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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

Customer service that is provided in a manner that is capable of being easily understood or appreciated, easy to get at, enter or obtain meets the definition of 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

 
Staff Training Provided to Avon Maitland Employees

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

Access Ontario

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.