The College of Early Childhood Educators’ Accessibility Customer Service Plan, shown below, outlines our commitment to excellence in providing goods and services to all members of the public, including people with disabilities.
It was developed to comply with the Ontario government’s Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07, which became law on January 1, 2008. It is the first accessibility standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This regulation is an important step to create a barrier-free and accessible Ontario by 2025.
Accessibility Customer Service Plan
Providing Goods and Services to People with Disabilities
The College of Early Childhood Educators is committed to excellence in serving all customers including people with disabilities. The College is committed to training all employees who deal with the public or other third parties on their behalf by December 31, 2011.
Assistive Devices
The College will ensure that our staff is trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by customers with disabilities while accessing our goods or services.
Communication
The College will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.
Service Animals
The College welcomes people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public.
Support Persons
A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them on College’s premises.
Notice of Temporary Disruption
In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for customers with disabilities, including access to the College’s telephone system, website, and office at 438 University Avenue, the College will notify customers promptly. This clearly posted 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 placed on the College’s website in English and French, and will be posted in the Reception area.
Training for Staff
The College will provide training to all employees who deal with the public or other third parties on their behalf. Training will be provided to new staff within one month of the start of employment with the College.
Training will include:
Overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard
The College’s accessible customer service plan
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 TTY
What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing the College’s goods and services
Staff will also be trained when changes are made to our Accessibility Customer Service Plan.
Feedback Process
Customers who wish to provide feedback on the way the College provides goods and services to people with disabilities can do so verbally and by e-mail. All feedback will be directed to the Registrar and CEO. Customers can expect to hear back within five business days. Complaints will be addressed according to the College’s regular complaint management procedures.
Modifications to This Policy or Other Policies
Any policy of the College that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.
Questions About This Policy
This policy exists to ensure the College provides goods and service excellence to people with disabilities. Documents required by the Customer Service Standard are available upon request. Questions about this policy may be referred to the Registrar and CEO at registrar@collegeofece.on.ca or 1 888 961-8558.