Accessibility

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

The Accessibility for Ontarians with a Disability Act (AODA) sets the standard for accessibility in Ontario. There are five standards under the AODA:

  1. Customer Service

  2. Transportation

  3. Information/Communication

  4. Employment

  5. Design of Public Space

These standards address barriers that affect people with the full range of disabilities, including but not limited to: physical, vision, hearing, sensory, mental health, developmental and learning.

Statement of Commitment

Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre endeavours to meet the needs of its employees and those who use our services with disabilities and strives to remove, prevent or limit any barriers to accessibility for all. 

Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre has developed policies, practices and procedures to be in compliance with these standards.  Our policies ensure that all Ontarians can access our programs or employment by affording independence, dignity, inclusivity and equal and equitable opportunities. JHCCC will review our AODA policy annual with all employees and make amendments when necessary.

Independence: 
JHCCC will endeavour to ensure all individuals, including those with disabilities, shall be able to access our programs and employment opportunities, to the greatest extent possible, free from assistance 

Dignity:
All individuals, including those with disabilities, will be treated with respect and worthiness 

Inclusivity:
People with disabilities are allowed to fully benefit from the same services, in the same place and in the same or similar way as other individuals.  Alternative measures might be necessary because a person with a disability requires it or because another option cannot be provided at the time.  If JHCCC is unable to remove a barrier to accessibility, we will consider what else can be done to provide goods and services to people with disabilities 

Equal and Equitable Opportunity:
JHCCC will endeavour to ensure all individuals, including those with disabilities, will have the same chances and opportunities afforded to them as those without disabilities.

JHCC is committed to fulfilling our requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This accessibility plan outlines the steps we're taking to meet those requirements and to improve opportunities for people with disabilities. Our plan shows how we will do our due diligence in making Ontario and accessible province for all Ontarians. The plan is reviewed and updated at least once every five years. We train every person as soon as practicable after being hired and provide training in respect of any changes to the policies. We will maintain records of the training provided including the dates on which the training was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided.

Past and Current Achievements to Remove and Prevent Barriers

JHCCC has remained in compliance with all regulations and standards as outlined in the AODA.

We offer training for employees in both written and visual formats. If requested, alternative formats will be provided where possible.

JHCCC launched our organizational website which allowed greater access to information related to our organization by offering it digitally.

JHCCC created digital versions of many of our organizational documents including but not limited to: Parent Handbook, Policies and Procedures, Employment Opportunities and Training Modules.

JHCCC ensured that all employment opportunities/job postings including a statement of accommodations for anyone who required it.

JHCCC offers meetings and training opportunities in both in-person, online, written or a hybrid formula for all employees.

JHCCC works with Special Needs Resourcing Agencies to ensure that we are accessing all available resources to ensure inclusivity within our organization.

JHCCC will consult with professionals and or those with disabilities where practical to ensure that we are including inclusive designs, policies and practices.

JHCCC is committed to and as funding has allowed will renovate our spaces both indoors and outdoors such as our playgrounds to ensure that they are designed in a manner that allows accessibility to those with disabilities.

For more information on this accessibility plan, please contact:

Head Office:

Phone: 1-519-669-0799    Email: jhcc@bellnet.ca

Accessible Customer Service Plan

JHCCC is committed to excellence in serving all customers including people with disabilities by ensuring that our staff are trained in best practices for communicating and interacting with customers with disabilities.

Providing Goods and Services to People with Disabilities

Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre is committed to excellence in serving all customers including people with disabilities.

Assistive devices

We will ensure that our staff are trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by customers with disabilities while accessing our goods or services.

Communication

We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.

Service animals

We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public.

Support persons

A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them on our premises.

Fees will not be charged for support person’s admission to Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre’s premises.

Notice of temporary disruption

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for customers with disabilities for child care services Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre will notify customers promptly. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

The notice will be placed at or near the front entrance of  JHCCC child care centre.

Training for staff

Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre will provide training to employees, volunteers and others who deal with the public or other third parties on their behalf. Staff will also be trained when changes are made to our plan. 

Individuals in the following positions will be trained:

  • Child Care Executive Director

  • Child Care Supervisor

  • Registered Early Childhood Educators staff and supply

  • Cooks

  • Volunteers

  • Students

  • This training will be provided at time of orientation.

  • Members of our Board of Directors

Training will include: 

  • An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard

  • Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre’s plan related to 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 a support person

  • How to use the equipment or devices, e.g. TTY, wheelchair lifts, etc., available on-site or otherwise that may help with providing goods or services to people with disabilities)

  • What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre’s goods and services.

Feedback process

Customers who wish to provide feedback on the way Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre provides goods and services to people with disabilities, can e-mail: jhcc@bellnet.ca or call 1-519-669-0799 . All procedures and plans are available in accessible formats upon request.

All feedback will be directed to the Child Care Centre supervisor or designate and customers can expect to hear back in one day.

Modifications to this or other policies

Any policy of Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.

To view copies of current and previous Accessibility Compliance Reports please contact: jhcc@bellnet.ca