Message from the Ministry Accessibility Executive Champion

Ensuring that all Ontarians are equally able to access and use the services and programs we develop and provide is at the heart of great public service.

The Ontario government has made significant progress over the last decade in removing barriers and improving accessibility in many areas of people’s lives. However, as the Ontario Public Service (OPS) Multi-Year Accessibility Plan: 2013 Annual Status Report acknowledges, we are still at the early stages of our transformation journey.

I am pleased to share the many accessibility accomplishments the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities has made in 2014, and I am even more excited about our focused approach for 2015. Section two of this report provides an overview of the specific goals and deliverables.

It is a privilege to be the ministry’s executive champion for accessibility and I remain committed to working with all of you as we move forward in removing accessibility barriers both within our organization for our colleagues and partners and to ensure that employment and training programs and services and postsecondary education are accessible to everyone.

In line with the OPS Multi-Year Accessibility Plan deliverables, one of the ministry’s key priorities in 2015 will be to seek feedback from our customers and employees. We want to hear your:

  • thoughts or feedback on what has been accomplished by the ministry so far
  • ideas on how ministry plans or projects could be improved
  • experience in accessing government programs and services

Please refer to section Contact Us for a list of the different ways you can provide feedback.

Sincerely,

Pam Skinner

Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Administrative Officer

Corporate Management and Services Division

Ministry of Education and Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Introduction

Under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA), ministries are required to produce, and make available to the public, annual plans that describe how ministries will identify and remove barriers to accessibility. This ministry plan allows us to highlight the measures taken by the ministry in 2014 to identify and remove barriers and to identify the measures planned for 2015 that will make our ministry more accessible.

In 2010, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities began complying with the first accessibility standard established under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) – Accessibility Standards for Customer Service.

In 2011, the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) was introduced, establishing phased-in requirements in the following accessibility standards:

  • Information and Communications
  • Employment
  • Transportation
  • Design of Public Spaces

Each year, the Ontario Public Service (OPS) as an obligated organization, confirms its compliance with the requirements of these standards to the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario.

The IASR requires that obligated organizations shall create and maintain a multi-year accessibility Plan that outlines the organization’s strategies to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility. The OPS multi-year plan Leading the Way Forward was released in 2012.

Organizations are also required to develop an annual status report that highlights progress in advancing the multi-year accessibility plan strategy and in meeting the requirements of the IASR. In 2013, the OPS released its first Annual Status Report, highlighting progress made in 2012.

To access the 2014 Accessibility Plan (ODA) of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities' and other ministries' 2014 Accessibility plans, visit Ontario.ca.

Section One: Measures Taken in 2014 by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Customer Service

OPS Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Key Outcome:

People with disabilities who are OPS customers receive quality goods and services in a timely manner.

Measures Taken by Ministry in 2014:

  • Information about customer service obligations under the accessibility legislation was updated on the internal ministry website and promoted as a learning resource for staff. The ministry continued to promote the mandatory online accessibility training modules to staff, and orientation materials for new employees also included information about customer service obligations.
  • The Employment and Training Division continued to require the following mandatory training in its Orientation Manual for new staff:
    • May I Help You? Supplementary: 10 Things You Need To Know About Accessible Customer Service
    • Integrated Accessibility Standards and Regulation (IASR) in the OPS
    • Integrated Accessibility Standards and Regulation (IASR) Information and Communications Standards
    • Working Together – The Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
  • A new ministry-wide reporting system was developed to track staff training in an effort to strengthen the compliance assurance process. Implementation will begin in 2015.
  • The ministry continued to expand the range of accessibility accommodations which were provided at internal and external events and meetings. Active offers of accommodation were provided in meeting invitations and notices. Client feedback on accessibility related issues was solicited to promote continuous improvement. The ministry accommodated the needs of people with disabilities and fulfilled disability related accommodation requests. Examples include:
    • incorporating accessibility considerations into meeting and event plans, both internal and external, by providing surveys before and after to ensure accessibility requirements were met
    • providing accommodations to people with disabilities while they were writing examinations at apprenticeship offices
    • using sign language interpreters during monitoring visits to Literacy and Basic Skills service providers who deliver services to deaf/hard of hearing clients
    • providing note takers to Literacy and Basic Skills service providers during training sessions on the Performance Management System
    • establishing an Employment and Training Division internal working group to engage staff and managers in identifying service gaps and accessibility barriers, assessing potential barriers for staff and clients with disabilities, and identifying appropriate mitigation strategies
    • purchasing new technology to provide more options for communicating with persons with disabilities and providing ongoing education for staff to raise awareness of alternate methods of communication supports and devices, such as teletypewriter (TTY) and Bell Relay Service
    • the Employment Ontario Contact Centre installed a newer model TTY machine to better assist people with disabilities; and the Employment Ontario hotline now provides a TTY option
  • A customer service feedback system on accessibility issues was available to the public through the ministry’s public website and a response to all email inquiries was provided within two business days.
  • The ministry continued to work with key stakeholders (both internal and external) including organizations representing people with disabilities, to better ensure accessibility within ministry programs and services. Consultations were conducted with the following organizations:
    • Canadian National Institute for the Blind
    • Ontario March of Dimes
    • Ontario Disability Employment Network
    • Path Employment Services
    • Canadian Hearing Society
    • Canadian Mental Health Association
  • A survey was conducted by the Employment Ontario Service Provider Accommodation Fund Working Group of all four service delivery regions to determine what gaps, if any, existed within Employment Ontario programs for people with disabilities. Accommodations were provided for clients with disabilities who were participating in Employment Ontario programs.
  • The Employment and Training Division Accessibility Lead and branch managers/staff participated on the Intervener Services Program Strategy Inter-Ministerial Working Group to:
    • identify linkages across government programs serving people who are deaf/blind
    • discuss and report on opportunities for change to support the Intervener Services Programs renewal strategy to improve the fairness, equity, accountability, accessibility, and long term sustainability of the program
    • an inter-ministerial scan of services available for deaf blind individuals was shared among ministries involved in the working group
  • In partnership with the ministry, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce administered a survey to employers in April/May 2014. The survey included questions that were designed to seek employers' feedback on their efforts to train and hire vulnerable workers, including people with disabilities, as well as efforts to make their businesses more accessible.
  • A Provincial-Municipal government working group was also established to provide advice on the design of a common client assessment process and an Ontario-based job seeker classification tool. This will help ensure that individuals facing significant barriers to employment, including people with a disability are:
    • directed to the appropriate interventions and level of support on the continuum of employment and training systems
    • referred to other appropriate human and social services, improving integration across sectors including education, housing, transportation, health and employment
  • To further the application of the OPS Inclusion Lens in the Ministry:
    • The Employment Training Division Accessibility Lead participated in the Inclusion Lens train-the-trainer sessions and facilitated branch sessions promoting the use of the Inclusion Lens.
    • The Analysis and Systems Support Branch of the Employment and Training Division developed a branch Learning and Development Policy which provides links to information about the OPS Inclusion Lens and asks staff to complete training. Managers will monitor compliance by adding this training to staff learning and development plans in 2015.
    • The French-Language Education Policy and Programs Branch reviewed policies, decision-making processes and administrative procedures using the OPS Inclusion Lens. All staff members completed the OPS Inclusion Lens training.
    • The Education Statistics and Analysis Branch used the OPS Inclusion Lens to identify and address potential barriers when conducting ministry business such as the Managing Information for Student Achievement leaders' event.
  • The Employment Ontario Information System-Case Management System was upgraded to address IASR compliance requirements. It is now able to track barriers experienced by people with disabilities and provide tailored and specific employment and support services.
  • Second Career clients who self-identified as having a disability were provided with the needed additional supports to achieve their training goals.
  • The Northern Region continued to support an Ontario Employment Assistance Service for People with Disabilities and an Employment Resource Centre /employment service provider.
  • Regional service providers continued to provide Literacy and Basic Skills services to individuals with hearing loss.
  • As part of its Labour Market Development Agreement Summative Evaluation for 2013-2014, the ministry evaluated the type of Employment Services which are appropriate and work best for those facing multiple barriers.
  • The ministry continued to focus on increased accessibility and improved service delivery within all Employment Ontario programs during the employment and training services integration. Including:
    • continuing to fund the network of 13 Ontario Employment Assistance Services for People with Disabilities
    • the Ontario Job Creation Partnership program provided several opportunities for either people with disabilities or agencies serving people with disabilities
    • in-year Ontario Employment Assistance Services funding assisted service providers to purchase IT and audio visual supports to improve access for their clients with disabilities, including Zoom Text Magnifier/Reader, Zoom Text Camera, Kurzweil software, an amplification system, a hearing enhancement workshop room and accessible signage
    • the Support for Apprentices with Disabilities program provided $2.7 million in 2014- 2015 to Ontario colleges for over 1000 students with accessibility and accommodation needs to support their participation in apprenticeship programs, pre-apprenticeship programs and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs
  • The ministry announced an action plan: Strengthening Transitions to Postsecondary Education for Students with Disabilities. The plan includes a new transitions website and two demonstration projects. It is supported by funding of $1.5 million over three years.
  • Deaf stream Literacy and Basic Skills service delivery providers worked to ensure that the cultural and accessibility needs of both the deaf learner and the practitioner were met and the funding of the American Sign Language pool continues. Initiatives included:
    • the Deaf Communications and Math Employment Readiness Assessment (CAMERA) materials have been adapted for the deaf stream of clients
    • recruitment for an apprentice assessor for deaf CAMERA was initiated and work will continue with deaf stream Literacy and Basic Skills support organizations to ensure the apprentice assessor can independently assess deaf Literacy and Basic Skills learners using deaf CAMERA
    • an assessment tool for the Independence Goal Path for the Deaf Stream was developed through a set of American Sign Language resources which supplements the Ontario Adult Literacy Curriculum Framework (OALCF)
    • two field tests took place to gather feedback on the assessment tools and opportunities for feedback and changes took place throughout the project
  • In 2014, the ministry also provided:
    • $2 Million to the Kids Help Phone to operate the Good2Talk/Allo J'Écoute postsecondary mental health helpline
    • $4.7 million to the Mental Health Innovation Fund. Ten projects were approved for funding in 2014; an additional ten projects will be approved in 2015
    • $4 million to the Ontario Bursary for Students with Disabilities to more than 6,400 students
    • $1.2 million to the Ontario Out of Country Bursary for Deaf Students to more than 50 students pursuing postsecondary studies in American Sign Language
    • $47.8 million in special purpose grants to support a range of services for students with disabilities delivered by universities, colleges and third parties. The programs include (but are not limited to): Accessibility Fund for Students with Disabilities, the Interpreter Fund and the Regional Assessment and Resource Centres

Information and Communications

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Key Outcome:

Information and communications are available in accessible formats or with necessary supports to all OPS staff and customers.

Measures Taken by Ministry in 2014:

  • The ministry continued to expand the variety of formats and supports available to ensure that information and communication materials were accessible to all Ontarians. Active offers to make information available in alternative formats are made in most ministry communications. Examples include:
    • making active offers to provide ministry communication materials in alternative formats, ensuring that people with various disability types get the accommodation they need
    • providing information and training materials in a variety of formats for clients and staff
    • recent webinars for staff from the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Employment and Training Division included closed captioning
    • accommodating people with disabilities at meetings and staff events in a variety of ways, such as, interpreters and note takers, special equipment and software, to ensure full participation
    • providing sign language interpreters during monitoring visits to Literacy and Basic Skills service providers who provide services to deaf/hard of hearing clients
    • installing TTY and Bell Relay Systems and ensuring staff are provided with training on how to use the supports
    • the Employment Ontario Contact Centre began developing a web chat channel to increase accessibility options
    • applications for OSAP, the 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant, and the Ontario Bursary for Students with Disabilities were provided in an accessible format
    • the ministry continued to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) and ensured that communications staff responsible for web content and webmasters received training on accessible websites
    • web content editors monitor all documents for accessibility and ensure they conform to plain language principles
    • the ministry began the process of redesigning several intranets to ensure that all requirements under the accessibility legislation are met or exceeded
    • the Community Services I&IT Cluster continued to support the Disability Advisory Council (DAC) in developing the DAC Registry of staff with disabilities. As an OPS enterprise-wide initiative, consensus on the content contained in the DAC Registry required extensive consultation, and refinements to business requirements are still underway. Once this stage is finalized, the Community Services I&IT Cluster will complete the development and testing of the application/registry with implementation to follow
  • Training on creating accessible documents was provided, including:
    • ten sessions on creating accessible documents (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) for more than 100 staff
    • accessibility basics for 15 administrative staff and Executive Assistants during a professional development conference
    • accessible PDF training for 4 staff
  • Three memos were sent reminding staff to complete the IASR – Information and Communications Standards course by December 31, 2014. The training was tracked and recorded by the OPS Centre for Leadership and Learning.
  • The new I&IT Centre of Excellence training videos, on how to create accessible documents, were promoted on the ministry Intranet and in memos sent to staff directing them to this resource.
  • The ministry also promoted corporately-developed tip sheets and guides as well as training materials developed by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services pertaining to the creation of accessible documents.
  • Ministry staff was encouraged to attend the annual Accessibility Expo/JOIN conference held in December 2014. The event was promoted on the ministry intranet and through memos sent to all staff via Divisional Accessibility Leads as well as key staff in corporate branches. Broad staff attendance was encouraged in an ongoing effort to raise awareness of accessibility issues.
  • The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities continued to work with the Ministry of Education to promote the use of the Alternate Education Resources for Ontario (AERO) online service, which provides high-quality alternate format textbooks (e.g. Braille) to colleges and universities. Ministry support included:
    • funding of $1.3 million to ensure ongoing transcription services through AERO
    • development of promotional materials and brochures for Canadian publishers to promote participation in AERO
    • development of promotional material, a video, and brochures to promote AERO on campuses. This material was distributed to university and college Executive Heads in February 20, 2014
    • working with the Canadian Publisher Council to identify avenues to communicate with American-based publishers who provide text books and educational material to students at Ontario colleges and universities to ensure they are aware of accessibility requirements in Ontario

Employment

OPS Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Key Outcome:

OPS employees with disabilities participate fully and meaningfully in their employment.

Measures Taken by Ministry in 2014:

  • enterprise-wide communication regarding the Ontario Public Service compliance requirements under the Employment Standard, including accommodation procedures such as HROntario’s comprehensive Disability Support Strategy, and the new e-course on the Employment Standard were shared with and promoted to staff through memos, presentations at branch meetings and posted on the ministry intranet
  • ehe ministry Diversity and Inclusion committee also promoted awareness of accessibility compliance requirements through its diversity training for management, staff presentations and province wide events
  • ehe Ministry’s Chief Administrative Officer sent memos to all managers and HR professionals to notify them of the requirements to complete the online mandatory training on the Employment Standard by December 31
  • all corporately-developed tools, resources and guidelines related to employment obligations under the Accessibility legislation were promoted within the ministry through internal staff information presentations, memos from the Chief Administrative Officer and the ministry intranet
  • ministry recruitment best practices include notification of the availability of employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in job postings, interview scheduling, confirmations and job offer letters
  • employees were encouraged to identify and discuss any potential employment accommodation needs at the time of assignment or at any time thereafter
  • ministry senior management have added accessibility performance commitments to performance plans
  • a new tracking system was developed to help monitor compliance with accessibility commitments. It will be implemented in 2015
  • the ministry has a dedicated lead to provide mental health information and training which includes promoting awareness of the new corporate resources available on the OPS Human Resources intranet. More than 60 “Let’s Talk....You're not alone” workshops were delivered across the province
  • the ministry representative on the Disability Advisory Council (DAC), which discusses internal obstacles and challenges faced by staff, continued to participate in the work of the council and champion the interests of staff with disabilities, including organizing the Creating Enabling Environments in the OPS event on December 3, 2014. This day long awareness and educational event promoted best practices across the OPS in providing support to people with disabilities
  • the Learning Ministries completed their 4th Diversity Mentoring Partnership Program in the fall of 2014. In the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, 24 employees and 11 mentors were enrolled in the program. The program is designed to provide an inclusive environment for reciprocal learning in which mentors and employee partners engage in honest, open and meaningful dialogue about diversity, accessibility and inclusion

Built Environment

OPS Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Key Outcome:

There is greater accessibility into, out of and around OPS facilities and public spaces.

Measures Taken by Ministry in 2014:

  • The ministry prepared for the new accessibility requirements in the built environment coming into effect on January 1, 2015 by:
    • providing an overview of the Built Environment obligations, including the requirement to provide training to, Divisional Accessibility Leads, facilities managers and senior management
    • developing a training plan, and tracking system, for all managers and staff, to be completed by June 2015
    • posting information on the ministry’s intranet about the Accessibility in the Built Environment requirements
  • The ministry has been implementing an accommodation plan that will reduce the office footprint but will still provide flexible and accessible design features which ensure that all staff-identified work station accommodation needs have been addressed. Accessible design features have also been incorporated in offices, cubicles and washrooms.
  • During office renovations and moves, communications materials were available in accessible formats and accessibility was considered in all renovation procurements.
  • Ministry offices on the 9th floor of Mowat Block at 900 Bay Street in Toronto were renovated to provide an accessible and barrier-free workplace, including offices, cubicles, washrooms and public spaces.
  • The ministry provided funding to:
    Literacy and Basic Skills service providers, for:
    • expansion of doorways and installation of accessible doors
    • building computer rooms equipped with adaptive computer technology, Android and Apple tablets with Kurzweil and Dragon software to be used for Literacy and Basic Skills learners with Learning Disabilities in the western region
  • Ontario Employment Assistance Service participants with learning disabilities for:
    • a variety of adaptive electronic equipment and software
    • ergonomic workstations and chairs
    • visual emergency alarm systems
    • space reconstruction for accessibility
  • Self-Employment Benefit to participants with disabilities for:
    • adaptive electronic equipment and software

Other Commitments

OPS Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Key Outcome:

OPS staff is able to identify barriers to accessibility, in OPS policies, programs, services and facilities, and actively seek solutions to prevent or remove barriers on an ongoing basis throughout the organization.

Measures Taken by Ministry in 2014:

Procurement
  • The ministry continued to support accessibility through the procurement of goods and services by incorporating a mandatory accessibility section into the Procurement Request Information Gathering Template which staff are required to consider and address when procuring goods, services or facilities.
  • The Community Services I&IT Cluster’s intranet site continues to promote the “AccessOPS” link, which directs users to the OPS' Diversity and Accessibility site. This site assists staff with obtaining accessibility information on procuring goods, such as software and hardware to ensure accessibility requirements are met.
  • Mandatory for every I&IT procurement is the submission of a completed Accessibility Checklist (Meeting Accessibility Obligations in Procurement) which is kept on file, and the provision of links to the Ontario Human Rights Code, Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Section Two: Measures Proposed by Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for 2015:

Part A – Measures Proposed by the Ministry for Supporting the OPS Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Deliverables and all Accessibility Standards

In 2015, the ministry will focus on three priority goals, each with specific measures, which support the OPS multi-year accessibility plan deliverables and the individual accessibility standards.

This section provides an overview of these three goals and measures.

  1. Ensure staff and managers have the knowledge and tools in order to incorporate accessibility considerations and accommodations into all their work. Specific measures for 2015:
    • provide training on all standards
    • incorporate this requirement into all new staff orientation
    • explore ways to offer more training regionally
    • encourage all staff and managers to complete Inclusion Lens training by December 2015 so they can understand how to apply an accessibility lens to all aspects of their work, including policy development and program delivery
    • provide staff and managers with easy-to-access information on accessibility requirements and best practice approaches by updating the ministry intranet in 2015 with a focus on practical tools and tips, checklists and links
    • continue to provide staff and managers with opportunities to expand their knowledge of accessibility issues and solutions by participating in or attending the annual JOIN conference
  2. Build strong partnerships with staff and clients with disabilities by ensuring their input and feedback are sought on accessibility innovations and improvements. Specific measures for 2015:
    • outreach to both staff and clients with disabilities will be communicated as a priority by senior management
    • the OPS Disability Advisory Council will be consulted on how best to implement feedback mechanisms, for clients and staff, such as focus groups and confidential surveys
    • results of the feedback will be tracked for continuous improvement purposes
  3. Strengthen accountability for meeting ministry accessibility requirements and compliance assurance. Specific measures for 2015:
    • develop and implement ministry-wide tracking systems for key requirements and accomplishments such as staff training, performance plan commitments and attendance at the annual JOIN conference
    • implement a ministry wide consolidated accessibility reporting template (ART) pilot project which includes simplified templates on a secure SharePoint site

Part B – Measures Proposed by the Ministry for 2015

This section outlines new measures planned to support individual accessibility standards, including applicable OPS multi-year accessibility plan commitments. Ongoing 2014-2015 commitments already outlined in Section One of this plan will not be repeated.

Customer Service

OPS Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Key Outcome:

People with disabilities who are OPS customers receive quality goods and services in a timely manner.

Ministry Proposed Measures for 2015:

In addition to the measures proposed in Part A, which will be undertaken for all accessibility standards, the ministry will improve accessibility in the design and delivery of employment training and postsecondary programs and services, including:

  • developing a supported employment pilot that integrates employment and training services in order to better address the complex needs of people with disabilities. The ministry has established an inter-ministerial working group to assist with planning, designing and piloting a supported employment model for people with disabilities seeking employment
  • the ministry will liaise and consult with the Partnership Council on Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities, and other key stakeholders, to seek feedback on the proposed design aspects of the model
  • piloting will enable the ministry to test, assess, and evaluate which service components of the supported employment model are effective in Ontario and how they could be applied province-wide. Pending approval, the design of the model is expected to be completed and ready for piloting in 2015-2016
  • the ministry will continue to work on the development of a Youth Equity Lens led by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. This tool is a part of Stepping Up: A Strategic Framework to Help Ontario’s Youth Succeed. It will be used as a resource by all ministries to assist in program and policy development targeting “at risk” youth populations including youth with disabilities and special needs
  • the ministry will transfer Support for Apprentices with Disabilities funding to the postsecondary division to align with the Accessibility Fund for Students with Disabilities, which will support more students having access to this funding
  • the Ministry has allocated the following financial supports for 2015:
    • $4.3 Million for the Mental Health Innovation Fund to develop additional initiatives for addressing postsecondary mental health issues
    • $2 Million for the Kids Help Phone to operate the Good2Talk/Allo J'Écoute postsecondary mental health helpline
    • funding to provide services and equipment to enable students with disabilities, with financial need, to continue to attend postsecondary studies, including:
    • $4.5 Million for the Ontario Bursary for Students with Disabilities
    • $1.8 Million for the Ontario Out of Country Bursary for Deaf Students

Information and Communications

OPS Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Key Outcome:

Information and Communications are available in accessible formats or with necessary supports to all OPS staff and customers.

Ministry Proposed Measures for 2015:

In addition to the measures proposed in Part A, which will be undertaken for all accessibility standards, the ministry will ensure communications materials, websites, technology solutions and documents employ accessibility best practices, including:

  • linking the I&IT Accessibility Centre of Excellence training videos, and other guides on how to make documents accessible, to the ministry intranet
  • providing “how to make documents accessible” training and posting tip sheets on accessible documents to the ministry intranet
  • updating accessible format standards and templates, based on best practices, and posting to the intranet to enhance staff access to resources, e.g., Business card templates with braille e-mail address and TTY listings, plain language forms
  • the Community Services I&IT Cluster (CSC) will continue the development and implementation of the Disability Advisory Council (DAC) Registry. Once the registry is implemented and operational, CSC will continue to provide ongoing support and maintenance

Employment Standard

OPS Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Key Outcome:

OPS employees with disabilities participate fully and meaningfully in their employment.

Ministry Proposed Measures for 2015:

In addition to the measures proposed in Part A, which will be undertaken for all accessibility standards, the ministry will:

  • ensure all new staff and managers are provided with information about their accessibility responsibilities as part of their orientation training and materials
  • encourage all managers and staff to incorporate at least one accessibility commitment in their 2015-2016 performance plans
  • improve practices on employment accommodation and return to work by:
    • reviewing the 2014 OPS Employee Engagement survey results to identify issues and develop best practice approach based on OPS wide policies and procedures
    • implementing the recommendations from the 2013 disability management review
    • providing managers with clear and concise checklists that promote actions articulated in the Disability Accommodation Policy
  • encourage managers to participate in the mental health workshops “Let’s Talk… You're not alone” which will better enable them to engage in accommodation discussions with staff
  • support the OPS Disability Advisory Council activities, including promoting staff participation in and attendance at learning events such as the Enabling Environments in the OPS, held in December 2014
  • work with the Disability Advisory Council to secure feedback from employees with disabilities at least once a year on priority issues
  • participate in the 5th Learning Ministries' Diversity Mentoring Partnership Program. The program is designed to provide an inclusive environment for reciprocal learning in which mentors and employee partners engage in honest, open and meaningful dialogue about diversity, accessibility and inclusion. Thirty–eight people were enrolled in the program for 2015
  • the Community Services I&IT Cluster will develop a Cluster-wide learning plan to raise awareness and knowledge of accessibility for all staff, including increased awareness among managers of employment accommodation directives and policies

Built Environment

OPS Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Key Outcome:

There is greater accessibility into, out of and around OPS facilities and public spaces.

Ministry Proposed Measures for 2015:

In addition to the measures proposed in Part A, which will be undertaken for all accessibility standards, the ministry will ensure staff and managers are aware of the new built environment requirements, including the Design of Public Spaces Standard coming into effect January 1, 2015. Activities to include:

    • Key staff such as facilities managers will be provided training on accessibility in the built environment.
    • All branches will be provided an overview of accessibility in the built environment Standard prior to June 1, 2015.
    • All managers will be required to review the training materials developed by the Diversity Office.
    • Information about accessibility in the built environment including any best practices regarding physical structural changes in the workplace, and updates to the OPS Guidelines for Barrier Free Design of OPS Facilities will be posted on the ministry intranet and circulated to key staff.
  • Working with the Disability Advisory Council the ministry will solicit feedback from staff with disabilities to identify issues with the built environment, including issues regarding accommodation and any ideas for improvement.
  • All training will be tracked and recorded by Divisional Accessibility Leads and stored on the new ministry Accessibility SharePoint Project site.

Section Three: Addressing the Identification of Barriers

In support of our commitment to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities will continue to review government initiatives, including Acts, regulations, policies, programs, practices and services for the purposes of identifying and removing barriers.

Recognizing the importance of addressing accessibility barriers in laws that have a high impact on members of the public and people with disabilities, the government is following a three-pronged strategy that prioritizes the review of high impact legislation, including:

  1. development of a standardized process and tools for identifying and addressing accessibility barriers
  2. by the end of 2014, review of 51 targeted high-impact statutes that meet the following criteria:
    1. Statutes that affect people with disabilities directly
    2. Statutes that provide for the delivery of widely applicable services or programs
    3. Statutes that provide benefits or protections
    4. Statutes that affect a democratic or civic right or duty
  3. review procedural rules, policies and guidelines for select high-impact legislation, where necessary

Links

Public Links

OPS Multi-Year Accessibility Plan – Leading the Way Forward

Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation

Accessibility Standards for Customer Service

Ontario Accessibility Website

Accessible, Fair and Sustainable Services for People with Developmental Disabilities program

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

Contact Us

Questions or comments about the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities accessibility plan are always welcome.

General inquiries

Mailing address:

900 Bay Street
14th Floor, Mowat Block
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1L2

Visit the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure web portal. The site promotes accessibility and provides information and resources on how to make Ontario an accessible province for everyone.

Alternate formats of this document are available upon request from:

Service Employment Ontario Publications

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