DEFINITIONS

“Assistive Device” – Auxiliary aids used to assist a person with a disability in performing a task or tasks, or to provide assistance in the activities of daily living. Examples include but are not limited to canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, respiratory devices, and 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. These supports include but are not limited to captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language and sign language.

“Disability” – Pursuant to the AODA and the Code, “disability” means:

a) 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;

b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;

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

d) a mental disorder; or

e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.

“Persons with Disability” – Is any person who has a disability as defined under the AODA and the Code. 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 Animal” – An animal is a service animal for a person with a disability,

a) if it is readily apparent that the animal is used by the person for reasons relating to their disability; or

b) if the person provides a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to the disability.

“Support Person” – A person who accompanies a person with a disability in order to help them with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs, or with access to goods or services.

“We”, “Our” and “Staff” – Refers to the Centre and its employees, volunteers and/or contractors.

MULTI-YEAR ACCESSIBILITY PLAN

The Centre will maintain its Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, which outlines the phased-in strategy to prevent and remove barriers and addresses the current and future requirements of the AODA. The Centre will report annually on the progress and implementation of the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, post the information on the Centre’s website and provide the information in an accessible format upon request.

The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five (5) years.