Executive Summary

In June 2014, there was a realignment of selected ministries across the Ontario Public Service (OPS). Two of those ministries were the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment (MEDTE) and the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI). The international trade function of MEDTE was moved to Citizenship and Immigration which became the Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade (MCIIT).

The 2014 Accessibility Plan reflects only MCI accomplishments and does not report on international trade accomplishments (these will be reported in the MEDTE plan). The 2015 plan will reflect the new commitments for the reconfigured Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade.

Achieving the Vision

The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI), has the lead responsibility for immigration and newcomer settlement, as well as the voluntary and not-for-profit sector, provincial honours and awards, women’s issues and seniors’ affairs.

The Ministry’s vision is: a diverse and inclusive society where all people contribute to a strong economy, caring society and enhanced quality of life.

To achieve this vision, the Ministry partners with other provincial ministries, other levels of government, and the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to develop and implement programs and policies that:

  • Maximize the benefits of immigration for newcomers and Ontario by enabling and supporting their successful economic and social integration.
  • Promote and recognize greater social inclusion, civic and community engagement, and volunteerism.
  • Build a society free of violence against women and increase women’s economic security.
  • Improve the quality of life for Ontario’s seniors by helping them live safely, independently and with dignity in their communities.
  • Provide accessible, inclusive and respectful service to Ontario’s diverse communities.

Accessibility is key to achieving this vision and ensuring equal opportunities for all Ontarians. This document highlights the accomplishments to support accessibility for the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration in 2014.

Some of the highlights include:

Accessibility training across the Ministry

  • All staff completed online training on the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) Information and Communications Standards.
    • This training outlined the benefits of accessible information and communications. It also addressed how to identify potential barriers, and how to determine solutions and options to overcome these obstacles.
  • All managers and Human Resources staff completed the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) Employment Standards training.
    • This training focused on how to identify potential barriers to accessible employment in the workplace, demonstrated how to determine when employment accommodation is required, and identified solutions. It also reviewed the duty to accommodate people with disabilities under the Human Rights Code and the IASR.
  • Conducted workshops on how to create accessible documents.

The Diversity Mentorship Program

This program partnered senior management with employees who are currently underrepresented in senior positions. This provides senior executives with an opportunity to better understand the experiences, challenges and barriers facing employees from these groups. The program also helps these employee “partners” to understand how to navigate a large public sector organization and its culture.

Accessibility commitments included in all managers’ performance plans

  • To help embed accessibility into daily activities, managers were required to include accessibility commitments in their yearly performance plans.

Introduction

Under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA), ministries are required to produce, and make available to the public, annual plans that set out how ministries will identify and remove barriers to accessibility. The ODA Accessibility Plan (the Plan) is an opportunity to showcase our ministry’s accomplishments and to demonstrate how we comply with our regulated accessibility requirements.

In 2010, the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration began complying with the first accessibility standard established under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) − Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. In 2011, the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR was introduced, establishing phased-in requirements in the following accessibility standards:

  • Information and Communications;
  • Employment;
  • Transportation; and,
  • Design of Public Spaces

Every year, the Ontario Public Service (OPS must confirm its compliance with the requirements of these standards to the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario. The ODA plan provides an opportunity for our ministry to go beyond verifying compliance with these regulated minimum requirements, by highlighting the measures taken in the previous year to identify and remove barriers.

The IASR requires that obligated organizations, must create and maintain a multi-year accessibility plan (MYAP) that outlines the organization’s strategies to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility. To meet the MYAP requirement, the OPS released Leading the Way Forward in 2012.

Organizations must develop an annual status report that highlights progress to advance the MYAP strategy, and to meet the requirements of the IASR. In 2013, the OPS released its first Annual Status Report, highlighting progress made in 2012.

The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration 2014 ODA plan outlines the measures our ministry has taken over the past year to support the key outcomes and deliverables of the MYAP.

To see the 2014 ODA plans of the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and other ministries, visit Ontario.ca.

Section One: Report on Measures Taken by the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration in 2014

Customer Service

OPS MYAP Key Outcome:

People with disabilities who are OPS customers receive quality goods and services in a timely manner.

Measures taken by the Ministry in 2014:

  • Identified accessible devices that were available on site for people with disabilities and made sure that required staff members were trained on how to use them.
  • Communicated service disruption notices, as appropriate, and posted them on site.
  • Provided the reason for a disruption, the expected duration, and a description of the alternative facilities or services that were available.
  • Reached out (Accessibility Planning Team) across the Ministry to engage staff and get feedback on services that may have accessibility barriers.
  • Completed (Accessibility Lead) the OPS Inclusion Lens train-the-trainer course.

Information and Communications

MYAP Key Outcome:

Information and Communications are available in accessible formats or with necessary supports to all OPS staff and customers.

Measures Taken by the Ministry in 2014:

  • Continued to meet Web Content Accessibility (WCAG 2.0AA standards.
  • Trained webmasters on how to create accessible web pages, and trained appropriate staff members on the development of web-ready documents.
  • Undertook random audits of web pages to ensure WCAG 2.0AA standards. The audit results are reported to the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services Standards and Governance Coordinator.
  • Publicized accessible formats and communication supports that are on the Ministry intranet site and have contact pages linking to the full Accessible Customer Service policy.
  • Information technology services used are monitored for accessibility issues; if problems are identified, solutions are provided as soon as possible.
  • Continued to work with Justice Technology Services and Community Services I&IT Cluster to identify future opportunities to leverage cluster resources so the Ministry is aware of any new technologies, and that information technology solutions are provided, as required.
  • Sent five representatives to attend the Expo/JOIN (Job Opportunity Information Network) conference (JOIN helps people living with disabilities to find and keep employment and assists employers in creating qualified candidates to meet their hiring needs).
  • Shared knowledge with staff in the Ministry about the JOIN conference.
  • Completed (all staff) the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) e-learning course related to accessibility Information and Communication standards by June 30, 2014. The course was added to the Ministry’s mandatory training requirements.
  • Conducted workshops on how to create accessible documents. Ministry staff were trained and, in turn, passed on the information through lunch-and-learn sessions and staff meetings across the Ministry.
  • Updated the Accessibility Infobank located on the intranet site. New information includes “Information and Communications Standards,” and a link to the I & IT Centre of Excellence for accessible formats and documents. The Infobank continues to provide links to a large number of accessibility resources.
  • Continued to meet accessible format standards and templates based on best practices.

Employment

MYAP Key Outcome:

OPS employees with disabilities participate fully and meaningfully in their employment.

Measures Taken by the Ministry in 2014:

  • Increased awareness of employment accommodations for all staff by creating a spotlight on our ministry’s intranet site and linked our home page to resources provided by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services HROntario.
  • Ensured accessible format and communications supports for all employees through the MCI intranet, and linked to the Employment Accommodation policy, which explains the supports that are available.
  • Continued the Diversity Mentorship program for senior management and staff, in partnership with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport, and the Pan/Para Pan American Games Secretariat. Held a speed-mentoring event in the spring of 2014 that created an even broader network for program participants.
  • Continued to require that all managers have a performance commitment that includes providing fully accessible services to clients. Managers were also required to select suggested commitments to support diversity and inclusion developed by the Diversity Office.
  • Required all managers and HR staff to complete, by June 30, 2014, the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) e-learning course about Employment Accessibility Standards. The training was added to our ministry’s mandatory training requirements for all HR staff and managers.
  • Reviewed and analyzed the results of the Employee Engagement survey for accessibility issues.
  • The Ministry will continue to promote accommodation best practices for employees with disabilities.

Built Environment

MYAP Key Outcome:

There is greater accessibility into, out of and around OPS facilities and public spaces.

Measures Taken by the Ministry in 2014:

  • Created a spotlight on the Ministry intranet site to raise awareness of the OPS barrier-free requirements for government facilities, including tools and resources.
  • Held meetings throughout the year with the accessibility lead and facilities manager to discuss any accommodation issues within the existing ministry infrastructure.
  • Improved signage for employees re: visibility of First Aid Responders and Fire Wardens.
  • The facilities manager consulted HR regarding employee accommodation and addressed them appropriately according to their needs.
  • Increased manager and staff awareness of the accessible built environment obligation in the IASR, Ontario Building Code and OPS barrier-free requirements for government facilities through promotion on the intranet site and links to resources. Also consulted with the facilities manager to confirm understanding and compliance with legislated requirements.

Other Commitments

MYAP Key Outcome:

OPS staff are able to identify barriers to accessibility, in OPS policies, programs, services and facilities, and actively seek solutions to prevent or remove them on a continuing basis throughout the organization.

Measures Taken by the Ministry in 2014:

Leadership

  • Continued to promote the importance of accessibility through the Ministry’s Accessibility Planning Team, with representatives from across the ministry. The team met regularly throughout the year. Their responsibilities included creating awareness and promoting accessibility initiatives. They also liaised with senior management to communicate new requirements, and provided input and advice on the implementation and development of the new accessibility plan.
  • To help the Ministry meet its IASR obligations, the Deputy Minister highlighted, as a key commitment in the Ministry’s ODA plan, the new Information and Communications standard from the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR).

Procurement

MCI is committed to considering accessibility when hiring suppliers. The Ministry:

  • Assessed our processes for procurement of goods and services that affect people with disabilities, to ensure that accessibility has been considered and that suppliers comply with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA).
  • Asked potential suppliers to tell us about the accessible options they offer. We also evaluate suppliers on accessibility.
  • Reviewed our Request for Proposal (RFP) process to make sure no barriers exist for vendors with disabilities.
  • Complied with the OPS Procurement Directive, and have applied the ODA procurement guidelines and requirements checklist.
  • Made sure that procurement documents included language related to accessibility, if needed.
  • Continued to provide ministry staff with procurement advice, recommendations and training on how to include accessibility, according to the Procurement Directive.
  • Integrated accessibility obligations into the Ministry’s Financial Delegation of Authority (FDOA.)

Emergency Management

The Emergency Management Office developed an e-learning program that includes a section on procedures and personal preparedness for emergencies. The training also has a section on accessibility and people with disabilities. The program meets all accessibility standards and is available in alternate formats, as needed.

Section Two: Addressing the Identification of Barriers

In support of our commitment to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, going forward the newly realigned Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade will continue to review government initiatives, including Acts, regulations, policies, programs, practices and services for the purposes of identifying and removing barriers.

Recognizing the importance of addressing accessibility barriers in laws that have a high impact on members of the public and persons with disabilities, the government is following a three-pronged strategy that prioritizes the review of high impact legislation including:

  1. Development of a standardized process and tools for identifying and addressing accessibility barriers;
  2. By the end of 2014, review of 51 targeted high-impact statutes that meet the following criteria:
    • Statutes that affect persons with disabilities directly;
    • Statutes that provide for the delivery of widely applicable services or programs;
    • Statutes that provide benefits or protections; or
    • Statutes that affect a democratic or civic right or duty; and
  3. Review procedural rules, policies and guidelines for select high-impact legislation, where necessary.

In 2013 the OPS made significant progress in conducting this phase of the review which is estimated to be completed by the end of 2014.

The Ministry completed a review of the Retirement Homes Act 2010, S.O. 2010, c. 11, which was the only high impact statute identified. No accessibility barriers were found and a report was sent to the Ministry of the Attorney General.

The following statutes were previously reviewed and no accessibility barriers were identified:

  • Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 31
  • Holocaust Memorial Day Act, 1998, S.O. 1998, c. 25
  • Holodomor Memorial Day Act, 2009, S.O. 2009, c. 7
  • Ministry of Citizenship and Culture Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.18
  • Remembrance Day Observance Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 18
  • Vimy Ridge Day Act, 2010, S.O. 2010, c. 3

The Ministry will continue to apply the OPS Inclusion Lens to new policies and practices. This will help to make accessibility an integrated part of all OPS business.

Public Links

OPS Multi-Year Accessibility Plan - Leading the Way Forward,

Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation

Accessibility Standards for Customer Service

Ontario Accessibility Website

Accessible, Fair and Sustainable Services for People with Developmental Disabilities program

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

Contact Us

Questions or comments about the ministry’s accessibility plan are welcome.

General inquiries: 416-327-2422

TTY number: 416-325-0866 or 1-866-853-2137

Toll-free number: 1-800-267-7329

Email: info.mci@ontario.ca

Ministry website address: http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca

Visit the Ministry of Economic, Development, Trade and Employment web portal. This site promotes accessibility and provides information and resources on how to make Ontario an accessible province for everyone.

Other formats of this document are available on request from:

ServiceOntario Publications

Phone: 1-800-668-9938

TTY: 1-800-268-7095

Attachment – MYAP Deliverables

2014-2016

  • Inclusion Lens applied to all policies and practices, Accessibility is part of all OPS business.
  • Communications, websites, technology solutions and documents employ accessibility best practices.
    Best practices on employment accommodation and return to work implemented.
    Better accommodation for employees with disabilities resulting from management review.
    Accessibility Expo continues annually.
  • Accessibility continues as strong organizational commitment.
    Managers and staff have accessibility performance commitments.
    Staff and customer feedback sought on accessibility innovations and improvements.
  • OPS ready to implement requirements of AODA built environment regulation.