This policy is intended to meet the requirements of Accessibility Standards for Customer
Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07 under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act,
2005, and applies to the provision of goods and services to the public or other third parties.
This policy applies to the provision of goods and services provided by CCLCS both on-site and
off, and to all employees, volunteers and contractors acting on behalf of CCLCS.
All goods and services provided by CCLCS shall follow the principles of dignity,
independence, integration and equal opportunity.
Definitions
Assistive Device – is a technical aid, communication device or other instrument that might assist
in hearing, seeing, communicating, moving, breathing, remembering and/or reading – eg.
wheelchair, walker, personal oxygen tank.
Disability – the term disability as defined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act,
2005, and the Ontario Human Rights Code, refers to:
– 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;
– a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
– a learning disability, or dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in
understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
– a mental disorder; or
– an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance
plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
Guide Dog – is a highly-trained working dog that has been trained at one of the facilities listed in
Ontario Regulation 58 under the Blind Persons’ Rights Act, to provide mobility, safety and
increased independence for people who are blind.
Service Animal – as reflected in Ontario Regulation 429/07, an animal is a service animal for a
person with a disability if the needs are readily apparent, or indicated in a letter from a
physician or nurse confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to the
disability
Service Dog – as reflected in Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Regulation 562 a
dog other than a guide dog for the blind is a service dog if the needs are readily apparent or
indicated in a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that the person requires the animal
for reasons relating to the disability
Support Person – as reflected in Ontario Regulation 429/07, a support person means, in relation
to a person with a disability, another person who accompanies him or her in order to help with
communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to goods and services.
General Principles
A. The Provision of Goods and Services to Persons with Disabilities
CCLCS will make every reasonable effort to ensure that its policies, practices and
procedures are consistent with the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal
opportunity by:
– ensuring that all customers receive the same value and quality;
– allowing for customers with disabilities to do things in their own ways, at their own
pace when accessing goods and services;
– taking into account individual needs and using alternative methods when possible to
ensure that customers with disabilities have access to the same services, in the same
place and in a similar manner
CCLCS will continuously monitor our programs and spaces for accessibility issues through
customer feedback provisions, Health & Safety inspections, consultations with the community
and participation of CCLCS personnel.
B. Communication
CCLCS recognizes the need for a variety of formats to make information accessible to all. These
formats include postings in appropriate locations, using the website, email and social media,
telephone and verbal communication. This variety of formats will be used, as appropriate, to
inform customers of documents related to the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service as
well as any information indicated below (notices, procedures, etc.).
C. Feedback Process
CCLCS shall provide customers with the opportunity to provide feedback on the service
provided to customers with disabilities. Information about the feedback process will be readily
available to all customers in a variety of formats. CCLCS will accept feedback in any form
(letters, in person, on-line forms, etc). CCLCS will formally acknowledge feedback, and provide
a description of any resulting actions based on concerns or complaints that were submitted.
D. Notice of Disruptions in Service
In the event of any temporary disruptions (planned or unplanned) to facilities or services for
access to CCLCS’s goods or services, reasonable and timely efforts will be made to provide
notice as quickly or as early as possible and in a variety of formats.
E. Assistive Devices
Persons with disabilities may use their own assistive devices as required when accessing goods
or services provided by CCLCS. In cases where the assistive device presents a safety concern
or where accessibility might be an issue, other reasonable measures will be used to ensure the
access of goods and services.
F. Guide Dogs, Service Animals and Service Dogs
Guide dogs, service animals or service dogs accompanying the customer will be allowed
access to all public areas unless otherwise excluded by law. If a guide dog, service animal or
service dog is excluded by law or presents a health and safety concern (eg. severe allergies),
CCLCS will make a reasonable effort to find alternatives to allow access and meet the needs
of all individuals involved. In the case where the need for a service animal is not readily
apparent, CCLCS may ask for verification to show need and/or qualification, such as a letter
from a physician, certificate of training from a training school etc.
G. Support Persons
If a customer with a disability is accompanied by a support person, CCLCS will ensure that
both persons are allowed to enter the premises together and that the customer is not
prevented from having access to the support person. The customer’s right to confidentiality
will be respected.
If payment is required by a support person for admission to the premises, CCLCS will ensure
that notice is given in advance by posting notice of admission fees for support persons where
CCLCS fees are posted.
H. Training
As soon as practicable, training will be provided to all employees, volunteers, and contractors
who deal with the public, or other third parties that act on behalf of CCLCS. Training will be
provided to new employees as well as updates in the event of changes to legislation. CCLCS will
keep a record of training that includes the dates training was provided and the number of
employees or volunteers who completed the training.
Training will cover the following:
– a review of the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
– a review of the requirements of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service,
Ontario Regulation 429/07.
– CCLCS’s policies, procedures and practices pertaining to providing accessible
customer service to customers with disabilities.
– staff responsibilities in the implementation of the AODA: to recognize and report
disability issues, to help to remove barriers that a customer with various types of
disabilities might encounter and to work with customers and their supports to
improve their access to CCLCS services.
– instructions on equipment or devices that are available at our premises
Administration
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or its related procedures please contact:
[email protected]
tel: 416 588 3900
fax: 416 588 4874
This policy and its related procedures will be reviewed as required in the event of legislative
changes.