Accessibility Plan and Policies for OPSEU
Statement of Commitment
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all members and stakeholders including employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations.
OPSEU understands that we have a responsibility for ensuring a safe, dignified, and welcoming environment for everyone. We are committed to ensuring our organization’s compliance by incorporating accessibility legislation into our policies, procedures, equipment requirements, training, and best practices. We will review these policies and practices annually, as organizational changes occur, or in anticipation of compliance deadlines. In addition, we will strive to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and effective manner.
Providing an accessible and barrier-free environment is a shared effort, and as an organization, OPSEU is committed to working with the necessary parties to make accessibility for all a reality. For more detailed information on our accessibility policies, plans, and training programs, please contact the Employee Relations Unit via email at employeerelationsunit@opseu.org or via telephone at 1-800-268-7376.
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/05a11
Use of Service Animals and Supports Persons
Service Animals
Persons with disabilities may enter OPSEU premises accompanied by a service animal and keep the animal with them, if the public has access to such premises, and the animal is not otherwise excluded by law. While visiting OPSEU, it is the responsibility of the person with a service animal to control the animal at all times.
In the event that an OPSEU visitor, employee, member and/or stakeholder is allergic to animals, alternative arrangements will be negotiated.
Support Persons
Persons with disabilities may enter OPSEU premises accompanied by a support person and may have access to that support person at all times.
OPSEU may require a person with a disability to be accompanied by a support person while on OPSEU premises in situations where it is necessary to protect the health and safety of the person with a disability, or the health and safety of others on the premises.
Consent from the person with a disability is required when communicating private issues related to the person with a disability, in the presence of a support person.
Notice of Temporary Disruption
OPSEU will make reasonable efforts to provide visitors, employees, members and/or stakeholder(s) with notice in the event of a disruption in the organization usually used by people with disabilities. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. We may not be able to give advance notice in an emergency disruption.
The signs and printed notices will be displayed prominently at the entrance, backdoor and elevators.
Feedback Process
OPSEU welcomes feedback, including feedback about the delivery of our services to persons with disabilities. OPSEU will investigate and respond to all complaints relating to such services in a timely, thorough and objective manner. Any individual can submit feedback by filling out the form below, (you can also download this form by accessing Feedback Form and return it to us via fax 416 448-7461 or contact us via email at employeerelationsunit@opseu.org or via telephone at 1-800-268-7376.
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR)
Intent
This (2012 to 2021) accessibility plan outlines the policies and actions that the Ontario Public Service Employees Union has/will put in place to improve opportunities for people with disabilities in accordance with the requirements communicated under the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11.
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Statement of Commitment
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union believes in equal opportunity and is committed to providing a barrier-free environment that allows all people to maintain their independence and dignity. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) and its associated Regulations and strive to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and effective manner.
Plan
Accessibility Requirements
Establishment of Accessibility Policies
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2012
- Ongoing development as required
Training on IASR and the Human Rights Code
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2015
- Training on IASR and the Human Rights Code will be delivered online to all staff in September, and will be delivered to new staff within their orientation
- AODA training was initially delivered online to staff in 2012 and is ongoing as staff are hired
Feedback Process
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2015
- Feedback Form
- To provide feedback using alternate methods or to speak with someone, please email employeerelationsunit@opseu.org or phone 1-800-268-7376.
- A confidential internal tracking spreadsheet is maintained on file.
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2016
- Please contact employee relations via email at employeerelationsunit@opseu.org or by telephone at 1-800-268-7376 to request other accessible formats and communication supports.
Emergency Procedures, Plans or Public Safety Information
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2012
- Signs posted on doors and elevators.
- Posting on website
Accessible Websites and Web Content- Level A
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2014
- Training was provided in 2014 and is ongoing as new staff are hired
Accessible Websites and Web Content- Level AA
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2021
- In development and currently looking for training material
Educational and Training Resources or Materials
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2015
- We provide interpreters, large font print material and SDL Trados Studio 2014 (Electronic Translation Software) when needed
Training for Staff
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2012
- Online training was sent out to all employees October 16, 2012 and a reminder email was sent in November 2012
- Training Policy has been formally written out in OPSEU’s Policy Manual
- New hires complete online training within their orientation.
Recruitment, Assessment and Selection Processes
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2016
- Completed
Informing Employees of Supports
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2016
- Completed and ongoing
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports for Employees
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2016
- Completed through Workplace Accommodation Process
Workplace Emergency Response Information
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2016
- Completed through Workplace Accommodation and Return to Work Process
Documented Individual Accommodation Plans
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2016
- Completed
Return to Work Process
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2016
- Completed
Performance Management Process
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2016
- Ongoing process. Accommodation integrated throughout, where required
Career Development and Advancement
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2016
- Refer to Accommodation Plans and Summaries to ensure meeting requirements for the individual
Redeployment
Compliance Deadline: January 1, 2016
- Completed through our processes