The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is a law that sets out a process for developing and enforcing accessibility standards. The goal behind implementing these standards is to make Ontario more accessible and inclusive.
The Trust acknowledges the importance of the AODA and specifically the Customer Service Standard, and is committed to providing service in a manner that is accessible to all AOMBT members, and all members of the public.
For AOMBT members and members of the public who are disabled, this includes providing service in ways that:
- allows you to maintain their independence and dignity;
- provides you with the same access to services as others; and
- allows you to access service in a way that is integrated with other AOMBT members and members of the public.
In keeping with this commitment, the Trust will carry out the functions and responsibilities according to the AODA Customer Service Standard. This policy will be available via the AOMBT website and in accessible format.
Communication
- We will communicate in ways that take accessibility into account.
- Our staff will be trained on how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.
- Our website meets WCAG 2.0 guidelines. You can further adjust text sizes or colours for enhanced readability.
Assistive Devices
- We are committed to serving people with disabilities who use assistive devices to obtain, use or benefit from our services, and train our staff to be familiar with users’ needs.
Use of Service Animals and Support Persons
- We are committed to welcoming people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal or support person to the AOMBT premises and AOMBT hosted events.
- Staff will be properly trained in how to interact with people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal.
- At no time will a person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person be prevented from having access to that support person while on AOMBT premises or while at AOMBT hosted events.
Notice of Temporary Disruption
- We will provide notice in the event of disruption in the facilities or services usually used by people with disabilities. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternate facilities or services if available.
Training for Staff
- All staff will be provided training in accessible service.
- Training will include:
- the purpose of the AODA and the requirements of the customer service standard;
- how to interact and communicate with people with various types of 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 trouble accessing our services; and
- any AOMBT policies, practices and procedures that are related to this policy.
- Staff training will be upgraded when changes are made to policies, practices, and procedures.
Feedback
- Feedback can be submitted either in person, by telephone, by email, by online form, or by mail.
- All feedback will be shared with the Executive Director and you can expect to receive a response within two weeks.
Modifications to This or Other Policies
The Trust is committed to developing policies that respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. Any policy that does not meet this goal will be modified or removed. No changes will be made to this policy or any other AOMBT policy without considering the impact on people with disabilities.