In 2005, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”) was passed.
The purpose of the AODA is to break down barriers and obstacles that keep people with disabilities from easily managing basic activities such as getting groceries, traveling and integrating into the workforce. The goal of the legislation is to achieve a fully accessible Ontario by 2025.
The regulations associated with the Integrated accessibility standards (“IAS”) require Russell Meadows Retirement Community Inc. to establish and maintain a multi-year accessibility plan which outlines Russell Meadows Retirement Community Inc.’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers for persons with disabilities and to meet its requirements under AODA.
The following accessibility standards set requirements that are applicable to Russell Meadows Retirement Community: Customer Service, Information & Communications and Employment.
This multi-year accessibility plan will help Russell Meadows Retirement Community make advancements in meeting the requirements under the AODA. The plan outlines the specific requirements of the AODA and how Russell Meadows Retirement Community will actively work on removing barriers for people with disabilities who come to Russell Meadows Retirement Community
In accordance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005(AODA), Russell Meadows Retirement Community is committed to excellence in serving our residents, staff and or visitors and in making our facility accessible to all persons including those with disabilities.
The Integrated accessibility standards (the “IAS”) is a regulation under the Act the purpose of which is to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities in the areas of (i) Information and Communication, (ii) Employment, (iii) Transportation and (iv) Design of Public Spaces.
The purpose of this policy (the “Policy”) is to identify and document how Russell Meadows Retirement Community currently achieves accessibility by meeting the requirements of the IAS and how it will continue to work towards improving accessibility for persons with disabilities.
For a more detailed explanation of Russell Meadows Retirement Community’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers for persons with disabilities please refer to Russell Meadows Retirement Community’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (“the “Accessibility Plan”) which is available on the Russell Meadows Retirement Community’s website at www.russellmeadows.ca
We strive to provide our residents, staff and or visitors with services that reflects the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity. Our commitment is to provide all residents, staff and or visitors including those with disabilities with the same opportunity to access, and benefit from our goods and services.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community is committed to developing, implementing and maintaining policies aimed at meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner. .
Russell Meadows Retirement Community is committed to removing barriers to accessibility for all our residents, staff and or visitors including those with disabilities.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community welcomes support persons for any resident, staff and or visitors with disabilities. Everyone entering our home, including those acting as a support person, is required to sign in and out of our buildings.
If a resident, staff and or visitor and their support person come to an event (open house, part or tour); our staff will do their best to relocate them to a location where they can be seated together. The ability to do this will be based on availability and cannot be guaranteed. If they cannot be seated together, we will ensure that our resident, staff and or visitor can access their support person while in our home.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community welcomes service animals for any resident, staff and or visitors with disabilities. Service Animals may accompany the resident, staff and or visitor in areas open to the general public. Residents, staff and or visitors should ensure that they have the proper documentation that identifies their animal as a certified service animal.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will provide notice to the public when there is a temporary disruption of facilities or services used by our residents, staff and or visitors with disabilities to access our goods or services. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration and a description of alternative services that may be available. We will post this notice in reasonable places, we will send notices via email to residents and/or Power of Attorney as applicable, Facebook Posts and all communication boards ads.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will provide training to all employees and others who interact with our residents, staff and or visitors, as well as those who are involved in the development of corporate policies, practices and procedures. Russell Meadows Retirement Community also ensure that the staff of third parties operating within our homes has received training on serving our residents, staff and or visitors with disabilities.
Training will cover the following:
The purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard is as follows:
Those involved in policy development will receive additional training about providing goods or services to the public or services to the public or third parties. This training will be done as part of our mandatory training program each year. For all staff members that join our team after this point, this training will be provided within their new hire training classes. Ongoing training will be provided with respect to any changes to the Russell Meadows Retirement Community policies, practices and procedures.
Russell Meadows Retirement
Community is committed to providing exceptional customer service. We appreciate
feedback from our residents, staff and or visitors on all issues, especially
related to the way we provide goods and services to people with disabilities.
All feedback should be directed to our President, General Manager and Health
and Safety Officer in the method most preferred by the residents, staff and or
visitors.
During an event, residents,
staff and or visitors may visit our receptionist at the front desk located near
by the main entrance. For all other methods, please use the contact information
below:
Whenever possible, residents, staff and or visitors should include the date and location of their visit. If they wish to be contacted about their feedback, residents, staff and or visitors should provide their name and contact information. Russell Meadows Retirement Community will endeavour to provide timely responses to any feedback where requested.
Any questions about this policy should be referred to Managing Partner at the contact information noted above.
APPLICATION
Unless otherwise limited herein, the Policy applies to all:
i. employees and volunteers;
ii. persons who provide goods, services and/or facilities to residents, their families and friends, the public or other third parties on behalf of Russell Meadows Retirement Community; and
iii. persons responsible for the development of Russell Meadows Retirement Community’s policies.
This Policy does not replace or affect existing legal obligations under the Human Rights Code R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19, as it may be amended from time to time, or any other applicable laws respecting the accommodation of persons with disabilities.
DEFINITIONS
i. Accessible Formats – may include, but are not limited to, large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille and other formats usable by persons with disabilities.
ii. Communication Supports – may include, but are not limited to, captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communications.
iii. 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
iv. New Internet Website – means either a website with a new domain name or a website with an existing domain name undergoing a significant refresh.
v. Performance Management – means activities related to assessing and improving employee performance, productivity and effectiveness, with the goal of facilitating employee success.
vi. Redeployment – means the reassignment of employees to other departments or jobs as an alternative to layoff, when a particular job or department has been eliminated.
vii. Self-Service Kiosk – means an interactive electronic terminal, including a point-of-sale device, intended for public use that allows users to access one or more services or products or both.
viii. Unconvertible Information or Communication – means information or communication that it is not technically feasible to convert, or if it is technically feasible to convert, the technology required to do so is not readily available.
ix. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (“WCAG”) – means the international standard for making websites and web content accessible to people with a wide-range of disabilities. The IAS requires organizations to become compliant with two levels of the WCAG – Level A and Level AA.
IMPLEMENTATION
Responsibility for the implementation of the Policy is shared between all departments. For more information, please see Russell Meadows Retirement Community’s Accessibility Plan available on the Company’s website.
GENERAL ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS
I. Accessibility Plan– Russell Meadows Retirement Community has established and implemented an Accessibility Plan, which outlines the Company’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers for persons with disabilities and meet the requirements of the IAS in accordance with the timelines set out therein.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will maintain the Accessibility Plan in accordance with the requirements of the IAS. The Accessibility Plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five (5) years.
The Accessibility Plan is posted on Russell Meadows Retirement Community’s website and will be made available in an Accessible Format upon request.
II. Training
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will provide training to all existing employees, volunteers and all persons who participate in the development of AODA Policies.
Training will be provided on:
The content of the training will be applicable to the individual’s duties.
Employees hired and volunteers accepted after the Compliance Deadline for Training will receive the required training prior to the initiation of employment.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will keep a record of the training provided, including the dates on which the training is provided and the number of individuals to whom it is provided.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will make every reasonable effort to ensure that contractors providing goods, services and/or facilities on the Russell Meadows Retirement Community’s behalf, have received the training required under the IAS.
III. Self-Service Kiosk
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will have regard to the accessibility for persons with disabilities when designing, procuring or acquiring Self-Service Kiosks.
1. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION STANDARDS
The Information and Communication Standards do not apply to:
Should Russell Meadows Retirement Community determine that information or a communication is unconvertible it will explain why and provide the person making the request with a summary of the said information or communication.
I. Feedback Procedures
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will ensure that its processes for receiving and responding to feedback are accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging for the provision of Accessible Formats and Communications Supports, upon request.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will notify the public that Accessible Formats and Communications Supports are available in respect of its feedback procedures.
II. Accessible Formats & Communication Supports
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will, upon request, provide or arrange for the provision of Accessible Formats and Communication Supports in order to make its communications or information about the goods, services and/or facilities it offers accessible to persons with disabilities.
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports will be provided in a timely manner and at a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will consult with the person making the request when determining the suitability of an Accessible Format or Communication Support and will notify the public of the availability of same.
III. Emergency Plans, Procedures or Public Safety Information
Russell Meadows Retirement Community Community will provide any emergency plans, procedures or public safety information that it makes available to the public in an Accessible Format or with appropriate Communication Supports, as soon as practicable, upon request. Within 1 week
IV. Accessible Websites and Web Content
By the Initial Website Compliance Deadline Russell Meadows Retirement Community will ensure that, where practicable, a New Internet Website and web content on such site(s) conforms with WCAG 2.0 Level A.
By the Final Website Compliance Deadline Russell Meadows Retirement Community Community will ensure that, where practicable, any website or content on that site(s) published after January 1, 2012 conforms with WCAG 2.0 Level AA to the extent required by the IAS.
When determining whether meeting the requirements of this section is practicable Russell Meadows Retirement Community will consider: the availability of commercial software or tools required to achieve web accessibility; and ii. the impact meeting the requirements of this section will have on projects planned before January 1, 2012.
The commitment to provide accessible websites and web content only applies to websites and web content that Russell Meadows Retirement Community controls directly or indirectly through a contractual relationship that allows for modification of the website or web content in question.
The Employment Standards only apply to employees of Russell Meadows Retirement Community. They do not apply to volunteers, other unpaid individuals or contractors.
I. Recruitment/Selection/Assessment
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will notify the public and employees of the availability of accommodation for job applicants during the recruitment process.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will further notify all job applicants who are individually selected to participate in an assessment or selection process that accommodation is available upon request if the applicant requires accommodation due to a disability.
If an applicant requests accommodation, Russell Meadows Retirement Community will consult with the applicant and provide or arrange for the provision of a suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs.
II. Notice to Successful Applicants
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will ensure that when making offers of employment, it notifies the successful applicant of its policies on accommodating employees with disabilities. – (add to interview questionnaire (phone screening), general orientation checklist and employee handbook).
III. Informing Employees of Supports
(the “Informing Employees of AODA Policies Compliance Deadline”) Russell Meadows Retirement Community will inform its existing employees of its policies on supporting employees with disabilities, including, but not limited to, policies on the provision of job accommodations that take into account an employee’s accessibility needs due to disability.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will provide employees with updated information whenever there is a material change to its policies on the provision of job accommodations for employees with disabilities.
All employees hired after the Informing Employees of AODA Policies Compliance Deadline will be notified of Russell Meadows Retirement Community’s policies on supporting employees with disabilities prior to the initiation of employment.
IV. Accessible Formats and Communication Supports for Employees
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will, upon the request of an employee with a disability, provide or arrange for the provision of Accessible Formats and Communication Supports in order to ensure that (i) information required by the employee to perform his/her job; and (ii) information generally available to employees in the workplace, is accessible to the employee with a disability.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will consult with the employee making the request to determine the suitability of any Accessible Format or Communication Support. However, Russell Meadows Retirement Community reserves the right to determine the Accessible Format or Communication Support that will be provided in the circumstances.
V. Workplace Emergency Response Information
If an employee has a disability and Russell Meadows Retirement Community is aware that, due to that disability, the employee requires an individualized workplace emergency response, information addressing such response will be provided to the employee as soon as practicable after Russell Meadows Retirement Community becomes aware of such requirement.
In such a case, with the employee’s consent, Russell Meadows Retirement Community will designate a colleague(s) to provide such individualized assistance and will ensure that this colleague is provided with a copy of employee’s individualized emergency response information.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will review the individualized workplace emergency response information when (i) the employee moves to a different work location; (ii) the employee’s overall accommodations needs or plans are reviewed; and (iii) when Russell Meadows Retirement Community reviews its general emergency response policies.
VI. Documented Individual Accommodation Plans
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will have in place a written process for the development of documented individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities. The process will include the following elements:
Where requested, an employee’s individual accommodation plan will include any information regarding the provision of Accessible Formats and Communications Supports.
Where required, an employee’s individual accommodation plan will include individualized workplace emergency response information as described in section.
VII. Return to Work Process
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will have documented a return-to-work process for its employees who have been absent from work due to a disability and who require disability-related accommodations in order to return to work.
The return to work process will outline the steps Russell Meadows Retirement Community will take to facilitate the employee’s return to work and will use the documented individual accommodation plans described in section 2V.
VIII. Performance Management
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans, when applying its performance management process.
IX. Career Development and Advancement
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will take into account the accessibility needs of its employees with disabilities as well as any individual accommodation plans, when providing opportunities for career development and advancement to its employees with disabilities.
X. Redeployment
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will take into account the accessibility needs of its employees with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans, when redeploying employees with disabilities.
3. DESIGN OF PUBLIC SPACES STANDARDS
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will comply with the accessibility requirements of the Design of Public Spaces Standards when redeveloping or constructing new public spaces on or after January 1, 2017. For further information on existing or planned projects to redevelop or construct new public spaces see Russell Meadows Retirement Community’s Accessibility Plan.
January 1, 2014 (Large Organizations) & January 1, 2015 (Small Organizations) | |
Integrated Accessibility Standards | |
Policies, Practices, and Procedures · Develop and implement policies on how organization will achieve accessibility by meeting requirements of Regulation · **Prepare document describing policies, make document available to public (in accessible format) upon request **Accessibility Plan · Establish and document multi-year accessibility plan, and post on website | Self-Service Kiosks · Have regard to accessibility when designing, procuring, or acquiring self-service kiosks **Website Accessibility · “New” internet websites and web content on those sites must conform with WCAG 2.0 Level A |
January 1, 2015 (Large Organizations) & January 1, 2016 (Small Organizations) | |
Integrated Accessibility Standards | |
Training · Ensure training on requirements of Regulation and Human Rights Code to (a) employees and volunteers, (b) persons involved in development of policies and (c) persons who provide goods, services or facilities on organization’s behalf | Feedback Process · Ensure existing feedback processes are accessible to persons |
January 1, 2016 (Large Organizations) & January 1, 2017 (Small Organizations) | |
Integrated Accessibility Standards | |
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports · Make information accessible by providing accessible formats and/or communication supports upon request · Do so in timely manner at no greater cost than that charged to other persons Recruitment/Assessment/Selection of Employees · Notify employees, public, and job applicants about availability of accommodation during recruitment process · Upon request, provide and arrange for accommodation in consultation with person with a disability · Inform successful applicants about policies for accommodating employees with disabilities | Accommodation During Employment · Advise employees of policies used to support employees with disabilities · Upon request make information accessible: (a) required to perform job; and (b) generally available in workplace · **Establish written process for: > development of documented individual accommodation plans > returning to work employees absent due to a disability · Take accessibility needs into account re (a) performance management, (b) career development and advancement, and (c) re-deployment |
January 1, 2017 (Large Organizations) & January 1, 2018 (Small Organizations with some exemptions) | |
Integrated Accessibility Standards | |
Design of Public Spaces Standards · Construct or redevelop any public space in accordance with Part IV.1 of the Regulation | |
January 1, 2021 | |
Integrated Accessibility Standards | |
· **All internet websites and web content must conform with WCAG 2.0 Level AA (subject to some content exceptions) | |
Small Organization defined as 1-49 employees
Large Organization defined as 50+ employees
** Small Organizations are exempt from this requirement
**** NOTE: This handout is provided for general information purposes only, is not a comprehensive summary of the AODA, does not constitute legal or other professional advice, and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Please seek specific legal advice from Sherrard Kuzz LLP in relation to any decision or course of action contemplated
CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS
The goal of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the “Act”) is to create a more accessible Ontario, by identifying, and to the extent possible, preventing, and eliminating barriers experienced by persons with a disability.
The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (“the Standard”) has been established under the Act to ensure services are, where at all possible, equally accessible to every member of the public.
We at Russell Meadows Retirement Community strive to provide an accessible service to our residents and their families and friends. The objective of this policy (the “Policy”) is to ensure we meet the requirements of the Standard and promote its underlying core principles, described below.
The Policy applies to all persons who, on behalf of Russell Meadows Retirement Community, provide services to residents or their families and friends or who otherwise deal with the public or other third parties. This includes our employees, volunteers, agents and contractors.
The Policy also applies to all persons responsible for the development, implementation or oversight of Russell Meadows Retirement Community’s policies, practices and procedures.
3. DEFINITIONS
i. Accessibility Report – The report required to be filed pursuant to section 14 of the Act.
ii. Assistive Device – Any device used to assist a person in performing a particular task or tasks or to aid that person in activities of daily living.
iii. Disability – means:
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,
iv. Guide Dog – A guide dog as defined in section 1 of the Blind Persons Rights’ Act is a dog trained as a guide for a person who is blind and having qualifications prescribed by the regulations under the Blind Persons’ Rights Act.
v. 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 his or her 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.
vi. Support Person – A person who accompanies a person with a disability to assist with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs or with access to goods or services.
vii. “We”, “Our” and “Staff” means Russell Meadows Retirement Community and its employees, volunteers, agents and contractors.
4. CORE PRINCIPLES OF THE POLICY
We endeavor to ensure that the Policy and related practices, policies and procedures are consistent with the following four (4) core principles:
i. Dignity – Persons with a disability are as deserving of quality service as any other person and should be treated in a manner consistent with this fact.
ii. Equality of Opportunity – Persons with a disability should be given an opportunity equal to that given to others to obtain, use and benefit from our services.
iii. Integration – Wherever possible, persons with a disability should benefit from our services in the same place and in the same or similar manner as any other person. In circumstances where integration does not serve the needs of the person with a disability, services will, to the extent possible, be provided in another way that takes into account the person’s individual needs.
iv. Independence – Services should, where possible, be provided in a way that respects the independence of persons with a disability. To this end, we will be willing to assist but will not do so without first attempting to get the permission of the person with a disability.
5. IMPLEMENTATION
Russell Meadows Retirement Community has created an Accessibility Committee responsible for:
i. Developing and implementing policies, practices and procedures aimed at providing accessible services to persons with a disability.
ii. Developing and implementing an accessibility training program as required by the Standard.
iii. Developing and implementing a feedback procedure as required by the Standard.
iv. Filing Accessibility Reports as required under section 14 of the Act.
6. PROVIDING SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
IV. Policies, Practices and Procedures
Russell Meadows Retirement Community shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that its policies, practices and procedures which impact the delivery of its services to the public or to other third parties are consistent with the principles of dignity, equality of opportunity, integration and independence as defined above.
V. Communication
Russell Meadows Retirement Community strives to communicate with persons with a disability in a manner that takes into account the disability. Approaches for communication are set out in our accessibility training program.
VI. Assistive Devices
Persons with a disability are permitted, where possible, to use their own Assistive Device when on our premises for the purposes of obtaining, using or benefiting from our services.
If there is a physical, technological or other type of barrier that prevents the use of an Assistive Device on our premises we will make efforts to provide an alternative means of assistance to the person with a disability.
VII. Accessibility at Our Premises
We offer the following facilities and services at Russell Meadows Retirement Community to which the Policy applies to enable persons with a disability to obtain, use or benefit from our services:
(i) Assistive devices, services or methods offered such as a wheelchair or walker, grab bars, raised toilet seats, shower bench (ii) alternate formats of documents i.e. handout and in large print, (iii) assistance of a staff person to complete a form, (iv) assistance of a staff person to help with computer and/or website, (v) reception counters are in 2 levels to accommodate for a person of short stature or in a wheelchair, (vi) a chair in an entrance if a person’s disability prevents him or her from standing for lengthy period, chair or bench by elevators, (vii) improved lighting in certain areas for individuals with vision disabilities etc.
VIII. Service Animals
Persons with a disability may enter premises owned and/or operated by Russell Meadows Retirement Community accompanied by a Guide Dog or Service Animal, and keep the Guide Dog or Service Animal with them, if the public has access to such premises and the Guide Dog or Service Animal is not otherwise excluded by law.
If a Guide Dog or Service Animal must be excluded by law, we explain to the person why this is the case and explore alternative ways to meet the person’s needs.
IX. Support Persons
A person with a disability may enter premises owned and/or operated by Russell Meadows Retirement Community with a Support Person and have access to the Support Person while on the premises.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community may require a person with a disability to be accompanied by a Support Person where it is necessary to protect the health or safety of the person with a disability or the health or safety of others on the premises.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community occasionally holds functions and events for which it charges attendees an admission fee. We will ensure that, if a separate admission fee is to be charged for a Support Person, advance notice is provided of the existence and the amount of the admission fee to be charged.
X. Notice of Temporary Disruptions
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will notify residents, their friends and families and the public if there is a planned or unexpected disruption of a facility or service persons with a disability use to access our services. The notification will be made by posting a notice at the entrance of the applicable premises, on the home page of the Russell Meadows Retirement Community’s website or in some other location or by some other means as may be appropriate in the circumstances.
The notice will include the following information:
i. That a facility or service is unavailable.
ii. The anticipated duration of the disruption.
iii. The reason for the disruption.
iv. Alternative facilities or services, if available.
7. TRAINING AND RECORDS
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will ensure all persons to whom this Policy applies receive the training required under the Standard.
A. Content of Training
Training will include:
i. A review of the purpose of the Act and requirements of the Standard.
ii. A review of the Policy.
iii. How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities.
iv. How to interact with persons with a disability who use an Assistive Device or require the assistance of a Service Animal or Support Person.
v. How to use equipment or devices made available on our premises to assist persons with a disability to obtain, use or benefit from our services.
vi. What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing our premises and/or services.
B. Timing of Training
All persons to whom this Policy applies will receive the required training as soon as practicable after he or she is assigned the applicable duties. On-going training will occur as changes are made to policies, procedures and practices and as new individuals assume the applicable duties.
C. Documenting Training
Records of the training provided, including the training protocol, the dates on which the training is provided and the number of individuals to whom the training is provided shall be maintained in accordance the requirements of the Standard.
A. Receiving Feedback
Russell Meadows Retirement Community welcomes and appreciates feedback regarding the manner in which it provides services to persons with disabilities. Feedback can be provided in the following ways:
i. In person at Russell Meadows Retirement Community, 475 Church Street, Russell, ON K4R 0A9
ii. By telephone at 613-445-5200
iii. In writing to the President, General Manager and Health and Safety Officer, Russell Meadows Retirement Community, 475 Church Street, Russell, ON, K4R 0A9 or by Email: info@russellmeadows.com or generalmanager@russellmeadows.com
iv. Electronically to www.russellmeadows.ca or on a USB.
B. Responding to Complaints
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will make reasonable efforts to resolve complaints at the time that they are made. If immediate resolution of a complaint is not possible the individual may submit a complaint to:
The President, General Manager and Health and Safety Officer at info@russellmeadows.com or generalmanager@russellmeadows.com
Persons who wish to be contacted about their complaint must provide their contact information. The individual will then be contacted by a representative of Russell Meadows Retirement Community. Russell Meadows Retirement Community will make reasonable efforts to provide responses to complaints in a manner that is accessible to the complainant.
9. DOCUMENTATION TO BE MADE AVAILABLE
This Policy, and related practices and protocols, shall be made available to any member of the public upon request.
Notification of same shall be posted on Russell Meadows Retirement Community’s website and/or at a conspicuous place to which this Policy applies.
10. FORMAT OF DOCUMENTS
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will provide documents, or the information contained in documents, required to be provided under the Standard, to a person with a disability in a format that takes the person’s disability into account.
11. QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS POLICY
For more information about the Policy or for questions regarding Russell Meadows Retirement Community’s policies, practices and procedures for accessible service please contact:
The President, General Manager and Health and Safety Officer at Russell Meadows Retirement Community, 475 Church Street, Russell, ON, K4R 0A9. Phone: 613-445-5200, Email: at info@russellmeadows.com or generalmanager@russellmeadows.com
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Introduction
Russell Meadows Retirement Community is committed to providing excellent service to all customers, including persons with disabilities. Our goal is to focus on identifying, removing, and preventing barriers for persons with disabilities. This plan complies with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will strive to ensure that its policies, practices and procedures are consistent with the core principles as outlined in the AODA.
Plan Overview and Content
This plan outlines the policies, achievements, and steps we are taking to meet these requirements and improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Through our commitment to this plan, we are playing an important role in shaping Ontario into an accessible province for all Ontarians.
This plan will be in effect from 2024-2029. We will review and update this plan at least once every five years.
Our accessibility plan is posted and accessible to the public at: https://russellmeadows.ca
This plan covers the following:
1. Statement of Commitment
2. Strategies and Action Plan
Comments and feedback about the delivery of services to persons with disabilities are welcome, as it may help identify areas that require change and assist in continuous improvement. Such feedback can be made by reaching out to our website at https://russellmeadows.ca . Feedback will be addressed in a timely manner.
To request accessible formats of this document, please contact: https://russellmeadows.ca
Statement of Commitment
Russell Meadows Retirement Community is committed to providing exceptional and accessible service to its customers. Goods and services will be provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of all customers. The provision of services to persons with disabilities will be integrated wherever possible. Persons with disabilities will be given an opportunity equal to that given to others, to obtain, use or benefit from the goods and services provided by and on behalf of Russell Meadows Retirement Community.
Guiding Principles
These principles guide our everyday behaviors so that we can uphold this policy:
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will meet the information and communication needs of people with disabilities by providing, upon request, information, and communications materials in accessible formats or with communication support(s).
Strategies and Action Plan
Below details our current strategies or action plan to ensure we achieve our statement of commitment in the following areas:
We will provide employees with disabilities individualized emergency response information as needed and as soon as practicable. We will ask all existing employees working in-office to let management know if they require any special accommodations should there be an emergency by October 1, 2024, we will provide public safety information to members of the public who access our facilities as required in an accessible format upon request.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community is committed to providing accessible customer service to people with disabilities. This means that we will provide goods and services to people with disabilities with the same quality and timeliness as others. We will work with people with disabilities to ensure that their needs are met in a manner that respects their dignity and independence.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community will undertake the following actions with respect to customer service:
Information and clear and effective communication are important to us. Russell Meadows Retirement Community is committed to making our information and communications accessible to people with disabilities. As such, we are committed to the following actions:
Russell Meadows Retirement Community is committed to fair, equitable and accessible employment practices. To demonstrate our commitment, we have described our goals for recruitment and employment below.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community Is committed to providing training as required under Ontario’s accessibility laws and the Ontario Human Rights Code as it applies to people with disabilities.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community. will meet accessibility laws when building or making major changes to public spaces as required by law. Relevant public spaces include service-related elements including waiting areas and front entrance.
Russell Meadows Retirement Community has put procedures in place to prevent service disruptions to the accessible parts of our public spaces as follows;
o Ensure paths of travel are clear of obstacles, snow, ice within 2 hours during snow events, at any time daylight.
o Off street parking- Notify municipality in the event issues with street parking within 1 hour
o Waiting areas, Lobby areas to remain available and free from obstacles
o Service counters to remain accessible and free from obstacles at all times