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McMaster Accessibility Council (MAC) Annual Report Highlights

McMaster Accessibility Council (MAC) Annual Report Highlights. October, 2013. About MAC . The Council was established in 2009 as a response to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) It consists of senior managers or their designate

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McMaster Accessibility Council (MAC) Annual Report Highlights

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  1. McMaster Accessibility Council (MAC) Annual ReportHighlights October, 2013

  2. About MAC • The Council was established in 2009 as a response to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) • It consists of senior managers or their designate • The Council is to provide “a mechanism for planning, reviewing and evaluating the implementation of the AODA Accessibility Standards within the University • The Council serves as the governing body for accessibility issues on campus • The Council provides a report to the President of its activities and compliance achievement on an annual basis.

  3. McMaster Accessibility Policies • In its first year of operation, MAC developed the McMaster University Policy on Accessibility. This policy can be found: http://www.mcmaster.ca/policy/General/HR/Accessibility.pdf • Included in this policy are guidelines for • Availability of Assistive Devices • Use of Service Animals and Support Workers • Notice of Temporary Disruption in Service

  4. Notice of File Review • In late 2012 McMaster received a Notice of File Review from the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO), Ministry of Community and Social Service • The ADO was satisfied with the review however, they made the following recommendations: • McMaster amend its accessibility policy to specifically identify who is to be trained, the content of the training and when training is to be provided as required by the Customer Service Standard, Ontario Regulation 429/07. • McMaster add a reference regarding the availability of information/documentation in accessible formats on Its website similar to the message posted on the Emergency Guidebook site.

  5. Accessibility Website • The Accessibility Community of Practice working group and HRES hired a short term contract worker to finalize the website • The website is set to soft launch by the end of October 2013 • The site will house information and resources connected disability-related accessibility at McMaster, including online training, resources to support the facilitation of accessibility at McMaster and the removal of barriers for Faculty, staff, students and visitors to McMaster university.

  6. Implementation of Customer Service Standard • Since its availability in February 2010 over 17,000 employees, volunteers and contractors acting on behalf of McMaster has completed the Customer Service training at least once. • We are currently in the process of updating the training to make it relevant for the current McMaster environment

  7. Implementation of the Integrated Accessibility Standards (IASR) • This standard is comprised of four standards: • Communication & Information Standards • Employment Standards • Transportation Standards • Design of Public Space • There are a number of rolling dates linked to this standard.

  8. Implementation of the IASR • McMaster has created a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for 2012-2025, updated and posted annually. The plan is approved by MAC and is currently available on the McMaster Accessibility Website: www.mcmaster.ca/accessibility. • The IASR calls for universities and colleges to provide training to its instructors on accessible course delivery and instructional design. This training is currently facilitated via a partnership between the McMaster Institute for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching and Learning (MIETL) and the Office of Human Rights & Equity Services (HRES).

  9. Additional MAC Activities • The construction of the L.R. Wilson Hall building, located on the main McMaster campus will begin in October 2013. The building will comply with AODA Built Environment Standards as well as existing Ontario Building Code Regulations. • In April 2012, Facilities Services engaged in an audit of the McMaster campus to assess its level of accessibility. • The audit helped inform the Campus Accessibility Action Plan (CAAP). A five year plan of priorities to making the university more physically accessible. To review the audit in greater detail please visit the Facilities Services website at: http://ppims.services.mcmaster.ca/pplant/index.html

  10. Upcoming Initiatives • As the McMaster Accessibility Council enters its fourth year of operation, it will continue : • the implementation of the Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standards of the AODA. • ensure that the existing Accessibility Policy, which was originally developed to address the Customer Service standard, is revised as necessary to meet the requirements of the IASR • continue in its oversight function to determine priorities for accessibility-related capital projects

  11. Thank you

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