Accessibility

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is a law passed by the Ontario legislature that allows the government to develop and enforce standards for accessibility. The purpose of the AODA is to have a fully accessible Ontario by 2025. In order to achieve this goal, the province is establishing accessibility standards in five different areas:

• Customer Service
• Built Environment
• Information and Communications
• Transportation, and
• Employment.

The Accessibility Standard for Customer Service, O. Reg 429/7 was the first standard to become law, and came into effect for the public sector on January 1, 2010. 

The Township of Algonquin Highlands has developed a Customer Service Policy for Providing Goods and Services to People with Disabilities.

The policy includes information on:

• Provision of goods and services to persons with disabilities
• Communication with persons with disabilities
• Use of assistive devices, service animals and support persons
• Notice of disruption in services
• Training requirements for staff, contractors and volunteers
• Feedback process
• Document requirements

The policy document is available below or in paper copy from the Municipal Office upon request.

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) provides that every provider of goods and services shall establish and maintain accessibility policies, practices and procedures related to the following:

1. Customer Service
2. Employment Standards
3. Information and Communication Standards
4. Transportation Standards
5. Built Environment

The Township of Algonquin Highlands has established an Integrated Accessibility Policy and guiding principals to establish accessibility standards in the areas of Information and Communication, Employment and Transportation to facilitate the removal and prevention of barriers to people with disabilities to enable better access to municipal goods, services and facilities.

Background

Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 191/11 – Integrated Accessibility Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) requires designated public sector organizations to have a multi-year accessibility plan in place which documents the organization’s strategy to prevent and remove accessibility barriers.

Organizations must establish, review and update these plans in consultation with persons with disabilities and when applicable, with a municipal accessibility advisory committee.

Plans must be updated at least once every five years and a status report must be completed on an annual basis. The plan and status report must be posted on the organization’s website and be available in an accessible format upon request.

Designated Public Sector Annual Status Report

The Corporation of the Township of Algonquin Highlands has established a multi-year accessibility plan to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility and to meet requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Integrated Accessibility Standards.

View the County of Haliburton Multi-Year Joint Accessibility Plan 2023-2027

Our Annual Status Report details annual updates on the progress of measures taken to improve accessibility. The purpose of this report is to track our organization’s progress and make the public aware of our initiatives.

To request an alternate format of this annual status report, please contact:

Name: Dawn Newhook, Clerk
Email: dnewhook@algonquinhighlands.ca
Telephone number:  705-489-2379 ext. 333

Customer Service Accomplishments

• Additional training for staff on accessible document software Equidox for the remediation and creation of accessible documents.
• Implementation of new Corporate website which enhanced accessibility  
• Continued accessible customer service training for new employees and volunteers

Employment Accomplishments

• Job recruitment ads continue to contain information regarding the opportunity for accessible accommodation during the recruitment process
• Offers of Employment (Hire Letter) includes information on accessible accommodation
  
  Design of Public Spaces Accomplishments

• Installation of a new accessible door, lift and accessible walkway at the Stanhope Library

Next Steps

Proposed projects that will include accessible features in the Township for 2024 include:

• Continue with Accessible updates to existing websites and documents on the website.
• Continued accessible customer training for new employees and volunteers
• Installation of a swing set and accessible pathway at the Oxtongue Lake Community Centre
• Replace deck at the Dorset Tower gift shop and install an accessible ramp

• Renovations to the Dorset Recreation Centre, as follows:
  • Installation of a concrete Wheel-chair Ramp with steel railings to facilitate AODA/Barrier free access to the Main Entrance.;
  • Covered Entry leading to the Main Entrance providing accessibility and security from weather;
  • Installation of new automatic AODA/Barrier Free Compliance Doors for Front Entrance and Vestibule Area;
  • Installation of a new Universal Washroom on the Main Floor that will be designed to current AODA/Barrier Free requirements;
  • Upgrade of Men’s and Women’s Washroom on the Main Floor to current AODA/Barrier Free requirements that include automatic door openers, new counter tops and faucets, grab bars and toilets; and
  • Provision for Accessible parking at close proximity to main entrance and Ramp.

The Township will continue review, and implement accessible features as identified in the Accessibility Plan, as well the implementation of new accessible features throughout the Township as the need, or opportunity, arises.

View Full 2023 Accomplishments Report

Our goal at the Township is to meet and surpass customer service expectations while serving people with disabilities. We welcome and appreciate all comments on our delivery of service, as it helps us identify areas where improvements can be made. Feedback may be provided in person, by telephone or fax, in writing or by email. Download a printable version of our Feedback Form, and return it to the address below. Forms are also available at the Township office. 

Joint Accessibility Plan and other information (Joint planning with the County of Haliburton)
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (Ministry of Community and Social Services)