Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board Accessibility Plan

 

Accessible Emergency Information
The District of Cochrane Social Service Administration Board is committed to providing clients with publicly available emergency information in an accessible way upon request. We provide employees with disabilities with individualized emergency response information when necessary, based on their known accommodation needs.

 

Training
In addition to the training we provide under the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, the CDSSAB also ensures training on the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards (Ontario Regulation 191/11) and of the Human Rights Code as it relates to persons with disabilities. Training is provided in a way that best suits the actual duties of our members of management, employees, and others who deal with the public on our behalf.
Training records are made and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards.

 

Self-Service Kiosks in Client Service Areas
Should the CDSSAB design, procure or acquire any self-service kiosks in its client service areas, it will have regard to the accessibility for persons with disabilities. The CDSSAB will ensure that any employees involved in the procurement or acquisition are apprised of the need to consider accessibility features in choosing the appropriate self-service kiosk.

 

Information and Communications
The CDSSAB is committed to meeting the communication needs of persons with disabilities. When requested, we will consult with persons with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs.
The CDSSAB will ensure that existing feedback processes are accessible to persons with disabilities, upon request.

The CDSSAB ensures that all of its publicly available information is made accessible upon request. Where a request for an accessible format or for communication supports is received, the CDSSAB will:

 

Accessible Websites and Web Content
The CDSSAB has made our internet website and the web content published on our website conform with the World Wide Web Consortium Web Accessibility Guidelines and will monitor and update as required by legislation.

 

Employment
The District of Cochrane Social Service Administration Board is committed to fair and accessible employment practices.
During the recruitment process the CDSSAB notifies the public and staff applying to position vacancies that accommodations are available upon request for persons with disabilities. The CDSSAB will consult with the applicant to determine the suitability of an accommodation.
The CDSSAB notifies its employees and new hires of its policies for accommodating employees with disabilities and for supporting persons with disabilities.
Where an employee requests, the CDSSAB will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats or communications supports for: (a) information needed to perform the employee’s job; and (b) information generally available to other employees. The CDSSAB will consult with the employee making the request.

The CDSSAB has implemented disability accommodation and return to work policies that incorporate the obligations of the Integrated Accessibility Standards, including the development and use of individual accommodation plans.
When undertaking any performance management, career development and redeployment processes (as applicable), the CDSSAB will ensure that the accessibility needs of its employees with disabilities are taken into account. This will include a review of any individual accommodation plans that are in place for employees.
Where an employee identifies accessibility barriers, the CDSSAB will take steps to remove the barriers identified, or make necessary adjustments to have access without barriers.

 

Design of Public Spaces
The District of Cochrane Social Service Administration Board will meet the Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces when building or making major modifications to public spaces that are newly constructed or redeveloped. Due to the nature of our business public spaces includes service-related elements like service counters and waiting areas and can also include public spaces in our properties, such as outdoor play spaces (i.e.: playgrounds), outdoor paths of travel (i.e.: sidewalks, ramps, stairs, curb ramps), rest areas, accessible off -street parking or other.
Architects and other consultants hired by the CDSSAB are required to adhere to our specifications in the design of accessible housing units and both interior and exterior common spaces.
The CDSSAB will endeavour to prevent service disruptions to the accessible parts of its public spaces. To reduce the risk of service disruptions, the CDSSAB will periodically inspect the accessible portions of its public spaces. When any deficiencies are noted that might impact on accessibility, the CDSSAB will take steps to correct the deficiency within a reasonable time frame.

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More Information / Feedback

• The feedback will be assessed for appropriate action and directed to the appropriate employee for action, if applicable (Note: the Customer Service Standard does not require a response to be provided for all feedback)
• Where action includes a response to the client, we will endeavor to provide a response within four (4) business days following the receipt of the complaint