2007-2008 Accessibility plan | Legislative Assembly of Ontario

The Honorable Michael A. Brown, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

ISSN 1710-5625

Introduction

This document is the fifth annual accessibility plan developed by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. It highlights achievements of the fourth year plan and outlines commitments for 2007-2008 to ensure that no new barriers are created and, over time, existing ones are removed.

The Legislative Assembly intends to build on its achievements by implementing initiatives that support the government's commitment to make Ontario an inclusive and accessible province where people of all abilities have a chance to fully achieve their potential.

Message from the Speaker

All public sector and broader public sector organizations are required by law to have an annual accessibility plan and to make it available to the public. This is the fifth year in which plans have been written and are being implemented by organizations such as ours across the province.

The Legislative Assembly is committed to improving accessibility through identifying, removing and preventing barriers in key areas of customer service, employment, communications and information, and the built environment.

Here at the Assembly we are building on the success of our previous plans and continuing to look for ways to better meet the needs of people with disabilities who come into contact with the Assembly, regardless of whether they are staff, members of the general public or Members of the Provincial Parliament.

If you have any comments or concerns, I encourage you to send them using the contact information located at the end of this document.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Brown

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

Report on Achievements

Much of the work in year four focused on planning for future improvements in communications and information, customer service and the built environment. As a result of the planning undertaken in year three, we have seen changes to our internet site, improved accessibility in the Legislative building, and increased awareness of accessibility issues among our staff.

2006-2007 Accessibility Improvement Initiatives

Commitment: To make the paper passes required for special admission to the public galleries in the Chamber available in alternate formats (large print and Braille).
Status: Complete.

Commitment: Gather feedback from staff on employment barriers that exist in the Assembly.
Status: In progress.
Timeframe: Expected completion date November 2007.

Commitment: Provide more information to staff on the issues around all types of barriers and the activities being taken to reduce these barriers. This would include an article in an upcoming issue of the Assembly's staff newsletter.
Status: In progress.
Timeframe: An article will be published in Fall 2007 in the Assembly staff newsletter.

Commitment: Installation of a new elevator to the north wing of the Legislative Building and the removal of the ramps from behind the grand staircase.
Status: In progress.
Timeframe: Expected completion date January 2008.

Commitment: Installation of an intercom system at the entrance to the south basement.
Status: In progress.
Timeframe: Expected completion November 2007.

Commitment: Improve accessibility signage in all public and staff areas in the Legislative Building.
Status: In progress. Plans are being developed to review the signage and identify best new designs.
Timetable: Expected completion Spring 2008.

Ongoing Accessibility Improvement Initiatives

Commitment: To increase the number of non-managerial/non-supervisory staff completing accessibility training. Focus is on ensuring that all new staff members have completed the online training module.
Status: Ongoing. The commitment has been broadened, with all staff now required to complete the online accessibility training module. All new staff will also be required to take this training.

Commitment: Increase the Accessibility Committee's knowledge of assistive technologies with visits to best practice institutions. For example, a site visit is planned to the University of Toronto Centre for Adaptive Technologies in September 2007.
Status: Ongoing

Commitment: Review of the content of the Assembly's internet site to meet accessibility standards. The information architecture, information design, navigation, organization and all data-driven pages has been completed and the new site was launched in February 2007. Work continues on content improvements.
Status: Ongoing.

Commitments -- Measures to Prevent New Barriers

Customer Service

We will require all Legislative Assembly staff to undertake the Accessibility Directorate's training module on customer service for people with disabilities.

Employment

We will continue to provide training to all new staff and all management staff on accommodating employees and job applicants who have disabilities.

Communications and Information

We will continue to improve access to legislative committee meetings (on and off-site) for people with disabilities.

We will continue to make available alternative communication systems, e.g. TTYs, closed captioning, alternate formats, to facilitate access to the Legslature's services and its activities.

Built Environment

We will continue to review the Legislative Building to identify areas that restrict access to people with disabilities. Every reasonable effort will be made to remove the barriers to ensure premises comply with the requirements of the new Barrier-Free Guidelines.

Commitments -- Barriers to be Addressed

Customer Service

Barrier: Barriers may exist for those who are deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing when telephoning the Legislative Assembly

Commitment: Additional training will be given to all staff manning TTY and VCO telephones to ensure that a high quality of service is being provided to callers of these lines
Responsibility: Telecommunications staff
Timetable: November 2007.

Employment

Barrier: Barriers may exist for people with disabilities working in the Legislature.

Commitment: The staff will be surveyed in the Fall of 2007 to identify any barriers. Comments and concerns will be evaluated and considered.
Responsibility: Accessibility Working Group and Human Resources.
Timeline: Spring 2008.

Built Environment

Barrier: The Lieutenant-Governor's suite will be upgraded as required to meet current accessibility standards.

Commitment: Needed improvements will be made based on the requirements of the Office.
Responsibility: Precinct Properties Branch
Timeline: Expected completion Summer 2008 pending any funding approval needed.

Questions or comments about the Legislative Assembly's accessibility plan are always welcome.

For more information please contact:

Vicki Whitmell, MLS
Executive Director Legislative Library
Legislative Assembly of Ontario
416-325-3939
vicki_whitmell@ontla.ola.org
Website: www.ontla.on.ca

Alternate formats of this document are available free upon request from:

Publications Ontario
880 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario M7A 1N8
Tel: (416) 326-5300
Out of town customers, except Ottawa, call: 1-800-668-9938
In Ottawa, call (613) 238-3630
or toll-free 1-800-269-8758
TTY Service 1-800-268-7095

Ce document est disponible en français