Artscape strives to provide equal treatment and benefit through its services, programs and facilities. We respect the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.
Digital Accessibility
Artscape is committed to digital accessibility, and to conforming to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, Level A and AA and complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) effective communication requirements, and other applicable regulations. To accomplish this, we have partnered with eSSENTIAL Accessibility to administer our accessibility program and oversee its governance. Their accessibility program evaluates and audits our digital products on an ongoing basis in accordance with best practices and is supported by a diverse team of accessibility professionals, including users of assistive technologies. The platform, moreover, goes beyond minimum compliance requirements by making an assistive CX technology application available to customers who have trouble typing, gesturing, moving a mouse, or reading. The application is free to download and it incorporates tools such as mouse and keyboard replacements, voice recognition, speech enablement, hands-free/touch-free navigation, and more. We want to hear from you if you encounter any accessibility barriers on our digital properties. Please contact our Director Marketing and Communications by email at accessibility@artscape.ca.
Assistive Devices
Artscape employees, volunteers and third-party contractors accommodate the use of personal assistive devices that enable a person with a disability to access our services, programs and facilities. Assistive devices include and are not limited to: GPS, mobility devices, personal oxygen tanks, mini pocket recorders and communication boards (e.g. a Bliss board). We are committed to removing barriers to access for people with disabilities and welcome feedback about how we can improve our customer service.
Service Animals
Artscape employees, volunteers and third-party contractors recognize a person’s right to have her or his service animal with her or him at all times. Service animals are permitted to be with their person in all Artscape facilities.
Support Persons
When a person with a disability is accompanied by a support person, Artscape employees, volunteers and third-party contractors will ensure that both persons are permitted to enter the premises. Artscape will never impede a person with a disability’s access to her or his support person while on the premises.
A support person is a person who accompanies the person with a disability in order to help with communication, mobility, personal car or medical needs or to help with access to goods or services. The support person can be a paid support worker, volunteer, a friend or family member.
Admission Fees
Artscape reserves the right to waive the admission fee to any event or function for a support person who is accompanying a person with a disability. If Artscape is charging an admission fee in connection with a support person’s presence at an event or function, we will post a notice providing information in advance about the amount that is payable.
Communication
When communicating with a person with a disability, Artscape’s employees, volunteers and third-party contractors are committed to doing so in a manner that is respectful and dignified.
Notice of Service Disruption
If there is a temporary disruption in the availability of a service, program or facility that supports access by people with disabilities (e.g., the temporary loss of elevator service or an automatic door opener), Artscape will post a notice of the reason for the disruption, the date(s) of disruption, the anticipated duration of the disruption and a description of alternative facilities or services that are available. At minimum, this notice will be posted in a conspicuous place at the affected premises and may also be posted on Artscape’s websites as appropriate.
Training
Artscape is committed to ensuring that its employees and volunteers who deal with the public and its clients receive training on accessible customer service. Third-party contractors who deliver goods and services on behalf of Artscape are required to ensure that they meet the requirements of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. Artscape’s training plan includes information on the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA. Managers and supervisors ensure that training records are maintained, including dates when training is provided and the number of employees who receive training.
Accessibility Reports
Artscape can provide a PDF copy of its Accessibility Compliance Reports. To request a copy or copies, please contact the Director of Marketing and Communications, by email at accessibility@artscape.ca.
Documentation
All documentation on Artscape’s websites can be provided to individuals in an alternate format upon request. Please contact the Director of Marketing and Communications, by email at accessibility@artscape.ca.
Employment, Recruitment, Assessment and Selection
Artscape will notify employees, job applicants and the public about the availability of accommodation for job applicants and employees with disabilities. Artscape will train successful applicants on relevant policies and supports for accommodating people with disabilities as part of the onboarding process. On request, Artscape will consult with the employee and provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for the following:
1. Information needed in order to perform their job; and
2. Information that is generally available to all employees in the workplace.
Artscape will review and ensure its written processes for documenting individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities meet AODA standards. Artscape may use the services of a consultant for guidance. The accessibility needs of employees with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans, will be taken into account when providing performance management, career development and advancement or redeploying employees with disabilities to the point of undue hardship. will respect the accessibility needs of their employees with disabilities when developing performance management tools, or providing career development and advancement services to their employees. Artscape will work with the employee to provide a tailored and safe workplace emergency response plan, training and information for employees with disabilities. Artscape will also have documented return to work processes and supports in place for employees who are absent from work due to a disability and/or require disability-related accommodations in order to return to work.
Employees can contact their manager and the People & Culture team to request accommodation.
Members of the public can email their accessibility inquiries and requests to accessibility@artscape.ca.