Accessible for All
The Club is committed to providing an accessible environment for everyone. Our goal is to create a community that is inclusive of all persons and supports all members of the community in an equitable manner. In creating such a community, we aim is foster a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of all persons with the goal to become a barrier-free environment.
In 2005, Ontario passed a new law - Accessibility for Ontarians with a Disability Act (AODA). There are five standards under the AODA:
- Customer Service
- Transportation
- Information/Communication
- Employment
- Design of Public Space
These standards address barriers that affect people with the full range of disabilities, including: physical, vision, hearing, sensory, mental health, developmental and learning.
In compliance with these standards, the Club has documented its policy, practices and procedures with respect to providing accessible customer service, information and communications, employment and transportation. These documents are based on four principles:
- Independence: All individuals, including those with disabilities, shall be able to access goods and services, to the greatest extent possible, free from assistance.
- Dignity: All individuals, including those with disabilities, will be treated with respect and worthiness.
- Integration: People with disabilities are allowed to fully benefit from the same services, in the same place and in the same or similar way as other individuals. Alternative measures might be necessary because a person with a disability requires it or because another option cannot be provided at the time. If the Club is unable to remove a barrier to accessibility, we will consider what else can be done to provide goods and services to people with disabilities.
- Equal Opportunity: All individuals, including those with disabilities, will have the same chances and options in the way they obtain and benefit from the goods or services provided.
The Club is committed to excellence in serving all customers.
Assistive Devices
The Club will ensure that our team is trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by customers with disabilities while accessing our goods or services.
Communication
The Club will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.
Website
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha is committed to creating an accessible online environment for its visitors and to making its web documents available to everyone. The Clubs website has been designed to conform to industry-standard guidelines that help make the website more accessible to all users and is compatible with screen readers.
The Clubs website is compliance to WCAG 2.0 Level A.
Forms on this website are in Adobe PDF format. Alternate formats and/or with communication supports are available upon request. Contact info@bgckl.com for assistance.
Service Animals
The Club 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 our premises. Fees will not be charged for support persons other than admission to locations visited. The Club will notify customers of this upon registration of participants.
Notice of Temporary Disruption
In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for customers with disabilities, participants, service recipients or other relevant customers will be notified either by phone or other technological source. The Club will post a notice 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 at the locations where the disruption has occurred.
Training for the Club Team
The Club will provide training to employees, formal volunteers and others who deal with the public or other third parties on their behalf. Individuals in all positions; full and part-time in addition to all volunteers will be trained. Training to staff will be provided within 90 days of hire.
Feedback Process
Customers who wish to provide feedback on the way the Club provides programs and services to people with disabilities can provide feedback verbally, by phone (705) 324-4493, or at info@bgckl.com. All feedback will be directed to the Office Coordinator. Customers can expect to hear back within three business days. Complaints will be addressed according to our organization’s regular complaint management procedures.
You may also complete and submit the Accessible Service Delivery Feedback form.
BGC Kawarthas 2023 Statement of Commitment to Persons with Disabilities
BGC Kawarthas 2018-2025 Updated AODA Multi-Year Plan