Accessibility
Statement of Commitment
Algoma Public Health (APH) is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity and are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner. We will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005).
Review the Algoma Public Health accessibility policy.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is intended to enable the development, implementation, and enforcement of accessibility standards to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities. The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) establishes the accessibility standards, and Algoma Public Health provides details for the following areas:
- Information and Communication
- Employment
- Design of Public Spaces
- Customer Service
Our programs and services are delivered in ways that reflect our values:
- Excellence
- Respect
- Accountability & Transparency
- Collaboration
Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation
In accordance with the standards in the IASR, we have completed the following actions in 2023:
Part I: General AODA Requirements
These requirements are part of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) and apply across all standards, including Information and Communication, Employment, Design of Public Spaces and Customer Service Standards.
Actions taken
- Continued to apply APH’s Accessibility Policies.
- Continued to provide accessibility recommendations, requirements and best practices to our employees and vendors.
- Revised APH’s Procurement Policy.
- Filed accessibility compliance report.
Part II: Information and Communication Standards
Helps organizations make their information accessible.
Actions taken
- Provided continual support to employees posting content and verifying AODA compliance to Algoma Public Health website.
- Maintained and monitored our feedback process relating to accessibility.
- Continued with accessibility checks to all documents prior to posting on the agency website.
- Deployment of Microsoft Windows 11 started which has additional built-in accessibility options.
- Increased the level of engagement on digital platforms such as Zoom which made information sessions more accessible.
Part III: Employment Standards
Addresses barriers in employment.
Actions taken
- Applicants continue to be notified about the availability of accommodation during the recruitment process, including in relation to material or processes to be used. Consultation occurs with the applicant to arrange and provide the accommodation.
- Interviews can be conducted in a virtual format for various reasons including the need to accommodate people with disabilities related to travel and / or mobility barriers.
- Formulated a Workplace Wellness Committee.
- Training in 2023 was offered as listed:
- Leadership:
- Promoting Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace
- Enhancing Psychological Support
- Inspiring Wellbeing
- All Staff:
- Mindfulness in the Workplace
- Burnout: From Exhaustion to Efficacy
- Promoting Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace
- Workplace Sensitivity Training for Employees
- Each job posting includes the following statement: “Algoma Public Health believes in and is committed to promoting diversity in our workforce and ensuring accessible employment practices, in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. We will work with you to meet your needs”.
- Continued making every effort to accommodate injured workers (occupational & non-occupational injuries) and reintegrating them back into the workplace with resources available to assist individuals requiring accommodation.
Part IV.I: Design of Public Spaces Standard (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment)
Focuses on making public spaces accessible.
Actions taken
Location: 294 Willow Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
- Replaced two doors with hand-swipe accessibility.
- Replaced door entering clinical area with an accessibility.
Part IV.II: Customer Service Standards
Ensures access to goods, services, and facilities.
Actions taken
- Reception areas in all offices has access to magnifying pocket cards.
- Replaced two nursing chairs with accessible ones.
Accessibility feedback
We are committed to improving our services for people with disabilities. Your feedback is important to help us identify barriers that limit or prevent you from interacting with us or receiving our services in an accessible format.
You can provide your feedback to us:
You can also mail your feedback to us at:
Algoma Public Health
294 Willow Avenue
Sault Ste. Marie ON P6B 0A9
Att: Human Resources Department
AODA Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2024
The AODA multi-year accessibility plan outlines the health unit’s AODA obligations until 2025 which meets the organizational obligations under the AODA, Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation(O.Reg. 191/11, s.4(1) (2). The plan is a requirement under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and is designed to identify, remove, and prevent accessibility barriers across the organization. The plan will be updated regularly to reflect progress made towards full compliance with the AODA, and it is a five-year plan that will be reviewed and updated at least once every five years, and as required.
Date of Creation: June 1, 2015
Last Modified: March 15, 2024
