Accessibility

1.Purpose

Loyalist College is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate in our programs, services, facilities, and activities. The college works to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to access within its learning, working, and living environments.

This policy establishes how Loyalist College will meet its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, Ontario Regulation 191/11 (IASR):

• General Requirements
• Information and Communications Standard
• Employment Standard
• Transportation Standard
• Design of Public Spaces Standard (Accessibility Standard for the Built Environment)

The Customer Service Standard, which was incorporated into the IASR, is addressed throughout this policy.   Exemplary customer service to all its customers, including individuals with disabilities, aligns with the college’s values, the Human Rights Code, and is reinforced throughout the institution’s policies, procedures and codes of conduct.

2. Application

This policy applies to all college community members, including third-party contractors and volunteers who may provide customer service to the public. This policy also applies to all college activities, functions, and premises. The specific scope outlined by the IASR determines the application of some sections of this policy, including Loyalist’s employment practices, certain elements of the college’s property and facilities, and where the college provides transportation services.

Loyalist College’s obligations under the Employment Standard are also addressed in HR 120 Recruitment and Selection for All Positions and HR 312 Employee Accommodation.

3. Definitions

Accessible Formats. Formats that are an alternative to standard print and are accessible to people with disabilities. Accessible formats may include large print, Braille, recorded audio, and electronic formats such as digital talking books, structured electronic files, screen readers, etc.  

Barrier. Under the AODA, a barrier is defined as anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of their disability, including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, an information or communications barrier, an attitudinal barrier, a technological barrier, a policy, or a practice. 

Communication Supports. Methods and supports that enable individuals with disabilities to access, understand and communicate information. Examples include plain language, American Sign Language, reading information aloud, captioning for videos, and written notes.  

Conversion-ready Formats. Any electronic or digital format that facilitates conversion into accessible formats such as accessible PDFs, Braille, large print, audio files, etc.  

Disability. The Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA define “disability” as:  

• 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. 
• 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 or spoken language.  
• a mental disorder. 
• an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. 

Support Person. The AODA defines a support person, in relation to a person with a disability, as another person who accompanies them to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs or with access to goods or services.

4. Policy

Loyalist College will comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians and Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation 191/11 (IASR) and applies these requirements to provide persons with disabilities with equitable access and opportunity within the college community in a timely manner. The college upholds the following core principles in all of its practices:

• Dignity — Services are provided in a respectful manner that reflects the needs of each individual.
• Independence — Services support the autonomy of people with disabilities while respecting their right to safety and privacy.
• Equal Opportunity — People with disabilities have access to the same quality of service outcomes as people without disabilities.
• Integration — People with disabilities can access and benefit from the same services, in the same place, and in the same or similar way as others.

5. General Requirements Standard

The General Requirements of the IASR establish the foundational obligations that apply across all standards. Loyalist College meets these obligations through the following measures.

5.1 Accessibility Policies and Statement of Commitment

Loyalist College develops, maintains, and documents policies that support persons with disabilities in accessing its goods, services, and facilities. These policies are consistent with the core principles of dignity, independence, equal opportunity, and integration. This policy, and any related procedures, will be made publicly available and provided in accessible formats upon request.

This policy is reviewed on a regular basis and updated to reflect changes in legislation, college practices.

5.2 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

In accordance with section 4 of the IASR, Loyalist College maintains a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan that sets out its strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meet the requirements of the IASR. The plan:

• is posted on the college’s website and made available in accessible formats upon request;
• is reviewed and updated at least once every five years; and
• is developed with input from the college’s accessibility committee reflecting a proactive approach to improving accessibility across all areas of college operations.

5.3 Procuring or Acquiring Goods, Services, and Facilities

In accordance with section 5 of the IASR, Loyalist College incorporates accessibility criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services, and facilities, including self-service kiosks, as outlined in FIN 200 Procurement. Where it is not practicable to incorporate accessibility criteria, the college will provide a written explanation upon request.

5.4 Training

All college employees, volunteers, and other applicable individuals will receive training on the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) and the Ontario Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities as soon as practicable after beginning work or volunteering at the college and on an ongoing basis when changes are made to the college’s accessibility policies, practices, or procedures.

Training content includes:

• The purposes of the AODA and the requirements of its standards.
• Relevant provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code.
• How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.
• How to interact with people who use assistive devices, service animals, or support persons.
• What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing the college’s goods or services.
• Loyalist College’s accessibility policies, practices, and procedures.

Educators will also be trained on accessible program and course delivery and instruction. The college maintains records of all training provided, including dates.

6. Customer Service Standard

Customer service obligations under the IASR apply across all college operations. Loyalist College is committed to excellence in serving all customers, including persons with disabilities, in a manner that upholds dignity, independence, equal opportunity, and integration.

6.1 Assistive Devices

The college ensures that employees are trained and familiar with assistive devices that may be used by persons with disabilities while accessing college goods or services. Persons with disabilities are welcome to use their own assistive devices when accessing college premises and services.

6.2 Service Animals

Persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal are welcome on the parts of college premises in accordance with ADMIN 122 Animals Present at a College Location. All employees, volunteers, and individuals interacting with the public are trained on how to interact with persons with disabilities accompanied by a service animal.

6.3 Support Persons

Persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person are welcome on college premises. At no time will a person with a disability be prevented from having access to their support person while on Loyalist College premises.

6.4 Notices of Temporary Disruption

The college provides advance notice to the college community when a planned or unexpected disruption affects facilities or services typically used by persons with disabilities. Notices will include the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of any available alternative facilities or services.

6.5 Feedback Process

Loyalist College welcomes and encourages feedback on the accessibility of its services. Feedback processes are accessible and available in alternate formats upon request. Individuals may provide feedback by:

• Email: accessibilityfeedback@loyalistcollege.com
• Students: through AccessAbility Services
• Employees: through the Human Resources department

The college reviews feedback received and considers it in the continuous improvement of its accessibility practices.

7. Information and Communications Standard

7.1 Accessible Formats and Communication Supports

Upon request, the college provides information and communications in accessible formats or with appropriate communication supports. This includes publicly available information about Loyalist’s goods, services, facilities, emergency procedures, invoices, student records, and education or training materials.

Accessible formats and communication supports are provided in a timely manner, in consultation with the individual making the request, and in consideration of their accessibility needs. If the information cannot be provided in the requested format, the college will notify the individual, explain why, and offer a summary of the information where possible.

7.2 Accessible Websites and Web Content

In accordance with section 14 of the IASR, the college ensures that its websites and web content conform with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA, to the extent practicable. New websites and significantly refreshed content strive to meet this standard.

7.3 Educational and Training Resources

Loyalist College ensures that educational or training resources and materials are provided in accessible formats or with appropriate communication supports, upon request. The college also ensures that its processes for receiving or providing information about programs and services are accessible to persons with disabilities.

7.4 Emergency Information

Where the college prepares emergency procedures, plans, or public safety information and makes that information publicly available, it will provide the information in accessible formats or with appropriate communication supports, as soon as practicable, upon request.

8. Transportation Standard

The Transportation Standard governs accessible transportation services. While Loyalist College is not primarily a transportation provider, it periodically arranges transportation for college-related functions and activities.

8.1 Accessible Transportation Services

When the college provides or arranges transportation services for college-related events or activities, it will arrange accessible transportation options upon request. The college will notify the public and employees in advance that accessible transportation can be arranged for persons with disabilities.

In situations where accessible transportation cannot be provided, the college will consult with affected individuals to identify and offer alternative arrangements that ensure equitable participation.

9. Design of Public Spaces

9.1 New Construction and Renovations

Loyalist College incorporates barrier-free design principles in the construction of new facilities and during the renovation of existing structures. In accordance with the Design of Public Spaces Standard (DOPS), this includes outdoor and service-related spaces and features such as recreational trails, outdoor public eating areas, accessible parking areas, and service-related elements such as service counters, fixed queuing lines and waiting areas. In all renovation projects involving existing buildings, the college incorporates barrier-free design principles to the extent possible, taking into account the constraints of the existing structure. Where full barrier-free design cannot be achieved, comparable alternative accommodations will be arranged and documented. During new construction and renovations, Loyalist College will provide notice to the college community including the reason for the disruption, its expected duration, and any available alternative arrangements.

9.2 Maintenance of Accessible Elements

The college is committed to maintaining accessible features of public spaces in good working condition. Where a temporary disruption to an accessible element occurs — whether planned or unexpected — the college will provide notice to the college community including the reason for the disruption, its expected duration, and any available alternative arrangements.

10. Employment Practices Standard

Loyalist College’s obligations under this standard are addressed in detail in HR 120 Recruitment and Selection for All Positions and HR 312 Employee Accommodation college operational policiesand are summarized below.

10.1 Recruitment, Assessment, and Selection

Loyalist College notifies the public and applicants that accommodations are available during the recruitment, assessment, and selection processes. Applicants are informed of the college’s policies for supporting employees with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Successful candidates are notified of accommodation policies at the time an offer of employment is made.

10.2  Accessible Formats for Employees

The college consults with employees with disabilities to provide, or arrange for the provision of, accessible formats and communication support for job-related information. This includes information needed for the employee to perform their job, as well as information that is generally available to employees in the workplace.

10.3 Workplace Emergency Response Information

The college provides individualized workplace emergency response information to employees with disabilities who require assistance during an emergency, in accordance with college operational policy OHS 014 Individual Emergency Response Plans. This information is developed with the employee’s input and reviewed as needed.

10.4 Individual Accommodation Plans and Return to Work

Loyalist College supports the development and documentation of individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities, as outlined in HR 312 Employee Accommodation. The college also maintains a documented return-to-work process for employees returning from disability-related absences, as described in HR 311 Return to Work.

11. Related Documents or Links

• ADMIN 122 Animals Present at a College Location 
• ADMIN 127 Harassment and Discrimination 
• ERP 001 Emergency Response Plan 
• FIN 200 Procurement 
• HR 120 Recruitment and Selection for All Positions 
• HR 311 Return to Work 
• HR 312 Employee Accommodation 
• Loyalist College Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 
• OHS 014 Individual Emergency Response Plans 

12. References

• Ontario Human Rights Code, 1990  
• Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), Ontario Regulation 191/11
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005  
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) Level AA, 2020 
• Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 

This policy is available in other formats upon request.