ACCESSIBILITY

• All employees/volunteers will complete the online Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities training. A certification of completion will be placed in the employees file.
• Training will be updated as required by the Ontario Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation.
• All employees/ volunteers will read and practice Catulpa’s Standards and Guidelines pertaining to Accessible Customer Service Standards.

• Notify employees and volunteers about the availability of accommodations for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment process
• If an employee or new hire with a disability makes a request for accommodations, we will consult with the individual and determine the provision or arrangement of suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the employee’s accessibility needs due to a disability.
• Notify job applicants who have been invited to participate in a recruitment, assessment or selection process that, accommodations for disabilities are available/ consult with job applicant who request accommodations to support them during the process

Catulpa Community Support Services will take the following steps to develop and put in place a process for developing individual accommodation plans and return-to-work policies for employees that have been absent due to a disability.

• Ensure existing standards and guidelines includes steps that we will take to accommodate an employee with a disability and to facilitate an employee’s return to work.
• Inform and review with current employees and new hires of policies and procedures supporting employees with disabilities.

Catulpa CSS will take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities when reviewing performance management, career development and redeployment processes.

• In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for persons with disabilities, notify affected persons promptly via method best suited to their needs. This notice should include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

  Depending on disruption, Catulpa may also post information on Facebook or website.

• Vision loss can restrict someon’e ability to read, locate landmarks or see hazards. Some may use a guide dog
• When you know someone has vision loss, don’t assume the individual can’t see you. Many people who have low vision still have some sight
• Identify yourself when you approach and speak directly to the Persons Served
• Ask if they would like you to read any printed material out lound to them (for example, application or referral form)
• When providing directions or instructions, be precise and descriptive
• Offer your elbow to guide them if needed
• Let the individual know if you must leave them and when you will return

• An individual who is deafblind may have some degree of both hearing and vision loss. Many deafblind individuals will be accompanied by an intervener, a professional support person who helps with communication
• An individual who is deafblind is likely to explain to you how to communicate with them, perhaps with an assistance card or a note
• Speak directly to the Persons Served, not to the intervener

• Cerebral palsy, hearing loss or other conditions may make it difficult for a person to pronounce words or may cause slurring
• Don’t assume that a person with speech impairment also has another disability
• Whenever possible, ask questions that can be answered with “yes†or “noâ€
• Be patient. Don’t interrupt or finish the individual’s sentences

• Be patient-people with some learning disabilities may take a little longer to process information, to understand and respond
• Try to provide information in a way that takes into account the Person’s Served dsiabilitiey. For example, some people with learning disabilities find written words difficult to understand, while others have problems with math and numbers
• Don’t make assumptions about what a person can do
• Use plain language
• Provide one piece of information at a time

• If you sense or know that an individual has a mental health disability be sure to treat them with the same respect and consideration you have for everyone else
• Be confident, calm and reassuring
• If an individual appear to be in a crisis, ask them to tell you the best way to help

• Don’t touch or handle any assistive device without permission
• Don’t move assistive devices or equipment, such as canes and walkers, out of the Persons Served reach
• Let the Person Served know about the accessible features in the immediate environment that are appropriate to their needs (e.g. public phones with TTY servfice, accessible washrooms, entry system to building, teletypewriter etc.
• Examples of assistive devices our agency might offer include: Lift, which raises or lowers people who use mobility devices, accessible interactive kiosk, which might offer information or services in Braille or through audio headsets, wheelchairs

• Remember that a service animal is not a pet. It is a working animal. Avoid touching them or addressing them
• If you’re not sure if the animal is a pet or service animal, ask the Person Served. We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals

• If you’re not sure which person is the Persons Served, just ask
• Persons Served may be accompanied by a support person such as a Mediator
• Support person can be a personal support worker, a volunteer, a family member or friend
• Support person may assist with a variety of things e.g. communicating, helping with mobility, personal care or medical needs