The objective of the Accessibility Advisory Committee is to guide the Municipal Council on questions that will increase the capacity of people with disabilities to have access to an equal opportunity in the municipality. For more information on the Accessibility Advisory Committee, please read the committee’s Terms of Reference.
If you have questions related to accessibility or to request an alternate format for these documents, please contact us.
Contact UsMULTI-YEAR ACCESSIBILITY PLAN 2020-2025
# AD-02-2019
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
Effective Date: October 21st, 2019
Resolution: 628-2019
Statement of commitment
The Nation Municipality is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with
disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain
their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and we are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and by meeting our accessibility requirements under Ontario’s accessibility laws.
1. Training
We are committed to training staff and volunteers in Ontario’s accessibility laws and aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities. We will train our employees and volunteers on accessibility as it relates to their specific roles.
2. Procurement
We will incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities, including self-serve kiosks. If it is not possible and practical to do so, we will provide an explanation upon request.
3. Information and communication
We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. When asked, we will provide information about our organization and its services, including public safety information, in accessible formats or with communication supports. We will also meet internationally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA website requirements in accordance with Ontario’s accessibility laws.
4. Definitions
4.1. “Person with disability” for the purposes of this policy, “disability” is defined according to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 as:
4.1.1. 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 coordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or in a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device;
4.1.2. A condition of mental impairment or developmental disability;
4.1.3. Learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
4.1.4. A mental disorder; or
4.1.5. An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
4.2. “Service animal” For the purpose of this policy, “service animal” is defined as either:
4.2.1. A guide dog as defined in Section 1 of the Blind Persons Right Act;
4.2.2. A service animal for a person with a disability. For the purposes of this policy, and animal is a service animal for a person with a disability;
4.2.3. If it is readily apparent that the animal is used by the person for the reasons relating to his or her disability; or
4.2.4. If the person provides a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to the disability.
4.3. “Support person” For the purposes of this policy a support person is defined as a person who accompanies a person with a disability in order to help him or her with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs or with access to goods or services.
5. Practices and procedures
The following departmental practices and procedures shall be implemented:
5.1.Communications will be conducted in a manner that takes into consideration the person’s disabilities;
5.2.Staff, volunteers and contractors who interact with the public or who are involved in the development of policies, practices and procedures regarding the provision of goods and services for the municipality will receive appropriate training;
5.3.Persons with disabilities accompanied by a guide dog or service animal will be permitted in those areas of the premises owned or operated by the municipality that are typically open to the public unless the animal is otherwise excluded by law;
5.4.Persons with disabilities accompanied by a support person will be permitted to be accompanied by that support person in premises normally open to the public;
5.5.If an amount payable by a person for admission to the premises, or in connection with a person’s presence at the premises, The Nation Municipality will ensure that notice is given in advance about the amount, if any, payable in respect of the support person;
5.6.Notice will be provided when facilities or services that people with disabilities rely on to access The Nation Municipality services are temporarily disrupted;
5.7.The Nation Municipality will establish a process to allow people to provide feedback on whether the municipality is providing accessible goods and services;
5.8.The Nation Municipality acknowledges that persons with disabilities may elect to use their own personal assistive devices to obtain, use or benefit from the services offered by The Nation Municipality.
6. Feedback process
6.1.Should a member of the public wish to make a complaint regarding the accessible provision of goods or services they have received (or not), the member of the public can advise The Nation Municipality of their complaint or concern through the following means:
6.1.1. Fill out the feedback form available on The Nation Municipality’s website at: www.nationmun.ca;
6.1.2. Send an email outlining the nature of the complaint or concern to the following email address : jbrizard@nationmun.ca;
6.1.3. Contact the Accessibility Coordinator by phone at 613-764-5444 ext. 235, or by mail at the following address: Josée Brizard, The Nation Municipality, 958 Route 500 West, Casselman, Ontario K0A 1M0;
6.1.4. Contact by phone the department head or designate responsible for delivering the goods or services for which there is a complaint or concern;
6.1.5. Visit the office and meet the department head or designate responsible for delivering the goods and services for which there is a complaint or concern.
6.2.Regardless of the method used to file a complaint or provide a comment, a response will be provided to anyone providing a complaint or comment regarding the provision of accessible goods and services, in the same manner as the complaint or comment was received, within 30 days.
6.3.If deemed appropriate, a complaint or comment regarding the provision of accessible goods and services may be directed to The Nation Municipality’s Accessibility Advisory Committee for recommendations on how to address the complaint or comment.
6.4.If agreement on the resolution of a complaint cannot be reached between the appropriate department head or designate and the complainant, the matter will be directed to the Chief Administrative Officer for disposition.
6.5.If the Chief Administrative Officer is unable to provide a satisfactory resolution to the complainant, the complainant has the option of presenting the complaint to Council for final resolution.
7. Service disruption
7.1.If there is a planned service interruption, partial or full, of services or facilities offered that persons with disabilities use or depend on (e.g. elevators), in whole or in part, The Nation Municipality shall give notice of the disruption to the public.
7.2.Notice of disruption must include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration and a description of alternative facilities or service, if any, that are available.
7.3.Notice will be given by posting the information about the service disruption at a conspicuous place on the premises owned and operated by The Nation Municipality, as well as by posting the information on the municipal website (www.nationmun.ca) and providing audio messages on the automated telephone attendant for the facility where the service disruption will be taking place. If deemed appropriate and time permits, planned disruptions may also be published in local newspapers.
7.4.If a temporary service disruption of the website is planned, a notice announcing the interruption of service shall be posted as soon as possible in the manner described in Section 7.3 above.
7.5.In the event of an unplanned service disruption, notice will be given as soon as feasibly possible in the manner described in Section 7.3 above.
8. Format of documents
8.1.Should The Nation Municipality be requested to provide a copy of a document to a person with a disability, The Nation Municipality shall give the person the document, or the information contained in the document, in a format that takes into account the person’s disability.
8.2.Material printed in-house and publications produced on behalf of The Nation Municipality should contain a note indicating “alternate formats are available on request” and include relevant contact information.
8.3.The Nation Municipality will consult the person requesting the document to determine what accessible alternate format of the document or information should be in accordance with the provisions of this policy.
8.4.The time frame attached to the conversion process varies depending on the media chosen, the size, complexity, quality or source documents and number of documents to be converted. Documents shall be returned in a timely manner depending on the factors noted above.
8.5.Conversion shall be processed in-house whenever possible. When a member of the public requests a municipal document, or portion thereof, in an alternate format, the department of origin shall be responsible for the cost of the conversion, materials and distribution, and not the requester.
8.6.In-house printing, where possible, should adhere to the CNIB’s Clear Print Standards or any subsequent accessible information and communication policies.
9. Training
The customer service standard requires service providers to train staff on providing customer service to people with disabilities. This training must be given to employees who deal with members of the public as well as other third parties who act on behalf of the municipality. Training must also be provided to those who develop policies, procedures and practices for the municipality. Training shall be provided as soon as possible, after a new employee is hired.
9.1.The Nation Municipality shall ensure that the following persons are trained on policies, practices and procedures establishing the accessible provision of its goods and services to persons with disabilities.
9.1.1. Every person who deals with members of the public or other third parties on behalf of the municipality, whether the person does so as an employee, agent, volunteer or otherwise.
9.1.2. Every person who participates in developing the municipality’s policies, practices and procedures governing the provision of goods and services to members of the public or third parties.
9.2.This training will include a review of the purposes of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the requirements of this policy and instruction about the following.
9.2.1. How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities, as outlined in this policy and associated practices and procedures.
9.2.2. How to interact with persons with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a guide dog or other service animal or the assistance of a support person, as outlined in this policy and associated practices and procedures.
9.2.3. How to use equipment or devices available on the premises owned or leased by The Nation Municipality that may help in the provision of goods and services to a person with a disability.
9.2.4. What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing goods and services provided by The Nation Municipality.
10. Assistive devices
10.1. The Nation Municipality acknowledges that persons with disabilities may elect to use their own person or personal assistive devices to obtain, use or benefit from goods and services by The Nation Municipality.
10.2. Should a person with a disability be unable to access the municipality’s goods and services through the use of their own personal assistive device, The Nation Municipality will ensure the following measures:
10.2.1. Determine if the provision of the good or service is inaccessible, based upon the individual’s requirements;
10.2.2. Access potential accessible service delivery options to meet the needs of the individual;
10.2.3. Notify the person with a disability of an alternative method of providing the goods and services and how they can access the alternative, temporarily or on a permanent basis.
Schedule A
Sample #1 – Public notice for an interruption of services
To all clients
The elevators on the east side of the building will be out of service from the 1st to the 15th of April due to regular maintenance. To access the upper level of this building, please use the elevator located on the west side of the building. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For any questions, please call (phone number).
Thank you
Management
Sample #2 – Public notice for an interruption of services
To all clients
The accessible washroom is presently out of service due to a damaged pipe. Repairs should be completed tomorrow. In the meantime, we have made arrangements that our clients use the accessible washroom located at 233 Main Street, being the building beside this one. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Thank you
Management
*The document below is available in alternate formats upon request.*
PDF Accessibility Status Report 2021*The document below is available in alternate formats upon request.*
PDF Accessibility Status Report 2019CORPORATION OF THE NATION MUNICIPALITY
POLICY ON ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE
Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
February 24, 2010
Revised: January 30, 2023
Background
The accessibility standards for customer service came into force on January 1, 2008. It is the first accessibility standard created under the authority of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
All designated public sector organizations must meet all of the requirements of the standard by January 1, 2010 and file a report in 2010.
1. SCOPE
This policy applies to all employees and/or sections within the municipality and all employees and all volunteers and contractors and others who interact with the public on behalf of the municipality.
2. PURPOSE
This policy is intended to ensure the provision of goods, services, and facilities to persons with disabilities and to adapt those services/facilities in order to comply with the customer service standard in Part IV.2 of Ontario Regulation 191/11.
2.1 The Nation Municipality is committed to being responsive to the needs of its residents and visitors by recognizing the diverse needs of all its residents and visitors and striving to provide services and facilities that are accessible to all.
2.2 The Nation Municipality will promote accessibility through the development of policies, procedures and practices taking into consideration people with disabilities. All reasonable efforts will be made to ensure that these policies, procedures and practices address integration, independence, dignity and equal opportunity.
2.3 The Nation Municipality will communicate with a person with a disability in a manner that recognizes that person’s specific disability.
2.4 The Nation Municipality will ensure that training to all staff, volunteers, contractors and those responsible for developing the municipality’s policies, practices and procedures is provided.
2.5 The Nation Municipality will ensure that all reasonable efforts are taken to provide persons with disabilities equal opportunity to obtain, use and benefit from goods, services, and facilities provided by the municipality.
2.6 The Nation Municipality shall ensure that a person with a disability being accompanied by a guide dog or service animal has access in the municipal premises or premises open to the public unless said animal is excluded by law from the premises. If excluded by law, the municipality engages to take other necessary measures to serve the person with a disability.
2.7 The Nation Municipality shall ensure that a person with a disability being accompanied by a support person is granted access to municipal premises for both the person with a disability and the support person. Notice shall be given in advance if any fee is payable for the support person’s entry to the premises.
3. PRINCIPLES
Reasonable efforts will be made to ensure the following:
3.1 That goods, services, and facilities be provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.
3.2 That the provision of goods and services will be integrated unless an alternate measure is necessary, whether temporarily or permanently, to enable a person with a disability to obtain, use or benefit from the goods, services, or facilities.
3.3 That persons with disabilities will be given an opportunity equal to that given to others to obtain, use and benefit from the goods, services, or facilities.
4. DEFINITIONS
4.1 “Person with Disability”: for the purposes of this policy, “disability” is defined according to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 as:
4.1.1 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 coordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or in a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device;
4.1.2 A condition of mental impairment or developmental disability;
4.1.3 Learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
4.1.4 A mental disorder; or
4.1.5 An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
4.2 “Service Animal”: for the purpose of this Policy, “service animal” is defined as either:
4.2.1 A “guide dog” as defined in Section 1 of the Blind Persons Rights Act
4.2.2 A “service animal” for a person with a disability. For the purposes of this policy, and “animal” is a service animal for a person with a disability;
4.2.3 If it is readily apparent that the animal is used by the person for the reasons relating to his or her disability; or
4.2.4 If the person provides a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to the disability.
4.3 “Support Person”: for the purposes of this policy a support person is defined as a person who accompanies a person with a disability in order to help him or her with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs or with access to goods or services.
5. PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
5.1 Communications will be conducted in a manner that takes into consideration the person’s disabilities;
5.2 All staff and volunteers, as well as contractors and others who interact with the public or who are involved in the development of policies, practices and procedures regarding the provision of goods, services or facilities for the municipality, will receive appropriate training;
5.3 Persons with disabilities accompanied by a guide dog or service animal will be permitted in those areas of the premises owned or operated by the municipality that are typically open to the public unless the animal is otherwise excluded by law. It is the responsibility of the person using the service animal to ensure that the service animal is kept under control at all times.
5.4 Persons with disabilities accompanied by a support person will be permitted to be accompanied by that support person in premises normally open to the public.
5.5 If an amount is payable by a person for admission to the premises, or in connection with a person’s presence at the premises, The Nation Municipality will ensure that notice is given in advance about the amount, if any, payable in respect of the support person.
5.6 The Nation Municipality may require a person with a disability to be accompanied by a support person when on municipal premises but only if, after consulting with the person with a disability and considering the available evidence, the municipality determines that a support person is necessary to protect the health and safety of the person with a disability or the health and safety of others on the premises, and there is no other reasonable way to protect the health and safety of the person with a disability or others on the premises. In such a case, the Nation Municipality shall waive any admission amount payable in respect of the support person.
5.7 Notice will be provided when facilities or services that people with disabilities rely on to access The Nation Municipality services are temporarily disrupted.
5.8 The Nation Municipality will establish a feedback process to allow people to provide feedback on whether and how well the municipality is providing accessible goods, services and facilities.
5.9 The Nation Municipality acknowledges that persons with disabilities may elect to use their own personal assistive devises to obtain, use or benefit from the services and facilities offered by The Nation Municipality.
6. FEEDBACK PROCESS
6.1 Should a member of the public wish to make a complaint regarding the accessible provision of goods, services, or facilities they have received, or about the feedback process itself, the member of the public can advise The Nation Municipality of their complaint or concern through the following means:
6.1.1 Make a submission through the on-line feedback form available on The Nation Municipality website www.nationmun.ca;
6.1.2 Send an email outlining the nature of the complaint or concern to the following address: mmccuaig@nationmun.ca;
6.1.3 Contact the Accessibility Coordinator by phone or mail: Mary McCuaig, Accessibility Coordinator, The Nation Municipality, 958 Route 500 West, Casselman, ON K0A 1M0. 613-764-5444 ext. 222;
6.1.4 Contact by telephone the department head or designate responsible for delivering the goods, services, or facilities in respect of which there is a complaint or concern;
6.1.5 Attend the office and meet the department head or designate responsible for delivering the goods, services, or facilities in respect of which there is a complaint or concern;
6.2 A response will be provided to anyone providing a complaint or comment regarding the provision of accessible goods, services or facilities, in the same manner as the complaint or comment was received within 30 days.
6.3 If deemed appropriate, a complaint or comment regarding the provision of accessible goods, services, or facilities may be directed to The Nation Municipality Accessibility Advisory Committee for recommendations on how to address the complaint or comment;
6.4 If agreement on the resolution of a complaint cannot be reached between the appropriate department head or designate and the complainant, the matter will be directed to the Chief Administrative Officer for disposition;
6.5 If the Chief Administrative Officer is unable to provide a satisfactory resolution to the complainant, the complainant has the option of presenting the complaint to Council for final disposition; and
6.6 The Nation Municipality will ensure that this feedback process is accessible to people with disabilities. Accessible formats and communications supports will be provided upon request, in a timely fashion and at no additional cost. The Nation Municipality will post a notice on its website notifying the public of this feedback process and of the availability of accessible formats and communication supports.
7. SERVICE DISRUPTION
7.1 If, in order to obtain, use or benefit from The Nation Municipality’s goods, services, or facilities, persons with disabilities usually use particular facilities or services, e.g., elevators, and if there is a planned temporary disruption in those facilities or services in whole or in part, The Nation Municipality shall give notice of the disruption to the public.
7.2 Notice of the disruption must include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration and a description of alternative facilities or services, if any, that are available.
7.3 Notice will be given by posting the information about the service disruption at a conspicuous place on the premises owned and operated by The Nation Municipality, as well as by posting the information on the municipal website (www.nationmun.ca) and providing audio messages on the automated telephone attendant for the facility where the service disruption will be taking place. If deemed appropriate and time permits, planned disruptions may also be published in local newspapers.
7.4 If a temporary service disruption of the website is planned, keeping with the conditions of the service disruption, notice will be given as soon as feasibly possible in the manner otherwise described in Section 7.3 above.
7.5 In the event of an unplanned service disruption, notice will be given as soon as feasibly possible in the manner described in Section 7.3 above.
8. FORMAT OF DOCUMENTS
8.1 Should The Nation Municipality be requested to provide a copy of a document to a person with a disability, The Nation Municipality shall give the person the document, or the information contained in the document, in a format that takes into account the person’s disability.
8.2 Material printed in-house and publications produced on behalf of The Nation Municipality should contain a note indicating “alternate formats are available on request” and include relevant contact information.
8.3 The Nation Municipality will consult the person requesting the document to determine what the accessible alternate format of the document or information should be in accordance with the provisions of this policy.
8.4 The time frame attached to the conversion process varies depending on the media chosen, the size, complexity, quality or source documents and number of documents to be converted. Documents shall be returned in a timely manner depending on the factors noted above.
8.5 Conversion shall be processed in-house whenever possible. When a member of the public requests a municipal document, or portion thereof, in an alternate format, the department of origin shall be responsible for the cost of the conversion, materials and distribution, not the requester.
8.6 In-house printing, where possible, should adhere to the CNIB’s Clear Print Standards or any subsequent accessible information and communication policies.
9. TRAINING ON CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS
The Integrated Accessibility Standards require service providers to train staff on providing customer service to people with disabilities. This training must be given to all employees and volunteers, as well as other third parties who act on behalf of the municipality with respect to the provision of goods, services or facilities. Training must also be provided to those who develop policies, procedures and practices for the municipality. Training shall be provided as soon as practicable after a new employee or volunteer is hired (or, in the case of another person, as soon as practicable after they commence developing municipal policies and/or providing goods, services, or facilities on behalf of the municipality), and on an ongoing basis whenever this policy is changed.
9.1 The Nation Municipality shall ensure that the following persons are trained on policies, practices and procedures establishing the accessible provision of its goods and services to persons with disabilities:
9.1.1 Every employee and volunteer, as well as every person who provides goods, services, or facilities on behalf of the municipality, whether the person does so as an employee, agent, volunteer or otherwise.
9.1.2 Every person who participates in developing in the municipality’s policies, practices and procedures.
9.2 The training shall be appropriate to the duties of the person being trained.
9.3 This training will include a review of the purposes of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the requirements of this policy and instruction about the following:
9.3.1 How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities, as outlined in this policy and associated practices and procedures.
9.3.2 How to interact with persons with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a guide dog or other service animal or the assistance of a support person, as outlined in this policy and associated practices and procedures.
9.3.3 How to use equipment or devices available on the premises owned or leased by The Nation Municipality that may help in the provision of goods, services, or facilities to a person with a disability.
9.3.4 What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing goods, services, or facilities provided by The Nation Municipality.
9.4 The Nation Municipality will keep a record of all training provided, including the dates on which it was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided.
10. ASSISTIVE DEVICES
10.1 The Nation Municipality acknowledges that persons with disabilities may elect to use their own personal assistive devices to obtain, use or benefit from the goods, services, and facilities provided by The Nation Municipality.
10.2 Should a person with a disability be unable to access the municipality’s goods, services, or facilities through the use of their own personal assistive device, The Nation Municipality will ensure the following measures are taken:
10.2.1 Determine if the provision of the good, service, or facility is inaccessible, based upon the individual’s requirements.
10.2.2 Assess potential accessible service delivery options to meet the needs of the individual; and
10.2.3 Notify the person with a disability of an alternative method of providing the goods or services and how they can access the alternative, temporarily or on a permanent basis.
Schedule “A”:
Samples of public notice documents for an interruption of services
Sample #1:
“To all clients:
The elevators on the east side will be out of service from the 1st to the 15th of April due to regular maintenance. To access the upper level of this building, please use the elevator located on the west side of the building. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For any questions, please call (phone number).
Thank you
Management”
Sample #2
“To all clients:
The accessible washroom is presently out of service due to a damaged pipe. Repairs will be affected tomorrow. In the meantime, we have made arrangements that our clients use the accessible washroom located at 233 Main Street being the building beside this one. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Thank you
Management”
Schedule “B”
Samples of notice documents for feedback process
Sample # 1
“To all our clients
We are in the process of improving our accessibility to clients with disabilities. We would appreciate receiving your comments, questions and suggestions concerning the set up and services in our buildings serving our clients with disabilities. Please communicate with the municipal office reception in person, by mail, by telephone at (phone number) or by email at (email address) to provide your comments.
Thank you
Management”
Sample # 2
“To all our clients
We are in the process of improving our accessibility to clients with disabilities. We would be pleased to receive your comments. Please call (phone number) or send an email to (email address) to let us know your comments and/or to obtain a copy of our accessibility policy.
Thank you
Management”
THE CORPORATION OF THE NATION MUNICIPALITY
STATEMENT OF POLICY AND PROCEDURE ACCOMMODATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY AND ACCESSIBLE EMPLOYMENT
#HR-01-2019
Effective date: December 2, 2019
Revised: January 30, 2023
Resolution: 722-2019
ACCOMMODATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY
1. Policy
1.01 Where an employee requests an accommodation for needs related to a disability, The Nation Municipality will accommodate the employee to the point of undue hardship. Where an accommodation would cause undue hardship, The Nation Municipality will implement the next best accommodation short of undue hardship.
1.02 The Nation Municipality is required to and will comply with certain provisions contained in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”) and Part III — Employment Standards of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation made under the AODA.
1.03 All accommodation requests will be taken seriously. No person will be penalized for making an accommodation request.
2. Purpose
2.01 The purpose of this Statement of Policy and Procedure is to state The Nation Municipality’s commitment to the prevention and removal of barriers to people with disabilities, to the accommodation of persons with disabilities and to the establishment of processes by which persons with disabilities may request accommodation.
3. Responsibility
3.01 Each supervisor is responsible for ensuring the principles outlined in this Statement of Policy and Procedure are adhered to throughout all business activities.
3.02 The employee requesting an accommodation and their immediate supervisor are responsible for working together cooperatively with the goal of finding a reasonable accommodation and developing an accommodation plan.
4. Definitions
5.01 “Disability” means,
(a) 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;
(b) a condition of mental retardation impairment or a developmental disability;
(c) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
(d) a mental disorder; or
(e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
5. References and Related Statements of Policy and Procedure
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (Ontario) and Regulations Human Rights Code (Ontario)
HR-02-2019 — Return to Work Program
6. Procedure
7.01
(a) During the recruitment process, The Nation Municipality shall notify job applicants and the public via its job postings about its commitment to accommodate those with disabilities, and shall advise those selected for an interview that accommodation is available upon request. If a selected applicant requests an accommodation, The Nation Municipality shall consult with the applicant and provide or arrange for the provision of a suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs due to disability.
(b) Successful applicants and employees shall be notified of The Nation Municipality’s policies regarding accommodating employees with disabilities as soon as practicable after their employment begins and whenever a change in policy takes place.
7.02 Request for Individual Accommodation Plan:
(a) Employees who wish or need to raise a potential accommodation issue shall do so by submitting a request for accommodation, preferably in writing, to their immediate supervisor. The request should:
– describe the limitations on the employee’s ability to perform the duties of their position caused by the disability;
– describe any accommodation(s) sought;
– provide sufficient information, including medical information, to confirm the existence of a need for accommodation.
(b) If an employee is under a program of medical treatment which requires the consumption of prescription drugs, including medical marijuana, or over-the-counter drugs, which are labelled or known to cause impairment, the employee is required to inform their supervisor that they are engaged in a medical treatment program that may cause impairment so that the risk of impairment relative to the employee’s safe job performance can be considered.
7.03 Each accommodation request will be considered on an individual basis. When necessary to facilitate the assessment and determination of a reasonable accommodation, the employee may be required to participate in the development of an accommodation plan and to provide relevant medical information to The Nation Municipality. Employees seeking accommodation on the basis of disability are expected to provide their fullest cooperation in
providing any information or medical assessments and participating in assessments relevant to determination of the accommodation request. The employee may request the participation of an employee representative in the development of the accommodation plan by asking the individual of their choice directly.
7.04 The supervisor and the Human Resources Director will jointly assess the accommodation issue in light of the information provided and the individual needs of the employee. During the assessment phase, The Nation Municipality reserves the right to require further information, including relevant medical information or opinions that will assist The Nation Municipality to determine if a reasonable accommodation can be achieved and how it can be achieved. The Nation Municipality further reserves the right to require the employee to participate in a needs assessment by a qualified medical practitioner or other trained professional, at the municipality’s expense, in order to assist in determining what accommodation is needed, how much it will cost, and how it can be provided.
7.05 The supervisor and Human Resources Director will jointly finalize a decision regarding the accommodation issue. The supervisor shall notify the employee, in writing or other format as required by the employee’s disability, of the decision and the reason(s) for the decision.
7.06 If the employee is not satisfied with the written decision regarding the request for accommodation, the employee may appeal the decision to the Chief Administrative Officer for further review. The decision of the Chief Administrative Officer shall be final and binding upon the parties.
7.07 Should the employee’s need for individual accommodation be verified by the municipality, Human Resources and the employee will work together to complete the attached Appendix
“A”: Individual Accommodation Plan.
7.07 The Nation Municipality shall ensure that the employee’s personal medical information shall be kept confidential and will only be disclosed to those necessary in the assessment and development of the accommodation in accordance with our Privacy Policy (Resolution 538-2013).
7.08 The Nation Municipality shall provide individualized workplace emergency response information to disabled employees who require it, and to any person designated to assist the disabled employee, with the consent of the disabled employee, as soon as practicable after the municipality becomes aware of the employee’s need for accommodation due to disability. The municipality shall review the individualized workplace response information upon the following events:
(a) when the employee moves to a new location in the workplace;
(b) when the employee’s overall accommodation needs are reviewed; and
(c) upon review of The Nation Municipality’s general emergency response policies.
7.09 Upon request, the Nation Municipality will provide accessible formats and communication supports for information necessary for employees with disabilities to do their job and for information that is generally available to all employees. We will consult with employees with disabilities when we are requested to provide accessible formats and communication supports in order to determine the suitability of same.
7.10 Employees who are absent from work due to their disabilities shall participate in the development of a return to work process which includes the development of an individual accommodation plan. Employees who require an accommodation in order to return to work shall submit a request for accommodation in accordance with paragraph 7.02 above.
7.11 Accessibility needs of employees and individual accommodation plans will be taken into account when managing an employee’s performance, career advancement or opportunities for redeployment.
7.12 All employees and volunteers will be provided with adequate training with respect to the Human Rights Code (Ontario), the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the accessibility standards required thereunder.
THE CORPORATION OF THE NATION MUNICIPALITY
POLICY ON THE INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS UNDER THE ACCESSIBLITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2005
Effective Date: January 30, 2023
This policy is consistent with the Integrated Accessibility Standards made under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, as amended from time to time (the “AODA”).
Purpose
The Nation Municipality is committed to maintaining an accessible environment for persons with disabilities in the delivery of its services and facilities, and in its employment practices. 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 by meeting the accessibility requirements under the AODA.
Applicability
This policy applies to employment with the Nation Municipality and to all municipal services and facilities that are provided externally to the public or to third parties.
This policy applies to all municipal employees and volunteers, as well as all persons who participate in developing in the municipal policies, practices and procedures and all persons who provide services or facilities on behalf of the municipality.
Definitions
For the purpose of this policy:
Disability means:
a) 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 coordination, blindness or visual impairment, 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;
b) A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
c) A learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understating or using symbols or spoken language;
d) A metal disorder; or
e) An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
Policy
Please see the Nation Municipality’s Policy on Accessibility Standards for Customer Service.
The Nation Municipality will incorporate accessible criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, service, or facilities, including self-service kiosks. If it is not practicable to do so, the municipality will provide an explanation upon request.
The Nation Municipality is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. We will communicate with people with disabilities with sensitivity and in ways that take into account their disability. We are available to answer any questions that members of the public may have in person, by telephone, or via email.
The Nation Municipality will post a notice on its website notifying the public of the availability of accessible formats and communication supports. When asked, we will arrange for the timely provision of accessible formats and communication supports where necessary, at no additional cost. This includes publicly available information about our services, as well as publicly available emergency information, and any feedback processes that may be offered from time to time. We will consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs. If the municipality determines that the information requested cannot be provided in an accessible way, the municipality shall advise the person who has requested the information with an explanation as to why the information could not be provided, together with a summary of the information.
Our website and web content conform with the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, at Level AA.
Please see the Nation Municipality’s Statement of Policy and Procedure: Accommodation on the Basis of Disability and Accessible Employment.
Please see the Nation Municipality’s Policy on Training on the Integrated Accessibility Standards.
The Nation Municipality will comply with the Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces if it makes major changes to an existing – or constructs a new – public space that is covered by that Accessibility Standard.
Modifications to This or Other Policies
Changes will not be made to this policy unless the impact of the changes on persons with disabilities has been considered.
Any municipal policy that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities will be modified or removed as required.
THE CORPORATION OF THE NATION MUNICIPALITY
POLICY ON TRAINING ON THE INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS UNDER THE ACCESSIBLITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2005
Effective Date: January 30, 2023
Background
The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (the “Regulation”), made under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the “AODA”), requires the Nation Municipality to provide training on the requirements of the accessibility standards and the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities.
Policy
1. The Nation Municipality shall ensure that the following persons are trained in accordance with the Regulation:
a. Every employee and volunteer;
b. Every person who participates in developing in the municipality’s policies, practices and procedures; and
c. Every person who provides goods, services, or facilities on behalf of the municipality, including third parties.
2. Training shall be provided as soon as practicable after:
a. In the case of an employee or volunteer, they commence working for or providing services to the Municipality; and
b. In the case of all other persons, they commence developing municipal policies and/or providing goods, services, or facilities on behalf of the municipality.
c. Training shall also be provided on an ongoing basis in respect of any changes to the municipality’s accessibility policies.
3. The training shall be appropriate to the duties of the person being trained.
4. The training will include a review of the purposes of the AODA and the Integrated Accessibility Standards, and instruction about the following:
a. The municipality’s policies, practices and procedures relating to the Integrated Accessibility Standards (including customer service, employment, information and communications, transportation, and design of public spaces), as are relevant to the person’s work responsibilities;
b. How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities;
c. How to interact with persons with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a guide dog or other service animal or the assistance of a support person;
d. How to use equipment or devices available on the premises owned or leased by the Nation Municipality that may help in the provision of goods, services, or facilities to a person with a disability;
e. What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing goods, services, or facilities provided by the Nation Municipality; and
f. The Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities.
5. The Nation Municipality shall keep a record of all training provided, including the dates on which it was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided.
1. Policy
1.01 An employee who sustains a work-related injury or illness is entitled to be re-employed by The Nation Municipality in accordance with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
1.02 Upon receipt of a completed Functional Abilities Form (Appendix A) from an injured employee or his or her Physician, The Nation Municipality will assess whether or not the employee is still able to perform the essential duties of his or her job, or whether suitable alternate work is available for the employee. The Nation Municipality will then develop a Return to Work Plan to outline the employee’s duties upon returning to work through to his or her return to full duties. The Return to Work Plan will address the following:
1.03 If the employee is able to perform the essential duties of his or her previous position, the employee will be reinstated into that position or offered another position which is comparable in nature and earnings.
1.04 If the employee is unable to perform the essential duties of his or her previous position, he or she will be offered suitable alternate work, if it is available, at the regular wage rate associated with that position. If the wage rate for the position is a range, and the employee’s previous regular wage rate is above the top of the range for the alternate work, the employee shall be paid at the top of the range for the alternate work. If the employee’s regular wage rate is within the wage range for the alternate work, the employee shall be paid at the same rate as his or her regular wage rate.
1.05 If no suitable alternate work is available, the employee will be offered any employment within the employee’s current abilities, or which would be within the employee’s abilities with two (2) weeks of training or less which is available with The Nation Municipality. The employee will then be offered the first available suitable alternate position that becomes available within a period of two (2) years, or until the employee reaches the age of sixty-five (65), whichever comes first.
1.06 If suitable other employment is offered to an employee under this policy, and the employee refuses to accept the position, the employee will be deemed to have resigned his or her employment with The Nation Municipality.
1.07 Any disputes regarding the employee’s Return to Work Plan will be resolved in accordance with sections 40(6) & (7) of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 and as a result, the Supervisor will notify the Workplace Safety Insurance Board of any dispute regarding employee’s return to work.
2. Purpose
2.01 The Nation Municipality believes that the successful recovery of injured employees depends on early intervention and assistance with the rehabilitation and return to work process. This Statement of Policy and Procedure outlines The Nation Municipality’s commitment to assist in the employee’s return to his or her pre-injury job as soon as possible.
3. Scope
3.01 This policy applies to any employee who has been employed with The Nation Municipality for at least one (1) year and
(i) who sustains a personal injury by accident arising out of and in the course of his or her employment, or
(ii) who suffers from and is impaired by an occupational disease that occurs due to the nature of his or her employment by The Nation Municipality in an occupation in which the employee is engaged.
4. Responsibility
4.01 Supervisors and Human Resources Director
Supervisors are responsible for:
(a) informing the WSIB of an accident or injury, and completing Form 7, within three
(3) days of the accident or injury. The completed Form 7 must be received by the WSIB within seven (7) days of learning of the accident or injury;
(b) making early contact with an injured or ill employee as soon as possible after an injury or illness occurs, as well as maintaining communication through the period of the employee’s recovery;
(c) communicating with the injured employee to ensure that the Functional Abilities Form is completed by the employee and his or her Physician and received by the employer, if necessary, as soon as possible after the injury occurs;
(d) using the Functional Abilities Form to assess:
(i) whether or not the injured employee is able to perform the essential duties of his or her regular job with or without modification,
(ii) whether suitable alternate work is available for the employee, or
(iii) whether other employment is available within The Nation Municipality for the employee;
(e) drafting a Return to Work Plan for the employee’s review, if necessary;
(f) preparing submitting any documents necessary to facilitate the employee’s return to the workplace; and
g) notifying the Chief Administrative Officer and ultimately, the Workplace Safety Insurance Board, if necessary, of any dispute with the employee regarding the employee’s return to work which cannot be resolved without the intervention of a third party.
4.02 Employee
The employee is responsible for:
(a) contacting the Supervisor as soon as possible after suffering an injury or illness, as well as maintaining communication through the period of his or her recovery;
(b) ensuring that a Functional Abilities Form is completed by himself or herself and his or her Physician and for submitting same to his or her Supervisor as soon as possible following the injury or illness;
(c) working with his or her Supervisor to review and, if necessary, modify the Return to Work Plan; and
(d) following the Return to Work Plan as set out and to keep his or her Supervisor informed of any changes in his or her rehabilitation or physical condition that affect his or her ability to work.
5. Definitions
5.01 “Essential duties of job” means the primary responsibilities of the pre-injury job that allows the worker to resume a pre-injury level of productivity.
5.02 “Illness” means an occupational disease that occurs due to the nature of his or her employment which results in lost time of five (5) working days or more, and to which the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 applies.
5.03 “Injury” means personal injury by accident arising out of and in the course of his or her employment which results in lost time of five (5) working days or more, and to which the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 applies.
5.04 “Regular wage rate” means regular hourly wages or salary, excluding overtime, commissions, bonuses or other additional compensation.
5.05 “Suitable alternate work” means a job within the employee’s current abilities, or which would be within the employee’s abilities with two (2) weeks of training or less, and is of a nature and has earnings comparable to the employee’s previous job, and would not cause any health or safety risks to the employee or his or her co-employees.
6. References and related statements of policy and procedure
Human Rights Code (Ontario)
Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (Ontario)
HR-01-2019 — Accommodation on the Basis of Disability
7. Procedure
7.01 Following a work-related accident or injury, the employee and the employee’s Supervisor must contact each other as soon as possible and the employee must keep the Supervisor informed about the employee’s rehabilitation progress.
7.02 Supervisors must report any accident or injury in accordance with Accident and Injury Reporting policy as soon as possible.
7.03 As soon as possible following a work-related injury or illness, the employee must have his or her Physician complete a Functional Abilities Form, indicating the employee’s capabilities, limitations and expected recovery time, and the employee shall submit a copy of same to his or her Supervisor.
7.04 Upon receipt of the Functional Abilities Form, the employee’s Supervisor will devise a Return to Work Plan consistent with the principles specified in paragraph 1.02 of this document. The Supervisor shall give the Return to Work Plan to the employee for his or her review and shall consult with the employee regarding any modifications to the Plan requested by the employee.
7.05 The Supervisor and employee may agree to modify the Return to Work Plan.
7.06 The Supervisor shall prepare and submit any documents necessary to facilitate the employee’s return to the workplace.
1. INTRODUCTION
This plan will address the specific accessibility requirements in relation to the 2022 Municipal Election in The Nation Municipality.
The Nation Municipality has made great efforts in promoting a barrier free community. In an effort to ensure that the 2022 Municipal Election is consistent with the core principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, this planning document was developed in advance of the election in order to identify measures to be taken and reported to Council following the election.
Person-first vs Identify-first Language Note:
The use of person-first or identify-first language is an important discussion and is personal to each individual. The municipal staff will strive to use the language descriptors as preferred by the individual. For the purpose of this document, the use of Person-first language will be used.
2. OBJECTIVES
This plan is intended to highlight measures that The Nation Municipality will be implementing to ensure equal opportunity for all electors and candidates. These objectives include:
3. DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLAN
This Plan is a “living” document which will be improved and updated as best practices are identified and new opportunities for improvement arise. In order to develop the plan below, several steps were taken in order to ensure that the statutory requirements were met and a feasible implementation plan was in place. During the development of the 2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan, the following steps shall be implemented:
4. VOTING METHODS
The Nation Municipality’s 2022 Municipal Election will be working with Intelivote Systems Inc. to provide eVoting services to eligible voters. This includes the convenience and independence of voting from anywhere via telephone, internet or in-person at a Voter Help Centre during the October 19 – 24, 2022 voting period. Please note that the inperson voting at the Voter Help Centre entails internet voting or telephone voting opportunities via a laptop, touch screen monitor or telephone with the help of an Election Official. Everyday tools like computers, telephones and other aids can present accessible opportunities for persons with disabilities to accomplish more, while being consistent with the principles of independence,
dignity, integration and equal opportunity.
The Intelivote Voting System provides voters with the capability to vote from the comfort of their own home. Voting from home facilitates the voting process for persons with disabilities who may have mobility restrictions, visual impairment, and/or have a difficult time with transportation. Additionally, persons who have assistive devices set up in their homes can now use them to assist with casting a ballot privately and independently.
By allowing persons with disabilities to vote from any location and from a selection of methods, there is an increase in the capability for the
voter to vote without any assistance. This provides persons with disabilities the same independence and privacy in participating in the election as other voters. If persons with disabilities do require assistance in the voting process, trained Election Officials will be present at Voter Help Centres offered across The Nation Municipality, throughout the voting period.
4.1 Telephone Voting
Eligible voters may vote using a touch-tone telephone, and the toll-free telephone number, date of birth, and the PIN number contained in their Voter Information Letter to access an audio ballot. Communications barriers can make it difficult for people to receive or convey information. Barriers may be identified as low volume, use of language that is not clear or plain, and confusing or unorganized menu options.
The Intelivote telephone voting application provides the following:
4.2 Internet Voting
Eligible voters may vote online, using a smart phone, tablet device, gaming device or computer and any accompanying assistive devices or software, along with their date of birth and PIN and qualifying information, to access the internet address provided in their Voter Instruction Letter.
The Intelivote System has been created to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG-2 Level AA), so that persons with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate and interact with the online voting system. It is compliant with the guidelines of the World Wide Web Consortium website principles, which include organization, functionality and readability of information provided, as well as alternative ways of representing information, such as with audio.
4.3 In-person Voting at Voter Help Centre locations
For those individuals without means to access voting via telephone or internet, or who require the assistance of a trained Election Official, Voter Help Centre locations will be open during the voting period, including on Election Day, to provide in-person internet voting or telephone voting opportunities via a laptop, touch screen monitor or telephone.
Access to the Voter Help Centre interior and voting area shall be level and slip-resistant. Any doormats or carpeting shall be level with the
floor to prevent potential tripping hazards. The voting area shall be well lit and seating shall be available. Entrance corridors shall be clear of obstructions and tripping hazards and will allow sufficient space for use of a wheelchair or scooter.
An accessible voting area will be available at each Voter Help Centre location. These areas shall be low in height and have a wide area to allow for individuals who use a wheelchair or scooter to vote independently and secretively. Voters may attend any Voter Help Centre location throughout the voting period as follows:
(1) The Voter Help Centres shall be established at Town Hall (located at 958 route 500 West in Casselman) and at the Fournier Satellite Office (located at 3248 County Road 9, Fournier). These Voter Help Centres shall be open to the public during regular office hours from October 19th 2022 to October 24th 2022 and on the following dates and times, and at such additional dates and times as determined by the Clerk:
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 20, 2022
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday, October 21, 2022
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 22, 2022
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, October 23, 2022
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday, October 24, 2022
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
(2) An alternate Voter Help Centre shall be established in the following locations, and shall be open to the public on the following dates and times, and at such additional dates and times as determined by the Clerk:
St-Isidore library alternate voting centre: 4531 Ste-Catherine Street, St-Isidore ON K0C 2B0
Date & Time : To be determined
Limoges Library alternate voting centre: 205 Limoges Road, Limoges ON K0A 2M0
Date & Time : To be determined
4.4 Special Voting Provisions
Election staff shall visit sites including long-term care facilities and retirement homes, to set-up on-site voting kiosks, or bedside voting opportunities for residents.
5. VOTER HELP CENTRE LOCATION(S)
An accessibility assessment of each physical polling location will be conducted in collaboration with the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee. The following considerations are taken into account when determining which location(s) will be used:
5.1 Accessible Route
The name and/or address of the Voter Help Centre location shall be clearly visible. An easily navigable route will be marked for entry into the Voter Help Centre location and into the voting area within the location. The voting area shall be identified with clear and understandable signage. Seating areas shall be provided throughout the Voter Help Centre location for individuals needing a rest.
5.2 Entrance and Exit
The route to the entrance of the Voter Help Centre location shall be unobstructed and accessible. The route shall be wide enough to allow for an individual using a wheelchair, scooter, other assistive device, or service animal to travel safely. Doors into the Voter Help Centre location and voting area shall be accessible and easy to open or shall remain propped open for the duration of the Voter Help Centre location hours. Routine checks of entrance and exit routes will be made throughout the hours of operation.
5.3 Parking
Accessible parking shall be available at all Voter Help Centre locations. The designated parking space(s) shall be clearly marked with the international Symbol of Accessibility and will be on firm and level ground, close to the entrance of the Voter Help Centre location. By-law officers will monitor and enforce parking at Voter Help Centre locations throughout the day.
6. VOTING ASSISTANCE
6.1 Support Person/Friend of the Voter
Pursuant to the Telephone/Internet voting election policies and procedures for the 2022 Ontario municipal elections, people with disabilities shall be permitted to be accompanied by a support person at any Voter Help Centre location. A designated support person and/or ‘Friend of the Voter’ will be administered an oath of secrecy / confidentiality by an Election Official prior to providing any such assistance.
6.2 Service Animals
Pursuant to The Nation Municipality Accessible Customer Service Policy, individuals requiring service animals are permitted to be accompanied by a service animal at all Voter Help Centre locations.
6.3 Election Officials
At in-person Voter Help Centre locations, upon request, Election Officials are available to assist any voter who requires assistance in casting their online or telephone ballot. All individuals working in the capacity of an Election Official are formally appointed as such and administered an oath of secrecy prior to voting day.
7. COMMUNICATION
The 2022 Municipal Election Accessibility Plan will be made available at Town Hall (958 Route 500 West, Casselman) and by way of The Nation
Municipality web site, www.NationMun.ca. Alternative formats will be made available upon request. Information regarding the accessibility measures provided for the 2022 Municipal Election shall be included in general election advertising as well as in the 2022 Municipal Election Nomination Package.
7.1 Election Materials
The Nation Municipality is required, as per the Accessible Customer Service Standard, to provide a copy of a document to a person with a disability, or the information contained in the document, in a format that takes into account the person’s disability.
Alternate Formats
Alternate formats are other ways of publishing information besides regular print. Some of these formats can be used by everyone while others are designed to address the specific needs of a user.
The Nation Municipality and the person with a disability may agree upon the format to be used for the document or information.
In the event the information is not generated by The Nation Municipality or is supplied by a third party, The Nation Municipality will make every effort to obtain the information from the third party in an alternate format and/or will attempt to assist the Elector by providing assistive equipment.
General Election Materials
Large Print – Printed material generated by The Nation Municipality will be provided in a Arial font, minimum 11 point, and can be made available in a font (print) size that is 16 to 20 points or larger.
Website – Information generated by The Nation Municipality on the website in relation to the election will be compliant with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, and allow for assistive software to be utilized. In addition,
website font can be adjusted within the browser’s functionality to aid the user in reading the information.
Video – Promotional and educational videos created for the 2022
municipal election may incorporate audio and captioning.
7.2 Service Disruptions
From time to time and/or for unforeseen circumstances beyond The Nation Municipality control, temporary service disruptions may be
experienced. In the event of a temporary accessible service disruption, Election Officials will commit to making reasonable efforts to ensure that services are reinstated as quickly as possible and that alternative services are provided where feasible.
In these instances of service disruptions, The Nation Municipality shall provide reasonable notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services usually used by persons with disabilities.
Notice of these temporary disruptions shall be provided in a conspicuous place and manner at the respective location(s) and information shall also be posted on The Nation Municipality website. This notice shall include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.
Accessible services in relation to this plan include voting places, election materials and/or voting provisions for Electors with disabilities at the voting place.
In the event of disruptions to service or unforeseen circumstances that affect the accessibility of voting places during the advance vote or on Election Day, notices of disruption will be posted in real time on The Nation Municipality website and election website.
8. CANDIDATES
Candidates must also have regard to the needs of electors with disabilities. Campaign offices, election materials and canvassing should all be reviewed in order to ensure that they are fully accessible. The Province of Ontario encourages candidates to review their page on Accessibility (elections.on.ca) for resources and further information.
9. REPORTING
Pursuant to Section 12.1 of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, within 90 days after voting day, The Nation Municipality Clerk shall submit a report to Council about the identification, removal and prevention of barriers that affect electors and candidates with disabilities.
Introduction
The Nation Municipality was committed to making the 2022 Municipal Elections accessible by working to accommodate the needs of electors by removing barriers to vote for persons with disabilities. The focus of the Post-Elections Accessibility Report is to evaluate the accessibility of the electoral services offered to all electors and candidates in the 2022 Municipal Elections. This report outlines the various initiatives undertaken during the course of the 2022 Municipal Elections regarding the identification, removal and prevention of barriers that affect electors and candidates with disabilities.
Post-elections reporting
In accordance with section 12.1 (3) of the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the Clerk’s Office shall provide a report, within 90 days after voting day in a regular election, about the identification, removal and prevention of barriers that affect electors and candidates with accessibility needs. The report will be available to the public and posted on the Municipal website in an accessible format once it has been approved by Council.
Leading up to the election, an Election Accessibility Plan (the “Plan”) was developed. Upon completion, the proposed plan was presented to council for review and comment. The 2022 Plan guides the provision of election related services to persons with disabilities. The Plan was designed to respect the dignity and independence of electors and candidates, and ensure that practices and procedures are consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity. The following are the various initiatives undertaken by the Clerk’s Department during the course of the 2022 elections:
Voting methods
The Nation Municipality worked with Intelivote Systems Inc to provide e-voting services to eligible voters. The services provided voters the convenience of voting from anywhere in the comfort of their own home via telephone, Internet or in person at a Voter Help Centre during the October 19-24, 2022 voting period.
The Intelivote Voting System provides voters with the capability to vote from the comfort of their own home. Voting from home facilitates the voting process for persons with disabilities who may have mobility restrictions, visual impairment, and/or have a difficult time with transportation. Additionally, persons who have assistive devices set up in their homes can now use them to assist with casting a ballot privately and independently.
By allowing persons with disabilities to vote from any location and from a selection of methods, there was an increase in the capability for the voter to vote without any assistance. This provided persons with disabilities the same independence and privacy in participating in the election as other voters. We provided voting assistance by Election Officials for those who needed it at in-person Voter Help Centre Locations offered across The Nation Municipality, throughout the voting period.
1. Telephone voting
The Intelivote telephone voting application provided the following:
2. Internet voting
Eligible voters voted online, using a smart phone, tablet device, gaming device or computer and any accompanying assistive devices or software, along with their date of birth and PIN and qualifying information, to access the Internet address provided in their Voter Instruction Letter.
The Intelivote System was created to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG-2 Level AA), so that persons with disabilities could perceive, understand, navigate and interact with the online voting system. It was compliant with the guidelines of the World Wide Web Consortium website principles, which include organization, functionality and readability of information provided, as well as alternative ways of representing information, such as with audio.
3. In-person voting at Voter Help Centre locations
For those individuals without means to access voting via telephone or Internet, or who required the assistance of a trained Election Official, Voter Help Centre locations were opened during the voting period, including on Election Day, to provide in-person Internet voting or telephone voting opportunities via a laptop, touch screen monitor or telephone.
Before the opening of all voting locations, Election Officials performed final accessibility checks to ensure that the locations were set-up in an accessible manner. They prioritized the identification of voting location access routes and entrances by providing appropriate internal and external signage, ensuring that voters with accessibility needs were directed to the accessible voting entrance through prominent signage, and making the accessible entrance the same as the main entrance where possible. The Clerk’s Office staff also ensured that all Election Officials responsible for setting-up voting locations were aware of legislative accessibility requirements in the event that lastminute changes needed to be made to voting locations.
During the entire voting period, personal assistive devices were permitted in all voting locations, such as wheelchairs and walkers. Support persons and service animals were welcomed, and assistance was offered to voters at every stage of the voting process, including being greeted at the door, making any necessary amendments to their information on the Voters’ List, and casting their electronic ballot. Election Officials treated all voters with dignity and respect, being sensitive to the individual needs of voters and recognizing that some required unique attention. Bilingual Election Officials were staffed in each voting location and numerous chairs were available for voters with disabilities to sit at while they waited in line. It is important to also note that there was a mix of both laptops with mice and touch screen iPads.
Access to the Voter Help Centre interior and voting area was levelled and slip-resistant. Any doormats or carpeting were levelled with the floor to prevent potential tripping hazards. The voting area was well lit and seating were made available. Entrance corridors were clear of obstructions and tripping hazards and allowed sufficient space for use of a wheelchair or scooter.
An accessible voting area was available at each Voter Help Centre location. These areas were low in height and had a wide area to allow for individuals who use a wheelchair or scooter to vote independently and secretively.
The designated parking spaces were clearly marked with the international Symbol of Accessibility and were on firm and level ground, close to the entrance of each Voter Help Centre location.
Voters could attend any Voter Help Centre location throughout the voting period at the following times:
Casselman Municipal Office (958 Route 500 West, Casselman, Ontario):
Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Thursday, October 20, 2022, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Friday, October 21, 2022, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Saturday, October 22, 2022, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.;
Sunday, October 23, 2022, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.;
Monday, October 24, 2022, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
Fournier Satellite Office (3248 County Road 9, Fournier, Ontario):
Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Thursday, October 20, 2022, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Friday, October 21, 2022, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
Saturday, October 22, 2022, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.;
Sunday, October 23, 2022, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.;
Monday, October 24, 2022, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.;
Limoges Municipal Library (205 Limoges Road, Limoges, Ontario):
Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
St-Isidore Municipal Library (4531 Ste-Catherine Street, St-Isidore, Ontario):
Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
It was the goal of The Nation Municipality’s Clerk’s Department to ensure that electors within the municipality who required accessibility services were provided with the best opportunity to vote as independently as possible in the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections. Clerk’s Services staff also strived to make the nomination and registration process as accessible as possible for candidates and third parties.
Josée Brizard
Clerk
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