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Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

We the North
We the North
  • July 16, 2015 - 2:45 pm
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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