More than 3,000 leaders and staff have received training to ensure the campus meets expectations of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) that kicks in Jan. 1.
The new act is being rolled out in several waves, the first being dedicated to customer service.
The customer service standard stipulates all leaders and any staff who interact with students, alumni, retirees or visitors understand how to take a person’s disability into account.
Training includes a review of the act and information about interacting with people who use an assistive device, a service animal or a support person; using equipment or devices in assisting a person with a disability; and what to do if there’s difficulty accessing a Western service.
So far, training has included a two- or three-hour workshop, depending on the employee’s position as staff or leader.
Western must be in compliance by Jan. 1, while private sector organizations (including unions) have until 2012.
“Our training program is well underway,” says Gitta Kulczycki, Vice-President (Resources and Operations), speaking at the Nov. 26 Board of Governors meeting. University leaders have concluded their training, while staff training continues until Dec. 9.
“We are encouraging suggestions from all involved to help us to develop guidelines and help us think about how we work when it comes to accessibility.”
Specific consideration will be given to welcoming persons with disabilities who use a service animal, assistive devices or a support person. There are some limitations, such as not allowing service animals into areas where animals are prohibited by law (e.g. health or safety reasons), but Western promises to find alternatives.
As well, the university will provide notice when there’s a planned or unexpected disruption affecting facilities or services used by people with disabilities.
The notice will be placed in relevant locations and, when appropriate, on the accessibility website at https://accessibility.uwo.ca/.
The university also says it will provide training on an ongoing basis to faculty and staff members, contractors, volunteers and others who interact with members of the public.
Feedback about the way Western provides services to persons with disabilities is encouraged by visiting https://accessibility.uwo.ca/feedback.htm.
