Accessibility Policies

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities and the Integrated Accessibility Standards

Accommodating Children with Disabilities Policy

POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES AND THE INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS

Statement of Commitment 

Downtown Montessori/Day Care Connection (DTMS/DCC) is committed to treating all 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 people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), including the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC). 

Training

DTMS/DCC will provide training to workers (staff/providers, students, volunteers) on Ontario’s accessibility laws and on the Ontario Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities. All persons who participate in developing and implementing DTMS/DCC policies, and those who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of DTMS/DCC, will receive training. Training will be provided in a way that best suits the duties of workers. Training will also be provided when any changes are made to DTMS/DCC accessibility policies.

DTMS/DCC has taken the following steps to ensure workers are provided with the training needed to meet Ontario’s accessible laws. Workers are provided information about the Customer Service Standard of the AODA and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR). The IASR is comprised of the Information and Communications Standard; the Employment Standard; the Transportation Standard; and the Design of Public Spaces Standard. The information is provided in print, electronically, through videos, and in communication with a Manager, Director or Executive Director. DTMS/DCC will keep a record of the training that is provided.

DTMS/DCC will provide training to workers who deal with the public or other third parties on their behalf. Individuals in the following positions will be trained:

Executive Director/Directors/Managers/Providers

Nutritional Staff

Specialists (ex. French, Music, Yoga, etc.)

Registered Early Childhood Educators/Montessori Teachers/Assistants

Part-time Ratio/Casual/Supply Staff

Students/Volunteers

This training will be provided to workers as soon as possible after being hired or beginning duties.

DTMS/DCC does not provide transportation services, so the Transportation Standard does not apply. However, there is some information available in various formats along with all of the standards for those interested.

DTMS/DCC will meet the requirements for the Design of Public Spaces Standard when building or making major modifications to public spaces wherever applicable, and resources are available for those interested. 

Kiosks

DTMS/DCC does not use kiosks at this time, but if kiosks are used in the future, DTMS/DCC will ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are taken into consideration when designing, procuring or acquiring self-service kiosks. When replacing a payment terminal, options will be examined that take into consideration the needs of people with various disabilities as much as possible. 

Accessible Customer Service Standard

Providing Goods and Services to People with Disabilities

Downtown Montessori/Day Care Connection is committed to excellence in serving all clients including people with disabilities.  Some of the core values of DTMS/DCC are the dedication to diversity and inclusion, which ensure that we show mutual respect for each other within the community and beyond. This commitment to a culture of dignity, integration, equality of opportunity and independence is necessary in fostering a rich learning and working environment.

Assistive devices 

We will ensure that our workers are trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by clients with disabilities while accessing our goods or services.

Communication 

We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.

Service animals 

We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public with the exception of the kitchen in accordance with Ontario regulation 562 under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.  The Nutritional Staff will come out of the kitchen to communicate with a person with a service animal.

Support persons 

A person with a disability will be allowed to have a support person accompany them on our premises.

Fees will not be charged for a support person to accompany the person with a disability on the DTMS/DCC premises.

Notice of temporary disruption 

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for clients with disabilities such as an accessible washroom, elevator or ramp if applicable, DTMS/DCC will notify clients promptly. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

The notice will be placed at or near the area of disrupted service.

Training will include:

  • An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR)
  • AccessForward Customer Service Standard Module with certificate retained in worker’s file
  • DTMS/DCC’s Accessibility Policy and Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
  • How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities
  • Finding out how to communicate with a person with a disability by asking verbally or via a note how one can help
  • How to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or the assistance of a service animal or a support person
  • How to use the Relay Service or other methods which may help with providing goods or services to people with disabilities
  • The Relay Service is for communicating with a person who is deaf, orally deaf, deafened or hard of hearing and can be accessed at 1-800-855-0511. There is no charge for local calls; standard charges apply for long distance calls
  • Staff will be trained to communicate with customers over the telephone in clear, plain language and to speak clearly and slowly
  • What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing the DTMS/DCC goods and services

Workers will also be trained when changes are made to our accessible customer service plan.

Feedback process 

DTMS/DCC will ensure that the process for receiving and responding to feedback is accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging for the provision of accessible formats and communications upon request. 

Clients who wish to provide feedback on the way DTMS/DCC provides goods and services as well as support to people with disabilities can e-mail, communicate verbally, leave a suggestion, etc. All feedback will be directed to Manjit Dhaliwal, Director of Administration or Ayisha Hassanali, Director of Policy/Program.  Clients can expect a response within five business days.

Complaints will be addressed according to our organization’s regular complaint management procedures.  Complaints can be directed to a Director via email, in person with an appointment or by filling in a Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Form.  A response indicating that the complaint has been received and will be investigated will be provided within 2 business days. 

Information and Communications Standard

DTMS/DCC is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. We will consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs. We will consult with a person making a request to determine the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.

DTMS/DCC will provide accessible formats and communication supports at no additional cost and as quickly as possible when a person with a disability asks for them, taking into account the specific accessibility needs of the person with a disability.

DTMS/DCC will notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports.

DTMS/DCC has made all websites and publicly available web content on those sites conform with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.0, Level AA.

DTMS/DCC will ensure that existing feedback processes are accessible by providing accessible formats and communication supports upon request.

DTMS/DCC will ensure that all publicly available emergency information is made accessible upon request.

Workers will complete the AccessForward Information and Communications Standard Module with certificate retained in worker’s file as soon as possible after being hired or beginning duties.

Accessible Emergency Information

DTMS/DCC is committed to providing clients with publicly available emergency information in an accessible way upon request. We will also provide workers with disabilities with individualized emergency response information when necessary. 

Employment Standard

DTMS/DCC is committed to fair and accessible employment practices.

  • We will notify the public and workers that, when requested, DTMS/DCC will accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment, assessment and hiring processes right through to performance management or redeployment, and separation or retirement
  • In employment advertisements and recruiting, we will state that accommodation is available upon request for applicants with a disability, and we will ensure that employment requirements are essential to job completion
  • We will provide accessible formats and communication supports, upon request from applicants or workers with disabilities, taking into account the person’s accessibility needs due to a disability
  • When making offers of employment, we will notify the successful applicant of the DTMS/DCC policies for accommodating employees with disabilities
  • We will inform DTMS/DCC workers of its policies (and any amendments or updates to these policies) used to support persons with a disability, including policies on the provision of job accommodations that take into account a worker’s accessibility needs due to disability. This information will be provided as soon as is practicable after commencing employment
  • Upon request of the worker with a disability, DTMS/DCC will consult with the worker to provide or arrange for the suitable provision of accessible formats and communication supports for information that is needed to perform the job, and generally available to other workers
  • We will take into account the accessibility needs of workers with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans, when conducting performance management, assessing career development and advancement of workers, as well as redeploying workers
  • Workers will complete the AccessForward Employment Standard Module with certificate retained in worker’s file as soon as possible after being hired or beginning duties.

Workplace Emergency Response Information

We will provide individualized workplace emergency response information to workers who have a disability, if the disability is such that the individualized information is necessary, and if DTMS/DCC is aware of the need for accommodation due to the worker’s disability. DTMS/DCC will provide this information as soon as is practicable after becoming aware of the need for accommodation.

Where a worker requires assistance, DTMS/DCC will, with the consent of the worker, provide the workplace emergency response information to the person(s) designated by DTMS/DCC to provide assistance to the worker.

DTMS/DCC will review the individualized workplace emergency response information when the worker moves to a different location or position within the organization, when the worker’s overall accommodation needs change or plans are reviewed.

Documented Individual Accommodation Plans 

DTMS/DCC will maintain a written process for the development of documented individual accommodation plans for workers with disabilities. If requested, information regarding accessible formats and communication supports provided will also be included in individual accommodation plans. In addition, the individual Accommodation Plan will include individual workplace emergency response information and will identify any other accommodations that are to be provided. 

Return to Work Process

DTMS/DCC will maintain a documented return to work process for its workers who have been absent from work due to a disability and who require disability related accommodations in order to return to work.

The return to work process will outline the steps DTMS/DCC will take to facilitate the return to work and will include documented individual accommodation plans as part of the return to work process.

This return to work process will not replace or override any other return to work process created by or under any other statute, including but not limited to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. For further information, see the DTMS/DCC Return to Work Policy.

Modifications to this or other policies 

Any policy of DTMS/DCC that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.

DTMS/DCC will endeavour to prevent and remove other accessibility barriers that are identified.

If there are any questions regarding this policy or if a copy of this document in an alternative format is needed, Manjit Dhaliwal can be contacted at 416.691.1101 or emailed at director-admin@dtms76.ca or Ayisha Hassanali can be contacted at 416.691.1101 or emailed at director-policy.programs@dtms76.ca.

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ACCOMMODATING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES POLICY

Downtown Montessori/Day Care Connection (DTMS/DCC) is committed to creating a program that is inclusive and barrier-free to ensure the full participation of all children. DTMS/DCC aims to foster an environment that encourages and supports accommodation requests by working with parents/guardians on strategies to accommodate the needs of their child.

In working towards this goal, the organization will strive to provide support for and facilitate parent/guardian requests for accommodation consistent with the protected grounds outlined by the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Child Care and Early Years Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

DTMS/DCC is committed to striving to the extent possible to accommodate children who have behavioural concerns related to a disability or perceived disability when administering this policy. The organization may, where it is possible and reasonable to do so, and does not cause undue hardship:

  • alter existing practices
  • adopt new policies or practices
  • make adjustments or modifications to services provided where the parent/guardian has provided the appropriate documentation to support the request for accommodation.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Provide a clear statement of the obligations and responsibilities that are inherent in the organization’s accommodation process
  • Set out guidelines and standards for the implementation of this policy
  • Convey that the recognition of the need for accommodation can be requested either by a parent/guardian or a staff member working with the child

Objectives 

Within the guidelines and requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Child Care and Early Years Act, the organization is committed to:

  • Ensuring that each request will be considered individually, and on a case-by-case basis, to determine accommodation requirements
  • Working to eliminate barriers that prevent children from accessing or participating in the program
  • Achieving a culture and program environment that is supportive of children including reviewing policies and practices to ensure they are not discriminatory
  • Ensuring compliance with all applicable legislation and the organization’s policies
  • Establishing an efficient and timely accommodation process that is consistent and addresses accommodation requests promptly, to the extent possible
  • The organization will develop jointly with the parents/guardians, the treating physician if appropriate, and/or other professionals, an accommodation/Individual Support plan that respects the dignity of the individual child, promotes integration and full participation, and respects confidentiality
  • Clarifying roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities for the accommodation process
  • Ensuring all parents/guardians are advised of their right to be accommodated

CHILDCARE RESPONSIBILITES

  • Respect the dignity of the parent/guardian by accepting a parent’s/guardian’s request for accommodation in good faith
  • Advise parents/guardians of available accommodations, support services, and resources
  • Ensure that the accommodation provided meets the specific circumstances, while at the same time working to ensure general accessibility for all children in terms of spatial and physical requirements
  • Ensure the necessary steps are taken to determine what modifications might be required for a child to participate fully in the program
  • Be inclusive by ensuring that the parent/guardian participates in the process
  • Obtain signed consent to share relevant information with other professionals
  • Consult with appropriate specialists, and obtain expert advice where needed to determine individual accommodation requirements
  • Ensure that all accommodation requests are considered on an individual basis
  • Limit requests for information to those reasonably related to the nature of the need or limitation, and only for the purpose of facilitating access to the program
  • Deal with accommodation requests in a timely manner
  • Ensure that the childcare environment is welcoming and that all children treat one another with respect
  • Take immediate remedial action in situations where bullying and harassment is or may be taking place, and
  • Collaborate with parent/guardian to address any aggressive behaviour exhibited by the child which may potentially harm staff, another child or others
  • Take an active role in ensuring that alternative approaches and possible accommodation solutions are investigated, review various forms of accommodation and alternative solutions up to the point of undue hardship
  • Educate all staff and placement students about disability-related issues
  • Work to identify an appropriate accommodation which meets the needs of the child in an equitable and financially responsible manner

PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Inform the organization of the need for an accommodation related to a disability or perceived disability in writing to the Directors/Manager
  • Provide written consent to share relevant information with other professionals
  • Provide sufficient information regarding known limitations and restrictions that impact the child’s ability to participate in the program
  • Cooperate and be involved in the development and implementation of a reasonable accommodation plan based on the child’s current abilities
  • Communicate any known accommodation needs to the Directors/Manager. In order to facilitate the accommodation process, parents/guardians will not unreasonably withhold such information
  • Provide the organization with all medical and/or other relevant information that pertains to the accommodation request
  • Provide the organization with any changes to the child’s medication or circumstances that may require a change in the accommodation plan
  • Participate in the accommodation process. The organization reserves the right to determine the nature of the accommodation
  • Communicate any issues or problems with the accommodation plan in writing to the Directors/Manager as required

ACCOMMODATION PROCEDURE

Since DTMS/DCC has a Service Agreement with the City of Toronto Children’s Services (TCS), we can access additional support through the Every Child Belongs Resource Program. Under this Program, we are assigned An Every Child Belongs Resource Consultant who:

  • Reviews the supports and accommodations that we have in place and makes suggestions
  • Assists in identifying the strengths and needs presented by the family and through observation of the child
  • Ensures parent(s)/guardian(s) can be contacted or communicated with when required
  • Assists in quality assurance, program evaluation activities, and gathering information for statistical reports
  • Develops support plans that are reflective of goals and strategies to support the child’s development

You may see our Resource Consultant in the program working along with our staff so that children are able to receive the services and supports they need.

More information about the supports that are offered through Every Child Belongs can be found on the City of Toronto website under “Resources for Children with Extra Support Needs”.

HEALTH & SAFETY SUPPORT PLAN 

Under the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), individualized support plans are required to support children with disabilities and/or extra support needs to participate safely in the program. Where the risk of injury is assessed as highly probable, a safety plan will be developed to support those working directly with children.

Once a risk is identified, a risk assessment and safety plan will be created. The risk assessment and safety plan must be reviewed on an ongoing basis with families, workers, management, and resource consultants to determine prevention and intervention strategies

ACCOMMODATION

Downtown Montessori/Daycare Connection is committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs once you have provided us with advance notice of the accommodation requirements.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act/Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation

At Downtown Montessori/Daycare Connection, the documents required by the Customer Service Standard, Information and Communications Standard, Employment Standard, and Design of Public Spaces Standard are available upon request and can be provided in a format that takes a person’s disability into account.

Please let us know how we can help you.

DOWNTOWN MONTESSORI/DAYCARE CONNECTION IS COMPLIANT WITH AODA/IASR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES