Wigwamen Incorporated’s Commitment to Accessibility
Wigwamen Incorporated (“Wigwamen”) is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all our tenants, employees, job applicants, and visitors, who may enter our premises or use our facilities. We are also committed to the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), and its associated standards and regulations.
Wigwamen is committed to treating people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by identifying, removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility standards in accordance with the AODA.
We are committed to ensuring our organization’s compliance by incorporating accessibility legislation into our policies, procedures, training, and best practices. Wigwamen is committed to making every reasonable effort to accommodate people with disabilities, provided such accommodation does not cause Wigwamen undue hardship.
The following is an outline of our commitment and upon request, we will provide a copy of this document in an alternative accessible format.
General Standards
Training
Wigwamen is committed to training our employees and volunteers on Ontario’s accessibility laws and aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities. We will provide training on an ongoing basis whenever changes are made to relevant policies, procedures, and practices.
Communication
Wigwamen is committed to communicating with persons who have disabilities in a manner which takes into account their disability. We will train employees to ensure they interact and communicate effectively with people with various types of disabilities.
Availability and Format of Documents
Upon request, Wigwamen will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities. We will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of the format or communication support. We will provide the accessible format in a timely manner that will take into account accessibility needs of persons with disabilities at a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons.
Accessible websites and web content
Wigwamen will ensure that our websites and web content conform with the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level A.
Employment
Wigwamen will notify employees, potential hires and the public that accommodations and supports can be made during our recruitment and hiring process. We will notify employees that supports are available for those with disabilities and will provide customized individual emergency plans to help an employee with a disability during an emergency. Our performance management and career development processes will also take into account the accessibility needs of all employees.
Providing Services to Persons with Disabilities
Personal Assistive Devices
Wigwamen is committed to serving people with disabilities who use assistive devices to obtain access to our services. We will also ensure that our employees are familiarized with various assistive devices that may be used by customers with disabilities while accessing our facilities and services.
Use of service animals and support persons
Wigwamen is committed to welcoming persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal on our premises that are open to the public. We will also ensure that all employees and volunteers are properly trained in how to interact with persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal.
Wigwamen welcomes persons who are accompanied by a support person. Any person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to enter our facilities with his or her support person. At no time will a person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person be prevented from having access to his or her support person while on our premises.
Notice of Temporary Disruptions
Wigwamen will provide notice to our tenants in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in services usually used by persons with a disability. Based on available information, the notice will include the reason for the disruption, anticipated duration and a description of alternate services, if available.
Feedback Process
If you would like to submit an inquiry or provide feedback concerning accessible services or requests for an alternative format or communication support, please submit in writing by email or by telephone. Please direct your feedback to info@Wigwamen.com or call (416) 481-4451.