AODA + Policies
Children’s Aid Society of Algoma is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for our clients, employees, resource parents, volunteers, clients, job applicants, visitors, and other stakeholders who enter our premises and access our information. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), Customer Service Standard, and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation for Information and Communications, Employment, Transportation, and once established, Standards for the Built Environment.
Approximately 1.8 million Ontarians live with a disability, and as the population grows older, this number is expected to increase. Our organization has made a commitment to accessibility for everyone who uses our services.
Our organization has an important responsibility for ensuring a safe, dignified, and welcoming environment for everyone. We are committed to ensuring our organization’s compliance with accessibility legislation by incorporating this legislation into policies, procedures, equipment requirements, training for employees, and best practices. We will review these policies and practices on a regular basis.
Children’s Aid Society of Algoma realizes that providing accessible and barrier-free environments for everyone is a shared effort. As a community, all businesses and services must work together to make accessibility happen. For more detailed information on our accessibility policies, plans, and training programs, please contact the Human Resources department at humanresources@algomacas.org.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities
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- We have stated our commitment to Accessibility with the development of Accessibility policy. This policy includes the Agency’s commitment to improving accessibility in all aspects of our service and to ensure that our staff, volunteers, clients, Children’s Aid Society of Algoma (CASA) representatives and members of the general public are provided services in a way that respects the dignity, independence, integration and equality of all.
- Trained all staff and volunteers regarding communicating with people with disabilities through “AODA Customer Service” training
- Added wording to all job advertisements, both internal and external reflecting that “Accommodation is available upon request”
- Added wording to all training posts to indicate classroom modifications or alternate training delivery methods are available, upon request.
- Compliance reporting as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.
- Trained all staff in IASR and the Human Rights Code
- Reviewed training process, record keeping and scheduling to ensure that all staff, contracts, and volunteers are current on all aspects of the AODA legislation.
- Trained all new hires on the AODA Policy, Accessible Customer Service, and Integrated Accessibility Standards during new staff orientation.
- Developed a hiring policy to ensure people with disabilities are considered for job openings and that their accommodation needs are met.
- Review, clarify and post the process to receive and respond to feedback from clients with disabilities
- Develop a formal automated system, accessible to people inside and outside of the organization, to report AODA feedback. The system will support tracking of feedback & resolutions of issues and reporting of trends.
- External webpage WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliant
- Develop a process to systematically review and update accommodated employees’ needs via a documented accommodation plan.
- All existing CASA branch offices have been assessed for accessibility the following changes or improvements have been completed:
- Barrier free washroom installed on main floor of Pilgrim Street office
- Installed concrete ramp/handicap pipe railing and brackets at Pilgrim Street entrance
- New concrete ramp to front entrance /2 door operators installed at Wawa office
- Barrier free washroom installed/door operator installed with metal ramp at Elliot Lake office
- Deck with out door wheelchair lift installed/interior stair lift in front entrance to main floor area installed – Kingsford location
- Installed door operator in front entrance at Northern Avenue office.
Customer Service
- Review training and service needs on an ongoing basis and support continuing education of all staff members regarding all aspects of providing service to individuals with disabilities.
Integrated Accessibility Regulations
- Provide accessible emergency and public safety information.
- Continue to identify and address barriers through the appropriate forum.
- Continue to monitor and report to JH and S Committee as well as Senior Management on the development and implications of this plan
- Information on accessibility will be included on all newly updated public materials.
Built Environment
- Accessibility consultation will continue to occur when new building is being planned or new lease arrangements or renovations are underway.
- Welcoming spaces will have new, accessible designs completed and an implementation plan developed.
- Continue to monitor completion of accessibility assessment recommendations on a quarterly basis.