Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services 2016 Accessibility Report
How the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services identified and removed barriers in the Ontario Public Service in 2016.
ISSN: 2560-8223
Executive summary
Like all ministries, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) complies with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR). This regulation established phased-in requirements in the following accessibility standards:
- customer service
- information and communications
- employment
- transportation
- design of public spaces
The general requirements are:
- procurement
- training
In 2012, the Ontario Public Service (OPS) released its first multi-year accessibility plan (MYAP) entitled Accessibility in the Ontario Public Service: Leading the Way Forward.
MCSCS’s 2016 Accessibility Report demonstrates how the measures taken in 2016 support the key outcomes and deliverables of the 2012-2016 OPS MYAP.
Section one: report on measures taken by the ministry in 2016
Customer service
MYAP key outcome
People with disabilities who are OPS customers receive quality goods and services in a timely manner.
Measures taken by MCSCS in 2016
Ministry staff continued to deliver accessible services in a timely manner. Since 2014, MCSCS staff have proactively offered accommodation and the availability of accessible formats and communications supports in all internal and external emails and meeting invitations. The offer for email signatures reads:
If you have any accommodation needs or require communication supports or alternate formats, please let me know.
For meeting invitations, the offer reads:
If you have any accommodation needs in order to participate fully in any aspect of this meeting, please let me know.
The MCSCS Contact Us internet page clearly notifies the public about the availability of accessible formats and communications supports, stating:
As outlined in our Accessible Customer Service policy, we are committed to providing accessible customer service. On request, we can arrange for accessible formats and communications supports.
Correctional facilities, probation and parole offices and other ministry office locations displayed accessibility posters in prominent areas to notify the public and employees about the availability of accessible formats and communications supports upon request.
Staff continured to be required to embed the accessible customer service commitments in their performance plans.
In the event of a planned or unexpected business disruption where services usually accessed by persons with disabilities are unavailable, the public was notified and provided details of the disruptions in accessible formats.
MCSCS reviewed accessibility feedback received from staff and clients to facilitate continuous improvement in programs and services.
The ministry’s TTY lines were audited internally, as part of the yearly common service standards audit, to ensure high-quality customer service for people with disabilities using TTY.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continued to provide Text with 9-1-1 (T9-1-1), a service rolled out in 2015 that enables individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired to communicate with 9-1-1 operators via text message (SMS) during an emergency.
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 MCSCS in 2016
The main MCSCS website was fully accessible and meets the international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA. The OPP launched a new fully accessible website.
Webmasters continued to receive training on accessible websites in 2016.
All ministry staff were informed of the importance of creating accessible documents and were provided with training resources.
The ministry’s website notifies the public about the availability of accessible formats and communications supports. Since 2014, ministry staff have been proactively offering accessible formats and communications supports in their email and meeting invitations signatures (as described under the Customer Service measures).
The availability of TTY lines was made public on the ministry websites and the government telephone directory, INFO-GO.
Ministry delegates attended Expo/Job Opportunities Information Network (JOIN) conference in December 2016.
Employment
MYAP key outcome
OPS employees with disabilities participate fully and meaningfully in their employment.
Measures taken by MCSCS in 2016
As part of the OPS Disability Support Strategy, MCSCS managers worked with Disability Accommodation Specialists under a new case management model to help employees and managers work through attendance and health-related issues. The model includes dedicated support, clear process and renewed resources. As part of this new approach, the Attendance Support and Management Program (ASMP) helps with the early identification of employees who may need accommodation support. The program requires employees to meet with their managers to discuss attendance issues so that managers can work with employees and the OPS Centre for Employee Health, Safety and Wellness to provide any necessary accommodations.
The OPS-wide strategy also includes efforts to break down the stigma that surrounds mental health issues and illnesses, and create a more inclusive culture. Many resources related to mental health are available to employees including “21 Tips to Keep it Together with Depression,” Mental Health Helpline and Check-Up From the Neck Up, to name a few.
Additionally, MCSCS rolled out a number of initiatives throughout the year to enhance accessibility for staff and clients. Highlights include:
- marking World Autism Day at South West Detention Centre on April 2
- celebrating World Down Syndrome Day and the lives and accomplishments of individuals who have Down syndrome on March 17
- promoting the first-ever ReelAbilities Film Festival in Canada in May
- marking Canada’s 65th annual Mental Health Week by promoting the GET LOUD Campaign
- raising awareness about inclusion of culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing Canadians during Speech and Hearing Month in May
- promoting the #Access4All theme during National Access Awareness Week (May 30 – June 5) to highlight the lack of access that people with disabilities have to common public spaces and the need for universal access
- sharing LifeSpeak On Demand videos for World Mental Health Day on October 10
- marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 by mobilizing support for disability issues, while drawing attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all
MCSCS managers completed two e-learning courses entitledDisability Accommodation and Supporting and Managing Attendance.
The ministry continued to assure the availability of accessible formats and communications supports for employees. Staff were asked to proactively offer accessible formats and communications supports in their internal email and meeting invitations signatures (as described under the Customer Service measures).
Managers provided individualized workplace emergency response information to employees with disabilities requiring assistance in emergency situations. All continuity of operations communication plans were made available in accessible formats upon request (including internal and external notifications during an emergency, communication scripts used to communicate with staff and clients, staff emergency phone lines, and phone trees).
To support career progression for employees with disabilities, ministry staff, managers and executives continued to participate in the 2015/16 Diversity Mentoring Partnership Program and 2016/17 Diversity Career Champions Program. In 2016, the participation rate for the program doubled to 130 participants. The programs aim to support staff who self-identify as belonging in demographic groups historically under-represented in senior management within the OPS: Indigenous people, Francophones, LGBTQ, OPSers, persons with disabilities, racialized groups and women.
MCSCS completed an accessibility survey for employees in 2016 to identify accessibility barriers and issues in the workplace. Corresponding initiatives will be rolled out in 2017.
On December 2, 2015, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) launched the OPP Mental Health Strategy: Our People, Our Communities, a comprehensive integrated approach to improve the response to the mental health needs of OPP members and the individuals they serve. The strategy was in response to the recognition that any member - civilian, uniform or auxiliary, active or retired - may become, or may have been involved in critical incidents. As well, members and their families face other stresses at work, and at home. The OPP has put in place various programs and resources that members, retirees and their families can access. In 2016, the OPP Wellness Unit was created to provide targeted programming with consistent and comprehensive support services, accessible certified training, and effective prevention programs to support employees, retirees, auxiliary members and their families. This includes the OPP’s Critical Incident Stress Response/Peer Support Program, Employee Assistance Program and other wellness programs.
Design of public spaces
MYAP key outcome
There is greater accessibility into, out of and around OPS facilities and public spaces.
Measures taken by MCSCS in 2016
MCSCS continued to ensure that the design of facilities meets Infrastructure Ontario’s Barrier Free Design Standards.
Ministry staff, according to job duties, completed “Accessible Built Environment in the OPS”. The training is part of on-boarding for new employees.
Staff working in facilities and capital planning were provided with the updated version of Infrastructure Ontario’s Guidelines for Barrier-free Design of Ontario Government Facilities (2014), which reflect the new 2015 accessibility requirements.
In September 2016, MCSCS opened a new state-of-the-art 112-bed Regional Intermittent Centre at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre. The 22,000 square foot facility includes various types of housing/beds in order to support diverse accommodations such as general beds, accessible beds, a dormitory to manage special needs and a segregation unit. Accessibility features of the new intermittent centre include the addition of a lift to the second floor mezzanine administrative space for staff, accessible doors for inmate entrance, two accessible segregation cells and two accessible beds for the main dormitory.
In addition, funding was approved for the construction of a new 325-bed multi-purpose correctional centre to replace the existing Thunder Bay Jail and Thunder Bay Correctional Centre, as well as a new 725-bed multi-purpose correctional centre to replace the existing Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre. This investment will help increase capacity, reduce overcrowding and enhance accessibility at provincial institutions.
In October 2016, the ministry announced that nine new OPP detachments will be constructed, replacing buildings at the end of their useful lifespan. The new detachments will meet the mandatory built environment standards set out in the IASR. They will be located in Moosonee, Fort Frances, Hawkesbury, Huron County, West Parry Sound, Manitoulin Island, Port Credit, Marathon and Orillia.
General outcomes
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 MCSCS in 2016
The ministry applied the OPS Inclusion Lens to build accessibility into new policies and practices.
Employees utilized accessible procurement resources to ensure that goods and services purchased met accessibility requirements.
MCSCS is committed to safeguarding human rights and ensuring the safety of individuals interacting with the police or in the correctional system.
As part of the OPP Mental Health Strategy, the OPP prepared a comprehensive evidence-based mental health strategy governing police interactions with people with mental health issues and established priorities for action. The strategy employs the principles of Ontario’s Community Mobilization and Engagement Model of Community Policing and uses a collaborative service delivery approach.
In March 2016, Ontario committed to hiring 2,000 correctional officers over the next three years to increase staffing levels at Ontario’s correctional facilities, enhance access to rehabilitation and reintegration programming, strengthen mental health supports and improve staff and inmate safety.
In September 2016, the ministry announced it is partnering with community organizations and police services to deliver more than 50 local safety and well-being initiatives to build a safer Ontario. The government’s Proceeds of Crime Front Line Policing Grant funded 27 projects led by police services this year, and the Safer and Vital Communities Grant supported 25 community projects over the next two years. Projects included:
- multi-agency risk intervention models
- community safety and well-being initiatives
- initiatives that target human trafficking, sexual violence, mental health, at-risk youth, alcohol and drug abuse, senior’s safety, and a variety of other risk factors associated with crime and victimization
In October 2016, MCSCS released its first status report on the actions taken to date to address recommendations from the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC) Task Force Action Plan. The report detailed the continuing work on implementing the step-down and mental health units recommended by the task force. These units will better support inmates with mental health needs by providing them with improved access to screening and assessment services, treatment and community outreach, clinical and psychotherapeutic support, and programs and supports that will help prepare them for transition back into the community. Details on the implementation plan and an operational timeline for the units will be provided in the next progress report.
On November 1, 2016, MCSCS announced that it is continuing its work to increase mental health supports in the province’s corrections system by creating the first dedicated mental health unit in Ontario for women inmates. The unit is expected to open in early 2018 as part of a new women’s detention centre on the site of the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre in Brampton. The dedicated mental health unit will meet the specific, often complex needs of women inmates with mental health issues. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2022-23.
On November 8, 2016, the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services announced the appointment of Howard Sapers as an independent advisor on corrections reform to provide advice on the use of segregation and ways to improve the province’s adult corrections system. The scope of the review included advice on how to build a system in which appropriate alternatives to segregation are made available for people with acute mental health issues and other vulnerable inmates.
In December 2016, MCSCS announced a plan to increase access to health care services, improve conditions of confinement and support rehabilitation and reintegration programming for adult inmates. The plan to address immediate priorities in the system will support improvements such as better access to programs and services, improved facilities and more time out of cells for those in segregation and those with mental health issues. New initiatives include:
- hiring an additional 239 staff to increase supports for inmates, particularly those with significant challenges related to long-term segregation. This includes: 24 correctional officers, 22 nurses, 22 mental health nurses, 22 social workers, 32 recreational staff and eight psychologists, in addition to 46 institutional managers and other program staff
- enhancing services for inmates on remand and those serving custodial sentences to ensure they have access to a standardized set of core services, spiritual services and programming with a focus on enhanced mental health and well-being of inmates
- implementing dedicated segregation managers at institutions with higher segregation rates to help reduce the use of segregation and support inmates as they transition back to general population
- funding two pilot programs in Toronto and Hamilton to provide specialty psychiatric beds for acutely ill inmates who have needs that are too complex for general hospitals
- providing additional release from custody workers to help improve the reintegration of offenders with mental illness as they transition back into the community, helping to reduce the likelihood of re-offending
- expanding the availability of safe beds, which provide time-limited emergency housing for people experiencing a mental health crisis with high-intensity care as an alternative to hospital or jail
- developing cross-training programs for detention centre staff to help them better manage people with mental health challenges and seclusion protocols
Section two: addressing the identification of barriers in legislation and implementation frameworks
Introduction
In 2005, the government introduced the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, with the goal of making Ontario accessible by 2025. In support of this goal, the government subsequently committed to review Ontario legislation to identify and address accessibility barriers, and undertook a coordinated review of 51 statutes considered to have a high impact on persons with disabilities.
As a result of this review, the government made changes to 11 statutes spread across seven ministries to ensure that Ontario laws better reflect accessibility considerations. The changes to the 11 statutes were included in the government’s 2016 Budget bill, which received Royal Assent on April 19, 2016.
Each ministry continues to be responsible for identifying and addressing barriers in their legislation and the policies and programs through which that legislation is implemented, and for reporting on results through its accessibility report.
Our ministry remains committed to the goal of ensuring that Ontario legislation and implementation frameworks do not create barriers to persons with disabilities.
Measures in place in 2016
To assess MCSCS’s proposals for new Acts, regulations, policies and programs and services and determine their effect on persons with disabilities, the ministry continued to:
- promote the OPS Inclusion Lens e-learning. According to job duties, employees were required to complete OPS Inclusion Lens training by December 31, 2015
- provide bias awareness training (available on request from the MCSCS Inclusion and Accessibility lead)
- raise awareness of accessibility issues through internal communications and workplace events, as detailed under employment measures above
Actions taken in the past year
Building on the work done for the 2015 Roundtable on Traumatic Mental Stress, MCSCS provided input into the