Accessibility

People with disabilities represent a significant and growing portion of the population. According to Statistics Canada, about 1.5 million Ontarians have disabilities - about 13.5% of the population.

For more information click on the links below:

The Township welcomes customer service feedback on the delivery of its accessible services and suggestions for improved accessibility in our community. Complete the feedback form and submit the form in person at the Township Administration Office, 24 Church Street West, 2nd Floor, by fax at 519-669-1820 or by email.

Accessibility Laws

The Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, passed by the Provincial Goverment in 2001 and 2005 respectively, are designed to increase awareness and remove barriers affecting people with disabilities.

Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001

The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) is to improve opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification and prevention of barriers to their full participation in life. Under the ODA local accessibility advisory committees were established and municipalities were required to have an annual accessibility plan in place.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

In 2005 the Provincial Government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). The intent of this legislation is to make Ontario fully accessible for people with disabilities by 2025.

The AODA proposes that standards be developed in the following areas to ensure a barrier-free environment for people with disabilities:

customer service, transportation, information and communications, built environment, and employment.

Copies of both statutes can be viewed by clicking here.

Accessible Customer Service Policy

Ontario Regulation 429/07 is the first of five accessibility standard to be passed by the Provincial Government. The standard came into effect January 1, 2008 and states that requirements regarding providing customer service to persons with disabilities.

The Township is required to ensure that all full-time, part-time, volunteer, seasonal staff and third party contactors are trained in providing accessible customer service. The Township's Accessible Customer Service Policy ensures that it's goods and services are provided in a way that respects the dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity for all people.

Several training methods were developed to train staff, volunteers and third party agents.

Staff, volunteers and third party contractors are required to provide in writing that they have reviewed the materials. This can be done by completing the Accessible Customer Service Sign Off Form and returning the form to the Accessibility Coordinator, 24 Church Street West, 2nd Floor, Elmira.

Accessibility Plans

Under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 the Township is required to publish annually, its accessibility plan.

The Accessibility Plan includes:

Measures taken to identify, remove and prevent barriers to persons with disabilities;
Measures ensuring proposals for bylaws, programs, practices and services are considered for their effect on accessibility;
Creating a list of by-laws, policies, programs, practices and services that will be reviewed in the next year to identify, prevent and remove barriers.

To view the Township of Woolwich 2012-2014 Accessibility Plan click here. This document is available in alternate formats upon request to the Accessibility Co-ordinator.

Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)

Under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2001) local accessibility advisory committees were established.

The Township receives accessibility advice from the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) and participates in discussions along with the Cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, the Townships of North Dumfries and Wellesley, and the Region of Waterloo.

Click here to visit the GRAAC Website.

Personal Attendant for Leisure Card (PAL Card)

The Personal Attendant for Leisure card (PAL Card) is available to anyone who has a disability and requires assistance to attend Township recreation programs (ticketed events are excluded).

The PAL card is issued to the person with the disability and allows him or her to be accompanied by a friend, relative, support worker, etc., at no additional cost. The PAL does not have to be the same person every time.

To learn more about the Personal Attendant for Leisure (PAL) card click here.

To fill out an application for the PAL card click here.

Electronic Documents now Available in Audio Format using TextAloud Text to Speech Software

The Township of Woolwich has software that can convert any electronic document into an audio file for easy listening. This service will be of particular interest to persons with a visual impairment or anyone who finds reading to be a challenge. The TextAloud software converts the text in the electronic document into an audio file that can be saved to CD. The text is read in a human-like voice. More information about the software is available at www.nextup.com and anyone can download a free trial version.

Some of the advantages of TextAloud:

Improves reading comprehension by allowing you to read a document and listen to it at the same time.
Reduces eyestrain from too much reading.
Listen to information while you work on something else.

If you would like a Township document converted into an audio file, please contact the Deputy Clerk.

Contact(s)