Accessibility Information
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Plan (AODA)
The purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 is to benefit all Ontarians by achieving accessibility for people with disabilities. This will be done by developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards concerning goods, services, accommodation, facilities, buildings and employment. Improvements will be phased in, in stages of 5 years or less, moving towards an accessible Ontario in 20 years. Standards will address the full range of disabilities including physical, sensory, hearing, mental health, developmental and learning. That is, both visible and invisible disabilities will be included. This legislation covers both the public and private sectors.
The Avon Maitland District School Board plan is now in its 2nd year. The Accessibility Working Group will continue to focus on communication and outreach, bringing more of the stakeholders into the process. The rationale for this is that despite annual distribution of the plan to various stakeholders with requests for feedback, little feedback has been received. Details about the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Purpose of the AODA Act
The purpose of the Act is to benefit all Ontarians by developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards. The Act aims to achieve an accessible Ontario no later than January 1, 2025. The scope of the Act includes goods, services, facilities, accommodations, employment, building, structures and premises. Accessibility standards will be developed cooperatively by people with disabilities, the Government of Ontario and representatives of various sectors of the economy.
Disabilities Covered by the AODA Act
- Vision Loss
- Hearing Loss
- Deaf-Blind
- Physical Disabilities
- Mental Health Disabilities
- Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities
- Speech or Language Impairments
Annual Accessibility Plan
This plan represents the thirteenth annual plan (2018-2023) for the Avon Maitland District School Board. If you would like a printed copy, please call 519-527-0111 ext 142. A copy in large format printing can also be provided.
Accessible Customer Service
Tips on Serving Customers with Disabilities
Customer Service Standard
Approved in July 2007, the Accessible Customer Service Standard requires all public sector organizations to:
- Document accessible customer service policies, procedures and practices
- Provide staff training
- Provide a feedback method
- Facilitate alternative communication methods
- Provide notification of service disruptions
All policies and/or procedures must be consistent with the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.
Is the Avon Maitland District School Board in compliance with the Accessible Customer Service Standard as required by the Act?
Yes, our Compliance Report is submitted to the Ministry of Community and Social Services every two years in accordance with the Act and the standard.
Procedures in Place
- AMDSB AP 143: Use of Assistive Devices by the General Public
- AMDSB AP 144: Notification of Disruption of Service
- AMDSB AP 145: Use of Support Persons by the General Public
- AMDSB AP 146: Use of Service Animals by the General Public
- AMDSB AP 147: Monitoring and Feedback on Accessible Customer Service
- AMDSB AP 208: The Design of Board Documents
- AMDSB AP 589: Transportation
All employees that interact with the public or has input into policy related to service delivery, including volunteers, contractors and agents have received training in:
- The purposes of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
- How to interact with people with various disabilities
- How to interact with people who use the assistance of a service animal or support person
- How to use assistive devices available on their premises
- What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing service
- Training is provided to all new employees as part of their orientation after hiring.
Resources
Accessible Directorate Resource
Programs/Apps List for Reading Files
Microsoft Word App: Read PDFs and other documents on your Android device with the Microsoft Word App for Google Play or on your Apple device with the Microsoft Word App for iOs.
MP4: In order to play a protected MP4 file, you must authorize your computer using Apple iTunes; this is done by entering a username and password for the account that downloaded the file.
PDF File: Download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader for PC or Macintosh
Mobile Apps for iPad: ClaroPDF, Accessible Pro PDF Reader and Viewer with text to speech.
Feedback
Feedback can be provided through any of a variety of methods including telephone, fax, e-mail or our online AODA feedback form. Regardless of the method, the feedback should include the name of the person making the request as well as their contact information.
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: 519-527-0111 or Toll-Free at 1-800-592-5437
Fax: 519-527-0222
Online AODA Feedback Form
A response to your feedback will be provided either by direct response to you or as a summary report on the Board’s website. For specific school information on facility accessibility please visit the school websites.