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Accessibility
The Township is committed to providing inclusive and accessible communities and continues to implement the legislated requirements set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Accessibility standards contained within the AODA focus on five key areas:
- Accessible Customer Service
- Accessible Information and Communication
- Design of Public Spaces
- Employment Accessibility
- Accessible Transportation
Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee
The Township is a member of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC). GRAAC is an advisory committee that provides advice and recommendations to the Township on the identification and removal of barriers in Township policies, programs, services and facilities.
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and Policies
The Township maintains a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and Policy and provides regular updates at GRAAC:
The Township aims to provide exceptional customer service for everyone, including for people with disabilities, as described in our Accessible Customer Service Policy.
Alternate Formats and Communication Support
Woolwich Township aims to provide information in accessible formats whenever possible. There are some cases where someone may require information in an alternative format (for example, high contrast or large print) or we are unable to provide information in an accessible format (for example, some mapping information or hand written public comments). Please contact the Township's Accessibility Coordinator if you require assistance with communication support or information in an alternate format.
Personal Assistance for Leisure Activities (PAL)
Our PAL (personal assistance for leisure activities) card program makes participating in our recreation and leisure programs possible, comfortable and more enjoyable for people with disabilities.
A PAL card allows a person with a disability to bring a helper - often a friend or family member - with them to each activity to assist them in participating - in most cases, at no extra cost since the helper does not actually take part.
PAL cards can be used at our public swims and skates and Township run community centre programs - simply present your card when paying your admission or registration fees.
Please note: The PAL card is not accepted for ticketed events at our facilities that are operated by external organizations, businesses or promotors.
| PAL Card Eligibility |
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Anyone who is more than four years old, and has a disability that restricts them from performing activities, which has lasted longer than six months and cannot be eliminated by the use of a technical aide, such as eyeglasses, is eligible for a PAL card. Temporary PAL cards are available for those with temporary disabilities. Attendants must be 15 years of age or older; different attendants can assist the program participant on different days. Please keep in mind, if an attendant would be participating in an activity with a PAL cardholder - regardless of his or her disability - the attendant would be expected to pay the program fee. For example, if a child, who has a PAL card, does not meet our age requirement to swim alone during a family swim at one of our pools, an adult would be required to supervise the child - and pay the fee to participate. |
| PAL Card Application Process |
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Applying for a PAL card is easy!
You will be asked to include two references on your application, we will contact both references to ensure you're eligible for a PAL card. If your application is approved, your PAL card will be mailed to you. |
| PAL Card Partners |
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The PAL card is also accepted by our program partners, including the city of Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and Thunder Bay. Check out our full list of partners. If a program or business is not included on our list, and you would like to use your PAL card to participate, please contact them directly to ask if the PAL card is accepted. If you are aware of a program that accepts the PAL card and it is not listed, please let us know and we'll add it to our list. |
Feedback
We want to hear from you. Help us to identify barriers or make recommendations on how we can improve Township programs, services and facilities by contacting us.
Facility Supervisor Woolwich Memorial Centre/Woolwich Township Arena
Woolwich Memorial Centre
24 Snyder Avenue South
Elmira, Ontario, N3B 1Y9
Toll Free: 1-877-969-0094
Fax: 519-669-9348