Ec083776

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY
SAFETY AND
CORRECTIONAL
SERVICES

2010-2011
ODA Accessibility Plan

ISSN 1710-0569

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Report on Accessibility Achievements for 2009-2010 3

Report on Accessible Customer Service Requirements 5

Information and Communication Commitments 10

Other Accessibility Commitments 12
Accessibility Improvement Initiatives to Identify, Remove or Prevent
Barriers in preparation for AODA standards currently under
development. ............................................................................................... 12

Act(s) and Regulation(s) being reviewed to Identify Barriers to Persons with
Disabilities 15

Glossary of Terms/Acronyms 16

For More Information 17

i

Introduction

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005 sets out the roadmap
to make Ontario accessible by 2025. Under this act, accessibility standards are being
developed and implemented to break down barriers in key areas of everyday life.

These standards will increase accessibility for people with disabilities in the areas of
customer service, information and communications, employment, transportation and the
built environment.

The Government of Ontario is preparing to lead the way towards an accessible
province. In 2010 the Government of Ontario was the first public service organization to
report compliance with the first standard — Accessibility Standards for Customer
Service Regulation (Ontario Regulation 429/07).

As we await the additional standards under the AODA, we are guided by the Ontario
Human Rights Code and obligations set out in the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001
(ODA).

Each year, the government sets the course to prevent, identify and remove barriers
through annual accessibility plans required under the ODA.

Building on last year’s plan, the 2010-2011 accessibility plan will continue moving the
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) toward the goal of an
accessible province for all Ontarians.

MCSCS is committed to being an OPS leader in accessibility. As a result, we are
integrating accessibility into the MCSCS culture while continuing to maintain compliance
with the AODA Customer Service Regulation.

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MCSCS accessibility initiatives include showcasing staff who have dedicated their time
and effort to accessibility causes as “accessibility champions”, hosting educational
sessions for staff on a variety of accessibility topics, and continuing to support staff and
management in integrating accessibility into their business operations.

Through the accomplishments related to the ODA in previous years, accessibility
planning has laid a strong foundation for MCSCS to build on. MCSCS will continue to
help make Ontario more accessible for people with disabilities and a more inclusive
society for all Ontarians.

To view other ministries’ Accessibility Plans please visit: Ontario.ca

2

Report on Accessibility Achievements
for 2009-2010
Focus Area: Customer Service
Achievements
• 94% of Ministry staff across the province have completed the OPS May I Help
You? Parts 1 and 2 training courses as of November 2010.

• 90% of Ministry managers across the province have completed the ODA:
Maximizing the Contribution of Employees with Disabilities program training
course as of November 2010.

• The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) completed their Video Relay Interpreting
(VRI) Project. VRI equipment has been installed in one detachment and
employees have been trained on how to use the new technology.

• MCSCS has continued to work with the Ministry of the Attorney General to
implement the Site Accessibility Information Project. The Site Accessibility
Information Project was launched across the province.

• The Ministry Accessibility Council has continuously monitored the Accessibility
Intranet webpage to ensure all links are operating and to update the website with
new information.

• MCSCS created and implemented a long-term solution to track compliance with
online training requirements for the AODA Customer Service Standards that
includes quarterly reports to ensure all Ministry staff complete the training.
• Emergency Management Ontario created an on-line course for all emergency
responders and anticipates launching the product in Fall or Winter 2010.
• An internal feedback mechanism was created on the Ministry’s Accessibility
Intranet webpage to allow employees to submit ideas and suggestions about
accessibility, as well as stories about “Accessibility Champions” in the Ministry.
Focus Area: Information and Communication
Achievements
• All new Ministry forms created by eForms are in an accessible format.

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• The Ministry’s website is accessible by using Stellent 10GR3 as the content
management tool and is served by Windows Server 2003 Web Edition as the
hosting platform.
• The OPP website is accessible according to W3C standards and all
downloadable forms are in an accessible format.
• The Ministry hosted an accessibility lunch and learn on creating accessible
formats.

• The Ministry accessibility leads hosted educational sessions for managers and
staff on accessibility requirements and led pro-active accessibility initiatives to
integrate accessibility into the organization’s culture.

• The Ministry accessibility leads participated in consultations regarding the
upcoming accessibility standards at the request of the Ministry of Community and
Social Services and their potential implications to MCSCS and its stakeholders.

Focus Area: Employment

Achievements

• The OPP delivered nine in-person training sessions to supervisors on Disability
Management, Employment Accommodation, and Return to Work Strategies.

• The Ontario Correctional Services College conducted three EAP Services for
Managers training sessions.
• A link to employment accommodation information was posted on the MCSCS
intranet website.
Focus Area: Built Environment
Achievements
• The Ontario Police College completed two accessibility-related projects that
involved renovating an existing lounge and installing a new elevator in the
Administration building. There was also significant design work undertaken at
the Ontario Police College for a new tuck shop and training office.
• Emergency Management Ontario distributed the Disruption Notification Checklist
to all Ministry Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) Coordinators.
• The Ministry is working to ensure built environment projects currently underway
are accessible.

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Report on Accessible Customer Service
Requirements
The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (Ontario Regulation 429/07) came
into force on January 1, 2008. All OPS ministries were required to comply with the
Regulation by January 1, 2010.

The OPS was the first public organization to file their compliance report with the
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario in January 2010. In order to sustain compliance with
the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Regulation, it is vital that ministries
continue to look for opportunities through their accessibility planning process, to
continue embed accessibility in all areas of planning, programs and policies.


Commitment: New
The Ministry will host an Accessibility Roundtable to provide a forum for participants to
discuss barriers facing persons with disabilities when interacting within the Correctional
system and ways to improve working conditions and service delivery for all within
Correctional Services.

Planned Action(s): Participants will have the opportunity to provide advice, support
and guidance to assist the Deputy Minister, Correctional Services in meeting the
requirements of provincial legislation and Ontario Public Service (OPS) directives on
accessibility.

Participants are being asked to share their expert knowledge to help shape planning in
Correctional Services to ensure accessibility requirements are met and employees,
inmates and clients alike are able to benefit equitably from the Ministry’s programs,
policies and practices.

Implementation Timeframe: November 2010 – December 2011

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Commitment: New – Completed
The Ministry has created a unique training review tool to ensure accessibility is
incorporated into various training programs offered in the Ministry.

Planned Action(s):
The Ministry accessibility leads partnered with various training entities in the Ministry to
create a new tool to use when reviewing curriculum. This training review tool touches
upon the key areas identified in the AODA Customer Service Standard to ensure real-
life accessibility examples encountered in the workplace are included and discussed in
current training curricula.

Implementation Timeframe: March 2010 – December 2011


Commitment: New
A joint union-employer sub-committee will examine accessibility in adult institutions.

Planned Action(s): The Accessibility for Inmates with Disabilities Committee has been
established. Its mandate is to review policies and procedures for inmates with
disabilities.

Implementation Timeframe: December 2010 – December 2011

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Commitment: New
Review, respond and report accessibility feedback received through various channels
by all divisions within the Ministry.

Planned Action(s):
Ministry will continue to receive and respond to accessibility feedback according to
prescribed timelines set out by the OPS Service Standards. Quarterly reports will be
provided to senior management to highlight accessibility feedback received in each
quarter to address recurring feedback.

At a Ministry level, analysis will be conducted on accessibility feedback to identify
trends. Strategies will be devised to address trends in feedback and remove any
systemic barriers that may exist.

Implementation Timeframe: January 2010 – December 2011


Commitment: New
The Ministry will host learning sessions to educate staff on a variety of accessibility-
related topics in the OPS.

Planned Action(s):
The Ministry will host quarterly accessibility lunch and learn sessions on a breadth of
accessibility topics to integrate accessibility into the Ministry’s culture. Among the
featured accessibility topics are: creating accessible documents; managing stress; and
a mental health awareness session.

Implementation Timeframe: May 2010 – December 2011

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Commitment: New – Completed
The Ministry accessibility leads will engage procurement subject-matter experts to
provide information on how to consider accessibility in the procurement process.

Planned Action(s): The Ministry accessibility leads hosted a presentation for
procurement subject-matter experts within MCSCS to identify ways to consider
accessibility when clients are procuring services. Upon request, the Ministry
accessibility leads participated in consultations regarding accessibility in the
procurement process.

Implementation Timeframe: January 2010 – December 2011


Commitment: Ongoing

The Ministry will continue the project to increase accessibility to law enforcement
services by members of the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

Planned Action(s): The OPP will continue to evaluate the success of the VRI project
and explore the possibility of expanding it to additional locations.

Implementation Timeframe: September 2008 – December 2011


Commitment: Ongoing
As the Ministry moves beyond the implementation phase of Accessibility Standards for
Customer Service (Ontario Regulation 429/07) the Ministry will ensure that it is in
compliance with the training requirements on an ongoing basis.

Planned Action(s): The Ministry will create quarterly reports for 2010-2011 to identify
any new employees who have not taken the mandatory accessibility training to ensure
they complete the courses. The Ministry has also created a long-term solution to

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tracking employees who have completed their mandatory training for accurate record-
keeping.



Commitment: Ongoing
The Ministry will inform employees about accessibility planning and how they can
participate in related activities within the Ministry by promoting staff participation in
cultural change.

Planned Action(s):
Employees who volunteer their time to accessibility causes will be featured as Ministry
“Accessibility Champions” on the accessibility intranet page. The intent is to showcase
staff who have devoted their time and efforts to accessibility causes and encourage
others to partake in similar volunteer activities related to accessibility.


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Information and Communication
Commitments

Information and the methods of communication are key to delivering many government
programs and services to the public. It is essential that we provide the same quality and
service to everyone in the province.

In anticipation of the pending standards guiding Information and Communications, the
government of Ontario is continuously looking for opportunities to prevent and remove
barriers to person with disabilities when creating, procuring, conveying, receiving or
distributing information and communications to the public.

Focus Area: Information and Communication
Commitment: New
The Ministry will continue to ensure internal and external web content is accessible
according to OPS standards.

Planned Action(s): The Ministry will continue to ensure their internet and public-facing
websites are made accessible according to corporate OPS direction.


Focus Area: Information and Communications

Commitment: New
The Ministry will continue to build upon the knowledge acquired from the May I Help
You One and Two OPS training program on providing accessible customer service to
persons with disabilities.

Planned Action(s):
The Ministry will profile the new accessibility videos created by the Diversity Office on
the Ministry’s Accessibility Intranet website. These videos will educate staff on various

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accessibility-related areas to expand their knowledge on timely accessibility topics in the
OPS.

The Ministry accessibility leads participated in a pilot program conducted by a learning
organization to test user-friendliness of online accessibility-related training.



Commitment: New
TTY lines continue to be made available and used effectively. Policy, guidelines and
criteria for TTY lines will be available and embedded in the operation of TTY lines.

Planned Action(s): The Communications Branch will continue to ensure that staff who
are responsible for answering the TTY line are trained on how to use the device and on
the AODA Customer Service Standards through mandatory training courses.



Commitment: Ongoing
The Ministry will continue to ensure that any new forms developed for the public are
available in an accessible format.

Planned Action(s): Ministry will continue to work through MGS, Forms Services to
produce forms in an accessible format.


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Other Accessibility Commitments
Accessibility Improvement Initiatives to Identify, Remove or
Prevent Barriers in preparation for AODA standards currently
under development.
In anticipation of the upcoming standards the Government of Ontario has planned
several corporate initiatives in the following areas, Transportation, Employment, Built
Environment and others. The goal of these focus areas is to make it easier for people
with disabilities to travel in Ontario, ensure accessibility for people with disabilities
across all stages of the employment life cycle and break down barriers in buildings.
Many of the corporate initiatives identified for 2010-2011 aim to support ministries in
their journey towards compliance with the upcoming standards.

To review a list of corporate initiatives please refer to the Ministry of Government
Services 2010-2011 Accessibility Plan.

Focus Area: Employment

Commitment: Ongoing
The Ministry will continue its efforts to ensure that managers are aware of their
responsibilities in relation to employment accommodation, return to work and
accessibility and know how to access the appropriate tools and resources as needed.

Planned Action(s): The Ministry will continue to partner with the Ontario Correctional
Services College, the Centre for Employee Health, Safety and Wellness (Ministry of
Government Services) and the Career Development Bureau (OPP) to provide
employment accommodation training opportunities to managers. The Ministry will
continue to monitor compliance with the mandatory online training module “ODA:
Maximizing the Contribution of Employees with Disabilities”. In May 2010, accessibility
was a key topic at the Correctional Services Managers meeting. David Lepofsky was
the keynote speaker and discussed how to integrate accessibility into the organizational
culture and operations.


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Commitment: Ongoing
The Ministry will enhance accessibility of its new and existing buildings and facilities for
persons with disabilities.

Planned Action(s): The Ministry will incorporate the Standards for Barrier-Free Design
of Ontario Government Facilities into new facilities being built along with, where
possible, retrofitting of Ministry facilities. Additionally, through the Annual Capital Plan
accessibility considerations are made through the Rehabilitation and Remediation for
OPP detachments.

Built environment projects that are currently underway include: Forensic Services and
Coroner’s Complex; Toronto South Detention Centre/Toronto Intermittent Centre; and
South West Detention Centre.

AIS has formed a new sub-committee who will consult with subject-matter experts to
examine accessibility in new adult institutions for barrier-free design while still meeting
safety and security concerns.

The Forensic Services and Coroner’s Complex (FSCC) is currently under development
and is slated for completion late in 2012. It will house the Office of the Chief Coroner,
the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, and the Centre of Forensic Services in a state-
of-the-art forensic facility that has included Barrier-Free Accessibility as an important
component. The barrier free design strategy includes appropriate circulation paths and
access to all levels of the facility.

The OPP has undertaken an accessibility review of its General Headquarters and
Sudbury office. Once the review is completed, recommendations will be examined.


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Commitment: Ongoing
The Ministry will continue to assist with determining the most effective way to provide
access for persons with disabilities.

Planned Action(s): The Ministry continues to assist where required to provide access
for persons with disabilities to Ministry facilities, such as drop off zones. As noted
previously, new facilities and the Rehabilitation and Remediation process will
incorporate access for persons with disabilities.



Commitment: Ongoing – Completed
Alternative Service Delivery Locations are locations which Ministries use when an
emergency or incident affects a primary service delivery location. Emergency
Management Ontario has developed a draft Alternate Service Delivery Location
Accessibility Checklist to aid in ensuring accessibility in these locations.

Planned Action(s): The Alternative Service Delivery Location Accessibility Checklist
has been completed and provided to all provincial ministries for use in Continuity of
Operations Planning.


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Acts, Regulations, and Policies being
reviewed to prevent Barriers to Persons
with Disabilities
In support of the commitment to remove and prevent barriers for persons with
disabilities, the Government of Ontario will continue to review all new legislation, and
policies under development to identify and remove barriers.

This will help make services accessible to Ontarians and accommodate the needs of
people with all different abilities.

To help meet this commitment, MCSCS will use OPS corporate resources, such as the
Inclusion Lens that was recently created by the OPS Diversity Office, when undertaking
reviews of new legislation and policies under development.

The Inclusion Lens is an innovative and unique tool that takes a broad approach to
inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. By asking a series of key questions, the
Inclusion Lens can help identify various barriers that an individual may face in accessing
provincial programs and services.

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Glossary of Terms/Acronyms
AIS – Adult Institutional Services

AODA – Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

FSCC – Forensic Services and Coroner’s Complex

MCSCS – Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services

ODA – Ontarians with Disabilities Act

OPP – Ontario Provincial Police

OPS – Ontario Public Service

VRI – Video Relay Interpreting

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For More Information
Questions or comments about the ministry’s accessibility plan are always welcome.

Please phone:

General inquiry number: 1-416-317-9911 or 1-416-326-5000

TTY number: 1-416-326-5511 or 1-866-517-0572

Toll-free number: 1-866-517-0571

E-mail: jus.g.sgcs.webmaster@ontario.ca

Ministry website address: http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/

Visit the Ministry of Community and Social Services Accessibility Ontario web
portal. The site promotes accessibility and provides information and resources on how
to make Ontario accessible province for everyone.

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

ServiceOntario Publications
Phone: 1-800-668-9938
TTY: 1-800-268-7095

 Queen’s Printer for Ontario

ISSN 1710-0569
Ce document est disponible en français.

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