Plan 2012-2017

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Ajax Accessibility in Action Plan - Table of Contents

A Message from the Town of Ajax Accessibility Advisory Committee 3

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Overview 4

Guiding Legislation 6

Foundation & Principles 7

Town of Ajax Accessibility Advisory Committee 10

Accessibility Partnership in Durham Region & Beyond 11

Barrier Identification 12

Report of Recent Achievements (2011-2012) 13

Customer Service 13

Information & Communications 18

Employment 21

Transportation 22

Built Environment 23

Multi-Year Implementation Plan (2012-2017) 26

General Requirements – Policy & Procedure 26

Customer Service 27

Information & Communications 29

Employment 31

Transportation 32

Built Environment 33

Feedback & Contacts 39 Glossary 40

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A Message from the Town of Ajax Accessibility Advisory Committee

It is the pleasure of the 2011-2014 Town of Ajax Accessibility Advisory Committee to continue the work of the 2006-2010 Committee. We would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions made by its members in efforts to overcome barriers and improve accessibility within Ajax.

The goal of providing a totally accessible community to all residents of Ajax is certainly a goal worth striving for. Over the past several years, the Town of Ajax, in cooperation with the Ajax Accessibility Advisory Committee, has made great strides towards achieving this goal.

The Town of Ajax worked closely with the Committee on the development of various community and Town initiatives, and as a result, was able to achieve the objectives outlined in the 2011 Accessibility Plan. We would like to thank Town of Ajax staff for their unprecedented cooperation in these matters. Working together with the Town on the implementation of accessibility requirements required through the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005, will most certainly assist in achieving an accessible community that we all can be proud of. We look forward to working with the Town on the implementation of the Town of Ajax Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.

We certainly invite your comments, participation and commitment to assisting all of us in achieving a barrier-free community.

Sincerely,

Vincent Plouffe & Kathreen Smith

The 2010-2014 Accessibility Advisory Committee Co-Chairs

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Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Overview

The process of accessibility planning is one that is never complete. Staff, Council and the Accessibility Advisory Committee are continually involved in discussions regarding accessibility planning year-round. The Ajax Multi-Year Accessibility in Action Plan provides the opportunity to demonstrate current achievements and establish an implementation framework and future priority initiatives. Objectives identified within the plan are both long and short-term; many are ongoing actions or could require implementation over several years. Regular monitoring is necessary to ensure that relevant initiatives are included in the Plan and that progress is identified. The current focus of the Accessibility in Action Plan is dedicated to implementing the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11.

To assist with implementation, the strategy outlines both short and long term accessibility initiatives for the Town of Ajax. Target areas reflect the five core standards of the AODA: customer service, information & communications, transportation, employment and the built environment. Several objectives identified within each target area will assist with achieving accessibility compliance. This document contains details relative to objectives and action items identified over the next several years and solidifies the Town of Ajax approach to accessibility planning. The Plan‟s progress will be reviewed and reported annually, and additional identified initiatives will be added.

Statistics project that by 2036, 20% of all Canadians will have some form of disability. And in the next 20 years, an aging population and people with disabilities will represent 40% of the total income in Ontario – that‟s $536 billion (Ontario Population Projections 2008-

2036, Fall 2009 Ministry of Finance Report). As a result, service delivery, and programming will continually need to be modified to meet changing needs. The Town of Ajax has developed a strong foundation of accessibility planning in order to remove barriers and ensure real and effective change for people with disabilities, and is eager to carry this commitment forward with implementation of the Ajax Multi-Year Accessibility in Action Plan.

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Ajax Accessibility in Action Plan Infographic

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Guiding Legislation

The Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) ensures that public organizations incorporate accessibility planning into their operations and facilities and document such actions within an accessibility plan. In 2005, a second piece of legislation, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was enacted to further qualify the ODA and serve as a framework for the establishment of accessibility standards in five areas: customer service, employment, transportation, information & communications, and the built environment. The standards support the principles of the AODA to ensure dignity, integration, independence and equal opportunity and each have specific timelines for implementation. Compliance with the AODA is required by both public and private sector organizations.

The ODA and AODA are in place for the purpose of ensuring that people with disabilities are not discriminated against. Implementation for both public and private sectors will be phased in over time to achieve the Provincial government objective of a fully-accessible province by 2025.

Customer Service – Ontario Regulation 429/07: This standard was the first under the AODA to become law. It ensures that people with disabilities can receive goods and services in a manner that takes into account one‟s disability.

Integrated Accessibility Standards – Ontario Regulation 191/11: Three of the five accessibility standards comprise the recently enacted IASR. These standards will ensure accessibility in the areas of information & communications, employment and transportation. Development of accessibility implementation strategies is currently underway to reach compliance and provide for accessibility across the organization. The Town of Ajax Multi-Year Accessibility Plan identifies the implementation schedule and actions to be taken.

Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment: The final set of standards to be released pertains to the Design of Public Spaces. At the time of printing, the DRAFT standards are being proposed as an amendment to OR 191/11 and once enacted will ensure that accessibility is included within all new construction and extensive renovations. Technical requirements are being proposed relative to recreational trails, beach access, outdoor public use seating areas, outdoor play spaces, exterior paths of travel, obtaining service and maintenance. Understanding a wide variety of barriers for persons with disabilities in the physical environment is essential to implementation of the forthcoming standards.

The Town of Ajax understands the importance of an accessible built environment that allows for independence and participation for persons with disabilities. Currently renovations to public facilities and spaces adhere to the Town of Ajax Facility Accessibility Design Guidelines.

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Foundation & Principles

Inclusion and engagement of persons with disabilities is a long-standing corporate vision integrated within the Town‟s first

Accessibility Plan developed in 2003. In order to support progression and meaningful implementation of the Ajax Accessibility in Action Strategy, a strong foundation built from the following principles is necessary:

Informed & Committed Leadership

Town of Ajax Council has identified accessibility as a corporate priority within the Community Action Plan

All Town of Ajax departments provide input to the Plan

Accountability is demonstrated through the availability of the Plan and related accessibility documentation made publically available and in alternate formats upon request

Accessibility Training opportunities for the organization‟s 600+ full, part-time and seasonal staff and volunteers that is developed in alternative formats, and adapted to suit the type of work, location and staff involvement with the public

Engaged and aware employees are able to incorporate accessibility into daily practices at all levels of the organization and are encouraged to use a diversity lens when preparing procedural documents or developing programs and services

To ensure staff have access to accessibility related tools and information, an internal team of „Accessibility Ambassadors‟ led by the Accessibility Coordinator, is responsible for delivering clear accessibility related communications across the organization

By meeting or exceeding timelines of legislation implementation, the Town of Ajax can be looked at as a leader in accessibility

Alignment & Coordination

In order for the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to be successful with its implementation objectives, it is necessary for it to be aligned several other Town of Ajax guiding documents, policies and processes. For example:

The Town of Ajax Diversity & Community Engagement Plan, approved by council in 2010, echoes Ajax‟s commitment to

ensure that all residents can have equitable access to employment opportunities, programs and services, community and civic engagement, and tools to help strengthen neighborhoods

o Diversity & Community Engagement Plan Policy Statement: “The Town of Ajax embraces and values diversity,

promoting an engaged, healthy and inclusive community. The Town is strongly committed to equity and diversity through

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its policies, procedures, service delivery, amenities and employment practices." ~Diversity and Community Engagement

Plan Policy Statement

The Town of Ajax Community Action Plan, developed at the beginning of a term of Council, identifies Council and community strategic priorities for the four-year term

o Strategic Objective - Strong Sense of Community: “The Heart of the Town of Ajax is its people. The unique qualities of

the Town includes its diverse and distinct neighbourhoods, landscapes, rich culture and heritage. The Town is

committed to continued nurturing of an engaged, inclusive accessible and safe community”

Through the progressive implementation of this Plan and compliance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation requirements, additional policy and procedure documents will be developed. Currently, the Town of Ajax and Ajax Public Library have in place the following accessibility related policy & procedure documents:

o COR-OP-006 Accessibility Plan Administration o COR-OP-008 Corporate Customer Service Standards o COR-OP-009 Notice of Service Disruption and COR-010 Notice of Service Disruption Template o COR-023 Customer Feedback Form o COR-008 Accessible Customer Service Training Confirmation Form o COR-OP-015 Integrated Accessibility Standards o Employee Workplace Emergency Evacuation Assistance Form ACCESS-001 o Employee Workplace Emergency Response Plan ACCESS-002 o AP-ADM-006 Accessible Customer Service Standards Policy o AP-ADM-006a Accessible Customer Service Standards Policy: Procedure to Ensure Accessible Communications o AP-ADM-006b Accessible Customer Service Standards Policy: Procedure to be Followed in the Event of Temporary

Disruptions to Library Services o AP-ADM-006c Accessible Customer Service Standards Policy: Procedure to Receive and Respond to Feedback

Regarding Library Accessibility o AP-ADM-006d Accessible Customer Service Standards Policy: Training Procedure Regarding the Provision of Library

Goods and Services to Persons with Disabilities o AP-ADM-006e Accessible Customer Service Standards Policy: Procedure to Ensure Public Awareness

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Evaluation & Reporting

Monitoring and evaluation of the Plan is closely linked with the Town‟s quality Document Management System (DMS). A principle inherent in the Town‟s DMS is integration. Accessibility improvements, ideologies and benchmarks continue to be solidified with planning concepts that develop into Town procedures and processes. All accessibility-related documents are entered into the DMS and reviewed as least once each year.

Listening to feedback is an integral part of the evaluation process. The Town of Ajax will continue to review and expand consultation strategies to engage key groups in providing accessibility related feedback, including people with disabilities. For more information on how you can provide feedback on this Plan, please refer to page 37.

Additional evaluation and reporting efforts include:

Annual review of the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and preparation of a progress report. Annual progress report prepared for Council to identify progress of the Plan‟s implementation, accomplishments and

achievements; posted online and available in alternative formats upon request. Compliance reports submitted to the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, which regulates compliance for all Ontario Organizations

As a component of the coordination of a Municipal Election, the Town of Ajax prepares a Municipal Election Plan and as required by the Election Act, 1990, within three months of the election, a report on the provision of accessible election and voting measures is completed and endorsed by Council

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Town of Ajax Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Town of Ajax Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) was established in 2002. The AAC is responsible for the provision of advice to Council on specific initiatives to be undertaken by the Town. This consultation assists with the prevention, identification and removal of barriers that restrict people with disabilities from participating in Town programs or accessing services, and facilities. The Committee is comprised of dedicated volunteers committed to working towards a barrier-free Ajax.

In Ajax, the AAC is made up of 10 citizens and a Councillor representative. Most members are either persons with disabilities, or represent a family member with a disability or community agency or sector in the accessibility field. This composition allows for comprehensive representation of various perspectives within the Ajax community and contributes to meaningful input towards accessibility planning.

2010-2014 Accessibility Advisory Committee:

Pat Brown, Ward 4 Councillor

Vincent Plouffe, Committee Chair

Kathreen Smith, Committee Vice-Chair

Camille Gooden

Sepelene Deonarine

Dawn Gabriel

Michel St-Arneault

Julia Stevenson

Barb Dowds

Marcia Bowen

Lorraine Battaglia

The AAC meets on a monthly basis and meetings are open to the public. During meetings, updates are provided to the AAC which may include presentations or discussions led by staff or an external organization regarding accessibility related matters. Additionally, a variety of educational and awareness presentations are coordinated by the AAC as a means for the Committee to be well informed of accessible services and resources within Durham Region.

Left to Right – Back: K. Smith, M. Bowen, C. Gooden, D. Gabriel, V. Plouffe, S. Deonarine,

B. Dowds. Front: M. St-Arneault, J. Stevenson. Absent: L. Battaglia, P. Brown.

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Accessibility Partnership in Durham Region & Beyond

Each municipality within Durham Region has its own AAC, all of which report to their respective municipal Councils on a variety of accessibility matters. In addition to municipal AACs, the Region of Durham has its own AAC, providing for a total of nine committees across Durham, that are dedicated to improving accessibility in their communities. The Region of Durham coordinates regular meetings with local municipal AAC chairs, and municipal accessibility staff, which provides the opportunity to share best practices and information. The Region also hosts an annual joint forum for all AAC members in Durham. The Ajax AAC regularly participates in this event that brings together volunteers to network and collaborate on accessibility matters.

Additionally, the Accessibility Coordinator meets regularly with staff counterparts across the Region to discuss ongoing planning and implementation. The Town of Ajax Accessibility Coordinator is also a member of the Ontario Network of Accessibility Professionals (ONAP), a group comprised primarily of staff responsible for accessibility planning in the municipal sector. The network provides the opportunity to share accessibility planning resources and initiatives across the province.

Image of Region of Durham Map

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Barrier Identification

The intent of the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is to prevent, identify and remove barriers. Barriers are obstacles that stand in the way of people with disabilities from being able to do many of the day-today activities that most people take for granted. A barrier is defined as anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of a disability. The traditional definition of a barrier used in the context of accessibility has been expanded to include obstacles beyond physical boundaries. There are several other categories of barriers to consider, such as:

Environmental Barriers: features, buildings or spaces that restrict or impede physical access. For example, a doorway that is too narrow to accommodate entry by person in a motorized scooter.

Communication Barriers: obstacles with processing, transmitting or interpreting information. For example, print on a brochure that is too small to read or documents not available in alternative formats.

Attitudinal Barriers: prejudgments or assumptions that directly or indirectly discriminate. For example, assuming that all visually impaired persons can read Braille.

Technological Barriers: occur when technology cannot or is not modified to support various assistive devices and/or software. For example, a website that does not provide for increased text size or contrast options.

Systemic Barriers: barriers within an organization‟s policies, practices and procedures that do not consider accessibility. For

example, listing a driver‟s licence as an employment qualification for an office position may prohibit persons with visual impairments from applying.

Photo of a brick wall

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Report of Recent Achievements (2011-2012)

The following items represent recent achievements and initiatives which have improved accessibility or removed barriers in the Town of Ajax. The list is formatted to reflect the commitment targets of the Ajax Accessibility in Action Strategy and core standards of the AODA.

Customer Service Accessible Customer Service Standard regulation implementation

o Continued development and delivery of accessible customer service training in various formats for staff, volunteers and third party agencies:

54 crossing guards (information packages) 74 Seasonal Operations staff (training session) 120 Seasonal/Part-time Recreation staff (training session)

Continue to ensure that considerations for accessibility are reflected in the Town’s corporate planning and

implementation

o Community Action Plan Development of Let‟s Talk Ajax web portal and hosting of two accessible live online chat consultations to

encourage public engagement and input in the Plan approximately 250 participants and observers with more than 2,500 hits to the web portal

o Diversity & Community Engagement Plan Ongoing implementation of the Plan is coordinated through a staff implementation committee New resident‟s guide circulated to wards 3 and 4 in June 2012 Availability of translated public documents currently being reviewed and all documents within the DMS shall be

reviewed with a customer service/diversity lens as a result of recent staff training o Integrated Community Sustainability Plan

Consultation with AAC on purpose, mission statement, themes and content o Recreation, Parks & Culture Master Plan o Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

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Consultation with the Accessibility Advisory Committee on Town service delivery, programs and initiatives

o Various presentations by Town staff and community organizations were delivered to the AAC for consultation, information and recommendation with respect to new and existing initiatives:

Accessible Ajax Public Library services AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards Development projects Diversity and Community Engagement Plan Durham Deaf Services Regional AAC Autism Ontario Taxi By-law DREN/Region of Durham Accessibility Awards Durham Regional Police Services 911 System Recreation & Culture Inclusion programming Roundabouts Durham Regional Transit specialized Services Audley Recreation Centre Elections Ontario Canadian Mental Health Association Durham Highway #2 Bus Rapid Transit Project “Think & Drive” safe driving campaign Employee workplace emergency response plan information Federal Government programs for persons with disabilities Integrated Community Sustainability Plan Medallion Redevelopment National Access Awareness Week recognition Multi-Year Accessibility Plan StopGap Accessible Customer Service Brochure for local businesses Registered Disability Savings Plan Building Permit application Review Process

Photo of service animal (dog)

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Continue to review existing and develop new corporate policies, practices and procedures in relation to AODA

accessibility requirements o Approximately 100 staff participated in Process Mapping Workshops (December 2011/January 2012) and follow-up

sessions to review procedures with a customer service/diversity lens to prevent systemic barriers and develop inclusive procedural documents

Inclusion Support

o 9 inclusion support staff provided support to 80 campers during seasonal summer camp programs o 3 inclusion staff were added in 2012 Summer Camp Programs o The number of weeks of inclusion support for summer camps provided for each family was increased from four to five

weeks in 2012

Community Accessibility Partnerships

o Variety Village partnership to facilitate development of a comprehensive training package for summer Inclusion staff o Partnership with Grandview Children‟s Centre to facilitate training for staff on G-tube feeding o Recreation program staff trained in the use of Epi-pens o The Town of Ajax recognized with a Grandview Children‟s‟ Centre Partnership Award for continued support in Inclusion

Programming. o Ajax Public Library partnership with the CNIB to offer Daisy books and magazines

To date 150 titles have been received

Signage

o A signage inventory was conducted of all Town facilities including consideration for accessible signage and a report was reviewed by Senior Management. Costing is currently underway to reflect signage installation and improvements identified as priority, short-term and long-term solutions.

Customer Feedback Mechanisms

o Continued use of accessible and alternative feedback methods for general and accessibility related feedback Online through the Town of Ajax website www.ajax.ca or by direct email: accessibility@ajax.ca By fax, telephone, TTY and TextNet

o Hardcopy customer feedback forms available at all Town facilities

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National Access Awareness Week Recognition

o The Accessibility Advisory Committee in partnership with the Ajax Public Library hosted a free film screening of “A Smile as Big as

the Moon” in celebration of National Access Awareness Week (June 2012)

o Council Proclamation of National Access Awareness Week (May 27 to June 2, 2012)

o „Invisible Disabilities‟ awareness display created by Committee members

Accessible Programming & Events

o St. Francis Centre ticket sales offered at three different locations: Ajax Community Centre, McLean Community Centre and St. Francis Centre, as well as online (www.stfranciscentre.ca)

o Offer a variety of inclusive Recreation & Culture programming for youth adults and seniors

o St. Francis Centre offers matinee shows which allow for leisurely enjoyment of patrons of all ages not comfortable or able to attend evening performances (participated in by many seniors groups)

o Annual Seniors‟ BBQ (June 2012) o Music in the Square/Kids in the Square o Toddler Playtime o Martial Arts o Music Therapy o Swimming lessons o Adult sledge hockey o Universal playgrounds o Adult drop-in centre (in partnership with Community Living Ajax-

Pickering) o Specialized equipment loans (ice sledge, Terra trek) o Participation in the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Man in Motion Relay at Heritage Square (November 2011)

Photo of Vincent Plouffe, AAC Chair receiving

Council’s Proclamation Certificate from Regional

Councillor Colleen Jordan, May 2012.

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o Encourage Me Ajax Event with guest speaker Spencer West, Me to We (May 2012)

Improvements to the Visiting Library Service (ongoing)

o An introductory brochure was developed to promote the Visiting Library Service o Registration was formalized with details for home bound customers to choose their preferred genre and formats o A policy and procedure were also developed to outline the criteria and options to improve the service

Accessible Workstation

o Two training sessions were conducted for staff on the equipment and programs available at the Ajax Public Library Main Branch accessible workstation

Ajax Public Library Volunteers (annual)

o Two co-op special needs students were offered the opportunity to volunteer at the McLean branch library during the school year

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Information & Communications

Emergency Procedures and Public Safety Information

o Commitment to providing public emergency and safety information in accessible formats

o Community Centre and satellite facility fire plans updated to reflect AODA language and requirements

Continued communications and awareness of accessibility

issues and persons with disabilities

o Annual recognition of National Access Awareness Week o Town of Ajax annual Volunteer Recognition Awards –

Community Accessibility Award Town of Ajax recognition of the achievements and

contributions of an individual, group or business who over the past year has contributed to the elimination of barriers to people with disabilities and/or the inclusion of people with disabilities in all facets of the community

Past recipients: Ajax Lions Club, Mitchell Daniels, Society of St. Vincent de Paul-St. Bernadette‟s

Conference o Durham Region Accessibility Awards / Durham Region

Employment Network Employability Awards: Recognition of service providers for their commitment to

move persons with disabilities from job preparation to job placements; volunteers who give their time to assist persons with disabilities and the removal of barriers; media personalities or groups that promote stories on individuals with disabilities or accessible businesses

Past recipients nominated by the Town of Ajax: Paul Feldman, Allan Angus

Photo of Allan Angus (former Ajax AAC

member), receiving the 2012 Region of Durham

Accessibility Award, as presented by Roger

Anderson.

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Ajax Public Library

o Availability of a wide variety of accessible resources and services such as large print, audio books, e-books and homebound delivery service

o computer workstation at the Ajax Public Library Main Branch that has hardware and software to assist customers with visual, mobility and learning disabilities with access to the Internet, produce documents, scan hardcopies and reproduce into text:

wheel-chair accessible table with push-button lift Voice recognition software: Dragon Speaking Naturally Headmouse Extreme/WiVik – a camera that sits on the monitor and tracks silver dot worn by a user to allow

customers with limited mobility the opportunity to use an on-screen keyboard and “type” with head movements Large-print keyboard Zoomtext – Large-print software System Access – screen reader eClipseWriter – scanning software Braille translation software Braille embosser Kurzweil 3000 – scanning software for customers with learning disabilities textHelp and Write Gold – writing software for customers with learning disabilities large trackball mouse Ubi Duo system – a two piece type-based communication system that allows people with auditory disabilities to

communicate within a 500 ft radius o Development of a brochure promoting the accessible workstation and its functions o Creation of a brochure promoting databases that have speech to text functionality o Development of a bibliography promoting the Ajax Public Library‟s audio books, e-books, e-audio books and large print

collection o Increased web presence

An accessibility Service page has been added to the Ajax Public Library‟s website www.ajaxlibrary.ca and includes the following information

Policies and procedures Accessible equipment and services Visiting Library Services Online databases with audio capabilities

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Facility accessible information for all branches Collection and programs for persons with disabilities

Accessible Website & Web Content

o Complete redesign of the Town‟s external website including implementation of accessibility improvements such as

accessible PDF functions, Browse Aloud screen reading capability, text resizing functions and Google translate o Site meets WCAG 2.0 standards

Accessible formats & communication supports

o Availability of Language Line and TextNet software for customers requiring communication assistance at Town facilities

Image of www.ajax.ca website home page screen capture

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Employment

Workplace Emergency Response Information

o Developed form for staff to complete identifying whether or not they require assistance during workplace emergencies or evacuations; included in orientation package

o Creation of template document to be used to develop individual workplace emergency response plans with employee(s) and Health & Safety/WSIB Coordinator taking into consideration individual accommodation needs

Ajax High School, School-to-Work Program

o Continued partnership with Ajax High School‟s School-to-work program that provides opportunities for students with developmental disabilities to gain experience in the work force by assisting with maintenance practices at the Ajax Community Centre

Assistive Devices used for Ajax Public Library Human Resources

o The Ubi Duo was used as a communications tool for new hiring interviews and meetings

Image of universal pictographs of persons with disabilities

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Transportation

Municipal Taxicabs

o Provisions in place within the town of Ajax Taxi By-law to ensure that owners and operators of municipal taxicabs are prohibited from charging a higher fare for persons with disabilities or for the storage of assistive devices.

Photo of an accessible taxi cab with rear access

ramp extended

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Built Environment

Maintenance, Renovations & Retrofits

o St. Francis Centre

Accessible lift installed next to the stage to allow participants the ability to move from the floor to the stage level

Assistive listening devices installed and available for patrons with hearing impairments

Power door operators installed on main entrance, crush lobby and facility washroom doors

Side aisles were constructed with wide width to accommodate scooters

Telescopic seating allows for front row accessible seating areas

o Ajax Community Centre

Middle wooden door in the ladies members‟ change room

dividing the sauna and washrooms from the locker area has had a new window cut into the door allowing the opening and closing of the door safely. Door has been adjusted to the least amount of force necessary to open and close by pushing.

Entrance door leading into the ladies members‟ change room has had door knobs removed and new latches

installed to allow easier use of the door. Door closure doors have been adjusted to allow the least amount of force to open the door while still allowing it to latch (Keyscan system) Main doors to the training club have been replaced with new lighter metal doors; doors have been adjusted to allow the least amount of force to open the door while still allowing it to latch (Keyscan system)

Two doors leading to training club hallway have been adjusted to allow the least amount of force to open the door while still allowing it to latch

Photo of St. Francis Centre, for Community,

Arts & Culture

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Addition of grab bar in shower areas to assist with balance and support

o McLean Community Centre

Main reception customer service counter has been cut to remove a section of higher counter and enable communication and correspondence at the lower counter height which is more suitable for someone who requires to be seated or may be using a seated mobility device.

Trails, Parks & Public Spaces o Consideration for accessibility elements in capital engineering projects relative to parks, trails and public spaces

o 2011 Parks & Public Spaces:

Old Kingston Road Urban Square: concrete paved urban square, accessible from all access points, accessible metal picnic table complete with umbrella, accessible roll curb at parking area, accessible gazebo, no stairs.

Wyndham South Parkette: asphalt paved walkways, no stairs, concrete seating area with accessible picnic table complete with umbrella, engineered wood fiber playground surface

Menkes Parkette: asphalt paved walkways, no stairs, concrete seating area with accessible picnic table complete with umbrella, engineered wood fibre playground surface

Bicknell Parkette: asphalt paved walkways, no stairs, concrete seating area with accessible picnic table complete with umbrella, engineered wood fibre playground surface

Sundial Parkette: asphalt paved walkways, no stairs, concrete seating area, engineered wood fibre playground surface, accessible gazebo, accessible postal kiosk

o 2011 Trails:

Carruthers Trail (Kingston Road to Kerrison Drive): 3m wide asphalt trail, no stairs, accessible cross slopes and long slopes, accessible bridge, accessible concrete paved seating area under trellis

Achilles Trail (Porte Road to Salem Road): 3m wide asphalt trail, no stairs, accessible cross and long slopes (maximum 8% adjacent to Achilles Road), wooden guard rails at the

Photo of Accessible picnic tables

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culvert and along the long slope

Memorial Outdoor Pool

o Revitalization of the facility included rebuilding of existing pool house to include larger public changing spaces as well as the addition of accessible and family change areas

o Renovation of the existing pool tank accommodated construction of an access pool ramp

o Replacement of security fencing o Provision of on-deck shade opportunities o Replacement of existing tot pool with interactive water feature

Accessibility Facility Design Criteria for municipal capital projects

(and private developments where applicable)

o All applicants seeking approval for development or redevelopment opportunities are encouraged to comply with the Town of Ajax Facility Accessibility Design Guidelines (2007) through the site plan review and building permit process

o Projects approved for construction in 2011 included: Unnamed Catholic elementary school, 51 Williamson Drive East Unnamed Public elementary school, 61 Williamson Drive East RioCan Building „G‟ – The Beer Store, 1953 Ravenscroft Road Go Transit parking structure, 90 Westney Road South Salem Business Park, M. A. Stewart & sons, 40 Pugsley Court Audley Recreation Centre, 1955 Audley Road Swiss Chalet Restaurant, 1993 Salem Road North Perlane Building „D‟ (one storey, multi-unit), 336 Rossland Road East Il Fornello restaurant, 95 Kingston Road East Canada Post addition, 265 Harwood Avenue North Bob Myers Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership addition, 425 Bayly Street McDonalds Restaurant addition, 135 Kingston road East Shell Canada: car wash, convenience, gas bar, 1991 Salem Road North

Photo of Memorial Outdoor Pool

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Multi-Year Implementation Plan (2012-2017)

The following items highlight planned projects associated with the prevention, identification and removal of barriers for all who live, work, visit and play in the Town of Ajax. The list is formatted to reflect the commitment targets of the Ajax Accessibility in Action Strategy and core standards of the AODA and identifies timelines for completion.

General Requirements – Policy & Procedure

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

o Outline the Town of Ajax‟s strategy to prevent, identify and remove barriers and meet the requirements of the AODA and accompanying accessibility standards (2012/2013)

o Provide an annual status report on the progress of the plan‟s implementation (ongoing) o Conduct a comprehensive review of the plan every five years (2017)

Accessibility Planning in Town of Ajax Strategic, Departmental and Master Plans (ongoing)

o Ensure that all Town planning projects (i.e. Integrated Community Accessibility Plan, Community Action plan, Diversity & Community Engagement Plan, Multi-Year Accessibility Plan) continue to be reviewed with a Diversity lens and vetted through the Accessibility Advisory Committee, where applicable

Policy Review and Development (2013 -2017)

o Develop and maintain policy documents relative to how the Town of Ajax will achieve accessibility through meeting the requirements of the AODA and accompanying accessibility standards

o Develop statement of commitment to meeting accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner o Content to speak to accessibility considerations for procurement, alternate formats and communications supports,

recruitment, employee accommodation, workplace emergency response, return to work processes, performance management career development, employee redeployment

o Annual review of existing accessibility related documents using diversity lens

Training on the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation and Ontario Human Rights Code (2014)

o Develop and deliver mandatory accessibility training applicable to all employees, volunteers and third parties o Provide in multiple formats (ex. face-to face training sessions, e-learning, job aids); tailor to employee duties

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Customer Service

Ajax Public Library

o Promotion of the Daisy talking book and magazine collection (2012) Investigate community mapping project and agencies serving persons with disabilities

o Develop an annual training plan as a refresher course for library staff (2012) o Investigate children‟s collections and promote resources to school boards o Investigate database accessibility components for persons with disabilities (2013)

Review accessibility legislation and product policies from database providers (Gale/EBSCO, Overdrive, Freegal and Freading, etc.)

Incorporate questions to ask suppliers to ensure e-resources are accessible

Procurement (2013)

o Review/revise procurement process and guiding documents to incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring and acquiring goods, services or facilities, including accessibility features when designing self-service kiosks.

Municipal Election Accessibility (2013-2014)

o Ensure that coordination of the 2014 municipal election includes accessibility considerations o Review elections manuals, technology and software o Investigate assistive voting technology opportunities o Develop municipal election accessibility plan o Provide post-election accessibility report to Council and make publically available

Inclusion Support (ongoing)

o Provision of inclusion support staff to assist participants who are residents of Ajax, in Recreation & Culture programs o Development and implementation of inclusion support staff training

Community accessibility partnerships (ongoing)

o Continued partnership with Grandview Children‟s Centre to provide program space for programs and camps operated by Grandview for Ajax residents

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National Access Awareness Week Recognition (annual)

o The Accessibility Advisory Committee in partnership with the Ajax Public Library hosted a free film screening of “A Smile as Big as the Moon” in celebration of National Access Awareness Week (June 2012)

o Council Proclamation of National Access Awareness Week (May 27 to June 2, 2012) o „Invisible Disabilities‟ awareness display created by Committee members

Customer Feedback Mechanisms (ongoing)

o Monitor current customer feedback mechanisms and look to increase feedback/engagement with persons with disabilities

Accessible Customer Service Standard regulation implementation (ongoing)

o Continue to conduct, asses and review accessible customer service training for staff volunteers and third parties o Continue responding to all accessibility related feedback received

Accessible Programming (ongoing)

o Continue development of accessible and inclusive recreation and culture programming opportunities

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Information & Communications

Continued communications and awareness of accessibility issues for the public and staff: o Annual recognition of National Access Awareness Week (annual)

Plan and implementation of a campaign/event to increase awareness of accessibility issues related to persons with disabilities

o Participation in annual Volunteer Recognition Awards – Community Accessibility Award (annual) o Participation in Region of Durham Accessibility/Durham

Region Employment Network Employability Awards (annual) o Contribute to Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee

Newsletter (ongoing) o Contribute to „The Citizen‟, diversity newsletter (2013)

Ajax Public Library (2013)

o Provision of information about the availability of accessible materials, in a variety of accessible formats or with communication supports on request

Create blogs to promote e-books, talking books, audio books and other downloadable resources

Accessible Formats and Communication Supports (2014-2015)

o Develop accessibility standards for major corporate publications including advertising such as the community pages, promotional materials (flyers, posters) and resident communications (notices, reports, etc.)

o Review and develop relevant policy/procedure documents pertaining to the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities, taking into consideration accessibility format/communication supports requirements

o Develop guidelines and resources for creating accessible documents for common workplace desktop applications: Word, Excel, PDFs, PowerPoint (2013)

o Review Town print communications materials for accessibility

Photo of the Accessible Workstation at the Ajax

Public Library Main Branch

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Accessible Website & Web Content (2012-2013)

o Review online applications o Provide ongoing staff training on how to create accessible online documents o Develop tip sheets and staff resources o Include accessibility considerations in site upgrades

Smart Phone applications: Review and Design (2014)

o Smartphone applications offer many new possibilities for interaction between the Town of Ajax and its residents. To make the best use of new technologies, there is need for understanding how they work for audiences in terms of usability and total user experience. Not only do smart phone applications need to be designed carefully to meet the needs and preference of persons with disabilities and older audiences, but such multimedia can illuminate some of the barriers encounters by these audiences (ex. how to remotely report a barrier on a municipal sidewalk)

Review best practices Design application Launch application

Website redesign (2016)

o Coordinate comprehensive website redesign, providing the opportunity to incorporate new technologies and accessibility tools

o WCAG Level 2.0 AA compliance (2021)

Photo of Smart Phone

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Employment

Ajax Public Library (2012)

o Develop a staff check list of all accessible resources and services as part of the orientation package for new staff Include information on CNIB collection, features of the accessible workstation, accessible database features, etc.

Employee Employment Accommodations (2014)

o Ensure that recruitment planning, screening and selection processes provide and notify availability of accommodations o Ensure appropriate accommodations are provided to current employees as required o Ensure a return to work process with related accommodation support is in place o Ensure that performance management, career development and redeployment practices take into consideration the

accessibility and accommodation needs of employees with disabilities o Ensure that workplace emergency response information is provided in an accessible format or with accommodation

upon request Review and revise where necessary, policy and work processes for recruitment, workplace emergency response,

employee accommodations, return to work processes, performance management, career development and employee redeployment

Develop targeted staff training on policy and process changes Communicate employment policies and processes to all staff

Ajax High School, School-to-Work Program (ongoing)

o Continued partnership with Ajax High School‟s School-to-work program that provides opportunities for students with developmental disabilities to gain experience in the work force by assisting with maintenance practices at the Ajax Community Centre

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Transportation

Municipal Taxicabs (2012-2013, bi-annual review)

o Facilitate consultation with the public, Accessibility Advisory Committee, staff and persons with disabilities to determine the proportion of on-demand accessible taxicabs required in Ajax

Host public meeting for feedback Presentation to AAC Commit to review bi-annually; subsequent actions to be documented within the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Public Transit Design Criteria Review (2013, ongoing)

o Participate in consultation relative to accessible design criteria to be considered in the Regional construction, renovation or replacement of bus stops and shelters

As public transportation is a Regional matter, ensure that there is the opportunity to provide public feedback to Durham Region Transit relative to bus stops and shelters, as well as specialized transit services on an annual basis through a public meeting/presentation to the Accessibility Advisory Committee

Two members of the Regional Accessibility Advisory Committee currently sit on the Transit Advisory Committee and provide feedback and comment relative to accessibility.

Photo of a Durham Region

Transit Bus

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Built Environment

Maintenance, Renovations & Retrofits

o St. Andrews Community Centre (2012)

Replacement of main entrance benches with higher seating to make sitting and standing easier for program participants

Purchase options to be reviewed with Seniors Club members; possibility for design and build

o Village Seniors Centre (2012)

Replacement of benches in games room with higher seating to make sitting and standing easier for program participants

Purchase options to be reviewed with Seniors Club members; possibility for design and build

o St. Francis Centre (2013)

Addition of blinds to box office transaction windows to allow for office to be utilized as an accessible change space; blinds or window film to be installed to provide privacy

o Ajax Public Library (2013)

Obtain cost quotations for strobe lighting for washrooms to assist with wayfinding and emergency evacuation

Trails, Parks & Public Spaces (ongoing)

o Continued consideration for accessibility elements in capital engineering projects relative to parks, trails and public spaces

o 2012 Trails:

Carruthers Trail (Kingston Road to Kerrison): 3m wide asphalt trail, no stairs, accessible cross slopes and long slopes

Photo of Ajax Waterfront Trail

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Waterfront Trail/Carruthers Creek Pedestrian Bridge): 3m wide asphalt trail, no stairs, accessible cross slopes and long slopes, accessible pedestrian bridge with metal guard rails

o 2012 Parks & Public Spaces:

Audley Recreation Centre: inclusive playground, fully accessible with many playground and garden components, asphalt and concrete walkways and trails, no stairs, concrete seating areas, engineered wood fibre playground surface, accessible water park complete with concrete paved surfaces and play components, concrete paved seating area at the trellis, asphalt paved multi-purpose courts

Michaelman Parkette: asphalt paved walkways, no stairs, concrete seating areas, engineered wood fibre playground surface

Sundial Downtown Parkette: asphalt paved walkways, concrete paved seating area with accessible picnic table, accessible rolled curb at street crossing

Kings Crescent and Harwood Avenue: unit paved road crossing, rolled curbs at road crossing points, unit paved pedestrian seating area, no stairs, audible pedestrian signals at crossings

Audley Recreation Centre, 1955 Audley Road (2013)

o Development of a new single-storey accessible community centre and park with 2 pools (teaching/lane), gymnasium, youth room, community room, teaching kitchen and preschool room. Outdoor amenities to include skate park, splash pad, universal playground, tennis and basketball courts, walking trails, events space and pond

Photo of Ajax Audley Recreation Centre

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Accessibility Facility Design Criteria for municipal capital projects (and private developments where applicable)

o Continue to encourage all applicants seeking approval for development or redevelopment opportunities to comply with the Town of Ajax Facility Accessibility Design Guidelines through the site plan review and building permit process

o Continue to review development applications to address external access to the building on the basis of universal design principles

o Monitor the development of the forthcoming DRAFT Design of Public Spaces Standards (proposed compliance by

2016), and identify implications for new or redeveloped Town of Ajax building projects relative to public spaces (recreational trails, beach access routes, outdoor public eating areas, outdoor play spaces, exterior paths of travel, accessible parking, obtaining services)

o Identify and implement process for consultation with AAC, the public and persons with disabilities where prescribed within the proposed amendment to OR 191/11

o The following buildings are proposed to commence construction in 2012:

St. Mary & St. Abraam Coptic Orthodox Church, 10 Fuller Road Refuge City Pentecostal Church, 10 Fuller Road Perlane Building A/H: four storey medical office building, 300 Rossland Road East Perlane Building B: Tim Hortons, 330 Rossland Road East Perlane Building F: Gold‟s Gym, 306 Rossland Road East Rio-Can Building „B-1‟: one-storey commercial fitness centre, 1937 Ravenscroft Road Rio-can Building „B-3‟: one-storey commercial, 1937 Ravenscroft Road Rio-Can Building „F‟: one-storey multi-tenant commercial, 1949 Ravenscroft Road Southwood Park Public School: four classroom and elevator addition, 28 Lambard Crescent Stroud Farms: one-storey farm produce market, 786 Taunton Road East Tri-star management Corp: one-storey office, 36 Salem Road South Nottingham Commercial (phase II): „No Frills‟ grocery store, 87 Williamson Drive West Nottingham Commercial (phase II): „TD Canada Trust‟ bank, 83 Williamson Drive West Intact insurance: one-storey atrium link, 59 Westney Road South Hilton Homewood Suites: six-storey, 104 suite extended stay hotel, 600 Beck Crescent Pioneer Energy, carwash, convenience store and gas bar, 290 Rossland Road East

o The following buildings are projected to commence construction in 2013:

Pat Bayly Square: civic square with reflective pool/skating rink and amphitheater, Harwood Avenue/Bayly Street

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Medallion Tower A: 25-storey building including commercial and office space, and 284 residential units, Harwood Avenue South/Bayly Street

Accettone Funeral Home: crematorium building, 384 Finley Avenue Endras Infiniti: auto dealership, Achilles Road Kingdom Hall of Jehovah‟s Witnesses: one-storey church, 877 Westney Road South Nottingham Commercial (phase 2): multi-unit commercial, 79 Williamson Drive West Rio-can Building „B-2‟: one-storey commercial, 1937 Ravenscroft Road Rio-can Building „J‟: one-storey commercial,1939 Ravenscroft Road Rio-can Building „C‟: one-storey commercial, 1945 Ravenscroft Road Perlane Building „C‟: one-storey business plaza, 334 Rossland Road East Salem Business Park (phase 2): two-storey office, Blowers Crescent Suncor Energy Inc.: Petro-Canada gas bar, convenience store and carwash, 201 Taunton Road West

o The following buildings are projected to commence construction in 2014:

Greenvilla apartments: four storey, 22 unit apartment residences, 290 Old Harwood Road Accettone Funeral Home: one-storey reception hall, 384 Finley Avenue Cluthe Land Ridge Developments (phase 2): 127 residential apartment units, Ravenscroft Road /Taunton Road Endras Dealer 1: auto dealership, Achilles Road Endras Collision Centre: auto collision repair, Achilles Road Faithway Baptist Church: expansion phase 1, 1964 Salem Road North Higgins Bldg. „M02‟: one storey industrial, Keensford Court Islamic School: one-storey gymnasium building, 2944 Audley Road Medallion Tower B: 23-storey building including commercial space and 278 residential units, Harwood Avenue

South/Bayly Street Rio-can Building „H‟: one-storey commercial,1943 Ravenscroft Road Jamatkhana Mosque: one-storey place of worship, 438 Monarch Avenue Runnymede Salem/Bayly: commercial building, Salem Road South/Bayly Street East Runnymede Salem/Chambers Bldg. A: multi-storey office building, Salem Road South/Chambers Drive Salem Business Park (phase 1 – lot 2): multi-unit business/industrial, 20 Pugsley Court Scanga Properties Building #1: one-storey commercial, 60 Salem Road South

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o The following buildings are projected to commence construction in 2015:

Old Harwood Seniors Residences, five-storey, 135 unit senior apartment residences, 216-240 Old Harwood Avenue

Dunbury Apartments: multi-storey 220 unit residential apartment building, Harwood Avenue /Rossland Road Endras Dealer #2: auto dealership, Achilles Road Green Court: industrial building, 55 Green Court Hermitage Plaza: commercial pad, 605 Church Street North Higgins North Commercial: anchor tenant building, Rossland Road East Lawrence Avenue Group: commercial building #1, Salem Road South/Bayly Street East Loblaws Warehouse: north expansion, 500 Bayly Street East. Medallion Rossland Apartment Block A: 75 residential apartment units, Rossland Road East Orchard Road: industrial building, 77 Orchard Road Runnymede Beechridge: Grandview Children‟s Centre, Salem Road North/Rossland Road East Runnymede Salem/Chambers Bldg. B: business/commercial, Salem Road South/Chambers Drive Salem Business Park (phase 1 – lot 3): business/industrial, 30 Pugsley Court Scanga Properties Building #2: one-storey commercial, 60 Salem Road South. Westney Road Commercial: commercial building, 275 Westney Road South Westney Road Seniors Residence: 132 unit senior apartment residences, Westney Road /Rossland Road Zentil Developments: industrial building – Westney Road South/Shaw Court

o The following buildings are projected to commence construction in 2016:

Cluthe Land Ridge Developments (phase 2): 113 residential apartment units, Ravenscroft /Taunton Road Bayly-Westney Medical Centre: medical office building, Westney Road South/Bayly Street West MacKenzie Bayly Commercial: one-storey commercial, MacKenzie Avenue/Bayly Street West Endras Dealer #3: auto dealership – Achilles Road Faithway Baptist Church: expansion phase II, 1964 Salem Road North Higgins North Commercial: bank building, Rossland Road East Higgins North Commercial: restaurant building, Rossland Road East Laor Developments: one-storey business/industrial condos, 1901 Harwood Avenue North Lawrence Avenue Group: commercial building #2, Salem Road South/Bayly Street East Medallion Tower C: 24-storey building including commercial space, and 400 residential units, Harwood Avenue

South/Bayly Street

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Picov Commercial: commercial building, Kingston Road East Runnymede: commercial building, Harkins Drive/Rossland Road West Runnymede Salem/Chambers: restaurant 1, Salem Road South/Chambers Drive Runnymede Salem/Chambers: restaurant 2, Salem Road South/Chambers Drive Salem Business Park (phase 2): industrial building, Blowers Crescent Sundial Apartments: multi-storey 50 unit residential apartment building, Commercial Avenue

o The following buildings are projected to commence construction in 2017:

Clute Land Ridge Developments (phase 2): 45 residential apartment units, Ravenscroft Road/Taunton Road West Durham Centre Annex: one-storey commercial pad, Harwood Avenue North/Ringer Road Higgins Building M05: industrial building, Harwood Avenue North Higgins North Commercial: multi-tenant building, Rossland Road East Lawrence Avenue Group: commercial building #3, Salem Road South/Bayly Street East Loblaws: warehouse building #2, Bayly Street East Medallion Rossland Apartments Block B: 290 residential apartment units, Rossland Road East. Rio-can Ajax Marketplace: one-storey commercial pad, 475 Westney Road East Runnymede Passvale North: industrial building, Audley Road S./Highway 401 Runnymede Salem/Chambers: office building, Salem Road South/Chambers Drive Salem Business Park (phase 2): industrial building, Blowers Crescent

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Feedback & Contacts

Members of the public are encouraged to make comments on the Town of Ajax Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and accessibility matters in general. We want to hear from you! There are a number of ways you can contact the Town of Ajax to express your accessibility related comments.

Contact Information:

Sarah Moore, Committee/Accessibility Coordinator

Email: sarah.moore@ajax.ca or accessibility@ajax.ca Phone: 905-619-2529 ext. 3347

TTY: 905-683-0170 TextNet: 1-866-460-4489

Fax: 905-683-1061

Mail: Accessibility - 65 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax, ON L1S 2H9 Nicole Wellsbury, Manager – Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk

Email: nicole.wellsbury@ajax.ca or accessibility@ajax.ca Phone: 905-619-2529 ext. 3342

TTY: 905-683-0170 TextNet: 1-866-460-4489

Fax: 905-683-1061

Mail: Accessibility - 65 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax, ON L1S 2H9 Please note: Hardcopy Customer Feedback Forms are also available at

all Town facilities. Ask any staff member for assistance and they will be pleased to help you.

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Glossary

Accessibility:

In a context relating to people with disabilities, the term can be defined as the degree with which people with disabilities are able to access the functionality, and possible benefit, of some system or entity. Essentially, „Accessibility‟ refers to the potential for a product or service to be beneficial to as many people as possible.

Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC):

An Advisory Committee of council established in 2002 to provide council with advice on the Annual Accessibility Plan, development site plans, customer feedback and relevant legislation. The AAC will also, pertinent to its mandate and when applicable, provide recommendations on policies, programs and regulations as well as support broader corporate initiatives that advance the interests of the Town as identified in the Corporate Strategic Plan.

Accessibility Plan:

A program and itemization of forecasted initiatives to identify past achievements with respect to improving accessibility for people with disabilities, formulating future goals and providing a context by which both can be assessed and evaluated. The Accessibility Plan is developed by the Accessibility Coordinator in conjunction with Town staff, the AAC and various other stakeholders.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA): Legislation enacted by the Province of Ontario in June of 2005, that provides the framework by which certain accessibility standards will be developed to ensure that businesses and organizations maintain practices and provide goods and services in a manner that is accessible to everyone including people with disabilities. Standard will be developed by Standards Development Committees and enacted as Ontario Regulations under the AODA: Customer Service (currently in place as OR 429/07), Transportation, Information and Communications, Built Environment, and Employment. The goal of the AODA is to build on the framework of the ODA, establish enforceable and qualitative standards in order to assist in developing a “fully accessible” province by 2025.

Accessible Formats:

May include, but are not limited to large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, Braille and other formats useable by persons with disabilities

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Ajax Facility Accessibility Design Guidelines: Guidelines providing accessibility design criteria for a variety of building elements that are generally above and beyond the current legislative requirements such as contained within the Ontario Building Code universal barrier-free design standards. The Town of Ajax will continue to monitor the development of the provincial Accessible Built Environment Standard, which once enacted would be the leading accessible design legislation alongside the Ontario Building Code.

Assistive Device: Any auxiliary tool, aid, technology or other mechanism that enables a person with a disability to do everyday tasks and activities such as moving, communicating or lifting; assists in accessing goods, services or information and helps the person to maintain their independence. Examples include but are not limited to: communication aids, cognition aids, personal mobility aids, and medical aids.

Barrier: Anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society due to his/her disability. The definition is not limited to structural or physical impediments, it can also relate to various other obstacles such as systemic, attitudinal, technological, informational etc. Barrier Identification Process: A Town of Ajax process (COR-WI-001) established to assist departments in identifying various barriers that restrict equal access to Town services or facilities by people with disabilities. The content collected through the Barrier Identification Process is consolidated and made available in the Town‟s annual Accessibility Plan. Communications: The interaction between two or more persons or entities, or any combination of them, where information is provided, sent or received

Communications Supports: May include, but are not limited to: captioning, alternative and augmentative communications supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that may facilitate effective communications

Designated Public Sector Organization: Every municipality and every person or organization listed in Column 1 of Table 1 of Ontario Regulation 146/10 (Public Bodies and Commission Public Bodies – Definitions) made under the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006.

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Disability:

The AODA echoes the definition of disability established by the Ontario Human Rights Code:

a) any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device

b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability

c) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language

d) a mental disorder, or

e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the workplace

safety and insurance act, 1997 (“handicap”).

Document Management System (DMS): The Town adopted the DMS system in mid-2003 as a centralized digital repository for ISO related documentation (Operating Procedures, Work Instructions and forms etc.). The DMS system currently houses additional documentation such as by-laws, corporate polices and manuals. Information: Includes data, facts and knowledge that exist in any format, including text, audio, digital or images, that convey meaning. Large Designated Public Sector Organization: Every municipality and person or organization listed in Column 1 of Table 1 of Ontario Regulation 146/10 (Public Bodies and Commission Public Bodies – Definitions) made under the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006, or described in Schedule 1 of the Regulation, with more than 50 employees. Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA): Legislation enacted by the Province in November of 2001 to „improve opportunities for persons with disabilities and provide for their

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involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers‟. The ODA required municipalities with more than 10,000 residents to develop and Accessibility Advisory Committee and to submit an annual Accessibility Plan to the province. The AODA will eventually replace the ODA; however, a date for its repeal has not yet been determined.

Ontario Human Rights Code:

A provincial law in Ontario that gives all citizens equal rights and opportunities without discrimination in specific areas such as employment, housing and services. The Human Rights Commission was established as an oversight and appeal body in relation to the law. Prior to the ODA being enacted in 2001, the Human Rights Code was the only applicable legislation to uphold accessibility rights.

Ontario Regulation 429/07 (Accessible Customer Service Standard):

The first standard to be released under the AODA which will took force and effect for all public organizations on January 1, 2010 and private organizations on January 1, 2012. The standard mandates the development of policies, practices and procedures in the areas of communication, notice for disruption of services, service and support animals, assistive devices, training and customer feedback in relation to the core principles of the standard; dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

Ontario Regulation 191/11 (Integrated Accessibility Standards):

The second standard to be released under the AODA which will took force and effect for all public organizations on July 1, 2011. The standard consolidates the development of policies, practices and procedures in the areas of information and communications, employment and transportation within a phased implementation schedule.

Redeployment: The reassignment of employees to other departments or jobs within the organization

Standard: The criterion establishing what a person or organization must accomplish to achieve the minimum level of compliance. Accessibility Standards will be legislated by way of Ontario Regulations pursuant to the AODA.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): International guidelines to ensure consistent web accessibility; the World Wide Web Consortium recommendation, dated December 2008, entitled “Web Content Accessibility Guidelines” (WCAG) 2.0.