PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Halton Hills Public Library (HHPL) meets the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) by providing accessible and barrier-free services for people with disabilities and by working to remove barriers and support the full participation of everyone in our community.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all individuals involved in delivering or supporting HHPL services, including staff, volunteers, Library Board members, students, contractors, and others acting on behalf of HHPL, and it applies to all HHPL locations, services, spaces, programs, and activities.

DEFINITIONS:

AODA: Refers to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Assistive Device: A device used to maintain or improve the functional abilities of a person with a disability.

Alternate Formats: Versions of documents or information in formats that provide accessibility, such as large print, accessible PDFs, audio formats, or braille alternatives when available.

Barrier: Anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in library services, programs, or employment, including physical, architectural, technological, attitudinal, informational, or systemic barriers.

Communication Supports: Methods to help a person with a disability access information, including captioning, reading assistance, or plain-language summaries.

Design of Public Spaces: Accessibility requirements under the IASR that apply when constructing or redeveloping outdoor paths, parking, service counters, waiting areas, or similar spaces.

Disability: As defined by the AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code, including physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, and injuries for which Workplace Safety and Insurance Benefits (WSIB) have been received.

Service Animal: An animal that supports a person with a disability and is identified through observable indicators or documentation from a regulated healthcare professional.

Support Person: Someone who accompanies a person with a disability to help with communication, mobility, personal care, or medical needs.

DETAILS:

Statement of Commitment

HHPL is committed to providing accessible and barrier-free services in keeping with the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity. HHPL works to identify, remove, and prevent barriers so that people with disabilities can fully participate in library services, spaces, programs, and employment.

Alignment with the Town of Halton Hills

HHPL aligns with the Town of Halton Hills Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and participates in the Town’s accessibility planning and reporting processes. HHPL follows relevant Town policies, standards, and design guidelines related to accessibility.

Customer Service

Assistive Devices

HHPL welcomes the use of assistive devices to access library services, programs, and spaces. Staff will support users in a manner that considers their individual needs. If an assistive device presents a health or safety concern or is not permitted by law, HHPL will work with the individual to identify alternative ways to access services.

Service Animals

People with disabilities may be accompanied by a service animal in all public areas of HHPL, unless otherwise prohibited by law.

If it is not clear that an animal is a service animal, HHPL staff may ask the person to provide documentation from a regulated health professional confirming that the animal is a service animal.

Service animals must stay with their owner and be supervised and under control at all times.

Support Persons

People with disabilities may be accompanied by a support person when accessing library services.

When fees apply to a program or event, the support person will be permitted to attend at no additional cost. If HHPL determines that a support person is required for health or safety reasons, staff will consult with the individual, explain the rationale, and work with them to maintain access to services.

Temporary Service Disruptions

HHPL will notify the public when accessible facilities, services, or equipment are temporarily unavailable. Notices will include the reason for the disruption, its expected duration, and alternative options when available. Notices may be posted onsite, online, or through other reasonable methods.

Information and Communication

Communication Supports

HHPL will provide or arrange for communication supports upon request and at no additional cost, in a timely manner.

Alternate Formats

HHPL will provide or arrange alternate formats of documents upon request. If a document cannot be converted, HHPL will explain why and work with the requester to find an appropriate alternative.

Websites and Digital Content

HHPL’s websites and web content comply with AODA and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA, as required under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR).

Feedback

Feedback may be provided in person, by phone, in writing, or by email. HHPL will make its feedback processes accessible by providing formats or communication supports upon request. HHPL reviews and responds to feedback to support continuous improvement.

Employment

Recruitment and Selection

HHPL notifies employees and the public that accommodations are available during the hiring process. Applicants selected for an interview or assessment will be informed that accommodations are available upon request.

Employment Supports

HHPL will:

• Provide workplace information in accessible formats and with communication supports upon request

• Consult with employees to determine individual accommodation needs

• Provide individualized workplace emergency response information

• Develop and maintain individual accommodation plans

• Support accessible performance management, career development, and return-to-work processes

Procurement

HHPL incorporates accessibility features when procuring goods, services, or facilities, consistent with Town of Halton Hills purchasing processes. When accessibility features are not practicable, HHPL will document the reasons.

Design of Public Spaces

When constructing or redeveloping public areas, HHPL complies with the AODA Design of Public Spaces Standards and follows Town requirements for accessible design. This includes outdoor paths, parking areas, service counters, waiting areas, and similar features within HHPL’s responsibility.

HHPL maintains accessible elements and will provide notice when these elements are temporarily unavailable.

Training

HHPL provides training to:

• Staff

• Volunteers

• Library Board members

• Contractors and others who provide services on behalf of HHPL and interact with the public

• Individuals who participate in developing HHPL policies, practices, or procedures

Training covers:

• AODA and the IASR

• Ontario Human Rights Code as it relates to disability

• Accessible customer service and communication

HHPL keeps records of training completion, including names and dates.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

Town of Halton Hills Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (2023–2027)

Ontario Human Rights Code

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005