Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions (known throughout this document as SMFC) is committed to improving accessibility in all aspects of our service. We will ensure that our staff, volunteers, clients, SMFC representatives and members of the general public are provided services in a way that respects the dignity, independence, integration and equality of all.

SMFC will comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (known throughout this document as AODA) and its standards. People with disabilities will have the same opportunity to access SMFC services so that they may benefit from those services, in the same place and in a similar way as any other person.

Board Members and Executive Director are responsible to:

• Foster a workplace culture of accessibility for people with disabilities and ensure competent leadership.
• Ensure the development, support and endorsement of an effective multi-year strategy that will ensure
  accessibility to services and facilities for staff and the public (refer to the plan).
• Allocate appropriate resources to deploy the multi-year strategy and to ensure procedures are in
  compliance with Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions’ legal obligations.
• Review the policy’s efficacy on an annual basis, and revise where necessary.

Human Resources:

• Design and develop Human Resource policies, procedures and best practices to ensure accessibility to services.
• Initiate an annual review of this policy/procedure and the accessibility plan and complete revisions and updates as required.
• Act as an advisor to management regarding accessibility issues.
• Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of AODA requirements and regulations as mandated locally, federally, and/or by the province.
• Ensure training is delivered to employees that is applicable to their specific work tasks to ensure the provision of Accessible services.
• Address any feedback or concerns regarding the provision of accessible services or failure to comply with AODA legislation or this policy.

Communications Department:

• Design and develop Communications policies, procedures and best practices to ensure accessibility to services.
• Ensures that this policy/procedure is posted internally and to the public as prescribed by the AODA.
• Ensures that proper notifications are posted and all organizational print materials and signage is in compliance with this legislation.

Property Department:

• Design and develop Operational policies, procedures and best practices to ensure accessibility to services.
• Ensures that all agency property is accessible as defined by this legislation to staff and the public.

Service Directors:

Design and develop Service policies, procedures and best practices to ensure accessibility to services.

Managers:

• Comply with SMFC’s AODA requirements, promote accessibility awareness with instruction, information, training and supervision to ensure the provision of accessible services by all staff.
• Ensure that employees work in compliance with, and are trained in the provision of Accessible Service, Human Rights and this policy.
• Address any feedback received regarding the provision of accessible services regarding staff under their supervision.

Employees:

• Comply with SMFC’s AODA requirements, promote accessibility awareness with instruction, information, training and supervision to ensure the provision of accessible services by all staff.
• Ensure that employees work in compliance with, and are trained in the provision of Accessible Service, Human Rights and this policy.
• Address any feedback received regarding the provision of accessible services regarding staff under their supervision.

AODA: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

SMFC will use reasonable efforts to ensure its communication – verbal, written and electronic with the general public is done in a manner that considers their accessibility requirements. This includes social media and our website. Written material such as brochures, agreements, contracts, etc. will be provided in alternate format such as large print, Braille, audio, etc. upon request. Each of SMFC’s locations has a printed copy of this document and it is posted on the Agency Intranet under MY HR/ Health and Safety.

Anyone requiring an accommodation should contact the Human Resources Specialist – Health, Safety and Wellness. Feedback regarding the way in which SMFC provides services to people with disabilities can be made in person, by email or by telephone to the Human Resources Department (see Appendix A for contact information).

Assistive Devices
SMFC is committed to serving people with disabilities who use assistive devices in order for them to benefit from our services. All staff are trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by caregivers and children/youth with disabilities while accessing our services. SMFC will permit and welcome individuals who use assistive devices for the purpose of conducting business.

Service Animals
People with accessibility requirements who are accompanied by a service animal may enter premises occupied by SMFC that are open to the public.

Support Person
A person with a disability may enter SMFC’s public premises with a support person and have access to that person while on our premises.

Core Services
Meetings of Caregivers and Children/Youth on Site – Trained staff will make every reasonable effort to meet/accommodate the needs of people with disabilities.

Branch offices are located in Orillia, Midland, Collingwood, Huntsville, Bracebridge and Barrie. There are meeting rooms on the main levels of all Branch buildings. As our offices are secure buildings, caregivers and children/youth will be met by a staff member in the lobby who will assist them in entering the secure areas.

SMFC will provide staff members and the general public with notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services usually used by people with disabilities (i.e. automatic doors being out of service). This will be done internally via email or announcement and by posted notice so that alternative arrangements can be made with staff. This notice will include the reason for and the expected duration of the disruption along with any available alternatives.

Staff members, with the assistance of the Human Resources Department if required, will make every effort to find an alternative to the disruption in service.

SMFC provides training on AODA (Customer Service and Human Rights) standards to all Board members, staff, resource parents, volunteers, students and others who work with the public. The training for new staff will occur as soon as practicable of commencing duties.

Training is provided to new staff during new hire orientation.

Training includes:

• A review of this document
• An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and its requirements
• How to interact and communicate with caregivers and children/youth with various types disabilities
• How to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of
  a service animal or support person
• What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing our service
• Disability and Human Rights

A record of completion of this training is kept by the Human Resources –Training Department. Staff are advised and trained on an ongoing basis when changes are made to Accessibility policies, practices and procedures.

Simcoe Muskoka Child, Youth and Family Connexions values your feedback. Please contact April Methot to provide feedback that will allow us to improve our service to you.

• By telephone: 705-220-3178 or 1-800-461-4236
• By e-mail: april.methot@familyconnexions.ca
• By mail:
  April Methot
  60 Bell Farm Rd., Unit 7
  Barrie, ON
  L4M 5G6

April will be happy to meet with you in person or make other arrangements to connect with you upon request.

• 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, SMFC 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
• Dedicated resources through Human Resources staffing, and external consultation, to ensure we are meeting the requirements of AODA and better serve clients and staff with disabilities
• 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 an AODA reference group to review progress on plans and all feedback received and addressed each quarter.
• Developed a hiring policy to ensure people with disabilities are considered for job openings and that their accommodation needs are met.
• All existing Simcoe and Muskoka branch offices have been assessed for accessibility and recommendations for changes or improvements documented on a work plan.
• AODA policy and procedures and plans updated as a result of amalgamation and reviewed on an annual basis.
• 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.

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Click here to see the 2023 Accessibility Compliance Report

• To champion accessibility at SMFC in effort to strengthen a culture of inclusion for people with and without disabilities;
• To provide leadership and guidance on all matters related to the implementation of SMFC Accessibility policy and its related procedures as aligned with the AODA;
• To identify, remove and prevent barriers in the service, working and learning environments of SMFC;
• To promote opportunities for collaboration and professional development among members of the AODA Committee regarding ongoing accessibility concerns, planning and implementation;
• To provide accessibility recommendations and training to the SMFC senior leadership team and the various Board constituencies with the goal of promoting systemic change; and
• To communicate the accessibility plans and achievements of the SMFC through the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and Annual Accessibility Reports.
• Identify Committee objectives with a focus on mental health and promoting full accessibility and inclusion for all aspects of the agency.

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.