Executive Summary

Like all ministries, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) 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.

MTCS strives to continuously improve our Customer Service experience for all Ontarians and has made consideration of accessibility in programming, events and activities a priority for the ministry. Examples of this include: the ministry championed numerous projects that supported accessibility, the ministry and funded partner events were held at fully accessible venues and staff received service excellence accessibility training.

The ministry is committed to providing accessible Information and Communications supports for both customers and staff that allow for full participation in a barrier-free environment. Among other things, Minister’s correspondence was sent in accessible formats, web-based content was made available in alternative accessible formats as were application guidelines, outreach and training programs included notification to potential participants for accommodation needs and barrier removal and ministry templates were updated to accessible formats based on best practices.

Inclusive Employment and workplace culture is a priority; the goal is to create an environment where the experiences and contributions of all staff, regardless of ability are valued and respected throughout the MTCS. Staff were encouraged to complete pertinent e-learning courses, staff events were held in accessible venues, potential applicants were notified about available accommodations during recruitment and the ministry continues to accommodate employees with disabilities by providing a safe environment to discuss accessibility requirements.

The ministry also took a number of steps towards Designing Public Spaces that were free from barriers and allows people of all abilities to easily engage in day-to-day activities as well as access attractions, services and events. Examples include capital upgrades to enhance access to MTCS agencies and attractions.

Additional actions taken by MTCS in 2016: MTCS encourages staff to consider accessibility in all aspects of ministry work to ensure barriers are identified and removed. This includes reviewing policy and program options and decisions from an accessibility perspective, requiring program applicants to submit accessibility plans along with their applications and promoting accessibility as a priority to MTCS agencies and attractions.

One example of this commitment to accessibility is the approach taken with the engagement on Ontario’s first Culture Strategy (released in 2016). This strategy included representation from various communities including peoples from Indigenous, Francophone, and ethno-cultural communities, people with disabilities, people who are deaf, and people living in rural and remote areas of the province. Among other things, this strategy aims to:

  • bring together Ontario government granting partners to share best practices and increase access and inclusion throughout the application and assessment process
  • ensure that representatives of communities who may face barriers to accessing culture funding are actively involved in the discussions, including Indigenous, Francophone and ethno-cultural communities, people with disabilities and people living in rural and remote areas
  • continue to support culture agencies, organizations and other partners to remove barriers for people with disabilities to increase opportunities for creation and participation in arts and culture

While there is still more work to be done to ensure that all individuals can benefit and fully participate, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport is committed to this goal. MTCS will continue to work to ensure that programming delivered throughout the province supports equal access for all Ontarians.

Section one: report on measures taken by the ministry in 2016

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) is committed to accessibility. The following section outlines some of the ministry’s key accomplishments related to the commitments identified in the 2016 Accessibility Plan. These achievements are summarized by accessibility standards that include: customer service, information and communications, employment, design of public spaces, and additional achievements.

Customer Service

MYAP key outcome

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

Measures taken by MTCS in 2016: Ensuring accessible customer service

MTCS continuously strives to improve the customer service experience for all Ontarians by ensuring that staff consider accessibility in all programming, events and activities—this is a priority of the ministry. Some examples include:

  • Sport Division funded 11 Ontario Sport and Recreation Community’s Fund (OSRCF) local/regional projects (total value of $606,107) and 3 OSRCF provincial projects (for a total value of $386,491) that targeted people with disabilities
  • the 2016 Sport Symposium was held at a fully accessible venue in Toronto (the Allstream Centre) which met all accessibility requirements. Meeting materials were also available in alternate formats
  • the venue selected by Sport Division for the Community Aboriginal Recreation Activator (CARA) Symposium (the Eaton Chelsea Hotel) was fully accessible and met all accessibility requirements
  • the CARA Symposium invited a Traditional Grandmother on site to provide support, guidance and spiritual assistance to Indigenous community members in attendance to meet their mental health needs
  • in preparation for the ParaSport Games, the “1 year out” and “100 days out” events were solely focused on accessible sport and how the Games can be more accessible
  • a key objective of the Ontario150 program continues to be focused on the celebration the spirit of diversity, accessibility and inclusion in Ontario
  • the Ontario150 guidelines for all programs encouraged project applicants to consider accessibility throughout all planning stages and in tools development (as part of their funding applications)
  • the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario’s (ADO) publication “Creating Inclusive and Accessible Ontario150 Events” was shared with grant recipients and partner ministries as part of a digital kit that was produced by the Ontario150 Secretariat
  • the Culture Division ensured that the on-boarding of new staff included accessibility training as well as training on existing policies, resources and best practices
  • expenses related to improved accessibility services were eligible under the 2016 Celebrate Ontario program and the 2016 Application Guide provided a link to accessibility resources. This information was also emphasized in the webinar information sessions for potential applicants
  • the Corporate Services Branch ensured that disruption notices were circulated to staff in a timely manner
  • the ministry continues to encourage the Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) to undertake strategic priorities set by the Ontario government, especially the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
  • In 2016-2017, several Regional Tourism Organizations (RTO) undertook projects that supported accessibility including:
    • Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation (RTO 1) coordinated an accessibility training workshop
    • Ottawa Tourism (RTO 10) attended and was involved with the accessibility panels hosted by the Urbanism labs at the National Capital Commission. This RTO has also been incorporating elements of accessibility into its strategy for way-finding (currently under development)
    • Ontario Highlands Tourism Organization (RTO 11) OH!vation customer service assessment program included an accessibility component to ensure that the facilities and services being assessed were both accessible and marked
  • Huronia Historical Park’s (HHP) Customer Service Policy and Accessibility Guideline were updated for the opening of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons on May 2, 2016 and Discovery Harbour on May 21, 2016
  • staff training on assistive devices held at HHP was completed during student/staff orientation training May 2-5, 2016
  • Marketing and Corporate Services staff at HHP was trained on processes for posting disruptions to accessible services on both the website and LED highway sign
  • all program department interpretative staff at Huronia Historical Park received service excellence accessibility training and continued to follow HHP Accessible Customer Service Standards Policy and Accessibility Guidelines
  • Fort William Historical Park has procured two new visitor transportation vehicles that provide accessible seating
  • Fort William Historical Park had replaced aging buses with vehicles that provide access for all visitors to the attraction
  • Fort William Historical Park continues to provide accessible offerings at events such as ensuring that all visitors have clear viewing of event scenes during ‘Haunted Fort Night’
  • Fort William Historical Park continues to conduct training for education programmers focused on addressing clients with special needs
  • Fort William Historical Park continues to update their Customer Service Policy and Accessibility Guidelines in consideration of any new OPS policies, directives and procedures
  • the Agency Revitalization Branch (ARB) ensured that email messages and meeting requests included instructions on accommodation needs and/or materials. ARB also identified which accessible devices were available on-site and ensured that staff were trained in how to use them
  • ARB accommodated the use of personal assistive devices upon request to ensure that persons with disabilities had the required working devices to access services, programs and facilities

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 MTCS in 2016: Ensuring accessible communications

The ministry is committed to providing accessible information and communications supports that allows for full participation in a barrier-free environment for both customers and staff. Below are some highlights of key ministry achievements in this area:

  • all minister responses were sent via either hard copy or e-mail:
    • hard copy responses were on letterhead that was reviewed and revised by the digital team, and made to be accessible for text readers
    • email responses were always sent in the body of the e-mail, without images or signature, and in 12 point Arial font
  • web-based content including all grant program guidelines were made available in accessible formats in both French and English
  • the first version of the Culture Agency’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was accessible for public posting by the agencies
  • the GameON sport plan and its ‘Year One Progress Report’ were both published on the ministry website and made available in accessible formats
  • the Sport Recognition Policy application required all organizations to have an accessibility policy to accommodate the different needs of their members. The policy had to meet all requirements outlined under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and cover such issues as communications, assistive devices, support persons and service animals
  • all grant program guidelines made available by the Sport Division were accessible
  • the Ontario150 Secretariat produced a Digital Kit of information and assets that was shared with all grant recipients and partner ministries, which included the ADO publication “Creating Inclusive and Accessible Ontario150 Events”. This Digital Kit was developed as an accessible PDF
  • application guidelines for all three Ontario150 grant programs were made available as accessible PDFs
  • all formats of the Ontario150 logo were also made accessible
  • the Culture Division continues to ensure materials for stakeholders (such as public bulletins and grant program materials) are produced in accessible formats and are consistent with the information and communications standards under AODA
  • the Culture Division continues to ensure information that is publicized regarding funding programs met accessibility requirements
  • application and guidelines for the Foreign Cultural Objects Immunity Form Seizures Act (FCOIFSA) were posted on the ministry’s website and available in accessible formats
  • outreach and training programs included reaching out to potential participants for accommodation needs/barrier removal
  • as part of the 2016 Celebrate Ontario program, a Guide to Accessible Festivals and Outdoor Events was published to provide organizers with information to improve accessibility and to better understand their obligations under the AODA
  • as part of the development of the Strategic Framework for Tourism in Ontario and Ontario’s Tourism Action Plan, released in 2016, staff ensured that the Inclusion Lens was used, and accessibility was thought of throughout the process. Documents were made available in an accessible formats and engagement sessions were held at accessible venues, and accessible formats/documents were available at sessions upon request
  • the Tourism Division updated templates to accessible formats based on best practices
  • Tourism Staff ensured that the Strategic Framework for Tourism in Ontario and Ontario’s Tourism Action Plan were released to the public in accessible formats.
  • as part of the Tourism Policy Unit staff day, organizers set up a session with a representative from Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) who delivered training on creating accessible documents. All staff were required to attend and participate in the session
  • staff at Huronia Historical Park worked with MTCS I&IT and the iAccess team to ensure attraction websites are accessible and meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standards
  • Huronia Historical Park developed marketing, information and communication vehicles that used plain language and drove visitors to the websites where more information is available in regular and text formats
  • new regular staff, fixed term staff and summer students at Huronia Historical Park received mandatory Accessible Customer Service training on how to interact and communicate with people in a manner that takes into account their disabilities during student/staff orientation training on May 2, 2016
  • Huronia Historical Park posted signs at both historic sites and on the website stating “Admission is free for support person with a paying visitor with a disability”
  • the Agency Revitalization Branch provided accessible formats and communications supports for persons with disabilities—upon request. Accessible formats and communications supports were provided in a timely manner taking into account the person’s accessibility needs. The public is notified about the availability of accessible formats and communications supports
  • signage at the Urban Park and William G. Davis Trail were designed by signage consultants using accessibility best practices including braille, high-contrast colours, and symbols to support overall park accessibility
  • the Digital Communications team continues to ensure that the ministry website content conformed to WCAG 2.0 level AA standards. The team also continues to work with various clients to achieve/meet this commitment
  • the Digital Communications team continues to engage with staff and management to provide the necessary information to ensure accessibility commitments were met
  • members of the Digital Communications team were active participants on the government-wide committee. Their ongoing participation continues to help ensure that online content is accessible (both on the intranet and internet)
  • management shared accessibility related information with staff, and ensured the availability of accessible formats and communications supports for employees
  • all ministry and secretariat-led events (for example, announcements) were accessible and took into consideration the use of American Sign Language (ASL) translators and barrier-free locations
  • visitor surveys were reviewed and actions were taken to meet accessibility objectives and improve services for visitors with disabilities. Multiple tablets containing electronic visitor surveys were added on stands that are wheelchair accessible in the visitor services area at both Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Discovery Harbour

Employment

MYAP key outcome

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

Measures taken by MTCS in 2016: Supporting workplace accessibility

MTCS worked to support and promote an inclusive workplace culture where the experiences and contributions of all staff, regardless of ability were valued and respected. Some measures taken to achieve this include:

  • staff were encouraged to complete the e-learning courses on diversity, OPS Inclusion Lens, the AODA, and accessibility as part of their Performance Development and Learning Plans to provide greater customer service to stakeholders
  • work functions and social gatherings organized by Sport Division were held in locations meeting the accessibility needs of all division team members
  • staff and managers have taken the online training modules about accommodations
  • all divisions received a copy of the “Guide to Planning Inclusive Meetings” to help everyone learn how to organize meetings that are inclusive and to consider accessibility as part of the planning process
  • the Program Evaluation and Transfer Payment Unit participated in the Inclusion Continuum pilot in 2016, to expand staff understanding of diversity and inclusion issues
  • senior management participated in accessibility training on employee accommodations.
  • the ministry continues to enhance staff awareness of accessibility requirements, protocols, and tools
  • the ministry continues to ensure that its staff are trained on/understand the mandatory accessibility requirements
  • all potential applicants were notified about the availability of accommodations for persons with disabilities during the recruitment process via advertising and interviews
  • plain language was used while communicating interview questions and assignments to applicants
  • staff in the Tourism Division were encouraged to complete courses and attend branch and divisional information sessions to build awareness of accessibility. Topics of information sessions included mental health, learning and physical disabilities
  • accessible formats and communications supports were made available to employees upon request
  • requests for accommodations by staff were met in consultation with Disability Accommodation Specialists from the Centre for Employee Health, Safety and Wellness
  • Huronia Historical Park through the Human Resources Branch and Recruitment Centre, ensured job postings via OPS sites were accessible. They also ensured that active offers for accommodations were made while implementing health and safety programs during any ‘return to work’ or ‘remain at work’ placement for employees with disabilities
  • Huronia Historical Park’s recruitment posters and the employment section on their website reflected a diverse and inclusive workplace for summer student staff
  • Fort William Historical Park continues to ensure that all staff, including summer students, received mandatory OPS training on how to interact and communicate with people in a manner that takes into account their disabilities
  • the ministry continues to accommodate employees with disabilities to the fullest possible extent by providing a safe environment to discuss accessibility requirements
  • the Agency Revitalization Branch included information about the availability of accommodations for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment processes. Job applicants who were selected for an assessment /interview were notified that accommodations were available for materials/processes used in selection, upon request. Successful applicants were notified about the OPS policies for accommodating employees with disabilities.
  • staff are encouraged to complete the e-learning course “Diversity: Using the OPS Inclusion Lens”

Design of public spaces

MYAP key outcome

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

Measures taken by MTCS in 2016: Greater access to tourist attractions

Creating a built environment free from barriers that allow people of all abilities to easily engage in day-to-day activities and access attractions/services/events is a critical step in establishing an inclusive society where all individuals can actively participate. MTCS took the following steps in helping to achieve this goal:

  • at Huronia Historical Park, another 2,100 square feet of boardwalk was replaced with new cedar boards, continuing with the work (2100 square feet) that was completed in 2015-2016. This made the surface less irregular for wheelchairs and other assistive devices as well as eliminated trip hazards from the weathered boards
  • Sainte-Marie among the Hurons’ main general public and group entrance foyer and gift shop doors is now barrier free
  • Fort William Historical Park has ensured that the design for renovations to the Visitor Centre washroom area have taken accessibility into account and is accessible
  • with approved re-allocation, capital was used to begin the renovation of north-end offices at Sainte-Marie. The goal being: to develop a fully accessible and multi-use facility. In 2016, the existing facility was stripped of existing rooms, furnishings, fixtures and equipment to the frame of the structure in order to meet accessibility standards once finished
  • Fort William Historical Park continues to meet or exceed provincial standards for the number of accessible parking spaces available
  • renovations to the foyer and admissions area at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons were completed. Upgrades included adjusting the height of guest services counter to meet accessibility requirements for the design of public spaces
  • Fort William Historical Park continues to upgrade ramps and building entry areas, ensuring that barriers are removed
  • flood mitigation and emergency access project design specifications at Fort William Historical Park meet AODA regulations of design of public spaces
  • Fort William Historical Park continues to consider accessibility when planning event entry points to ensure persons with disabilities do not face barriers to the site
  • all new built structures and public areas at Ontario Place are accessible, and exterior directional signage reference barrier-free access to park features. Some examples include:
    • washrooms have been designed with the appropriate turn radius, will have braille on washroom signage, includes auto-flush, compliant privacy levers, toilet, sink receptacle, grab bars and power operated door opener
    • floating dock is fully accessible, including a ramp that leads from the water’s edge to the site with an 8.1% slope
    • the pavilion is accessible from the west entrance with a smooth transition from the asphalt pathway to the granite pavers under the structure
    • pathways are firm, stable and slip resistant, appropriately graded and create a loop instead of a dead-end, and tactile walking surface indicators are used at roadway entrance point
    • ‘moccasin identifier’ is easily viewed
    • one of two fountains heights are below 915mm
    • the minimum trail width is 2500mm which is over the required 1500mm clear width
    • curbs are aligned with the direction of travel and do not exceed a slope of 1:20
    • way-finding/directional signage has high tonal contrast with the background, trail length, surface type, minimum and maximum trail widths, running slope and cross-slope
    • signage references barrier-free access to key park features, such as washrooms
    • Urban Park and William G. Davis Trail washroom signage is at the forefront of evolving OPS standards and guidelines related to universally accessible washrooms
    • design considerations for Urban Park and William G. Davis Trail continue to reflect input received from Lorene Bodiam, City of Toronto’s Parks Forestry and Recreation—Advocate for People with Disabilities

    Additional achievements in accessibility

    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 MTCS in 2016: Creating a fully accessible Ontario

    MTCS encourages staff to consider accessibility in every aspect of ministry work to ensure barriers to accessibility are identified and removed. Below are some examples of how the ministry is tackling these barriers:

    • the ministry continues to work with a group of leaders in the parasport sector called the Parasport Collective to develop this sport sector
    • in August 2016, the ministry released a revised Sport Recognition Policy for Provincial and Multi-Sport Organizations with a new inclusion requirement that will ensure equal and fair opportunities for women and girls to participate in sport (including Parasport). This also includes the ability to access governance, programming, training and coaching. The ministry has built these requirements into each of its Ontario Games and 2017 North American Indigenous Games Transfer Payment Agreements
    • all Ontario Place Revitalization options and decisions were reviewed from an accessibility perspective, including: decisions and recommendations on the Urban Park and Trail, Interim Activation, the land bridge feasibility study, and potential transit options
    • the Agency Revitalization Branch uses the OPS Inclusion Lens as a practical tool that helps staff identify and address barriers in designing policies or delivering services
    • revised Sport Hosting Program guidelines required applicants to submit accessibility plans as part of the application form, which formed part of the scoring criteria in the evaluation phase. This plan is then incorporated into the Transfer Payment Agreements and recipients are required to report on accessibility outcomes
    • accessibility chair positions have been included for the first time on the Organizing Committee for the 2017 ParaSport Games in Brantford. These positions are solely purposed to make the Games more accessible; all event volunteers are required to complete the Accessibility Volunteer Training that is hosted on findmyspark.ca. Transfer Payment recipients are required to report on the completion of this activity
    • the Tourism Division liaised with tourism agencies and attractions to ensure compliance with legislative accessibility requirements
    • the Tourism Division promoted accessibility when providing direction, support and advice to tourism agencies and attractions. This includes programs such as the Summer Employment Program, procurement and capital projects
    • the 2016 Fun Pass Program was distributed electronically allowing further outreach and distribution to diverse communities and populations. The electronic version was in accessible formats
    • at Huronia Historical Park, all scooters were serviced and audio tour wands were tested for battery life; automatic door openers were tested and hand rails and stairs were checked as part of the Joint Health and Safety Committee inspections prior to opening
    • as a part of its regular maintenance and operations plans, Huronia Historical Park ensured that signage for accessible parking and line painting remained fresh and easily discernible to visitors, and that the number of accessible parking locations met municipal and provincial criteria
    • every Huronia Historical Park meeting begins with Health and Safety as an agenda item. At these meetings, issues are identified as they relate to accessibility equipment, spaces and features
    • the Agency Revitalization Branch management and staff have reviewed the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and have embedded inclusion into day-to-day business processes.

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

    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.
    The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport 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 makes every effort to ensure that staff consider accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of our day-to-day work, including the development of new policies and programs. The following measures were taken to encourage best practices when assessing our ministry’s proposals for new acts, regulations, policies and programs, and services to determine their effect on persons with disabilities:

    • the ministry continued to review internal policies, procedures and practices to ensure that accessibility was considered when conducting business with stakeholders and the public.
    • staff were encouraged to complete e-learning courses on diversity, to utilize the OPS Inclusion Lens, and to understand the AODA.
    • the use of the Inclusion Lens was encouraged in supporting the development of the strategies, policies and programs.

    The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport will continue to report on actions that have been taken to identify and remove barriers in ministry acts, regulations, policies, programs and services.

    Actions taken in 2016

    Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the Government of Ontario’s internet websites and web content must conform to international Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standards. The Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC) has identified two types of content on e-Laws that require ministries to bring forward legislative and regulatory amendments in order for the site to become accessible:

    • form graphics: Forms that are embedded in statutes or regulations as scanned images or pictures
    • tables: Tables in statutes or regulations create barriers, such as missing row descriptions, split rows or columns that span multiple rows or columns, and empty cells

    The Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) coordinated this cross-government review through the legal branches of affected ministries. In 2016, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS) participated through its legal branch.

    MTCS Legal completed a review of all MTCS statutes and regulations for tables and form graphics on e-Laws. There were no form graphics located and only 10 tables were found. Six of the 10 tables had accessibility barriers. These accessibility barriers were all addressed by the OLC using its “change powers” under section 42 of the Legislation Act, 2006, without requiring legislative or regulatory amendments.