preventing accessibility barriers

Our Commitment

Equality

Accessibility

PURPOSE

The purpose of this plan is to outline the responsibilities of employees and third parties acting on behalf of META to ensure that all clients are treated consistently, with dignity and respect.

POLICY

META Vocational Services Inc. is committed to ensuring that we provide a safe, welcoming, barrier-free and accessible environment for our staff, clients, visitors and stakeholders who enter onto our premises, do business with us, access our website or communicate with us.

As an agency, we are responsible for ensuring that our staff, as well as our facilities, policies, business practices and systems comply with the governing legislation and relevant best practices with respect to the accessibility for people affected by a disability.

We promote dignity and respect and strive to provide people with disabilities the same opportunities and access to our services.

PROVIDING SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Providing services to people affected by a disability is demonstrated in the areas of:

ASSISTIVE DEVICES

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

USE OF SUPPORT PERSONS & SERVICE ANIMALS

We are committed to welcoming persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person. At no time will a person affected by a disability be prevented from having access to his or her support person while on our premises.

We welcome people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal on the parts of our premises that are open to the public and other third parties. We will ensure that staff and others assisting the public on our behalf are trained on how to interact with persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal.

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COMMUNICATION

We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their limitations. We train staff to communicate and interact with people affected by a variety of disabilities.

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NOTICE OF TEMPORARY DISRUPTION

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services for clients with disabilities META Vocational Services will make every effort to notify clients in a timely manner.

A clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

PROCEDURE

TRAINING OF STAFF

META Vocational Services Inc. will provide training as soon as practicable to employees and third parties who are contracted to deal with the public on our behalf. Persons developing META’s policies and procedures governing the provision of goods and services to members of the public or other third parties will also receive accessibility training.

Training will include:

  • An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the Customer Service Standard
  • META Vocational Services Inc.’s plan related to the customer service standard
  • How to interact and communicate with various types of disabilities
  • How to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or support person
  • How to use technology or equipment (when applicable) that may help with the delivery of services to a person with a disability
  • How to respond to a person with a disability who is experiencing difficulties with accessing META’s services

Staff will be trained on policies, practices and procedures that affect the way services are provided to people affected by disabilities. Additional training will occur as changes are made to these policies, practices and procedures. Staff are encouraged to offer suggestions to improve the serve-ability of all clients and visitors, including those affected by a disability.

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FEEDBACK PROCESS

META Vocational Services Inc. strives to exceed customer expectations and believes in the process of continual improvement. Clients/visitors who wish to provide feedback on how well these expectations are being met are both welcomed and appreciated. All feedback, including concerns, will be responded to, as appropriate, by the Program Manager. Clients can expect to hear back from the Program Manager within 7 (seven) business days.

MODIFICATIONS TO THIS OR OTHER POLICIES

Any policy of META Vocational Services Inc. that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people affected by disabilities will be modified or removed.

QUESTIONS

The intent of this plan is to achieve customer service excellence. Our accessibility policies and procedures are available to the public, upon request. Should you have questions about this plan please contact our Office.

In addition to using the “Accessibility Feedback Form” below, you may also submit your feedback about accessibility using the following formats:

 

ACCESSIBILITY FEEDBACK FORM

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
    Was our customer service provided to you in an accessible manner?

Belleville Office

META Services