Accessibility
Accessibility Plan and Policies for Family Counselling Centre (FCC)
This 2022 - 2027 accessibility plan outlines the policies and actions that the Family Counselling Centre will put in place to provide opportunities for people with disabilities.
Statement of Commitment
It is the policy of the Family Counselling Centre (FCC) to be 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, 2005 (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Regulation Standards 191/1, 2010 (IASR).
Scope
FCC will establish, maintain and update a multi-year accessibility plan at least every five years, outlining FCC’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities.
Customer Service Policy
Documents related to accessible customer service are available upon request. FCC will provide documents in an accessible format or with communication support on request. FCC will provide the accessible format in a timely manner and at no additional cost. Clients can access counselling sessions offered through three platforms (face to face, virtual, phone). This has helped eliminate the barrier of transportation to access service.
Accessible Emergency Information
FCC is committed to providing the customers and clients with publicly available emergency information in an accessible way, upon request. FCC will also provide employees with disabilities with individualized emergency response information when necessary. Individual accommodation will be addressed at each performance review.
If an employee, who receives individualized workplace emergency response information, requires assistance, with the employee’s consent, the workplace emergency response information will be given to the designated employee.
FCC will continue to review the individualized workplace emergency response plans when necessary i.e. the location of the employee changes and/or there is a change in disability.
In addition, FCC will develop individual emergency response plans for all clients with disabilities. Requests for assistance in the event of an emergency will be identified through Intake on the Risk Profile. A Client Emergency Information Worksheet will be left at reception for completion prior to the first session. Based on information obtained on the Risk Profile, arrangements for an alternate visit site will be made if necessary. From the information provided on the Client Emergency Information Worksheet, a Client Individualized Emergency Response Plan Agreement will be developed by the client and worker and signed by both parties.
Training
FCC will provide training to employees, volunteers and other staff members on Ontario’s accessibility laws and on the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities. Training will be provided in a way that best suits the duties of employees, volunteers and other staff members. Signed confirmation of training records will be kept on file.
Other training to be implemented:
How to communicate with service dogs to be completed by December 2023.
Refresher AODA training to be implemented by December 2025. ‘
All employees, volunteers and board members will be assessed as to the level of training that is required based on the duties of the individual. All employees, volunteers and board members will be offered group or individual training as best suits their needs. AODA training has been incorporated into the orientation process for new employees. Training worksheets are maintained to ensure all new employees, volunteers and board members are trained.
Procurement
FCC will incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods or services.
Information and Communications
FCC is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. FCC will consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs.
Clients are required to sign a service agreement when accessing counselling services. It is preferred that the document is signed electronically through Adobe Sign prior to their appointment. Technical assistance is offered to clients over the phone. If the client does not have access, or ability to sign electronically, the agreement can be mailed to the client to return to the office or signed in office at their appointment.
FCC has updated the current website. Content on the site conforms with WCAG 2.0, Level A standards. Website provides a feature that allows users to change the size of the text they see online to suit their preference.
Feedback processes are accessible to people with disabilities upon request: Feedback forms are available electronically through SurveyMonkey, in the FCC waiting room and at the Supervised Access Facility.
FCC endeavors to make all publicly available information accessible upon request. Commonly requested information has been identified. Large print cards, showing questions and answers will be available at reception if needed. All other alternate formats will be investigated as the need arises.
Employment
FCC is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. FCC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
FCC will notify the public and staff that, when requested, FCC will accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes and when people are hired. Internal postings will state that accommodations will be made for people with disabilities. Job postings will include notice that accommodations will be made for people with disabilities. Upon request, employees with disabilities will be accommodated during the interview process.
FCC will provide workplace information (i.e. job descriptions, manuals, bulletins) in an accessible format if an employee asks for it.
FCC will inform employees about policies to support people with disabilities. New employees will be trained when hired. Changes to policies will be communicated to staff. Training records will be kept.
FCC has developed a written policy for developing individual accommodation plans and return-to-work policies for employees that have been absent due to a disability.
FCC will consider the needs of an employee with disabilities when holding formal or informal performance reviews. FCC will incorporate a discussion on accessibility during performance reviews. A requirement to review any individual accommodation plans has been added as a checklist item to performance reviews.
FCC is committed to the prevention and removal of other accessibility barriers identified. An automatic door opener has been installed on accessible unisex washroom. Other steps to be taken:
Install automatic door opener on main access door by December 2023.,
Install two medical evacuation chairs, at both exits by April 2023 to accommodate people with physical disabilities.
For more information
For more information on this accessibility plan, please contact Hani Dajani, Executive Director at:
Phone: 519-336-0120 x 224
Email: hani.dajani@familycounsellingctr.com
Feedback Form
If you would like to comment on Family Counselling Centre Sarnia-Lambton's accessibility, please complete and submit our Accessibility Feedback Form below or call us at 519-336-0120.