Office of the Premier and Cabinet Office 2006-2007 Accessibility Plan
Table of Contents
Introduction
Report on Achievements
2005 - 2006 Accessibility Improvement Initiatives
Ongoing Accessibility Improvement Initiatives
Commitments — Measures to Prevent New Barriers
Customer service
Employment
Communications and information
Built environment
Other barriers
Commitments — Barriers to be Addressed
Customer service
Employment accommodation
Communications and information
Built environment
Other barriers
For More Information
Introduction
In June 2005, the Ontario government took a strong stand on accessibility when it passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) into law.
The AODA lays out a comprehensive road map to make Ontario accessible to all people through the development, implementation and enforcement of new, mandatory accessibility standards for some of the most important aspects of people’s lives.
The first two standards that are currently being developed cover the areas of transportation and customer service. On June 13, the first anniversary of the passage of the AODA, the government announced the development of three new standards that will address information and communications, the built environment, and employment.
While the government is moving forward to implement the AODA, there will be a transition period where government and the broader public sector will continue to meet their obligations under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA). These obligations will remain in effect until they are repealed and replaced by standards under the new act.
Under the ODA, Ontario government ministries, municipalities, hospitals, school boards, colleges, universities and public transportation organizations are required to develop annual accessibility plans to make policies, practices, programs, services and buildings more accessible to people with disabilities. These plans must be made available to the public. Accessibility planning efforts to date have developed a strong foundation for the development of accessibility standards that will mean real and effective change.
This document is the fourth annual accessibility plan developed by the Office of the Premier and Cabinet Office. It highlights the achievements of the 2005-06 plan and outlines the commitments for 2006-07 so that no new barriers are created and, over time, existing ones are removed.
The Office of the Premier and Cabinet Office intends to build on its achievements by implementing initiatives that support the government's commitment to continue to make Ontario an inclusive and accessible province where people of all abilities have a chance to fully achieve their potential.
Report on Achievements
2005 - 2006 Accessibility Improvement Initiatives
The Office of the Premier supports the Premier in his roles as head of the Executive Council and of the Ontario government. Cabinet Office supports the Premier, Cabinet, and its committees in the management and implementation of the government’s priorities. The primary role of Cabinet Office is to facilitate government decision-making and to ensure that other ministries and central agencies work within the government’s priorities and timelines.
As a result of its unique roles in the provincial government, the Office of the Premier and Cabinet Office does not directly administer legislation or regulations, or provide the kinds of programs and services that would generally be considered for review under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA), 2001. Therefore, accessibility planning for the Premier’s Office and Cabinet Office focuses on three main areas: the needs of employees or potential employees of the Premier’s Office/Cabinet Office and other individuals who require access to the facilities; inclusion of accessibility considerations in the policy development process; and the provision of communications advice and services that produce information for the public.
The Office of the Premier and Cabinet Office continues to be committed to improving accessibility through identifying, removing and preventing barriers; and working together within the ministry, across government and with partners in key areas of customer service, employment, communications and information, and the built environment.
Initiatives to improve accessibility in the entrance areas of the Whitney Block represent a particular significant accomplishment during the reporting period. Handrails were installed in the north and south vestibules in 2005. In addition, signage was installed in spring 2006 at the underground entrance from the Queen’s Park subway station leading to the Whitney Block to indicate an alternative entrance for individuals unable to use the stairs. These accessibility improvements were achieved through the coordinated teamwork of the Whitney Block Users’ Committee, chaired by Cabinet Office as building lead.
The Office of the Premier and Cabinet Office was successful in achieving, and in some cases surpassing, planned commitments outlined in its 2005-2006 accessibility plan. This section provides a status report.
Commitment: Ensure that accessibility needs are built into all existing and future Cabinet Office maintained internet websites, including the Premier’s website.
Status: Complete for 2005-06 and ongoing
Action: Cabinet Office websites were assessed periodically throughout the year to ensure that they were barrier-free, and continually updated to use available accessibility technology.
Timeframe: 2005-06
Commitment: Continue to build accessibility into the further development of the Cabinet Office intranet website.
Status: Complete for 2005-06 and ongoing
Action: The Cabinet Office intranet website was reviewed with respect to its information on accessibility and the accessibility of the website's content to users. The accessibility section was expanded to include links to the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario and other information resources. In accordance with World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) guidelines, a flexible font size was implemented, and descriptive ALT text was added to graphics and photos.
Timeframe: 2005-06
Commitment: Continue to promote accessibility awareness throughout Cabinet Office, and ensure that front-line customer service staff are trained regarding accessibility for people with disabilities requirements.
Status: Complete for 2005-06
Action: Cabinet Office coordinated a customer service training workshop for staff whose duties involve contact with external clients. Training material was developed and delivered by the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario. Participants learned the fundamental principles of accessibility and discussed numerous ways to provide high quality customer service to stakeholders and members of the public, including clients with disabilities.
Timeframe: Spring 2006
Commitment: Cabinet Office will continue to comply with the ODA, 2001 requirements regarding the availability of Cabinet Office publications in alternate format versions.
Status: Completed for 2005-06 and ongoing
Action: Cabinet Office publications continued to be available in alternate formats upon request.
Timeframe: 2005-06
Commitment: Cabinet Office staff with responsibility for procurement will continue to ensure that all procurement is in compliance with legislative requirements, corporate directives and guidelines, including the Guidelines for Procurement of Accessible Goods and Services under the ODA, and will also undertake appropriate training.
Status: Complete for 2005-06 and ongoing
Action: Cabinet Office staff with responsibility for procurement ensured that accessibility needs were considered as part of all procurement transactions for goods or services. In addition, procurement staff completed training jointly developed by the Ministry of Government Services and the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration regarding procurement planning and accessibility requirements.
Timeframe: 2005-06
Commitment: Cabinet Office will continue to assess and accommodate staff needs related to workstation ergonomics, upon request.
Status: Complete for 2005-06 and ongoing
Action: Cabinet Office continued to arrange for ergonomic assessments and appropriate accommodation, upon request.
Timeframe: 2005-06
Commitment: As part of its regular analysis of Cabinet submissions, Cabinet Office will include considerations, where appropriate, of implications for persons with disabilities and of how the proposed initiative would further the government's goal of a fully accessible Ontario by 2025.
Status: Complete for 2005-06 and ongoing
Action: Cabinet Office policy advisors discussed accessibility issues with ministries, where appropriate, in the course of providing guidance during the Cabinet submission process.
Timeframe: 2005-06
Commitment: Two Cabinet Office staff will help implement the accessibility standards development process by supporting the inter-ministerial team to assist with the continuing implementation of standards. As well, Cabinet Office will facilitate the transfer of responsibility for accessibility issues for people with disabilities from the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration to the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Status: Complete for 2005-06 and ongoing
Action: Cabinet Office policy staff supported the accessibility standards development process through their assistance to the inter-ministerial team working on the continuing implementation of standards. As well, Cabinet Office supported the transfer of responsibility for accessibility issues for people with disabilities from the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration to the Ministry of Community and Social Services through the provision of timely advice during the process.
Timeframe: 2005-06
Commitment: The Cabinet Office accessibility planning group will continue to identify and address barriers through the appropriate forum. The group will also monitor and report to senior management on the implementation of this plan.
Status: Complete for 2005-06 and ongoing
Action: The core members of the Cabinet Office accessibility planning group met quarterly to monitor the implementation of the plan and identify opportunities for further initiatives to improve accessibility. The Office of the Chief Administrative Officer was kept apprised of the status of plan implementation. Cabinet Office, as chair of the Whitney Block Users Committee (WBUC), brought relevant items to the WBUC for discussion and appropriate action.
Timeframe: Complete for 2005-06 and ongoing
Ongoing Accessibility Improvement Initiatives
The Office of the Premier and Cabinet Office identified a number of accessibility commitments in 2005-06 that were components of multi-year initiatives. Work is underway and progressing on schedule. This section provides a status report.
Commitment: Cabinet Office, working with the Whitney Block Users’ Committee and in cooperation with facilities management and the Ontario Realty Corporation, will continue to champion the implementation of any feasible infrastructure improvements to address accessibility issues.
Status: In progress and on schedule
Action: At the request of the Whitney Block Users’ Committee (chaired by Cabinet Office), facilities management and the Ontario Realty Corporation are investigating the feasibility of installing an entrance ramp for the Whitney Block. A consultant was retained to analyze the building site and develop initial design options.
Visual/audible alarms are being installed and fire alarm pull stations are being lowered to a barrier-free height in compliance with Ontario Realty Corporation guidelines.
To improve accessibility in the entrance areas of the Whitney Block, handrails were installed in the north and south vestibules in 2005. In addition, signage was installed in spring 2006 at the underground entrance from the Queen's Park subway station leading to the Whitney Block to indicate an alternative entrance for individuals unable to use the stairs.
Timeframe: Design options for a possible entrance ramp are scheduled to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2006-07. Installation of the new alarm system and the re-positioning of the pull stations are scheduled for completion by early 2007.
Rationale: Research into the possible addition of a major external structure, such as an entrance ramp, to the historically significant Whitney Block constitutes a multi-phased undertaking across several years. Site analysis and work on design options are proceeding on schedule.
The upgrade of the fire safety system (alarms and pull stations) is a component of a comprehensive, multi-year mechanical and life safety project involving the exterior and interior of the Whitney Block.
Commitment: Inform new Cabinet office employees about employment-related accessibility for people with disabilities under the current legislative requirements (general orientation and emergency procedures).
Status: General orientation – Complete; Emergency procedures – In progress
Action: Accessibility information was incorporated into orientation material for new staff. Review of the Whitney Block Emergency and Evacuation Procedures Handbook began in January 2006.
Timeframe: Orientation material was updated in 2005-06. Review, revision and re-distribution of the Whitney Block emergency handbook will be completed by the end of fiscal year 2006-07.
Rationale: The routinely high number of staff and visitors moving between the Whitney Block and the larger adjoining Queen’s Park Complex (QPC) necessitates consistency in the evacuation information presented in the emergency handbooks of both buildings. The review period for the Whitney Block emergency handbook was extended until the updating of the QPC handbook could be completed in 2006.
Commitments — Measures to Prevent New Barriers
In the coming year, the Office of the Premier and Cabinet Office commits to: support the needs of employees or potential employees of the Premier’s Office/Cabinet Office and other individuals who require access to the facilities; include accessibility considerations in the policy development process; and provide communications advice and services that produce information for the public. This section summarizes these commitments.
Customer service
- Cabinet Office staff with responsibility for procurement will continue to ensure that all procurement is in compliance with legislative requirements, corporate directives and guidelines, including the Guidelines for Procurement of Accessible Goods and Services under the ODA related to procurement planning and the process for “having regard” to accessibility for persons with disabilities when purchasing goods or services. Staff will also keep up-to-date on corporate accessibility requirements for procurement.
- Cabinet Office will provide information to staff regarding best practices for accessible meetings.
Employment
- Cabinet Office will continue to promote awareness of accessibility throughout Cabinet Office and the Premier’s Office by means of regular information updates to staff and timely reminders to management of the requirement to undertake ODA training.
Communications and information
- Cabinet Office will continue to ensure that accessibility needs are built into all existing and future Cabinet Office maintained internet websites, including the Premier’s website.
- Cabinet Office will continue to comply with the ODA, 2001 requirements regarding the availability of Cabinet Office publications in alternate format versions.
Built environment
- Cabinet Office will request that any accommodations planning studies and analysis consider and identify barrier-free compliance issues.
Other barriers
- As part of its regular analysis of Cabinet submissions, Cabinet Office will continue to include considerations, where appropriate, of implications for persons with disabilities and of how the proposed initiative would further the government's goal of a fully accessible Ontario by 2025.
- Cabinet Office staff will help implement the accessibility standards development process by supporting the inter-ministerial team to assist with the continuing implementation of standards.
Commitments —
Barriers to be Addressed
The Office of the Premier and Cabinet Office is committed to identifying, removing and preventing barriers to persons with disabilities in the coming year. This section summarizes these commitments.
Customer service
Barrier: It may not be readily apparent to the public that the Premier’s website is fully accessible.
Commitment: Cabinet Office will highlight accessibility on the Premier’s website to indicate that the site is fully accessible, and the availability of alternate formats and TTY equipment.
Responsibility: Communications Division
Timeline: 2006-07
Employment accommodation
Barrier: Staff with disabilities may not be able to perform their work functions using the existing furniture and/or equipment provided.
Commitment: Cabinet Office will continue to assess and accommodate the disability-related needs of staff upon request, including by means of ergonomic assessment.
Responsibility: Corporate Planning & Services Branch
Timeline: 2006-07
Communications and information
Barrier: Persons with disabilities may require information or assistance in relation to Cabinet Office maintained internet websites.
Commitment: Cabinet Office will designate a contact to provide information and/or coordinate assistance in response to any requests from persons with disabilities who access Cabinet Office maintained internet websites.
Responsibility: Communications Division
Timeline: 2006-07
Barrier: There is a lack of data to identify possible systemic accessibility issues with the information technology systems used by Cabinet Office and the Premier’s Office.
Commitment: Cabinet Office will track and provide timely solutions to information technology accessibility issues, where practicable.
Responsibility: Corporate Planning & Services Branch, in cooperation with the Central Agencies I&IT Cluster
Timeline: 2006-07
Built environment
Barrier: Although Whitney Block elevators are equipped with Braille keypad controls, they are not fully accessible for the visually impaired.
Commitment: As a component of the comprehensive Whitney Block upgrades project, an Elevator Voice Annunciation system will be installed in Whitney Block elevators.
Responsibility: Corporate Planning & Services Branch, in cooperation with the Whitney Block Users’ Committee and the facilities management service provider
Timeline: 2006-07
Barrier: The Whitney Block, in common with many other older, historically significant buildings, may contain features that are in legal non-compliance with current barrier-free provisions in the Ontario Building Code.
Commitment: In order to ensure that all building and renovation projects comply with the Ontario Building Code requirements for people with disabilities, Cabinet Office will implement the Ontario Realty Corporation Standards for Barrier-Free Design of Ontario Government Facilities, as applicable.
Responsibility: Corporate Planning & Services Branch, in cooperation with the Whitney Block Users’ Committee and the Ontario Realty Corporation
Timeline: 2006-07 and ongoing
Other barriers
Barrier: Prior to the implementation of the ODA, there was no formal process in place to identify and address accessibility issues.
Commitment: The Cabinet Office accessibility planning group will continue to identify and address barriers through the appropriate forum. The group will also monitor and report to senior management on the implementation of this plan.
Responsibility: Corporate Planning & Services Branch
Timeline: 2006-07 and ongoing
For More Information
Questions or comments about the ministry’s accessibility plan are always welcome.
Please contact:
Office of the Director
Corporate Planning and Services Branch
Room 3540, Whitney Block
99 Wellesley Street West
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A1
General inquiry number: 416 325-1941
TTY number: 416 325-7702
E-mail: odapublicinquiries@cab.gov.on.ca
Visit the Ministry of Community and Social Services Accessibility Ontario web portal at: www.mcss.gov.on.ca/accessibility/index.html. The site promotes accessibility and provides information and resources on how to make Ontario a barrier-free province.
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