Executive summary

Like all ministries, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) 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.

MNRF's 2016 Accessibility Report demonstrates the ministry’s ongoing commitment to being an accessibility leader and how the measures taken in 2016 support the key outcomes and deliverables of the 2012-2016 OPS MYAP as we continue on our path to an accessible Ontario in 2025.

As a values-based organization, accessibility, diversity and inclusion are critical core values that enable our ministry to meet its responsibilities as stewards of Ontario’s natural resources. We are committed to being an accessible business leader by embracing our responsibility to model compliance and more importantly lead by example. This includes building a culture within the ministry where accessibility is embedded at source.

The ministry and its two obligated agencies (the Office of the Mining and Lands Commissioner and the Niagara Escarpment Commission) remain committed to ensuring that information and services are provided in a manner that present no barriers to Ontarians with disabilities, including employees.

In 2016, making our websites and web content accessible continued to be a high priority and the ministry Digital Accessibility Initiative (DAI) was actively working towards achieving this goal and build awareness and capacity among staff to embed Accessibility@Source.

Under this initiative, will be completed in 2017, resources were created to assist staff across the ministry in making and keeping web content accessible. Demonstrating leadership, integration, innovation and commitment to continuous improvement in the area of Accessibility, the DAI leveraged partnerships and shared best practices and resources across the OPS.

Our ministry’s most visible accessibility efforts are in the design of public spaces. We continued to show leadership in this area and are committed to lead by example. MNRF has embedded the principles of universal design at every touch point of the process from planning, detailed design, tendering / construction initiation to completion. In Ontario Parks, we continue to provide more barrier-free campsites, comfort stations and leisure areas. Ontarians with mobility issues can more easily enjoy beaches at several parks, where specially-designed mats provide a wheelchair-friendly way to access the water or all-terrain wheelchairs are available to use to navigate the sand.

MNRF could not meet its mandate without skilled and dedicated employees. We support individuals with disabilities through the hiring process as well as those who develop a disability while working for the ministry. We are committed to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible by identifying potential barriers and further building on our awareness of diversity, accessibility and inclusive practices. In addition, all staff receive the necessary training to better understand their rights and obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

In 2016, the ministry’s Accessibility and Inclusion Unit in the Strategic Human Resources Business Branch continued to promote accessibility and build capacity among staff. The unit supports our Inclusion Council, which has representatives from across the ministry and is working to enable, inspire and promote an inclusive workplace. This includes promoting accessibility in general and the ministry’s DAI.

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 MNRF in 2016

MNRF continues to be committed to providing accessible services to our staff and the public we serve.

Policies

MNRF continued to implement the OPS Accessible Customer Service Policy and associated practices and procedures, in accordance with the requirements of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Regulation. This includes ensuring that:

  • goods and services are provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities
  • goods and services are provided to persons with disabilities with the same attention to quality and timeliness that are provided to others
  • goods and services to persons with disabilities are integrated with regular services, unless an alternate measure is necessary, to enable a person with a disability to obtain, use or benefit from the services
  • customers with disabilities are given equal opportunity to obtain, use and benefit from government goods and services

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 MNRF in 2016

Information is shared in many different formats, including print, digital, audio, etc. and it is important to think about accessibility and the different needs of people, including individuals with disabilities, every time we create, provide or receive information.

To do this, we have to apply best practices in the area of accessibility when developing, implementing and maintaining our information and communications.

Alternate formats and communication supports

If Ontarians need any information in an alternate format or need to communicate using alternate methods, the ministry is ready to respond.

As an example, the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre (NRISC) is ready to respond by email, by phone toll free, or by teletypewriter (TTY).

The Centre serves both the public and government and provides:

  • information and publications on Ontario fish, wildlife, forestry, lands and waters and provincial parks, and
  • information about Ontario Crown land and public land, and will direct calls to appropriate areas

Outdoors Card Centre staff are also trained in TTY systems. Both centres ensure notices are in place when services are disrupted at call centres and the automated interactive voice response system.

Active offer

The ministry is committed to ensure an "active offer" of assistance so that persons with disabilities know what additional options may be available to help them access information and services.

In 2016, as part of DAI, the ministry launched a new active offer process and guide to support staff in responding to requests for accessible information and communication supports.

Current examples of an "active offer" on our public facing websites include:

  • Ontario.ca: We are committed to providing accessible customer service . On request, we can arrange for accessible formats and communications supports.
  • Outdoors Card Centre: Some of the information on this website is non-convertible or has not yet been made accessible and may not be compatible with assistive technologies. If you are experiencing difficulty with this application and require assistance, contact the Outdoors Card Centre by email at NRISC@ontario.ca or call 1-800-387-7011 from anywhere in North America. Support is available Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm (ET).
  • Ontario Parks (bottom of home page): We are committed to providing accessible customer service. If you need an alternative accessible format of this content, please contact us.
Websites and web content

Our websites, such as Ontario.ca and OntarioParks.com, are a key way for customers, partners and stakeholders to get information and services from us. Making sure they are accessible to all Ontarians is essential for us to serve them effectively, and to meet our legislative requirements and mandate. It’s just good business.

MNRF is committed to ensuring that the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) commitments in the Information and Communication Stabdard of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) are met- ensuring that websites are accessible for all.

In 2016, making our websites and web content accessible continued to be a high priority for the ministry. The Strategic Human Resources Business Branch and Communication Services Branch’s (CSB) signature corporate project, the Digital Accessibility Initiative (DAI), mobilized staff across the ministry to work towards achieving this goal, as well as building awareness and capacity among staff to embed "Accessibility@Source."

Under DAI, resources were created to assist staff across the ministry in making and keeping web content accessible:

  • a risk management framework and remediation business case template
  • a ministry "Remediation roadmap" – a document that details how the ministry will achieve digital compliance and accompanied the 2016 attestation
  • a guide for creating accessible documents (101 guide)
  • a quick guide and technical report for PDFs (commissioned from the Ontario College of Art Design University)
  • Map Design Considerations for Accessibility
  • a Guide to Active Offer
  • an exemption process for managing 'not practicable' requests within the ministry
  • a policy to support accessible documents that helps clarify roles and responsibilities, and
  • a dedicated website, Make it Accessible, with digital accessibility tutorials, templates and other resources to help educate staff on how to make accessible documents

A key component of the DAI's project model is leveraging partnerships and sharing best practices across the OPS. The above noted resources are available to all ministry and OPS staff.

In addition, a number of special working groups were created to address cross-divisional topics, such as the team that was formed to explore how to reach compliance on the Electronic Forest Management Plan (eFMP) website, which included seeking a 'not practicable' case for maps hosted on the site, and the Information Management and Information Technology DAI subcommittee, which brought key ministry leads together to develop the Accessible Document Policy.

Also under this initiative, CSB accomplished the following during 2016:

  • continued to enhance the accessibility of legacy documents on Ontario.ca
  • oversaw the publication of over 1,000 accessible documents on Ontario.ca.
  • completed an audit of PDFs associated with Environmental Registry postings and ensured full compliance of MNRF content on the site
  • continued to improve the team’s business performance by:
    • creating shared snippets and searchable expressions in Adobe Dreamweaver,
    • enhancing quality assurance processes, and
    • tracking progress through an online ticketing system.
Divisional initiatives

Across the ministry, staff have been developing more accessible websites, web content and digital documents at source.

Deputy Minister’s Office

Communications Services Branch (CSB):

  • As part of the InsideOPS project, CSB created templates to allow program areas to migrate accessible content to the new platform
Corporate Management and Information Division (CMID)

Strategic Human Resources Business Branch (SHRBB):

As lead for the ministry’s accessibility file, SHRBB continued to embrace its responsibility to model compliance and more importantly lead by example. This is demonstrated by:

  • all staff have added an "Active Offer" statement in their e-mail signature: Please Note: As part of providing accessible customer service, please let me know if you have any accommodation needs or require communication supports or alternate formats
  • on the Branch’s internal approval form, staff are required to indicate that all content created is accessible. A Peer review is conducted to validate
  • the Accessibility and Inclusion Unit continued to provide advice and guidance to SHRBB, ministry staff and colleagues across the OPS regarding digital accessibility and accessibility compliance
  • arranged for accessible word document training by Treasury Board Secretariat accessibility lead for SHRBB and CMID staff

Mapping and Information Resources Branch (MIRB):

  • successfully enhanced the user interface for all web mapping applications to increase compatibility with assistive devices
  • developed Map Design Considerations for Accessibility with input from the I&IT Accessibility Centre of Excellence, Land and Resources Cluster and other ministries
  • continued to investigate accessible mapping technologies
  • reviewed and ensured web documents were accessible as part of MNRF's migration to the new InsideOPS Intranet
  • worked with Communications Service Branch to transition PDF documents on Ontario.ca to accessible HTML
  • integrated accessibility into MIRB's communications approval process
  • continued progress in enhancing theaccessibility of complex, technical documents about geospatial data and surveying
Forest Industry Division (FID)
  • Building staff capacity to create accessible content at source through divisional staff attending accessible document training.
  • With this new digital competency, staff have worked to make the website content fully accessible. Examples include:
    • a project was undertaken to move the monthly available wood reports to Open Data where they are now available in an accessible format. Efforts have been taken to make the Sustainable Forest License documents accessible
    • worked with our Land and Resources Cluster to make the itrees/Registration application landing page AODA compliant
    • started publishing AODA compliant Crown timber charge files (renewal and stumpage) into the Ontario Data Catalogue which provides accessibility and ease of access for clients and interested parties/individuals
    • maintained an AODA compliant website to communicate with the public about forest tenure modernization, including an "active offer" if alternative format is required
Policy Division (PD)

Policy Division worked with Communications Services Branch to ensure that new content posted on Ontario.ca was AODA compliant, such as:

  • 2013-14 Provincial Annual Report on Forest Management
  • Forest Health Conditions Report 2015
  • State of the Forest Report
  • Five Year Reviews associated with the Endangered Species Act
  • in addition, performed an inventory reassessment of existing legacy documents on Ontario.ca and procured an accessibility vendor to make over 240 documents AODA compliant in preparation for the MNRF migration to the InsideOPS website
Provincial Services Division (PSD)

Aviation Forest Fire Emergency Services (AFFES)

  • Ministry’s Emergency Operations Centre (MEOC) staff created accessible templates to support effective communications and messaging.

Science and Research Branch (SRB)

  • To support accessibility at source creation of AODA compliant communications products, the Science and Research Branch’s communications team:
    • distributed a memo to staff to emphasize the need to create accessible documents at source, complete appropriate training and to use the suite of tools created for SRB staff
    • provides increased awareness of accessibility requirements and tool and training for staff and managers
    • building on DAI tools and resources - created a Guide to Creating Accessible Documents specific to SRB
    • created accessible templates for SRB specific communications products
    • worked with the Training Centre of Excellence (TCoE) to develop an advanced version of the Microsoft Word accessibility course that specifically addresses elements found in technical documents
    • developed and delivered a "Building Accessible SRB Source Documents" webinar for staff
Regional Operations Division (ROD)

Northeast Region

  • To address issues with access to information in rural or remote locations - Cochrane District schedules open houses and community info sessions in the evenings or on weekends, at or near First Nations communities in hopes of attracting the widest possible audience (e.g. elders who cannot travel, individuals with full-time hours/shifts, people without internet access or technology, etc.).
  • In addition, in remote/coastal communities arrange for Cree interpreters to exchange information in alternate language as required.

Integration Branch

  • The Lands Business Unit has been converting their document templates to an accessible format to ensure that anyone receiving a document from the unit, including members of the public, would receive it in an accessible easy to read format.
  • Information Coordination Section initiated a division-wide project in preparation for the MNRF migration to the InsideOPS website; and procured an accessibilitty vendor to assist with ensuring AODA compliance. This project involves a team of approximately 10 staff across the division and will addess the accessiblity of approximately seven hundred documents.

Northwest Region

  • Advertisements and communications are translated and provided in Oji-Cree (e.g. Red Lake).
Land and Resources Cluster (LRC)
  • LRC supports its partner ministries in updating and upgrading current websites and web content into accessible functionality and formats.
  • LRC participated in the MNRF DAI Core team and working group to assist in review of documents and MNRF managed web facing applications to be AODA compliant; LRC assisted with the best practices guide development.
  • LRC Staff ensured that AODA requirements were addressed when developing, transforming and implementing I&IT solutions on behalf of LRC ministry partners either within their business areas or as a service delivery tool for their clients or the public.
Agencies, boards and commissions

Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC)

  • NEC is in the process of converting its current website into a new, user-friendly and accessible website.
  • NEC ensures all documents are made accessible. On request, NEC responds to requests for other accessible formats and communications support in a timely manner and at no extra cost to the public.

Office of the Mining and Lands Commissioner (OMLC)

  • The OMLC continues to create and publish accessible web content.
  • The OMLC is dedicated and prepared to respond to any requests for documents/materials in alternative formats.
  • OMLC staff enroll in any educational platforms that relate to producing accessible documents.
Accessible feedback

The ministry continued to provide feedback mechanisms for the public through a range of communication channels, including:

  • electronic contact through the ministry’s Ontario.ca internet site
  • telephone contact, including TTY service, through the Registry and Approval Services Centre, the Outdoors Card Centre, and the NRIC
  • contact by correspondence and facsimile
  • client satisfaction surveys sent to clients directly through the Review and Approval Service Centre
Video conferencing and webcasting

The ministry has staff across the province and it is important that we look for ways to better connect, enhance the user experience and break down barriers such as travel and mobility. The ministry uses both video conferencing and webcast technology to achieve this, whether it is for meetings, presentations and events. In 2016, the ministry held over 300 video conferencing events per month, totalling approximately 312 hours of "on-air" time per month.

Employment

MYAP key outcome

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

Measures taken by MNRF in 2016

MNRF is committed to providing a work environment where staff of all abilities have the opportunity to participate and contribute to their full potential by understanding needs and removing barriers. As an employer, MNRF works to attract and retain talented employees, including those with disabilities.

Best practices in place include:

  • embedding accessibility throughout the recruitment process and in orientation materials
  • employee accommodation and supports (e.g. ergonomic assessments, assistive technology or workplace modifications such as standing desks, adjustable monitor stands, or text-to-speech programs)
  • accommodation where needed for employees returning to work after an extended medical leave
  • support for employees who receive employment accommodation, relative to performance management and career development (e.g. performance and learning plans)
  • as part of the annual talent management cycle, manager and coordinator performance plans include accessibility commitments
Divisional initiatives
Deputy Minister’s Office (DMO)

Communications Services Branch (CSB)

  • CSB followed all policies, directives and guidance for hiring and working with staff with disabilities and implemented an alternative work arrangement program for staff, the Telework Program, to support the OPS Flexible Work Strategy.
Corporate Management and Information Division

Strategic Human Resources Business Branch (SHRBB)

  • SHRBB is a 'scent free' workplace, this allows those with scent sensitivities, breathing issues, asthma and/or allergies to enter and work without barriers.
Provincial Services Division
  • Ministry Emergency Operations Centre (MEOC) provided employees with 24 hour chairs (employees often work long hours) and sit/stand desks.
  • MEOC is a ‘scent free’ workplace, this allows those with scent sensitivities, breathing issues, asthma and/or allergies to enter and work without barriers. This also includes members of the public who may take part in a facilities tour.
Regional Operations Division (ROD)

Integration Branch

  • Provided staff with the right tools to do their work including providing larger computer monitors.
  • Additional Integration Branch signage in the 5 south hallway and name tags on branch cubicles for ease of navigation.
  • Hosting branch meetings in lower level ballrooms, equipped with audio speakers/large screens.
Land and Resources Cluster
  • Assigned evacuation buddies to assist staff with disabilities in the event of an emergency.
Agencies, boards and commissions

Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC)

  • The NEC made modifications to office furniture to accommodate staff with disabilities such as investing in new desks, keyboards and screens.

Design of public spaces

MYAP key outcome

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

Measures taken by MNRF in 2016

MNRF is committed to greater accessibility in, out of and around its buildings for both the public and staff. Since MNRF is responsible for Ontario Parks, this commitment includes making park space more accessible for all Ontarians .

Universal design cannot be an afterthought in the work we do – we actually need to think about accessibility and inclusivity from day one – how do we remove barriers to enhance everyone’s access and shared experience. Paula Reid, Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Accessibility Champion, MNRF

MNRF workforce – Building a culture of accessibility

Being able to identify barriers to accessibility and actively seek solutions to prevent or remove them requires a workforce that has the right training, tools, and information to be knowledgeable and incorporate accessibility into their daily practices.

MNRF staff who have responsibilities for the built environment have been identified and have completed the Built Environment Standards training provided by the OPS Diversity Office.

More importantly – as subject matter experts, staff understand all regulatory requirements and Infrastructure Ontario’s Guidelines for Barrier-free Design of Ontario Government Facilities and are able to effectively apply this knowledge in the work they do.

Our ministry continued to show leadership in this area and are committed to lead by example. As a business leader, we have embedded the principles of universal design at every touch point of the process from planning, detailed design, tendering / construction initiation to completion.

Divisional initiatives

Corporate Management and Information Division (CMID)

Realty and Facilities Management Section (RFMS)

  • Strategic capital planning a function facilitated through RFMS utilizes comprehensive feasibility studies and AODA subject-matter expertise as the basis for identifying accessibility and specific needs (program, staff, public) across the province and develops long-term plans to bring accessible infrastructure projects to life.
  • Sault Ste. Marie District Office – RFMS completed a comprehensive AODA upgrade project which included a barrier-free service/reception counter, a universal toilet, barrier-free office, three entry power-controlled doors with delay on the power control and card access readers and intercom, an emergency phone, a power operator button, barrier-free parking spot and ramp, AODA upgrades to the lunch room door and accessible seating in the lecture area.

RFMS strives to go beyond compliance. When delivering program infrastructure improvements, we embrace the role of leader and bring AODA expertise to the planning, designing and construction phases of a project ensuring we are responsive to the needs and rights of Ontarians." Ed Cappelli, Manager, Realty and Facilities Management, CMID

Strategic Human Resources Business Branch (SHRBB)

  • As part of the early design process, accessibility and accessible design were incorporated into the SHRBB's office space renovation targeted for May 2017.
Provincial Services Division (PSD)

Aviation and Forest Fire Emergency Services (AFFES)

  • Dryden, Thunder Bay, Red Lake, New Haliburton Fire Management Headquarters, and the renovated Sudbury Fire Management Centre:
    • Ensured accessible and universal design, including new disabled parking and front entrances with barrier sloped access and push button door entry, new interior signage including high contrast lettering and Braille for visually disabled clients, visual fire alarm for staff with hearing disabilities.
    • Facility design allows for barrier free access to offices to ensure efficient customer service and offers fully accessible and inclusive employment opportunities.
  • Paving of the parking lot at the Cochrane Fire Management Headquarters was started in 2016/17, to be completed next year. This will ensure full, barrier free accessibility to the building.

Science and Research Branch (SRB)

  • Ensured accessible and universal design in our buildings by installing an accessible building entrance, push button door entries and a universal washroom. Accommodated wheel chair access in office spaces and meeting rooms.

Ontario Parks

  • Trained staff involved with capital project planning, design and construction or major renovations to Park facilities on the Building Code’s accessibility changes and Design of Public Spaces Standards, specifically as these apply within the Provincial Park setting.
  • Ontario Parks continues to develop new building signage specification meeting Building Code accessibility requirements for use on current and future projects.
  • In accordance with accessibility standards, completed facility and infrastructure projects in the following Ontario Parks:
    • White Lake – Moccasin Flower accessible Comfort Station renewal.
    • Sandbanks – Campground expansion – construction finished on a Campground Office Building; Mini Comfort Station; Campground and Roadway
    • Presqu'ile – Trailer Fill / Dump Station Renewal construction
    • Bon Echo – Mini Comfort Station and Water Treatment System construction
    • Bon Echo – Five new accessible cabins added to Bon Echo Lake Group Camp
    • Fitzroy – Trailer Fill Dump Station Renewal construction
    • Quetico – Barrier-free accessible beach access upgrades
    • Windy Lake – Ski Chalet bathroom barrier-free accessible upgrades
    • Killbear – Campsite rehabilitation of barrier-free sites
    • Rainbow Falls – Vault privy renewal
    • Inverhuron – Four new accessible cabins were added
    • Pinery / MacGregor: RA – Yurt (5) Replacement
    • Silent Lake – ten new accessible cabins were added
Regional Operations Division (ROD)

Northeast Region

  • Kirkland Lake District has initiated work in partnership with the Kirkland District Game and Fish Protective Association to replace an accessible duck blind and wheelchair access in Hilliardton Marsh. Drawings are being developed, and construction is anticipated in 2017 or 2018.
  • Sudbury District is currently completing a capital project to upgrade our compound gate to be automated and to improve, amongst other things, accessibility.

Agencies, boards and commissions

Office of the Mining and Lands Commissioner (OMLC)
  • The OMLC facilities are barrier free with features including an accessible washroom, and an FM system for the hearing impaired in our Public Hearing Room/Court Room.
  • The OMLC continues to make available to other ministries our facilities for meetings, presentations and training.

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 MNRF in 2016

The ministry is committed to being a leader in accessibility.

Accessibility plans

MNRF's 2016 Accessibility Report builds on and supports the AODA, the OPS' MYAP, and Inclusion Naturally, MNRF's Inclusion Strategic Plan (2013-16).

As part of the plan development, universal/inclusive design principles were applied, including conducting active outreach and consultations with Divisions and their program areas to ensure that everyone had a voice and share their achievements.

Attestation

The ministry completed our AODA Certificate of Assurance in accordance with all policies, directives and timelines. Accompanying our 2016 attestation was a comprehensive Digital Assets remediation roadmap. This document demonstrates our leadership, accountability and commitment to providing accessible information and communications to the people we serve.

To better support Divisions and their program areas in responding, the attestation questionnaire was revamped to provide better clarity, understanding of roles, accountabilities and the intent of the legislation and how it applies to the ministry.

Procurement

Accessible procurement considers the needs of people with disabilities at all stages of the procurement or purchasing process. Goods and services that are accessible not only meet the needs of persons with disabilities, but are also highly practical for all members of the public.

Supported by the tools and templates from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, Supply Chain Ontario, and Management Board of Cabinet’s OPS Procurement Directive, the ministry continues to incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities.

Divisional initiatives

Deputy Minister’s Office (DMO)

Communications Services Branch (CSB)

  • As part of the InsideOPS project, CSB supported business areas requiring vendor support by supplying specific details and requirements around the accessibility standards for converting digital content to an accessible format.
Corporate Management and Information Division (CMID)

Strategic Management and Corporate Services Branch (SMCSB)

  • In 2016, Supply Chain delivered 14 Procurement and Contract Management training sessions to over 314 MNRF staff. The training curriculum included content highlighting accessibility and the importance of considering and embedding it throughout the procurement process and managing the contract.
Regional Operations Division (ROD)

Northwest Region

  • Branch using newly adopted Aboriginal Procurement directive in contractor evaluations.

Integration Branch

  • Program Coordination Section incorporated accessibility clauses in the Tree Marking Course agreement with the new delivery agent.
Training

Investing in accessibility makes good business sense and the ministry is committed to ensuring our staff receive the right tools and resources to embed accessibility@source at all levels of the organization.

On an annual basis the ministry reviews and launches our mandatory training for all staff. In 2016, our mandatory training aligned to accessibility:

  • IASR Module 1: Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) in the OPS
  • IASR Module 2: Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) Information and Communications Standards
  • May I Help You? Module 1: Welcoming Customers with Disabilities
  • May I Help You? Module 2: Supplementary: Ten Things You Need to Know about Accessible Customer Service
  • Working Together: The Ontario Human Rights Code  and the AODA (video)
  • Respectful Workplace Policy and the Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Prevention (WDHP) Program
  • Diversity – Using the OPS Inclusion Lens
  • managers are required to take:
    • Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) Employment Standards (Managers & HR Professionals)
    • Disability Accommodation
    • Leadership 1.0

For ministry staff that do not have access to the intranet, alternate formats of the training are available.

In addition, the ministry requires that all staff include mandatory training in their annual performance and learning and development plans. Managers are to review with staff as part of the annual performance management process/cycle.

As part of the DAIs goal to help build staff digital accessibility skills, the Make It Accessible website was launched. This website is a one-stop toolkit of online tutorials, templates, checklists and resources designed by MNRF staff and others from across the OPS. The website is accessible to all MNRF and OPS staff.

Divisional initiatives

Deputy Minister’s Office (DMO)

Communications Services Branch (CSB)

  • CSB introduced a mandatory training on the fundamentals of digital accessibility for all staff. The training was delivered in two sessions (summer and winter 2016) to ensure that the entire branch had a common understanding of how and why we should be creating accessible documents, and also how to offer advice and support to our clients. As a result, various areas of the branch introduced changes to business processes, such as introducing accessible letterhead for electronic correspondence.
  • CSB hosted a two-day ministry-wide event, called Digital Days, on June 2-3 in Peterborough, which was also webcast. The agenda covered a broad range of topics related to digital accessibility, and included guest speakers from Treasury Board Secretariat’s Open Government and InsideOPS teams.
Corporate Management and Information Division

Strategic Human Resources Business Branch (SHRBB)

  • Accessible word document training was made available to staff to increase competency in creating accessible content.
  • Sought opportunities to partner, collaborate with ministry colleagues from across the OPS. Established an informal Accessibility Lead Community of Practice and shared best practices, and training tools and resources.
  • The Accessibility & Inclusion Unit launched the Inclusion Café Model in 2016. In partnership with the MNRF Inclusion Council, the ministry held its first Speaker Series Café on the topic of Mental Health. This café was delivered to 18 locations across the province with over 250+ MNRF and OPS staff participating.
Provincial Services Division (PSD)

Ontario Parks

  • Continued to deliver a training tool to Zone staff on the Building Code accessibility changes and Design of Public Spaces Standards specifically as it would apply within the Provincial Park setting. This training tool assists Parks staff to better understand accessibility requirements for capital project planning, design and construction or major renovations to Park facilities.
Regional Operations Division (ROD)

Far North Branch (FNB)

  • In addition to mandatory training being completed by staff, FNB initiated a standing item on branch weekly calls to highlight tips and tools to format materials in an accessible format.

Section two: addressing the identification of barriers in legislation and implementation frameworks

Introduction

In 2005, the government introduced the AODA, 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

The ministry ensures that accessibility and inclusion is taken into account when developing new policies and programs or reviewing existing ones. The following measures are in place to assess our ministry’s proposals for new acts, regulations, policies and programs, and services to determine their effect on persons with disabilities:

  • promote the use of the OPS Inclusion Lens and other subject matter lenses like the OPS Indigenous Inclusion Lens
  • analyze the OPS and MNRF Employee Engagement surveys
  • provide tools and training to MNRF staff on creating accessible content at source
  • continue ensuring that the feedback process in place offered through Ontario.ca permits feedback in person, by telephone (including TTY service), in writing, or electronic contact. The ministry follows the OPS Accessible Customer Service Policy, available to all customers upon request

Actions taken in the past year

MNRF is using the Ontario Public Service Accessibility Review Tool and the OPS Inclusion Lens, including the Accessible Legislation Worksheet, to identify potential accessibility barriers in:

  • proposals for acts, regulations, policies, programs, practices and services to determine their effect on persons with disabilities
  • existing legislation, to ensure that accessibility is considered

The Mining Act, Gas and Oil Leases Act, and Ontario Geographic Names Board Act were reviewed in 2016 and no barriers were identified.

Divisional initiatives

Forest Industry Division (FID)
  • Engaged Communications Services Branch, Digital and Marketing Unit to undertake AODA assessment of current Scaling Manual.
  • Working towards the development of a new accessible version of the regulated Scaling Manual (scheduled for implementation in fall 2017).
  • Currently leading the effort to create accessible forestry workers legislation.
Policy Division
  • Species Conservation Policy Branch initiated an exploration of whether there are barriers to individuals with disabilities participating in hunting and fishing activities under Ontario’s policies.
Provincial Services Division
  • Ontario Parks continues to review legislation, policies and guidelines such as the Building Code accessibility changes and Design of Public Spaces Standards specifically as it would apply within the Provincial Park setting. This assists Parks staff to better understand accessibility requirements for capital project planning, design and construction or major renovations to Park facilities.
Regional Operations Division

Far North Branch

  • Completed translation of all Community Based Land Use planning documents and supporting materials, as well as supporting information under the Far North Act into four languages; Cree, Oji-Cree, Ojibway and French.