AODA - Accessibility Resources

AODA - Accessibility Information

Accessibility Compliance Report 2023

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 requires employers, such as The Lighthouse, to have policies in place to support staff with disabilities who may need workplace accommodations, and to notify all staff about these policies and any changes to them.

Ensuring that staff are comfortable asking about accommodations related to a disability makes our workplaces safer and more productive. Disability accommodations are available to staff if they need them.

Accommodations are available upon request in relation to the materials or process to be used.

AODA - Policy Statement

We are 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 wherever possible and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Policy Statement - Click Here

Accessibility Emergency Information

We are committed to providing stakeholders and participants with publicly available emergency information in an accessible way upon request. We will provide employees who have disclosed a disability with individualized emergency response plan when necessary. The individual accommodation plans will include: individualized workplace emergency response information, information regarding accessible formats and communication supports to perform job tasks. The individual accommodations plan will be reviewed annually or as needed.

Accessibility Starts Here - Click Here

Training - Accessibility Customer Service

We will provide training to employees and volunteers on Ontario’s Accessibility Standards and on the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities at the time of hire. Training will be provided in a way that best suits the duties of employees, and volunteers. All employees/volunteers will complete the online Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities training. A certification of completion will be placed in the employees file. Training will be updated as required by the Ontario Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. All employees/ volunteers will read and practice The Lighthouse’s Standards and Guidelines pertaining to Accessible Customer Service Standards.

Accessible Customer Service - Click Here

Design of Public Spaces

The Lighthouse will meet the Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces when building or making major modifications to public spaces. Public spaces include: Accessible off street parking and Service-related elements like service counters and waiting areas. In the event of a service disruption, The Lighthouse will notify the public of the service disruption and alternatives available. Accessible formats of all documents are available free upon request. The video linked highlights some of the daily barriers faced by people with disabilities and what public servants can do to reduce, remove and report barriers to foster an inclusive public service.

Video - Click Here

Employment

We are committed to fair and accessible employment practices. We will take the following steps to notify the public and staff that, when requested, we will accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes and when people are hired. We commit to notify employees and volunteers about the availability of accommodations for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment process. If an employee or new hire with a disability makes a request for accommodations, we will consult with the individual and determine the provision or arrangement of suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the employee’s accessibility needs due to a disability. We commit to notify job applicants who have been invited to participate in a recruitment, assessment or selection process that, accommodations for disabilities are available/ consult with job applicant who request accommodations to support them during the process.

Click Here

Return to Work and Individual Accommodation Plans

We will take the following steps to develop and put in place a process for developing individual accommodation plans and return-to-work policies for employees that have been absent due to a disability. Ensure existing standards and guidelines includes steps that we will take to accommodate an employee with a disability and to facilitate an employee’s return to work. Inform and review with current employees and new hires of policies and procedures supporting employees with disabilities. We will take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities when reviewing performance management, career development and redeployment processes.

Accommodation Plans - Click Here

Communication & Information - Multi-Year Plan 2023-2028

At The Lighthouse, we are dedicated to clear and accessible communication for everyone. We will consult with those in need to learn there preferred way to receive information. We ensure all new website features and digital content meet WCAG 2 accessibility standards. We are committed to developing, maintaining, and actioning our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan in accordance with the AODA. We will continuously identify, remove, and prevent barriers to ensure an inclusive environment that respects the dignity and independence of everyone we serve.

Multi-Year Plan - Click Here