Accessibility Policies
INTEGRATED ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS POLICY
Statement of Organizational Commitment
Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (“CIFAR”) is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that respects 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 meeting our accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (the “AODA”).
CIFAR understands that obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (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.
Definitions
“Accessible formats” refers to formats that are alternative to standard print and are accessible to people with disabilities, such as large print, Braille, DVDs and audio formats.
“Communication supports” refers to methods that assist communication and access to information for people with disabilities. Examples include plain language formats, sign language, reading out loud, captioning or using written notes to communicate.
“Disability” as defined under the Ontario Human Rights Code is:
- 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 in 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.
“Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)” is an international standard for websites and web content that are accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. More information on WCAG development and website accessibility can be found at the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative.
Training
We are committed to training staff in Ontario’s accessibility laws and aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities. We will train our employees on accessibility as it relates to their specific roles.
Information and Communications
We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that takes 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.
Employment
We will notify employees, potential hires and the public that accommodations can be made during recruitment and hiring.
We will notify staff that supports are available for those with disabilities. We will put in place a process to develop individual accommodation plans for employees.
Where needed, we will also provide customized emergency information to help an employee with a disability during an emergency.
Our performance management and career development processes will take into account the accessibility needs of all employees.
Modifications to This or Other Policies
Any policies of CIFAR that do not respect and promote the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity for people with disabilities will be modified or removed.
ACCESSIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE POLICY
Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (“CIFAR”) is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that respects 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 meeting our accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (the “AODA”).
CIFAR understands that obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (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.
CIFAR is committed to excellence in serving all customers including people with disabilities.
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.
We 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
We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.
We will work with the person with a disability to determine what method of communication works for them.
Service Animals
We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public, unless the service animal is otherwise excluded from the area by law (e.g. kitchen areas) or where there are overriding health and safety considerations.
Support Persons
A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that support person accompany him or her on our premises.
While on our premises, the person with a disability shall be permitted to have access to his or her support person at all times.
Unless there are overriding health and safety concerns, the person with a disability may choose not to be accompanied by his or her support at all times.
If CIFAR determines that a support person is required, we will waive the admission fee or fare [if 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 CIFAR will notify customers promptly. The 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.
The notice will be posted on our organization’s website and, where appropriate, will be posted in the reception area of the office.
Training
CIFAR provides accessible customer service training to all employees. Staff will be trained on accessible customer service within their onboarding period.
Training includes:
- Purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard
- CIFAR’s policies related to the customer service standard
- How to interact and communicate with people 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 a support person
- How to use the equipment or devices, where provided, available on-site or otherwise that may help with providing goods, services or facilities to people with disabilities.
- What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing CIFAR’s goods, services or facilities
Staff will also be trained when changes are made to our accessible customer service policies.
Feedback Process
CIFAR welcomes feedback on how we provide accessible customer service. Customer feedback will help us identify barriers and respond to concerns.
Feedback may be provided by any of the following methods:
By telephone: 416-971-4251
By facsimile: 647-730-5955
By e-mail: info@cifar.ca
By regular mail:
Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
MaRS Centre, West Tower
661 University Ave, Suite 505
Toronto, ON
M5G 1M1
Attention: Director, HR
All feedback will be directed to the Director, Human Resources. In the ordinary course, individuals can expect to hear back from the organization within 3 business days of providing the feedback. Any complaints about services provided to persons with disabilities will be addressed according to our organization’s regular complaints management procedures.
CIFAR will make sure our feedback process is accessible to people with disabilities by providing or arranging for accessible formats and communication supports, on request.
Notice of Availability of Documents
CIFAR has prepared the documentation required under the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, and will provide copies upon request.
Modifications to This or Other Policies
Any policies of CIFAR that do not respect and promote the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity for people with disabilities will be modified or removed.
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (2021-2026)
Introduction
Canadian Institute for Advanced Research “CIFAR” strives to meet the needs of its employees, fellows, advisors, scholars, board and committee members and visitors with disabilities and is working hard to remove and prevent barriers to accessibility.
CIFAR is committed to fulfilling our requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This accessibility plan outlines the steps we are taking to meet those requirements and to improve opportunities for people with disabilities.
Our plan shows how we will play our role in making Ontario an accessible province for all Ontarians.
The plan is reviewed and updated at least once every 5 years.
We train every person as soon as practicable after being hired and provide training in respect of any changes to the policies
We maintain records of the training provided including the dates on which the training was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided.
Section One: Ongoing Initiatives to Remove and Prevent Barriers
CIFAR has made significant progress to identify, remove and prevent accessibility barriers in the areas of Customer Service, Information and Communications, Employment, Training and establishing a Feedback Process.
Customer Service
CIFAR is committed to maintaining an accessible environment for persons with disabilities in the delivery of its services in accordance with the terms of our Accessible Customer Service Policy and will continue to:
- Communicate in ways that take into account the needs of the persons with disabilities.
- Notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports and, upon request, CIFAR will arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities.
- Ensure persons with disabilities who use assistive devices are able to obtain, use or benefit from our services.
- Allow a person with disabilities who is accompanied by a service animal or support person to enter the premises with the animal or support person.
- Provide notification in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services usually used by persons with disabilities.
- Provide information about emergency procedures, plans or public safety in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports upon request.
Information and Communications
CIFAR is committed to providing accessible information and will continue to:
- Upon request and in consultation with the person making the request, arrange for the provision of documents in an accessible format or with communication support to persons with a disability in a timely manner and at a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons.
- Ensure CIFAR’s public websites and web content conforms with the required standards.
Employment
CIFAR is committed to supporting the recruitment and accommodation of employees with disabilities and will continue to:
- Notify its employees and the public about the availability of accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes.
- Notify job applicants that accommodations are available upon request in relation to the materials or processes to be used during the recruitment process.
- Notify the successful applicant of its policies for accommodating employees with disabilities.
- Inform its employees of its policies that support employees with disabilities.
- Provide individualized workplace emergency response information to employees who have a disability, if the disability is such that the individualized information is necessary and CIFAR is aware of the need for accommodation due to the employee’s disability.
- Accommodate the needs of its employees with disabilities as required by the Ontario accessibility laws and Ontario Human Rights Code by developing individualized accommodation plans for its employees with disabilities as CIFAR is made aware.
- Maintain a documented return to work process for employees who have been absent from work due to a disability and who require disability-related accommodations and support in order to return to work.
- Consider the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities as well as their individual accommodation plans when conducting performance management reviews, providing career development and advancement to employees.
Training for Staff
CIFAR provides training to our employees on the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards and on the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities.
- Training is provided to new members of the organization during their orientation period.
- Training records are made and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards.
- CIFAR provides training on an ongoing basis when changes are made to CIFAR’s policies and procedures.
Feedback Process
CIFAR is committed to meeting accessibility requirements and continuously taking steps to improve its services and website to comply with the AODA and its regulations. CIFAR will continue to welcome feedback regarding the manner in which it provides goods, services or facilities to persons with disabilities. Feedback can be provided to the Director, HR:
- in person at the CIFAR Offices, MaRS Centre, West Tower, 661 University Ave, Suite 505, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1M1;
- by telephone, 416-971-4251 or 1-888-738-1113;
- in writing to the Director, HR; or
- by email to info@cifar.ca.
Section Two: Strategies and Actions
Customer Service
CIFAR is committed to providing accessible customer service to people with disabilities. This means that we will provide goods and services to people with disabilities with the same high quality and timeliness as others by:
- Evaluating existing programs and services to ensure inclusion and equitable participation of persons with disabilities.
- Continuing to embed the focus on accessibility in the development of any new programs or services.
Information and Communications
CIFAR is committed to making our information and communications accessible to people with disabilities by:
- Ensuring all its public websites and web content conform to WCAG 2.0 Level AA except where this is not practical or there is an exception by law;
- Conducting regular reviews of compliance and best practices in order to identify ways to improve accessibility;
- Continuing to evaluate and remediate website content and ensure it meets or exceeds accessibility compliance requirements.
Employment
CIFAR is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. CIFAR will continue to support the recruitment and accommodation of employees with disabilities by:
- Identifying and working to remove any existing barriers for persons with disabilities;
- Fostering a culture of employee engagement and inclusion through an Employee Engagement Survey.
Training
CIFAR is committed to providing training in the requirements of Ontario’s accessibility laws and the Ontario Human Rights Code as it applies to people with disabilities.
- Identifying and working to remove any existing barriers for persons with disabilities;
For More Information
For more information on this accessibility plan, please contact Director, HR at 416-971-4251 or 1-888-738-1113, or by email to info@cifar.ca.
Standard and accessible formats of this document are free on request from Director, HR at 416-971-4251 or 1-888-738-1113, or by email to info@cifar.ca.
Support Us
CIFAR is a registered charitable organization supported by the governments of Canada and Quebec, as well as foundations, individuals, corporations and Canadian and international partner organizations.