Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Message from Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs
- Report on Achievement of 2005-2006 Planning Commitments
- Section 4 - Built Environment
- Section 5 - Procurement
- Section 6 - Government Internet sites
- Section 7 - Government publications
- Section 8 - Government employee accommodation
- Section 9 - Government funded capital programs
- Section 10 - Accessibility planning
- Acts and Regulations
- Policies
- Programs and Services
- Practices
- Commitments and Strategies for 2006-2007
- Section 4 - Built Environment
- Section 5 - Procurement
- Section 6 - Government Internet sites
- Section 7 - Government publications
- Section 8 - Government employee accommodation
- Section 9 - Government funded capital programs
- Section 10 - Accessibility planning
- Acts and Regulations
- Policies
- Programs and Services
- Practices
- For More Information
Introduction
Ontario's success and prosperity depends on our ability to leverage the talents, experience and expertise of every person who resides in the province. Our obligation is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and enjoy all that this province has to offer. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 is a landmark law that lays the foundation for developing standards of accessibility that signals a new era of inclusive and welcoming communities.
In addition to their obligations under the AODA, all Ontario government ministries, municipalities, hospitals, school boards, colleges, universities and public transportation organizations are required to develop annual accessibility plans to make policies, practices, programs, services, and buildings more accessible to people with disabilities. These plans are then made available to the public.
The government of Ontario’s obligations are across all areas of activity both in its provision of services to the public and in its role as an employer. Accessibility must be considered in government service delivery and in the employment, purchasing, communication and facilities ownership, and management practices and policies of the Ontario Public Service. As a consequence ministries across government are increasing awareness of accessibility and integrating accessibility into daily business practices in a large number of areas including staff training, public information, facilities and program and services delivery processes.
This document is the fourth annual accessibility plan developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the second to include the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs. It highlights achievement for the 2005/06 plan and outlines commitments for 2006/07. It includes information on:
- Built Environment
- Procurement of Goods and Services
- Government Internet Sites
- Government Publications
- Government Employees Accommodation
- Government Funded Capital Programs
- Accessibility Planning
- Acts and Regulations
- Policies and Practices
- Programs and Services
The Ministry and the Secretariat will continue to work in partnership with all Ontarians, building on our achievements to date. We will also continue to eliminate barriers so that we can reach our vision of making Ontario's communities strong, vital, and accessible to all.
Message from the Minister
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs strongly support the government’s goal of identifying, removing, and preventing barriers, as well as improving accessibility. As part of our commitment to people with disabilities, we have taken important steps to improve access to information and outdoor experiences for Ontario residents and visitors alike.
In the past year, both the ministry and the secretariat have moved ahead with efforts to provide key information on Internet sites and in publications in a range of formats and media that can easily be accessed by people with disabilities. We will continue to ensure that our legislation, policies and programs eliminate barriers and are responsive to the needs of the public.
In providing access to the outdoors, the ministry has constructed structures on Crown land to allow people with disabilities to gain recreational access and enjoy nature. The ministry and the secretariat have incorporated the goals of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 in business plans, capital projects planning, procurement of goods and services and a wide range of other activities.
We are working to support the government’s commitment to make the province strong, vital, and accessible to people of all abilities. This includes ensuring all Ontario residents and visitors have equitable access to information on natural resources, outdoor experiences in provincial parks and on Crown land and job opportunities in the ministry and secretariat.
We seek to provide excellent service to all people and cooperate with an array of partners and stakeholders to achieve that goal. As we meet our priorities and those of the government, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs are able to contribute to a healthier Ontario, stronger communities and a higher quality of life for everyone.
Honourable David Ramsay
Minister of Natural Resources
Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs
Report on Achievement of 2005-2006 Planning Commitments
In 2005-06 the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs (OSAA) have implemented a number of measures to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. The focus in 2005-06 has been on meeting legislated requirements for accessibility under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) and raising awareness within the ministry of the new Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, which received Royal Assent on June 13, 2005. At present, new standards are currently being developed within the public sector.
The following data lists the achievements of the ministry and the Secretariat towards the 2005-06 planning commitments. While both the ministry and Secretariat are proud of these efforts, both recognize that there is more work to be done. Both the ministry and the Secretariat remain strongly committed to improving accessibility for people with disabilities in all aspects of our work.
Section 4 - Built Environment
Commitment: MNR and the Secretariat will meet the Standards for Barrier-Free Design of Ontario Government Facilities in its facility acquisition, construction or significant renovation to existing or leased facilities.
Park Visitor Centres and comfort stations will meet the new barrier-free design standards.
OSAA will be relocating to new premises by the end of the 2005-06 fiscal year. The Secretariat will incorporate government-wide accessibility guidelines in the design and construction of its new facilities, as well as current requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
Action and Timeframe: MNR and Secretariat facility planning, acquisition, construction or substantial renovation will adhere to the government adopted standards for barrier-free design. MNR and the Secretariat will meet this commitment in facility planning and development initiatives undertaken in 2005-06.
Status: Standards for barrier-free design of Ontario Government facilities were released in October 2004 and have been communicated widely within ministries. Provisions are mandatory for buildings, structures, and premises that the government leases, purchases, constructs, or significantly renovates. The ministry is meeting the standards and will have regard for them in less significant renovations or improvements.
Significant completion was reached with the construction of the MNR Aylmer District Office, as well as the French River Park Visitor Centre, Inverhuron campground, and various other Park comfort stations. All facilities meet the new barrier-free design standards.
In early 2005-06 it was stated that the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs would be relocated to a new premises by the end of the fiscal year. This action did not occur and the relocation of the OSAA from 720 Bay Street in Toronto remains in planning mode. At present, movement from the current location is under review.
Rationale: When a decision is made to relocate OSAA from its present location at 720 Bay Street in Toronto occurs, MNR will meet government-wide accessibility guidelines as required.
Commitment: New operating proposals to be included in program business plans and in the ministry’s and Secretariat’s corporate business plans for 2006-07 will be reviewed from the standpoint of accessibility issues and measures to ensure prevention of barriers.
Action and Timeframe: Reviews will be carried out during the 2006-07 Results Based Planning process and will include Section 4 (accessibility to government buildings and premises) and Section 5 (accessibility in procurement of goods and services).
Status: Completed. ODA requirements are now included in the Results Based Planning process. Any capital project that is undertaken is required to include ODA requirements in all stages of planning and implementation. Accessibility concerns are now an integral step in the planning process for business plans; capital projects, and procurements of goods and services.
Section 5 - Procurement of goods and services
Commitment: MNR and the Secretariat will ensure managers and supervisors are provided guidance on accessibility in procurement of goods and services. MNR will continue to implement the government-wide guidelines for accessibility in its procurement processes.
Action and Timeframe: MNR and the Secretariat will continue to adhere to MGS procurement accessibility guidelines, will communicate these to relevant staff, and will incorporate them in the ministry’s and Secretariat’s procurement procedures. The ministry will also review and apply when available the upcoming Accessible Procurement E-module Training Tool for training staff in accessibility provisions in procurement, scheduled for 2005-06.
Status: As part of their procurement process and guidelines, OSS has incorporated requirements of the ODA in their documents when issuing MNR procurements. The MYOPS site contains an ODA Requirements Checklist and other procurement tools.
Rationale: OSS will continue to improve its procurement procedure to further increase accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities. MNR will request that OSS ensures that the E-module training tool becomes available to all staff, and that the tools and checklists available on the MYOPS website are updated for the 2005 Act.
Section 6 - Government Internet sites
Commitment: The ministry will ensure that Internet sites are accessible, including the testing of all new site content.
Action and Timeframe: MNR will ensure that accessibility provisions are met in the work underway to redesign the ministry's general web site.
The ministry and the Secretariat continue to monitor all sites and materials for compliance with ODA accessibility requirements.
Status: The ministry monitors all sites and materials for compliance with ODA accessibility requirements. Redesign of the ministry's web site has not been completed pending the procurement of a new content management system for the ministry as well as the implementation of the new design standards for Ontario government websites. Web site redesign and implementation of improvements will meet ODA accessibility requirements.
Section 7 - Government publications
Commitment: The ministry will follow existing Publications Ontario guidelines and procedures for complying with accessible formats.
Action and Timeframe: MNR and the Secretariat will continue to work cooperatively with Publications Ontario to provide publications in an ODA compliant format. All ministry and Secretariat staff will be provided with ongoing guidance on procedures for responding to requests for publications in accessible formats.
Status: This commitment has been met in 2005-06.
Section 8 - Government employee accommodation
Commitment: MNR and the Secretariat will identify employee accommodation needs and access the Employment Accommodation Fund to accommodate staff with disabilities. Since the Secretariat is currently initiating the process of moving to new premises by the end of the 2005-06 fiscal year, part of the plan leading up to that move will incorporate a review of all current furnishings to assess the accommodation needs of current employees and, where possible, incorporate flexibility in accommodation design to address future demands.
Action and Timeframe: Ministry and Secretariat procedures incorporating these actions regarding staff with disabilities will be followed throughout the 2005-06 year.
Status: In 2005-06 MNR and the Secretariat identified employee accommodation needs and accessed the Employment Accommodation Fund to make provision for staff with disabilities.
The proposed move of the Ontario Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs from their current main office location of 720 Bay Street in Toronto has been deferred for a final decision. Once reactivated, the plans will incorporate a review of all current furnishings to asses and meet the accommodation needs of current employees.
Rationale: MNR and the Secretariat will ensure compliance with regulations and make use of new opportunities and OPS resources.
Commitment: The ministry and the Secretariat will ensure that all existing and new managers and supervisors complete training on accommodating the accessibility needs of employees and job applicants with disabilities.
Action and Timeframe: Ongoing efforts will be undertaken in 2005-06 to ensure completion of training by all qualifying managers/supervisors.
Status: All existing and new managers and supervisors in MNR and the Secretariat were made aware of and encouraged to view the ODA E-Learning Module offered by the Centre for Leadership and Learning. This module provides managers and supervisors with knowledge and understanding of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act to help them deal effectively with accommodation needs.
Rationale: Management staff of the ministry and the Secretariat were made aware of and encouraged to view the ODA E-Learning module. This was an awareness campaign rather than a mandatory obligation.
Commitment: Communicate information on fragrance sensitivities in the workplace to managers in both MNR and the Secretariat.
Action and Timeframe: An information sheet on scented products was developed and communicated to staff in February 2006.
Status: Completed.
Section 9 - Government funded capital programs
Commitment: Capital funding proposals in the ministry’s and Secretariat’s corporate business plan for 2006-07 will be reviewed for compliance with requirements under Section 9 of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Conformity with the Standards for Barrier-Free Design of Ontario Government Facilities will be an important focus.
Action and Timeframe: Proposals were reviewed and completed by March 2006 as part of the 2006-07 during Results Based Plan for compliance with accessibility requirements.
Status: The review of Capital funding proposals in the ministry’s corporate business plan for 2006-07 has been completed.
During 2005-06, the following were placed into service in 2005-06, meeting accessibility requirements:
- Kettle Lake Staff House
- Grundy Lake Park Office
- McGregor Point Park Office
- Inverhuron Entrance Control
- Inverhuron Maintenance Building
- Inverhuron Comfort Stations (3)
- Algonquin Park Store
- Lake of Two Rivers Comfort Stations (2)
Rationale: This commitment has been met given that each individual project has a unique purpose and circumstance.
Section 10 - Accessibility Planning
Commitment: The ministry and the Secretariat will continue the work of their Accessibility Working Groups to provide ongoing coordination for accessibility planning and improvements. Increased emphasis will be placed on coordinating the implementation of accessibility provisions.
Action and Timeframe: Coordination of accessibility planning and improvements during the 2005-06 planning period.
Status: The ministry has an Accessibility Working Group that represents each Division and Program Area within the ministry. They meet to discuss the ODA Plans and have just recently regrouped to review the Standards for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Commitment has been met.
Acts and Regulations
Commitment: MNR will work cooperatively with other ministries in assessing current provisions for people with disabilities for fees, permits and services
Action and Timeframe: MNR will complete discussions with other relevant ministries, and will respond to needs for refinements, improvements in accessibility provisions. Discussions and implementation of results are an ongoing commitment.
Status: In progress. Initial discussions have not yet been completed. Efforts are being made to include accessibility considerations in legislative reviews being undertaken.
Rationale: Further work is required to prepare for discussions with other ministries. This commitment is a continuing responsibility as assessment of legislation is undertaken.
Commitment: MNR and the Secretariat will continue to consider acts or regulations for a barrier review analysis as part of the regular planning cycle.
Action and Timeframe: Specific reviews of legislation will include assessment of how the legislation addresses accessibility requirements and guidelines and implementation of appropriate provisions. Accessibility considerations will be incorporated in reviews undertaken during the 2006-07 period.
Status: Ongoing. Efforts are being made to include accessibility considerations in legislative reviews being undertaken.
Rationale: This commitment is a continuing responsibility as assessment of legislation is undertaken.
Policies
Commitment: Guidance will be provided to staff undertaking policy and program development on how to identify needs and include accessibility provisions in policy and program proposals.
Action and Timeframe: Develop and implement guidelines for incorporating accessibility considerations in policy and program development. Finalize guidelines by March 2006. Implementation of the guidelines targeted for March 2007.
Status: Will be completed by March 2007.
Commitment: MNR and the Secretariat will advance their diversity objectives by examining employment systems processes, tools and documents. Accessibility issues will be an area of focus for this assessment.
Action and Timeframe: Review of employment systems processes, tools and documents, including attention to accessibility issues, will be undertaken following the establishment and implementation of pending changes in human resource services/delivery underway for the Ontario Public Service. The ministry and Secretariat will commence this review in 2005-06 following implementation of changes in human resource services and delivery currently in progress.
Status: This review is ongoing.
Commitment: MNR and the Secretariat will continue to ensure that accessibility is included in its assessment of MNR and Secretariat buildings and in the work underway to develop management strategies for the ministry’s accommodation portfolios.
Action and Timeframe: Throughout 2005-06 MNR and the Secretariat will continue to ensure that Standards for Barrier-Free Design of Ontario Government Facilities are adhered to.
Status: The current status of this commitment is ongoing.
Commitment: Procedures for addressing accessibility will be incorporated in program planning and business planning templates and guidelines. Attention will be paid to a range of accessibility needs including attitude change.
Action and Timeframe: Guidelines to be developed and implemented by March 2006.
Status: Commitment has been met.
Commitment: MNR will establish a general inquiry TTY number and further review its 1-800 telephone service to identify priorities for providing TTY access for persons with disabilities.
Action and Timeframe: Implement general inquiry TTY number b Fall 2005, and review needs and implement any further provisions as identified by March 2006.
Status: A general inquiry TTY number has been installed: 866-686-6072. Staff have been trained on using the TTY machine. MNR continues to monitor demand. No further action is required.
Commitment: The ministry and the Secretariat will develop an implementation plan for incorporating specific provisions for customer services to people with disabilities and include these provisions in updated customer service procedures.
Action and Timeframe: Implementation to commence in 2006-07 to identify specific provisions for customer services to people with disabilities, complete implementation plan and include in customer service procedures. Attention will be paid to a range of measures, including better understanding of needs and improved attitudes toward people with disabilities. Finalize implementation plan by March 2006.
Status: An implementation plan is ongoing. The ministry’s Natural Resource Information Centre (NRIC) still delivers customer service but exclusively by phone or correspondence. The NRIC’s customer service procedures have been updated to include dealing with people who use the TTY telephone line.
Rationale: ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres (SO/GICs) are now the key providers of transactional services to the public for MNR. On April 1, 2006, MNR initiated the transfer of counter services to the 63 SO/GICs across the province. As a result, this ministry will no longer provide front counter services to the public. Clients will receive MNR-related services from a Government Information Centre that is staffed and managed by MGS. Secondary support will be provided by MNR and as such, the awareness training required of all staff (see commitment below) will definitely cover staff needs in developing sensitivities when providing service to persons with disabilities.
Commitment: The ministry and the Secretariat will work cooperatively with its partner agencies in encouraging and implementing accessibility provisions.
Action and Timeframe: Discussions and co-operative action initiated in 2006-07 to identify key partner agencies and initiate discussions regarding accessibility provisions and improvements.
Status: Discussions have not begun since agencies are not included under the ODA.
Rationale: MNR will ensure relevant agencies are made aware of their obligations under the ODA in advance of the new regulations currently being developed.
Commitment: Through electronic service delivery initiatives, the ministry has improved and will continue to improve access for people with disabilities to a variety of direct services including permit issuing, other purchasing, information provision, and query responses.
Action and Timeframe: During 2005-06 improvements will be made to electronic service delivery in accordance with government-wide priorities, initiatives and resource availability.
Status: Commitment has been met. Continuous improvements to electronic service delivery are ongoing. Electronic service options exist for provincial parks and other popular ministry services.
Commitment: In ministry and Secretariat office and public use facilities, the ministry or Secretariat with the operating lead will have plans in place to assist with the evacuation of staff and visitors with disabilities and will ensure that the plans are incorporated in the Emergency Procedures handbook distributed to all staff. MNR and the Secretariat will work with property management to incorporate provisions for people with disabilities within the parameters established for these provisions.
Action and Timeframe: Ensure needs of people with disabilities continue to be provided for within the parameters established, as new evacuation plans are developed or existing plans/procedures are reviewed and updated throughout 2005-06.
Status: A building evacuation plan and booklet has been developed for use in MNR buildings and presented and reviewed by a standing ministry Health and Safety Committee. The booklet has not yet been released to the staff.
Rationale: A communication plan for the Emergency Procedures Handbook is currently being developed and when approved the handbook will be released to all staff.
Practices
Commitment: Communicate to ministry and Secretariat staff the provisions of the ODA, available guidelines and best practices for accommodating needs of people with disabilities.
Action and Timeframe: Complete communications strategy and begin implementation by March 2006.
Status: The ministry and Secretariat have communicated the provisions of the Act and will continue to do so throughout the next year with the new AODA. Senior Management staff within MNR have access to resources within the WDHP Program for accommodation guidance for people with disabilities.
Commitment: MNR and the Secretariat will provide opportunities for input from staff in identifying accessibility barriers and will include this input in planning for improvements.
Action and Timeframe: The ministry and the Secretariat will develop and implement an accessibility communications strategy to include provisions for input from staff by March 2006.
Status: Communication was sent out to staff requesting input. This is an ongoing exercise.
Commitment: Planned accessibility audits will be initiated in several representative MNR sites and program areas to assess accessibility provisions and needs, and identify priorities for addressing needs. These audits will help establish measures and approaches to be adopted in the ministry and will also help raise awareness of staff and program managers regarding accessibility needs.
Action and Timeframe: During 2005-06 develop an audit program and test audit pilot sites.
Status: This is ongoing. MNR has audited the Provincial Parks and will be auditing the Districts by March 2007.
Commitment: Customer service training planned for MNR staff (for example, parks staff, customer service workshops) will include a component on awareness of accessibility barriers, (including attitudes), needs and appropriate responses.
Action and Timeframe: Continue to address accessibility issues in customer service training during 2005-06. Review and include in customer service training the new Customer Service Training Package, “May I Help You” – Welcoming Customers with Disabilities to be made available this year.
Status: Customer Service training was delivered to all Ontario Parks staff (an annual commitment). but not to district staff last year. Customer Service workshops are delivered every two years to MNR District staff, and this is scheduled for 2006-07.
Rationale: The primary focus for customer service is ServiceOntario/Government Information Centre staff since they now provide the majority of direct services to the citizens of Ontario.
MNR employees and agents continue to provide direct services to customers at MNR’s Ontario Parks, where customer service training remains a priority, and includes raising awareness of serving persons with special needs.
Commitment: The ministry will provide information on accessibility requirements/provisions/initiatives on its general Internet site and Intranet site.
Action and Timeframe: Implement provision of accessibility information on general sites following site redesign and development of a communications strategy.
Status: Ongoing. Redesign of the ministry's web site has not been completed pending the procurement of a new content management system for the ministry as well as the implementation of the new design standards for Ontario government websites. As a result, further information on accessibility requirements, provisions and initiatives has not been provided on the ministry's web site.
Rationale:
Information on accessibility requirements/provisions/initiatives will be included as part of the ministry's web site redesign when completed in 2006-07.
Commitments and Strategies for 2006-07
Focus of the ministry and Secretariat actions in its 2006-07 plans is on continuing to incorporate accessibility considerations into the ongoing policy, planning, management and review processes. Communications and staff training and guidance are also significant in the 2006-07 plans to raise awareness, provide guidance regarding accessibility issues/needs, and involve staff in initiating responses.
The plans also includes MNR and OSAA participation on implementation teams dealing with standards development for the new Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Commitments and strategies for the coming year are listed below:
Section 4 - Built Environment
Commitment: MNR and the Secretariat will meet the standards for barrier-free design of Ontario Government facilities in its facility acquisitions, construction, or significant renovation to existing or leased facilities.
Action and timeframe: MNR and the Secretariat facility planning, acquisitions, construction, or substantial renovation will adhere to the government adopted standards for barrier-free design. MNR and the Secretariat will meet this commitment in facility planning and development initiatives undertaken in 2006-07.
Section 5 - Procurement of goods and services
Commitment: MNR and the Secretariat will ensure managers and supervisors are provided guidance on accessibility in procurement of goods and services. MNR will continue to implement in its procurement processes the government-wide guidelines for accessibility in procurement.
Action and timeframe: MNR and the Secretariat will continue to adhere to MGS procurement accessibility guidelines, will communicate these to relevant staff and will incorporate them in the ministry’s and Secretariat’s procurement procedures. The ministry will also review and apply when available the upcoming Accessible Procurement E-module Training Tool for training staff in accessibility provisions in procurement.
Section 6 - Government Internet sites
Commitment: The ministry and the Secretariat will continue to ensure that Internet sites are accessible, including the testing of all new site content.
Action and timeframe: The ministry and the Secretariat continue to monitor all website content for accessibility requirements. The ministry will be implementing a new web content management system and the new design standard for Ontario government websites in 2006-07. The ministry will ensure that the new website design meets ODA accessibility requirements. The ministry will also be developing and implementing formal protocols, standards and guidelines to ensure continued accessibility of website content.
Section 7 - Government publications
Commitment: The ministry and the Secretariat will continue to follow existing guidelines and procedures for meeting accessible format requests through Publications Ontario.
Action: MNR and the Secretariat will continue to work cooperatively with Publications Ontario to provide publications in an ODA compliant format. All ministry and Secretariat staff will be provided with ongoing guidance on procedures for responding to requests for publications in accessible formats.
Section 8 - Government employee accommodation
Commitment: MNR and the Secretariat will continue to identify employee accommodation needs and access the Employment Accommodation Fund to accommodate staff with disabilities. We will also participation in the development and the roll out strategy of new standards development as part of the implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act.
Action and timeframe: Ministry and Secretariat procedures incorporating these actions regarding staff with disabilities will be followed throughout 2006-07.
Commitment: MNR and the Secretariat will ensure that all managers and supervisors receive a training package on accommodating the accessibility training needs of employees and job applicants with disabilities.
Action and timeframe: Training materials and information for further study will be prepared for the MNR Managers Conference for 2006-07. Ongoing efforts will be undertaken in 2006-07 with the major emphasis given to the annual Managers’ Conference.
Section 9 - Government funded capital programs
Commitment: Capital funding proposals in the Ministry and Secretariat’s corporate business plan for 2006-07 will be reviewed for compliance with requirements under Section 9 of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Conformity with the standards for barrier-free design of Ontario Government facilities will be an important focus.
Action: All funding proposals will be reviewed for compliance with accessibility requirements. The Reviews will be carried out during Results Based Planning for 2006-07.
Section 10 - Accessibility planning
Commitment: The ministry and the Secretariat will continue the work of their Accessibility Working Groups to provide ongoing coordination for accessibility planning and improvements.
Action and timeframe: The ministry has an Accessibility Working Group that represents each Division and Program Area within the ministry. The Terms of Reference for this Committee will be expanded to include input on the various MGS Standard Committees for the new AODA. By September 2006 the membership will also be reviewed to ensure an equal representation for the ministry.
In addition, committee member duties may be expanded in 2006/07 to include:
- input to the standards
- participation on implementation teams
- input for all annual reports – including ODA and AODA.
Acts and Regulations
Commitment: MNR will work cooperatively with other ministries in assessing current provisions for people with disabilities for fees, permits and services.
Action and timeframe: MNR will continue discussions with other relevant ministries, and will respond to needs for refinements, improvements in accessibility provisions. Discussions and implementation of results are an ongoing commitment.
Commitment: Reviews of legislation and implementation of changes to legislation will include attention to how the legislation addresses accessibility issues.
Action and timeframe: Specific reviews of legislation will include assessments of how the legislation addresses accessibility requirements and guidelines and implementation of appropriate provisions. Accessibility considerations will be incorporated in reviews undertaken during the 2006-07 period.
Policies
Commitment: Guidance will be provided to staff undertaking policy and program development on how to identify needs and include accessibility provisions in policy and program proposals.
Action and timeframe: Develop and implement guidelines for incorporating accessibility considerations in policy and program development. New standards are currently being developed jointly at sector tables. Work in this area will be completed when the new standards are released.
Commitment: MNR and the Secretariat will advance their diversity objectives by examining employment systems processes, tools and documents. Accessibility issues will be an area of focus for this assessment.
Action and timeframe: Review of employment systems processes, tools and documents, including attention to accessibility issues, will be undertaken following the establishment and implementation of pending changes in human resource services/delivery underway for the Ontario Public Service. The ministry and Secretariat will commence this review in 2006-07 following implementation of changes in the Human Resource Services Branch.
Programs and Services
Commitment: MNR will have plans in place for the evacuation of staff and visitors with disabilities in ministry and Secretariat offices and public-use facilities where MNR is considered to have the operating lead. MNR will ensure that the plans are incorporated in an Emergency Procedures handbook distributed to all staff.
Action and timeframe: The needs of people with disabilities will continue to be provided for with the parameters established as new evacuation plans are developed or existing plans and procedures are reviewed and updated.
Commitment: Deliver communication products and services regarding MNR services and delivery methods to disabled clients.
Action and timeframe: MNR's customer service delivery arm (a network of 32 district offices across the province) has undergone significant changes over the last few years, including the nature of the services delivered and the delivery method. As a result, the ministry’s customer service procedures need to be reviewed. MNR will produce communications concerning disabled clients and develop communication tools and post on the ministry intranet site; communicate availability of the information to all staff.
Commitment: In preparation for the AODA approval, MNR will communicate new responsibilities to agencies, boards and commissions.
Action and timeframe: A review of the agencies’, boards’, and commissions’ new commitments to be included in the ministry’s business plan; time to be determined on when the AODA regulations are passed.
Commitment: Through electronic service delivery initiatives, the ministry has improved and will continue to improve access for people with disabilities to a variety of direct services including permits, purchasing, information and query responses.
Action and timeframe: Ongoing improvements throughout 2006-07 to electronic service delivery in accordance with government-wide priorities, initiatives and resource availability.
Practices
Commitment: The ministry and Secretariat will continue to communicate the provisions of the ODA and the implementation of the AODA to all ministry staff.
Action and Timeframe: Communication will be issued from the office of the CAO and as well as postings on intranet sites, planned for Spring 2007.
Commitment: At a local level, client feedback will be encouraged and monitored for concerns that may be brought forward with respect to accessibility.
Action and Timeframe: Appropriate communications action from the office of the CAO will be taken, starting Fall 2006.
Commitment: MNR and the Secretariat are committed to ensuring all employees are provided awareness training to increase their sensitivity to the needs of the disabled, which may include internal clients, colleagues, or the public.
Action and Timeframe: All staff and managers (new and current) will be encouraged to attend accessibility awareness training. In addition, MNR and the Secretariat will communicate to all employees the availability of electronic training called “May I Help You” – Welcoming Customers with Disabilities, being made available in the fall 2006 through the Centre for Leadership’s electronic learning section.
Commitment: Accessibility audits will be continued in several representative MNR sites and program areas to assess accessibility provisions and needs, and identify priorities for addressing needs.
Action and Timeframe: These audits will establish measures and approaches to be adopted in the ministry and will also help raise awareness of staff and program managers regarding accessibility needs. Audits to commence July 2006.
Commitment: The ministry will provide information on accessibility requirements/provisions/initiatives on its general Internet site and Intranet site.
Action and Timeframe: Implement provision of accessibility information on general sites following website redesign and development of a communications strategy. The ministry will provide information on accessibility requirements/provisions/initiatives on its Internet and intranet websites following the implementation of the new content management system and new design standard for Ontario government websites. The ministry expects that the information will be made available on its websites during 2006-07.
