1- Outline

Neighbourhood Information Post (NIP) is committed to ensuring accessibility of all aspects. The document below will outline the steps this organization will take to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR)

2- Commitment

NIP is dedicated to identifying, removing AND preventing barriers to accessibility. We will:

• Deliver services in ways that respect dignity and independence
• Provide equal access to programs, services and employment opportunities
• Communicate with people with disabilities in ways that best meet their needs.
• Ensure our policies, practices, and environments are inclusive and responsive.

3- Scope

All NIP employees, board members, volunteers, contractors, and other people who work for NIP are subject to this policy. It also applies to our interactions with clients, community members, and partner organizations.

4- Definitions

Disability: Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, a disability is defined broadly to include any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation, or disfigurement; a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability; a learning disability; or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols of spoken language.

Assistive Device: Equipment or aid that helps a person with a disability. This includes wheelchairs, walkers, hearing aids, screen readers, etc.

Service Animal: An animal trained to assist a person with a disability.

Support Person: An individual who accompanies a person with a disability to assist with communication, mobility, personal care or access to devices.

Accessible Formats/Communication Supports: Alternatives to standard print or communication, which include large print, plain language, captioning, ASL interpretation, etc.

5- Principles

NIP will provide goods, services and employment opportunities guided by these four principles of accessibility.

1. Dignity - Valuing each person and providing services to everyone respectfully, no matter their background or needs.
2. Independence - Support for individuals to do things on their own whenever possible.
3. Integration - Ensuring people with disabilities can fully benefit from our services alongside others.
4. Equal Opportunity - Providing the same chances to access, use, and benefit from our services

6- Policy and Procedures

6.1 Customer Service Standards

• Staff and volunteers will receive training on interacting with people with disabilities.
• Clients may use personal assistive devices.
• Service animals and support persons are welcome in all NIP spaces open to the public.
• In the event of a service disruption (e.g., inaccessible entrance, elevator outage, etc.) NIP will post notices and provide alternatives where possible.

6.2 Communication

NIP will provide information and all public documents in accessible formats upon request from clients or volunteers. Furthermore, alternative methods of communication will be offered when telephone or in-person communication is not applicable. NIP's website and digital platforms will also comply with AODA accessibility standards.

6.3 Feedback

All community members are free to provide feedback about our accessibility services either in person, by email, in writing or by any means applicable to the complainant. NIP will respond to feedback promptly and in the requested format.

6.4 Built Environment

NIP will meet accessibility standards for new construction or renovations of all public spaces. (e.g. entrances, service counters, meeting rooms, etc.)

7. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated if needed to reflect changes in legislation or organizational practices. Input from staff, volunteers, clients and all community members will be considered during the review.

8. Questions and Further Information

Questions about this policy or requests for alternative formats can be directed to the contact information listed below.