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Table of Contents
In June 2005, the Ontario government took a strong stand on accessibility when it passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) into law. The AODA lays out a comprehensive road map to make Ontario accessible to all people through the development, implementation and enforcement of new, mandatory accessibility standards for some of the most important aspects of people’s lives. Five key areas have been identified for the first accessibility standards: customer service, transportation, information and communications, the built environment, and employment. The accessible customer service regulations were approved by the Lieutenant-Governor and will come into force on January 1, 2008. An initial proposed standard on accessible transportation has been developed by the Transportation Standards Development Committee. It was posted for public review on June 27, 2007 and will be available for public comment until September 28, 2007. The Standards Development Committee that will draft the proposed information and communications standard was established and began meeting in April, 2007. The committees developing the accessible built environment and accessible employment standards have been selected and will begin meeting in the fall of 2007. While the government is moving forward to implement the AODA, there will be a transition period during which government and the broader public sector will continue to meet their obligations under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA). These obligations will remain in effect until they are repealed and replaced by standards under the new act. Under the ODA, Ontario government ministries, municipalities, hospitals, school boards, colleges, universities and public transportation organizations are required to develop annual accessibility plans to make policies, practices, programs, services and buildings more accessible to people with disabilities. These plans must be made available to the public. Accessibility planning efforts to date have developed a strong foundation for the development of accessibility standards that will mean real and effective change. This document is the fifth annual accessibility plan developed by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. It highlights the achievements of the 2006-07 plan and outlines the commitments for 2007-08 so that no new barriers are created and, over time, existing ones are removed. This ministry intends to build on its achievements by implementing initiatives that support the government's commitment to continue to make Ontario an inclusive and accessible province where people of all abilities have a chance to fully achieve their potential. Message from the Minister
Under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA), all public sector and broader public sector organizations are required by law to have an annual accessibility plan and to make it available to the public. This is the fifth year in which plans have been written and are being implemented by organizations such as ours across the province. This year marks the second anniversary of the landmark Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, (AODA) – legislation that will foster the development, implementation and enforcement of accessibility standards in key areas of daily living. The accessible customer service regulations were approved by the Lieutenant-Governor and will come into force on January 1, 2008. An initial proposed standard on accessible transportation has been developed by the Transportation Standards Development Committee. It was posted for public review on June 27 and will be available for public comment until September 28, 2007. The Standards Development Committee that will draft the proposed information and communications standard was established and began meeting in April, 2007. The committees developing the accessible built environment and accessible employment standards have been selected and will begin meeting in the fall of 2007. Here at the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, we are building on the success of our previous plans and continuing to look for ways to better meet the needs of people with disabilities who come into contact with this ministry, regardless of whether they are staff, members of the general public, or ministry stakeholders. We are committed to improving accessibility through identifying, removing and preventing barriers, working together within our ministry, across government and with our stakeholders in key areas of customer service, employment, communications and information, and the built environment. This ministry continues to work to better educate staff on accessibility. Examples of this work in the past year include; providing new managers and supervisors with on-line training on the Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2001, providing further information on accommodation for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process, and including information on accessibility requirements in the ministry’s results-based planning staff training package. Other work this past year includes making accessibility improvements to the ministry’s public website; implementing technology that allows users to access information in a barrier-free environment, and expanding TTY service in our local offices. Moving forward, we are training staff on effective customer service standards for people with disabilities; our youth justice staff are looking at procedures and practices that will help support young people with special needs in facilities. More examples are provided in the pages that follow. Sincerely, Report on Achievements2006 - 2007 Accessibility Improvement InitiativesThe Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) was successful in achieving/implementing planned commitments outlined in its 2006-2007 accessibility plan. This section provides a status report. Customer ServiceCommitmentThe ministry’s Human Resources Branch (HRB) will facilitate the training of ministry staff who serve the public, on providing effective customer service to people with disabilities. StatusCompleted ActionThe HRB’s plan was to disseminate the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario’s on-line training, “May I Help You – Welcoming Customers with Disabilities”, to ministry staff. The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario’s on-line training, “May I Help You - Welcoming Customers with Disabilities” is now available on the website of the Centre for Leadership and Learning. To disseminate information about the online-training, HRB included an advisory on its intranet website and circulated memos to all ministry staff. CommitmentThe Human Resources branch (HRB) will develop information to assist ministry staff in providing effective services to people who use sign language interpretation (people who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing) or intervener services (people who are deaf-blind). StatusCompleted ActionThe HRB’s plan was to develop an information sheet on how to arrange sign language interpretation or intervener services for clients or applicants who require these services. This information sheet was completed. HRB consulted with provincial service providers of intervener and interpreter services such as the Canadian Hearing Society and Canadian National Institute for Blind. The consultation also included the Community Services Branch in the Social Policy Development Division of the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Staff can access the information sheet: “Arranging Sign Language Interpretation and Deafblind Intervenor Services for Clients and Applicants of MCYS” on the MCYS intranet website. CommitmentPhysical Plant management staff at the Child and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI) and Thistletown Regional Centre (TRC) will attend knowledge/skills development course/public forum on barrier-free design and other accessibility measures. StatusOngoing ActionAttendance at a one day training opportunity, on barrier-free design and other accessibility measures, will be included in the annual professional development plan for managers involved in building services management. Arrangements will be made for the Facility Manager to attend the training. CommitmentChild and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI) and Thistletown Regional Centre (TRC) customer reception staff will be provided with formal training. This will be incorporated as a job specific learning and development plan requirement. This will be mandatory for all new front line reception staff. StatusOngoing ActionNew reception staff will be provided with a one-hour training session on appropriate protocols for providing effective reception services to persons with disabilities. CommitmentThe Child and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI) will implement desktop videoconferencing (telepsychiatry) services at CPRI and network via the Ontario Telehealth Network. This will provide increased service access for persons with limited mobility in remote locations and will eliminate concerns for clinicians with mobility disabilities. StatusIn Progress Action
CommitmentManagement Support Branch (MSB) will undertake several initiatives to continue increasing staff knowledge of accessibility. Status Action Commitment Status Action CommitmentThe ministry’s Youth Justice Services Division (YJSD) will review its practices and procedures for assessing and identifying young people with special needs in youth justice facilities. StatusIn Progress ActionThe YJSD will:
As needed, direct operated and transfer payment agencies will develop program descriptions and interventions that address specific disabilities, including learning disabilities. Intake assessment tool is complete and will be in effect July 1, 2007 CommitmentThe ministry will provide training for approximately 350 resource teachers and home visitors on how to support children with autism spectrum disorders in a child care setting. StatusIn Progress ActionThe ministry will continue to contract with the Geneva Centre for Autism to provide training activities. To date, 283 Resource teachers/home visitors were trained by the Geneva Centre for Autism in 06/07. This is the first year of a three-year initiative. CommitmentCorporate Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Branch (CPIA) will continue to consider the accessibility needs of Ontarians with disabilities in federal/provincial/territorial relations. StatusIn progress ActionCPIA will continue to pursue initiatives for persons with disabilities as the co-chair of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Benefits and Services for Persons with Disabilities Working Group. The Canada-Ontario Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities was extended to March 31, 2008. This Agreement helps to improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities. Discussions on the proposed federal National Disability Act are ongoing and could help establish federal accessibility standards. CommitmentFront-line reception staff with the Youth Justice Services Division will be provided with training on how to effectively communicate with people who are deaf, hard-of hearing and/or visually impaired. This training will be mandatory for all new front-line reception staff. StatusDeferred ActionTraining sessions will focus on appropriate protocols when providing reception services to person with disabilities. New reception staff will be provided with this training in their orientation. Employment AccommodationCommitmentThe Human Resources Branch (HRB) in consultation with the Youth Justice Services Division (YJSD) will investigate methods to improve the provision of employment accommodation to staff in YJSD regional offices and facilities. StatusCompleted ActionA pilot Disability Management Model was launched at the Brookside Youth Center. Communications and InformationCommitmentHRB will support ministry offices in improving TTY services. A best practice guideline on answering TTY calls will be incorporated into the existing TTY Services Guide. StatusCompleted ActionIn October 2006, HRB developed a best practice guide for answering TTY calls. The best practice guide is incorporated into the “Guide to Effective TTY Services” which is accessible through the MCSS/MCYS’ intranet website. CommitmentYJSD will review barriers to access on the YJSD pages of the ministry intranet websites. It will also develop a process to accommodate unique information and requests for relevant published material. StatusIn progress ActionYJSD will consult with the Communication and Marketing Branch (CMB) to determine if any barriers continue to exist on the YJ pages of the ministry intranet website. YJSD will develop a process that enables timely access to relevant published material. Commitment Status Actions CommitmentContinue to renovate residential homes, buildings and walkways at Thistletown Regional Centre (TRC) and Child and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI) to eliminate access/mobility barriers as a regular component to the capital planning initiatives. StatusCompleted ActionTRC and CPRI’s plan was to submit barrier-free renovation initiatives for the buildings in the capital plan for priority funding approvals. House # 21 is now wheelchair accessible. Barrier-free renovation initiatives have been submitted to the accommodations branch for building # 15 of the SAFET-T program. CommitmentCPRI will ensure persons with disabilities have a mechanism that alerts them to life safety events (i.e. firm alarms, hazardous situation announcements, etc). StatusCompleted Action
CommitmentCPRI will install motion sensors in all washrooms and common rooms that will illuminate on entry. StatusCompleted ActionMotion sensor/controlled timer lighting was installed in common rooms. CommitmentThe Human Resources Branch (HRB) will provide information to managers in order to facilitate the use of ministry meeting rooms for persons with disabilities. StatusCompleted ActionThe Occupational Health and Safety Unit of HRB developed and disseminated to management, best practices for boardroom/furniture utilization from an accessibility perspective. In June 2007, HRB developed a best practice guide for management on boardroom/furniture utilization from an accessibility perspective. The guide is included on the manager’s section of MCSS/MCYS intranet website. CommitmentThe ministry will continue to improve the accessibility of their facilities and offices where and whenever possible. StatusIn progress ActionNew leases and lease renewals will continue to be negotiated to address the elimination of any barriers to staff, clients or the public with disabilities During 2006/07, the 15th floor of 56 Wellesley Street was fully renovated to enhance accessibility. This included the provision of ergonomic furniture, wheelchair accessible quarters, and automatic door openers on selected doors. CommitmentThrough the year, accommodation projects will continue to be required to meet, at minimum, the barrier-free design standards of the 1997 Ontario Building Code. StatusIn progress ActionWhere feasible and appropriate, the Capital and Accommodation Services Branch (CASB) will continue to apply the most effective barrier-free design principles for the situation, rather than meet minimum standards of accessibility. This process continues through CASB to review Ontario Building Code and current Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) requirements to prepare a recommended set of guidelines. CommitmentMCYS will establish two (2) youth centres that are accessible to people with disabilities. StatusIn progress Action
Acts and RegulationsCommitmentYJSD will ensure that all programs and services reflect any revisions in provincial acts and regulations that would impact young person and employees. StatusOngoing Action
CommitmentThe ministry will review new acts and regulations for barriers to accessibility. StatusCompleted Action
Ongoing Accessibility Improvement Initiatives The Ministry of Children and Youth Services was successful in achieving its commitments described in the accessibility plans it issued before 2006 - 2007. This section provides a status report. Customer Service CommitmentThe ministry’s policy encourages the inclusion of children with special needs into community child care services with their peers. StatusOngoing ActionSpecial Needs Resourcing funds are used to purchase the services of resource teachers, specialized toys and equipment for children with special needs attending day nurseries and private-home day care. Employment Accommodation CommitmentThe ministry will continue to strengthen its commitment to employment accommodation. StatusOngoing ActionThe ministry will continue to accommodate employees and applicants with disabilities, for work-related barriers, by implementing the Ontario Public Service polices on employment accommodation and workplace discrimination and harassment prevention. Commitment Status Action Built Environment CommitmentImprove the accessibility of youth probation offices where possible. StatusIn progress ActionAs part of disentanglement from adult services, all probation offices will be relocated or renovated and will meet barrier free design standards. Currently 29 are complete and of the remaining 19, 11 are under construction. All offices should be compliant within the fiscal year. Continuing, a number of projects were implemented for new sites which will promote accessibility (i.e., Orillia, Bracebridge, Newmarket, Mississauga, Halton, Pembroke, Hawkesbury, Cambridge, Guelph, Sarnia, Hamilton, Huntsville). Commitments — Barriers to be AddressedA review of the ministry’s program and services was conducted to identify barriers to accessibility. The ministry is committed to addressing these barriers over the coming year. This section summarizes these commitments. Customer serviceBarrierThere may be barriers to persons with disabilities who are interested in careers in the children’s services sector. Commitment and ResponsibilityAs the Labour Market Policy Unit develops within the Strategic Planning Branch (SPB), the unit will consider how best to support the participation of service providers with disabilities, including youth with disabilities who may be interested in careers in the children’s services sector. As part of its efforts to understand the demographic make-up of the staff in MCYS funded agencies, the extent of participation of persons with disabilities will be included. TimelineIf an agency survey on demographics is completed in 2007-08, this question will be included. BarrierThere may be barriers to child care for children and youth with disabilities. Commitment and ResponsibilityStrategic Planning Branch (SPB) is undertaking a research initiative, Ontario’s Growth Chart, that will report on the success and well-being of children and youth using a number of indicators in the domains of health, education, social inclusion and economic opportunity. The status of children and youth with disabilities will be tracked to inform policy development to improve services and outcomes where these lag behind the general child and youth population. SPB will develop a Profile of Ontario’s Children and Youth in Fall 2007 that will include the status of children with disabilities. Initiatives that could improve outcomes for this group will be considered once the profile has been developed. Timeline2007/08 Barrier Commitment and Responsibility YJSD will communicate CFSA and Ministry requirements for service provider responsiveness to provision of appropriate services for clients with specific disabilities/needs through contract Service Description Schedules and Standards in the Youth Justice Services Manual. Timeline Barrier Commitment and Responsibility YJSD reception staff will receive the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario’s on-line training, “May I Help You - Welcoming Customers with Disabilities” which is available on the website of the Centre for Leadership and Learning. Thistletown Regional Centre will also facilitate the training of all staff on providing effective customer service to people with disabilities. Timeline Employment accommodationBarrierLack of knowledge of the OPS Employment Accommodation & Return to Work Policy (EA & RTW) requiring the provision of resources and ongoing support for implementation of best practices in this field. Commitment and ResponsibilityToronto Region will commit to the following activities:
All new employees (management, staff, classified and unclassified) are to receive a mandatory orientation shortly upon hire, which includes an overview of the EA & RTW policy. The Manager will provide the employee with the orientation reading material during the first week of hire. The Human Resources Branch (HRB) in consultation with the Youth Justice Services Division (YJSD) will also continue to support managers to appropriately apply the OPS policies and processes related to employment accommodation of staff in regional offices and dedicated youth facilities. The health and productivity project is looking at developing a best practice approach in this area. Session(s) delivered by HR may be considered. Timeline Barrier Commitment and Responsibility The ministry will continue to accommodate employees and applicants with disabilities, for work-related barriers, by implementing the Ontario Public Service policies on employment accommodation and workplace discrimination and harassment prevention. Toronto Region will build on its current practice of using assistive software (e.g. JAWS) and devices to accommodate candidates in the recruitment process, (e.g. pre-employment testing). The Research and Outcome Measurement Branch will continue to accommodate staff and future applicants with disabilities by following the principles outlined in the ODA as well as the OPS policies on employee accommodation and Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Policy (WDHP). The Branch does not create any accommodation barriers for new or existing employees. The Hamilton Niagara Regional Management Team will allot time on meeting agendas to discuss employment of individuals with disabilities, and what accommodations it can provide. Meetings will include general information on some disabilities from the individual’s perspective. The South West Region will continue to provide accommodation supports to staff with work space that is free of barriers. The Region will implement the recommendations received as a result of the review conducted by the Ontario March of Dimes in January 2007 at 217 York Street, London. Timeline Communications and informationBarrierCommunications materials may not always be accessible to the public. Commitment and Responsibility
Communications materials for the Ontario Child Benefit will be available in alternate formats (e.g. Braille). Timeline2007/08 Barrier Commitment and Responsibility Timeline Barrier Commitment and Responsibility Timeline Barrier Commitment and Responsibility Timeline Built environmentBarrierSome of the ministry’s locations may not be completely accessible to staff and clients with disabilities Commitment and Responsibility
Four of eight offices in the Southwest Region (SWR) have been either constructed or renovated in the past five years. Locating the four offices in single storey buildings has substantially removed barriers and improved accessibility. The remaining four offices including the London office are being reviewed for renovation or relocation in the next few years. While in the process of this work, the SWR continues to remove barriers and upgrade our space. Thistletown Regional Centre (TRC) will continue to renovate residential homes, buildings, and walkways to eliminate access/mobility barriers as a regular component to the capital planning initiatives. Eastern Region was informed by the Ontario Realty Corporation (ORC), its landlord, that the new office building will be fully accessible and ODA compliant. The OC Transpo buses serving the new office location (Preston St. area) are not all accessible – OC Transpo schedules and phone information lines are available for persons in need of accessible buses to help them with trip planning. A pedestrian-activated signal crossing in front of the ODSP entrance will be provided by the City of Ottawa, as well as handicapped parking spots on Preston St. and a drop-off space for Para Transpo. Upcoming installation of video conferencing at the new office location for Eastern Region could be considered for this Plan.
Timeline Barrier Commitment and Responsibility Timeline Barrier Commitment and Responsibility Timeline For More InformationQuestions or comments about the ministry’s accessibility plan are always welcome. Please phone: Alex Rnic 416-327-4775 General inquiry number: 416-212-7432 TTY number: 1-800-387-5559 1-800 number: 1-888-789-4199 E-mail: mcsinfo@mcys.gov.on.ca Ministry website address: www.children.gov.on.ca Visit the Ministry of Community and Social Services Accessibility Ontario web portal at: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario/. The site promotes accessibility and provides information and resources on how to make Ontario a barrier-free province. Alternate formats of this document are available free upon request from: ServiceOntario Publications Queen’s Printer for Ontario ISSN [1708-3222] Ce document est disponible en français. |
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