Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (2024-2029) 

This Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines the policies and actions being implemented by Dundas Valley School of Art (DVSA) to continue to improve access for students, visitors, staff and volunteers with disabilities, in compliance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA-IASR).

Introduction and Statement of Commitment

DVSA believes in equal opportunity and is committed to providing a barrier-free environment that allows all people to maintain their independence and dignity. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) and its associated Regulations and strive to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and effective manner.

Achievements to Remove and Prevent Barriers

DVSA has been compliant with the AODA Customer Service Standard since January 1, 2017. In complying with this standard, we undertook the following initiatives:

• Posted DVSA Accessibility Policy which includes a description of the Customer Service Standard and DVSA’s Statement of Commitment to Accessibility, on the DVSA website.
• Continue to deliver a comprehensive AODA Customer Service training program for all DVSA staff, board members and all third parties and others who deal with the public, ensuring DVSA’s commitment to accessibility and our policies and practices regarding visitors with disabilities.
• Integrated this training into the ongoing orientation program for all new staff and volunteers.
• Ensured the facility and programming is accessible to all.

Accessible Emergency Information

DVSA provides visitors, upon request, publicly available emergency information in an accessible format. We also provide, upon request, a personalized safety plan for any employee who has a disability.

Training

DVSA is committed complying with training requirements under the Act, and continues to provide training on the AODA Customer Service Standard ensuring DVSA’s commitment to accessibility and our policies and practices regarding student/visitors with disabilities. In addition to training staff and all persons who participate in developing the organization’s policies, DVSA requires that all persons who provide goods, services and facilities on behalf of the organization also receive the necessary training.

This training is provided in a way that best suits the duties of all employees.

Training records are maintained by the business office and include the date the training was provided.

We continue to update our training programs in response to changes to the AODA legislation and standards that apply to DVSA’s operations.

Information and Communication

DVSA is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. We ask for feedback on information and communication needs from our students, visitors, employees and volunteers.

Accessible Formats and Communication Supports

DVSA is committed to providing alternate means of communications, when requested, at no additional charge.

DVSA has been undertaking a review to ensure that commonly requested information is available in suitable accessible formats. Employees have access to this information through a central file. We also ensured that DVSA is providing consistent information to the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports through a variety of formats, including the website, display screens and print materials.

The following information is available in accessible formats:

• AODA policies and required documentation (Accessibility Policy, Statement of Commitment, etc.).
• All programming brochures.
• Emergency Procedures, plans or public safety information. Feedback documents.

DVSA’s website www.dvsa.ca conforms with the WCAG 2.0 level AA International Standard for website accessibility.

Employment

DVSA is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. We ensure the needs of employees with disabilities are taken into account in our employment practices through the following measures:

• All employees are aware of our policies for supporting employees with disabilities, including accommodation supports, accessible formats and communication supports. Policies are posted and are reviewed on an annual basis.
• Recruitment – Applicants are informed of our ability to accommodate disabilities at every step of the recruitment process (job posting, interview communication and offer letter).
• Individual return to work plans, accommodation plans and workplace emergency response plans are prepared and reviewed on an annual or as needed basis.
• Performance management processes consider the accessibility needs of employees and are provided in accessible formats.
• Career development and advancement or redeployment opportunities will consider any accessibility needs of employees who have disabilities.

DVSA will establish an AODA/Accessibility Committee to conduct an annual evaluation of the workplace to review current practices, compliance updates, and any feedback received.

Design of Public Spaces

DVSA will meet the Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces with future projects in the applicable public spaces:

• Classroom & Studio spaces
• Exterior paths of travel (sidewalks, ramps, stairs, curb ramps, rest areas).
• The Visitor Services Desk/Security counter.

We look forward to working with DVSA visitors, staff, volunteers and the public to continue making DVSA an accessible and welcoming facility and workplace for all individuals.

Dundas Valley School of Art will take the following steps to continue to prevent and eliminate other accessibility barriers:

• An internal Accessibility Committee will meet annually to review current practices, compliance updates, and any feedback forms.

For more information on DVSA’s Accessibility Plan or to obtain the plan in accessible formats, please contact:

Kathron Hann
Executive Director

Tel: (905) 628-6357 extension 228
Email: kathronh@dvsa.ca