhaliwal can be contacted at 416-691-1101 or emailed at director-admin@dtms76.


MULTI-YEAR ACCESSIBILITY PLAN

This 2022-2027 accessibility plan outlines the policies and actions that Downtown Montessori/ Daycare Connection (DTMS/DCC) has put in place to identify, remove, and prevent barriers that may inhibit people with disabilities from fully participating in all facets of our organization.

1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Statement of Commitment

DTMS/DCC is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all persons with disabilities, while taking into consideration dignity and independence. DTMS/DCC strives to identify, remove, and prevent barriers that may inhibit people with disabilities from fully participating and having equal opportunity in all aspects of the employment cycle. DTMS/DCC will work to uphold Ontario’s accessibility standards by ensuring its policies, practices, and procedures are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC).

DTMS/DCC welcomes feedback in relation to this Plan, and will provide this plan in alternate formats upon request. Our Accessibility Policy, Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, feedback and document request procedure are available from the Executive Director/Directors or via the Accessibility link on our websites. Where this Plan specifies that documents, alternative formats or communication supports are available upon request, such requests should be directed to Manjit Dhaliwal, the Director of Administration, at 416.691.1101 or director-admin@dtms76.ca.

2 REVIEW

2.1 This plan will be reviewed and updated at least once in every five years consistent with the IASR requirements, and will be posted on DTMS/DCC websites.

2.2 All workers (staff/providers, students, volunteers) must review this policy with the Manager prior to commencing work and/or at the discretion of DTMS/DCC.

2.3 A written record of the review must be signed and dated by those participating in the review.

2.4 Records of reviews are to be kept on file in a secure location for at least three years from the time of entry.

3. SCOPE

3.1 This policy applies to any person employed/contracted/assigned throughout the DTMS/DCC organization.

3.2 The requirements outlined in the accessibility standards do not replace or affect legal rights or obligations that arise under the OHRC and other laws relating to the accommodation of people with disabilities.

3.3 Based on the nature of DTMS/DCC’s service, there may be instances where the accessibility standards are in conflict with other provincial laws, e.g. the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA). If there is a conflict, DTMS/DCC understands that the final authority is the law that gives people with disabilities the most access to participating fully in Ontario in the areas of goods, services, facilities, employment, accommodation, buildings, structures, or premises. If this conflict should occur, DTMS/DCC will seek advice from the applicable laws/acts to ensure compliance and fairness.

4. RESPONSIBILITY

4.1 Workers are expected to:

4.1.1 Implement standards of accessibility outlined in the accessibility plan as described in this AODA and Accessibility Standards policy pertaining to customer service, communication, and information.

4.2 Managers, Directors, and the Executive Directors are also expected to:

4.2.1 Ensure the standards of accessibility regarding customer service, communication, and information are understood and implemented by all workers.

4.2.2 Implement the standards of accessibility pertaining to employment.

5. DEFINITIONS

5.1 Client

5.1.1 For the purposes of this policy and the Customer Service Standard (AODA), ‘client’ refers to current and potential clients of DTMS/DCC.

5.2 Disability

5.2.1 As defined by the OHRC, disability refers to:

5.2.1.1 any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device;

5.2.1.2 a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;

5.2.1.3 a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;

5.2.1.4 a mental disorder;

5.2.1.5 an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act; or

5.2.1.6 disabilities of different severity, visible as well as non-visible disabilities, and disabilities of which the effects of which may come and go.

6. POLICY

6.1 Accessibility Plan

6.1.1 The accessibility plan which includes the following standards for customer service, communication and information, and employment will be reviewed every five years, or as required to meet related legislation.

6.1.2 Customer Service Standard

6.1.2.1 Ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to DTMS/DCC’s services.

6.1.2.2 Communicate with clients in a way that takes into account a person’s disability.

6.1.2.3 Allow clients to use their personal assistive devices.

6.1.2.4 Allow clients to be accompanied by a service animal, unless excluded by law (ex. kitchen). If not permitted, DTMS/DCC will strive to provide the service in an alternate way.

6.1.2.5 Allow clients to bring a support person when accessing services in DTMS/DCC facilities.

6.1.2.6 Provide advance notice of any applicable fees that will be charged for the support person of a client with a disability.

6.1.2.7 Provide prompt notice when DTMS/DCC facilities or services used by clients with disabilities are temporarily disrupted.

6.1.2.8 Train all workers who provide direct service (on behalf of DTMS/DCC) to clients who have a disability.

6.1.3 Communication and Information Standard

6.1.3.1 Receive and respond to feedback from people with disabilities about the way DTMS/DCC provides service to people with disabilities.

6.1.3.2 Make documents publicly available and provide accessible formats upon request.

6.1.3.3 Meet the communication needs of people with disabilities.

6.1.3.4 Provide individualized workplace emergency response information to workers who have a disability, if necessary.

6.1.4 Employment Standard

6.1.4.1 Apply accessibility and accommodation throughout the employment lifecycle.

6.1.4.2 Train workers who are involved in recruitment, performance management, and policy development on the accessibility standards.

6.1.4.3 Provide applicants with the opportunity to request accommodation before participating in the recruitment process.

6.1.4.4 Have policies in place surrounding disability management, workplace accommodation, and return to work procedures. Ensure workers are aware of these policies.

6.1.4.5 Performance management processes will take into consideration a person’s disability and accessibility needs, including any individual accommodation plans.

Feedback & Documentation Form

All feedback will be directed to Manjit Dhaliwal, Director, at 416.691.1101 or director-admin@dtms76.ca. Clients can expect a response within five business days.

If requested, documents and correspondence with respect to the feedback will be provided in a manner that is suitable and meets the needs of the person with a disability.