Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Multi-Year Plan (2023-28)

Overview

The goal of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is to create an accessible Ontario by identifying, and to the extent possible, preventing and eliminating barriers experienced by persons with disabilities. The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations (IASR) outline compliance requirements that support the AODA.

Our commitment

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) is committed to providing an accessible environment for persons with disabilities through identifying, removing, and preventing accessibility barriers. We have established an organizational-wide AODA policy and train all employees on the AODA and IASR compliance requirements.

Customer service standards

CPAC is committed to providing and strengthening accessibility to all visitors, partners and employees. We follow the key principles and meet the requirements of the Customer Service Standards under the IASR.

Past initiatives and achievements to remove and prevent barriers

  • Created and posted on external website a customer feedback process.
  • Inform partners when there is a disruption of our business that could impact their access to our services.
  • Provide individualized support to persons with disabilities that require the use of a service animal or support person on the premises.
  • Updated signage on the universal washroom with simple icons to indicate they are gender neutral and accessible.
  • Braille added to all meeting room signage.
  • Travel policy updated to include expense coverage for support person accompanying a person with disabilities meeting attendee.
  • Booking meeting venues that support equal access for persons with disabilities.

Future strategies and actions

  • Continuous evaluation of currently established procedures to ensure ease of accessibility and AODA compliance.
  • Any new strategies and actions will be added to this page as developed.

Information and communications standards

CPAC is committed to making our information and communications accessible to people with disabilities. We comply with regulations as set out in the Information and Communications Standards under the IASR.

Past initiatives and achievements to remove and prevent barriers

  • Obtained the internationally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA website requirements in accordance with Ontario’s accessibility laws.
  • Created and provided employees access to guides on how to make documents respectful and accessible when producing CPAC products.
  • Provide accessible formats and communication supports to persons with disabilities as requested and based on individual needs.

Future strategies and actions

  • Continuous evaluation of currently established procedures to ensure ease of accessibility and AODA compliance.
  • Any new strategies and actions will be added to this page as developed.

Employment standards

CPAC is committed to supporting the recruitment and accommodation of employees with disabilities through fair and equitable policies and practices. Arming current employees with knowledge through training initiatives that are aimed to enhance and support a diverse and inclusive culture. CPAC is compliant with the Employment Standards regulations under the IASR.

Past initiatives and achievements to remove and prevent barriers

  • Posted information informing applicants with disabilities that request for accommodation can be made at any point in the recruitment process.
  • Created a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and hired a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead to help further develop our DEI programs.
  • Incorporated a recruitment program that includes unconscious bias training for the hiring panel.
  • Incorporated AODA training into employee onboarding processing.
  • Updates to the Employee Handbook included focus on gender neutral language and accessibility format.
  • Permanent and temporary accommodations for any employee with disabilities upon request.
  • Development of individualized emergency plans as needed or requested.
  • Introduced a new collaborative hybrid flex model enabling employees to work from home the majority of the time without formal accommodation.

Future strategies and actions

  • Continuous evaluation of currently established policies, procedures and programs with a focus on ease of accessibility and AODA compliance.
  • Any new strategies and actions will be added to this page as developed.

Training

CPAC is committed to training our employees on AODA in order to enhance knowledge on how to reduce and remove barriers for persons with disabilities and to ensure compliance to accessibility laws and standards.

Past initiatives and achievements to remove and prevent barriers

  • Mandatory AODA training was provided to all employees.
  • Incorporated mandatory AODA training into the new employee onboarding process.
  • Launched inclusive leadership courses for CPAC leaders and mandatory DEI courses for all employees (e.g., COIN model of privilege and critical allyship).

Future strategies and actions

  • Continuous evaluation of currently established training to ensure accessibility and AODA compliance.
  • Any planned or new training will be added to this page as developed.

Contact Us

For more information, questions or feedback regarding CPAC’s commitment to reducing and removing barriers and improving opportunities for persons with disabilities, contact us at:

Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
145 King Street West, Suite 900
Toronto ON M5H 1J8

Tel: (416) 915-9222
Toll free: 1 (877) 360-1665
Fax: (416) 915-9224
Email: info@partnershipagainstcancer.ca

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer will respond to feedback within five (5) business days of receipt of the feedback.