Accessibility
ACCESSIBILITY PLAN
2012-2014
Updated November 2012
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2011 (ODA) is to improve the opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of the province. The ODA requires us to prepare an accessibility plan and make it public.
AIM:
Our goal is to promote the Act, identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities within Community Living West Nipissing, including people who receive supports, employees and volunteers.
MISSION
Our mission is to be dedicated advocates to lead a community where everyone is accepted as equal citizens.
VISION
West Nipissing, an accepting community which respects all its citizens in their diversity, their contributions and their aspirations.
SERVICE DESCRIPTION:
In the pursuit of our mission and vision, Community Living West Nipissing provides a comprehensive range of supports and services to adults and children with developmental disabilities.
The purpose is to enable persons with a developmental disability to live in the community and avail themselves of the supports necessary to maintain relationships, to exercise their rights and responsibilities, to make informed choices, assume valued social roles and to ensure a life of quality.
ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE:
Purpose:
Community Living West Nipissing’s Accessibility Advisory Committee will be responsible for identifying, preventing and removing barriers in all Community Living West Nipissing’s worksites.
The philosophy of the Accessibility Advisory Committee with regards to accessibility will fully embraces the purposes outlined within the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005.
The committee will function as an ongoing resource regarding matters of accessibility and will promote a barrier-free community.
Responsibilities:
1.The committee will assist in monitoring the ongoing identification of barriers such as physical, communication, attitudinal, in transportation or in policy and procedures.
2.The Accessibility Advisory Committee will develop an accessibility plan, identifying barriers within the agency and implement guidelines to remove them. The plan will be continually monitored and evaluated by the committee.
3.The identification of barriers within the agency will be communicated to the appropriate persons as required ie: Managers/Supervisors, Board, JHSC etc…
4.The committee will connect the Municipality’s Accessibility Committee as necessary to identify barriers within the community.
5.Commitment to an ongoing program of education to inform families, employees, individuals who receive supports and the community at large about accessibility and the removal of barriers.
Membership:
•Front line staff
•Management
•Board member
•Individual who receives supports
•Parent or Family member
BARRIER IDENTIFICATION METHODOLOGY
The following measures were undertaken to identify barriers within Community Living West Nipissing:
•Completion of Accessibility Study in each program site
•Satisfaction survey for people supported and their families
•Standing agenda item on staff meeting agendas
•Part of new employee orientation
•Part of our complaints and feedback process
•Agency is a member of the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee
•Through our own agency’s accessibility committee
BARRIERS TO BE ADDRESSED
BARRIER
LOCATION
STRTEGY FOR REMOVAL OF BARRIER
STATUS
Automatic doors
114 William
Apply for infrastructure funding
Pending funding approval
Automatic doors
120 Nipissing
Apply for infrastructure funding
Pending funding approval
Automatic doors
170 William
Apply for infrastructure funding
Pending funding approval
Automatic doors
15 John
Apply for infrastructure funding
Pending funding approval
Automatic doors
90 Cholette
Apply for infrastructure funding
Pending funding approval
Look at lift or elevator
170 William
Apply for infrastructure funding
Pending funding approval
BARRIERS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN ADDRESSED
15 John
•New automatic doors installed
•New accessible walk in shower
•Track lift system
75 Railway
•New accessible bathroom with symbols
•New accessible entrance with automatic door
113 Nipissing
•New accessible walk in shower
Employment Services
•Purchase of a new accessible Bus
•Purchase of a new wheelchair accessible van.
Group Homes
•Ceiling track lift systems in all homes
•Hydraulic bathtubs and walk in showers in all homes
170 William
•Floor to ceiling grab bar installed in bathroom
•Bathroom renos which include walk in showers
Other:
•Customer Service Training
•Policies and procedures around accessibility
REVIEWING AND MONITORING
The Accessibility Committee will meet quarterly to review the Accessibility Plan including the list of barriers. They will identify priorities and set target dates for removal of barriers.
COMMUNICATION OF PLAN
A copy of the plan is available through our Administration office at 75 Railway Street. Copies can be made upon request. A copy of the plan is also posted on our website at communitylivingwestnipissing.com
EffectiveMay 2012
Revised November 2012
