Kids Come First (the “Centre”) is 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, 2005 (“AODA”). The Integrated Accessibility Standards, Regulation 191/11 (“IASR”) under the AODA establishes standards to address barriers that persons with disabilities face in the areas of information and communications, employment and the design of public spaces.
This Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines the strategy of the Centre to prevent and remove barriers to address the current and future requirements of the AODA, and to fulfill the Centre’s commitment as outlined in the Accessibility Policies.
In accordance with the requirements set out in the IASR, the Centre will:
- Establish, review and update this Plan in consultation with persons with disabilities;
- Post the Plan on the website, kidscomefirstccc.ca;
- Provide the Plan in an accessible format, upon request; and
- Review and update the Plan at least once every five (5) years.
DEFINITIONS
Assistive Devices – Auxiliary aids such as communication aids, cognition aids, personal mobility aids and medical aids (e.g., canes, crutches, wheelchairs or hearing aids).
Barriers – Anything that prevents a person with disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of their disability, including a physical barrier, architectural barrier, information or communications barrier, attitudinal barrier, or a technological or economic policy or practice.
Communication Supports – Supports that facilitate effective communications, including, captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language and sign language.
Disability – As per AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code (“Code”), means:
- 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;
- A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
- A learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
- A mental disorder; or
- An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.
Employees – Every person who deals with members of the public or other third parties on behalf of the Centre, whether the person does so as an Employee, representative, volunteer or otherwise.
Persons with Disabilities – Individuals who have a disability as defined under the Ontario Human Rights Code (as above). The term “persons with disabilities” will be the norm, and if a specific condition must be referenced, the condition will be referenced last (e.g., person with low vision). As a general tip, remember to put people first. It is proper to say person with a disability, rather than disabled person or the disabled. Additionally, it is best to wait until an individual describes their situation, rather than making assumptions about the person. Many types of disabilities have similar characteristics and assumptions may be wrong.
Service Animals – Animals individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.
Support Persons – Any persons, whether a paid professional, volunteer, family member, or friend, who accompany an individual with a disability in order to help with communications, personal care or medical needs, or with access to services.