AODA Accessibility Policy
Accessibility Policy
All Star Sports Centre (“the Company”) 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 the Accessibility for Ontarian’s with Disabilities Act (“AODA”) and Ontario’s accessibility laws.
All Star Sports Centre is committed to meeting its current and ongoing obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code respecting nondiscrimination.
Application and Scope
This Policy is made pursuant to the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarian’s with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (“IAS Regulation”) of the AODA and addresses how the Company will achieve accessibility.
The Company understands its obligations under the AODA and its accessibility standards do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law.
The Company is committed to excellence in serving and providing goods, services or facilities to all customers including people with disabilities. Our accessible customer service policies are consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.
This Policy will be reviewed and updated as necessary at least every five years and posted on our website.
For purpose of this Policy and Plan, “disability” is defined as follows:
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, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
a mental disorder, or
an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
Training
The Company is committed to and provides training to all its employees and volunteers in accessible customer service, other Ontario’s accessibility standards and aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities.
In addition, the Company will train:
all persons who participate in developing its policies; and
all other persons who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the Company.
The training includes:
- (a) purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarian’s with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements for the provision of accessible Customer Service Standards
- (b) Training on the Ontario Human Rights Code as it related to persons with disabilities
- (c) on the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (“IAS Regulation”) as appropriate to duties of the employees, volunteers, and other persons, including:
i. Information and Communication Standards; ii. EmploymentStandards;
iii. Design of Public Spaces Standard; and
iv. Transportation Standards.
Training is provided as soon a practicably possible after an employee or volunteer joins the Company and on an on-going basis whenever this Policy is updated or modified.
The Company has flexibility to determine the training needs and the way in which employees, volunteers, or other persons are trained.
Staff may be trained at:
- a) An Orientation Session
- b) A mandatory Online module
- c) In a Conference/Staff Group Setting
- d) Or other formats that work bests for the Company
The Company maintains records of the training provided including the dates on which the training was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided.
Whenever this Policy is subject to updates or amendments, Staff members will be re-trained by means of on-site training, through online modules, or other formats that work best for the Company.
Information And Communication Standards
The Company communicates with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. This may include the following:
Verbal Communication
Speak directly to the participant (not just the caregiver) Maintain eye level (especially for wheelchair users) Use clear, simple language
• •
Break instructions into small steps Demonstrate visually (model the skill) Allow extra processing time before repeating Ask: “How can I best support you?”
Offer quiet space if needed
Written Communication
Large print versions will be provided High-contrast formats (dark text on light background) Simple language (“Easy Read” style) Visual schedules with icons Bullet-point summaries instead of dense paragraphs Translated materials where appropriate Digital PDFs that are screen-reader compatible Use of name tags so families know who they are speaking to
Website
Alt text for all images
Captions on all videos
Clear headings and structured layout Avoids flashing graphics Plain language program descriptions
Digital
Text messaging instead of phone-only communication Email follow-ups after verbal discussion
Captioned videos
Video calls with sign language interpreter if needed Accessible online registration forms
Chat feature on website
Mobile-friendly communication platforms Screen-reader compatible software
The Company will work with persons with disabilities to determine what method of communication works best for them.
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports
The Company has a process for receiving and responding to feedback and this process is accessible to persons with disabilities upon request.
Upon request, and in accordance with the compliance schedule set out in the IAS Regulation, the Company will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities in a timely manner and at a cost that is not greater than the cost charged to other persons, if any. The Company will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of an accessible format or communication support and notify the public about the availability of these formats and supports.
The Company shall provide the requestor with
- a) An explanation as to why the information or communications are unconvertible; and
- b) A summary of the unconvertible information or communications.
The Company will notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports by
The Company will notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports by posting a notice on its website, displaying signage at its premises, and including a statement in registration and printed materials indicating that accessible formats are available upon request.
Means of Communication
Our Information technology websites meet internationally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA requirements in accordance with Ontario’s Accessibility laws.
Emergency Information
Where the Company prepares emergency procedures, plans or public safety information and makes such information available to the public, it shall provide the information in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports, as soon as practicable, upon request.
Employment Standards
The Company is committed to ensuring that its employment practices comply with the AODA, IAS Regulation and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
The Company notifies employees, job applicants, and the public that accommodations can be made during the recruitment and hiring processes. The Company commits that it will continue to notify employees, job applicants, and the public about its accommodation process. Upon request, the Company will consult with the individual about their accommodation needs to provide adjustments and arrangements to their job responsibilities or the workplace suited to the supports that they need.
Recruitment
The Company welcomes and encourages applications from candidates with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in the selection process, as publicized in our job postings. The Company notifies selected candidates involved in the selection process that accommodations are available upon request. We consult with all applicants who request disability-related accommodations to arrange suitable accommodations in response to their individual accessibility needs, including accessible formats and/or communication supports.
Successful applicants are informed about the Company’s policies on disability-related accommodations when offers of employment are extended. Whenever a selected applicant requests an accommodation, the Company consults with the applicant and provides or arranges for suitable accommodation in a manner that considers the applicant’s accessibility needs due to a disability.
Our employees and staff are notified about available supports for individuals with disabilities as soon as practicable upon the commencement of their employment or volunteer relationship. The Company provides updated information and training to staff whenever there is a change to our existing accessibility or accommodations policies.
Accessible Formats & Communication Supports for Staff
The Company consults with its Staff at every stage of the employment cycle for coordinating the provision of suitable accommodation in a manner that considers the accessibility needs due to disability. Whenever an individual requests disability-related accommodations, the Company will also consult with the person in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication supports, specifically for:
The Information that is needed to perform the employee’s job; and The Information that is generally available to employees in the workplace.
Performance Management, Career Development and Advancement, Redeployment
The Company has a written process to develop an individual accommodation plans for employees.
The Company is committed to support every employee, including individuals with disabilities, in their professional advancement within this organization.
The Company has a written process for employees who have been absent from work due to disability and require disability-related accommodations in order to return to work.
Our performance management, career development, and redeployment processes consider the accessibility needs of all employees.
Workplace Emergency Response Information
The Company, where needed, will provide individualized workplace emergency response information to assist an employee with disability during an emergency. With the employee’s consent, the Company will provide workplace emergency information to a designated person who is providing assistance to that employee during an emergency. The Company provides this information as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the need for accommodation.
Upon consultation with the individual, the Company will provide an individualized workplace emergency response plan information according to their disability-related needs. If needed, this may include alternate formats that accommodate their disability-related needs.
The Company will review the individualized workplace emergency response information:
- a) When the employee moves to a different location in the
organization; - b) When the employee’s overall accommodations needs or plans are reviewed; and
- c) When the employer reviews its general emergency response policies.
Customer Service Policy
The Company is committed to excellence in serving all customers, including people with disabilities. Our accessible customer service policies are consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.
We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and by meeting our accessibility requirements under Ontario’s accessibility laws and our obligations under the Human Rights Code.
Assistive Devices
People with disabilities may use their personal assistive devices when accessing our goods, services or facilities.
In cases where the assistive device presents a significant and unavoidable health or safety concern or may not be permitted for other reasons, other measures will be used to ensure the person with a disability can access our goods, services or facilities.
The Company will ensure that our Staff are trained and familiar with various assistive devices we have on site, or that we provide, that may be used by customers with disabilities while accessing our goods, services, or facilities.
Communication
The Company communicates with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.
The Company communicates with individuals with disabilities in the following ways:
List different ways in which the Company communicates and the accessibility technology or supports offered to accommodate/remove barriers when communicating with persons with disabilities
The Company communicates with the public through in-person interactions, telephone, email, text messaging, social media, printed materials, registration forms, and its website.
To accommodate and remove barriers when communicating with persons with disabilities, the Company offers accessible website features (such as screen-reader compatibility and alt text), large print or simplified documents upon request, verbal explanations of written materials, email or text as alternatives to phone communication, captioned videos where applicable, visual supports, assistance completing forms, and other communication supports upon request at no additional cost.
We will work with the person with a disability to determine what method of communication works for them
Service Animals
The Company welcomes people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises which is open to the public and/or third parties. When we cannot easily identify whether an animal is a service animal, our staff may ask the individual to provide documentation from a regulated health professional that confirms the individual needs the service animal for reasons relating to their disability.
The Company acknowledges that a service animal can be easily identified through visual indicators, such as when it wears a harness or a vest, or when it helps the person perform certain tasks.
A regulated health professional is defined as a member of one of the following colleges:
College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario
College of Chiropractors of Ontario
College of Nurses of Ontario
College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
College of Optometrists of Ontario
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
College of Psychologists of Ontario
College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health
Therapists of Ontario
If service animals are prohibited by another law, we will ensure the customer with disabilities can access our goods, services or facilities by explaining why the animal is excluded and discussing with the customer another way of providing goods, services or facilities.
Service Animals are prohibited from the following areas: Both gyms.
The entrance, lobby, washrooms, offices, and parent viewing area are all accessible for persons with service animals.
Support Persons
A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them on our premises.
If a fee or fare is normally charged to a customer for accessing your goods, services or facilities, choose one of the following options:
Fee/Fare will not be changed for support persons.
$55.00+ hst will be charged to the support person for admission to our premises if they are required to participate in the gym and accompany the person requiring accessibility if participating in our programs. This is an annual insurance fee to become a member of Gymnastics Ontario.
The Company will notify customers about this policy regarding Support Persons by posting a notice in the following location(s):
Lobby/Main Office
In certain cases, the Company might require a person with a disability to be accompanied by a support person for the health or safety reasons of the person with a disability or others on the premises.
Before making such a decision, the Company will:
Consult with the person with disability to understand their needs; Consider health or safety reasons based on available evidence; Determine if there is no other reasonable way to protect the health or safety of the person or others on the premises.
If the Company determines that a support person is required, we will waive the admission fee or fare (where applicable) for the support person.
Notice Of Temporary Disruption
In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for customers with disabilities, the Company will notify customers promptly. Clearly posted notices will include
information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.
Services/Facilities include: List Services/Facilities
The notice will be made publicly available as follows: on the Company’ website, social media and/or by posted notice on the premises.
Feedback Process
The Company welcomes feedback on how we provide accessible customer service. Customers feedback is crucial to help the Company identify barriers and respond to concerns.
The Company will make sure our feedback process is accessible to people with disabilities by providing or arranging for accessible formats and communication supports, on request.
Feedback on the way the Company provides goods, services or facilities to people with disabilities can provide feedback in the following way(s):
In-person at: 55 Regan Rd Unit 1 Brampton By telephone by calling: 905-495-9950
By email to: info@allstarsportscentre.com By mail to: 55 Regan Rd Unit 1 Brampton
If feedback is received, including complaints, will be reviewed within a reasonable time period and the Company, Sarah Winterfield, will take all appropriate steps to address any issues raised.
All complaints will be processed in accordance with the Company’s complaints process. Customers can expect to hear back in 3-5 Business days.
Accessibility Standards For Our Facilities
The Company is committed to designing our premises and related disruption free from barriers and accessible to all persons we serve, including individuals with disabilities. Where appropriate, the Company will provide necessary modifications and adjustments to our premises to accommodate persons with disabilities. The Company will comply with the Design of Public Spaces Standards with respect to public spaces that are newly constructed or redeveloped in accordance with the requirements of the IAS Regulation.
References
Accessible Customer Service Policy
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
Regulation 191/11 made under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act,
2005 (Integrated Accessibility Standards) Notice of Temporary Disruption
The Company will notify about unexpected or planned disruption within our facilities or services generally used by people with disabilities. All notices will provide necessary
information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, where available.
Notice Of Availability Of Documents
The Company notifies the public that documents related to accessible customer service are available upon request by posting a notice in the following location(s)/way(s):
The Company notifies the public that documents related to accessible customer service are available upon request by posting a notice on its website, displaying signage at its reception area, and including a statement in its registration and policy materials.
The Company will provide these documents in an accessible format or with communication support, on request. We will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of the format or communication support. We will provide the accessible format in a timely manner and at no additional cost.
Self-service Kiosks
The Company shall have regard to the accessibility for persons with disabilities when designing, procuring or acquiring self-service kiosks. “Kiosk” means an interactive electronic terminal, including a point-of- sale device, intended for public use that allows users to access one or more services or products or both.
Changes To Existing Policies
Any policies from the Company that do not respect and promote the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity for people with disabilities will be modified or removed.
Review Of The Policy
This Policy will be reviewed and may be amended from time to time based on the needs and experiences of the Company.