HMC Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Introduction

Website

Web accessibility refers to how well people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges can access a website. As part of our commitment to all people with disabilities our website follows accessibility guidelines and best practices according to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Web accessibility is the practice of ensuring that websites are usable by as wide an audience as possible. More specifically, accessibility ensures that people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges can understand and interact with a website and its content.

Magnify the screen

Many web browsers allow you to zoom in on web pages using simple keyboard controls. The magnifier allows you to focus on specific parts of the screen, enlarging the text and other page elements. For Windows operating systems, press Ctrl and + to zoom in on a web page (Ctrl and – to zoom out). For Mac operating systems, press Cmd and + to zoom in on a Web page (Cmd and – to zoom out).

HMC monitors this web site to ensure that it continues to meet and exceed accessibility standards.

Our site is WCAG Level A compliant, and incorporates additional web accessibility standards set by the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative.

Accessibility and the AODA

To ensure that HMC’s services are fully accessible to people with disabilities, in accordance with the Accessibility to Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (AODA). HMC is committed to providing or arranging services that address the unique needs of the individual.

HMC will be proactive in providing fully accessible services to staff, clients, volunteers and the community in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (AODA). We strive to provide services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. We aim to give people with disabilities the same opportunity to access and benefit from our services, in a timely manner.

To comply with the Integrated Accessibility Standards, HMC has

• Developed, implemented and maintained policies and plans governing how the organization is achieving or will achieve accessibility;
• Established a multi-year Integrated Accessibility Plan outlining HMC’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers and accommodating people with disabilities, which is publicly posted on the website;
• Annually update the progress on implementing the Integrated Accessibility Plan, to comply with the AODA;
• Ensure accessibility criteria are considered when procuring goods, services or facilities (including any self-serve kiosks), as is practicable;
• Ensure training is provided to HMC personnel in accordance with the AODA;
• Ensure processes for receiving and responding to feedback are accessible to persons with disabilities, in a timely manner, upon request;
• Arrange for provision of accessible formats and communication supports in a timely manner that takes into account the person’s needs and at no higher cost than regularly charged;
• Ensure emergency procedures, plans, publicly-available policies, and public safety information are available in an appropriate accessible format and in a timely manner, upon request;
• Ensure internet and intranet websites and web content conform with common industry standards in accordance with the AODA;
• Notify employees and the public about the availability of accommodation for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment process;
• Notify successful applicants of policies regarding accommodation;
• Provide updates to all staff whenever there is a change to an existing policy related to the AODA;
• Consult with employees, upon request, to arrange for provision of accessible formats and communication supports for information needed to perform the employee’s job;
• Develop, provide and maintain policies and processes regarding the provision of individualized accommodation plans to employees with disabilities, in accordance with the AODA;
• Take into account the accessibility needs and accommodation plans of employees with disabilities for performance management, career development, advancement opportunities, and redeployment, including additional position responsibilities;
• Adhere to the local building code regarding public spaces that are constructed or redeveloped.

The Transportation Standard does not currently apply to HMC.

The above standards will be completed based on the AODA compliance deadlines outlined in the Multi-Year Integrated Accessibility Plan. To view the plan see the 'Accessibility Plan' tab.

This policy will be reviewed annually by October 31, in conjunction with all policies concerning accessibility. This review will be conducted by the Senior Management team.

Accessibility plan

It is the intent of HMC to provide fully accessible services to all employees, volunteers, customers and clients in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (AODA).