Overview

The uOttawa Accessibility Policy outlines how the University will meet all requirements contained in its accessibility procedures. The Accessibility Policy and all other accessibility-related documents and policies are available on the policies and regulations section of the Human Rights Office website.

Requirements

Since January 1, 2013, the Human Rights Office—in collaboration with other services, departments and units—has been responsible for developing and updating the Accessibility Policy. The Human Rights Office is also responsible for developing any future documents and policies governing how uOttawa will meet all requirements contained in its accessibility procedures.

Where can I learn more?

• uOttawa Accessibility Hub
• uOttawa Human Rights Office website
• A Guide to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (PDF)
• Government of Ontario accessibility laws information website
• Ontario Regulation 191/11 – Integrated Accessibility Standards

Overview

The uOttawa Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines the University’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meet all requirements in the plan. It is uOttawa’s road map for improving accessibility through its commitment to accessibility and its accessibility policies.

Requirements

Since January 1, 2013, the Human Rights Office has worked in partnership with other services, departments and units to ensure the University meets the following requirements:

• Establish, implement, maintain and document the University’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and then publish this plan in the Human Rights Office Accessibility website.
• Review and update this plan at least every five years in consultation with [consultation groups of people with disability here] and the [committee here].
• Prepare and publish on the University’s website regular updates on the progress and status of measures it has taken for implementing strategies in order to meet the standards.
• Consult with the [HRO committee that includes people with disabilities] and incorporate the committee’s recommendations to ensure uOttawa meets the accessibility needs of all its stakeholders.

Where can I learn more?

• uOttawa Accessibility Hub
• uOttawa Human Rights Office website
• A Guide to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (PDF)
• Government of Ontario accessibility laws information website
• Ontario Regulation 191/11 – Integrated Accessibility Standards

Overview

When procuring goods, services, facilities, self-service kiosks they design or buy, the University shall incorporate accessibility criteria and features, unless it is not feasible (practicable). If not practicable, the University shall provide an explanation, upon request.

Who is subject to this standard?

This standard applies to all University employees responsible for procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities. This includes the director of Procurement, assistant directors and procurement officers, chief administrative officers, regional procurement officers and employees responsible for decentralized purchasing at faculties and services.

Requirements

Since January 1, 2013, when procuring or acquiring goods and services and acquiring or designing facilities or self-service kiosks, all uOttawa employees must:

• Incorporate accessibility design, criteria and features, except where meeting the requirement is not practicable (e.g., technological incompatibility between current products and ones being procured)
• Provide an explanation, on request, as to why accessibility design, criteria and features were not practicable to incorporate into the procurement (e.g.,  an accessible good, service or facility is not available)

Where can I learn more?

• uOttawa Accessibility Hub
• University of Ottawa Procurement
• uOttawa Human Rights Office website
• A Guide to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (external PDF)
• Ontario Regulation 191/11 – Integrated Accessibility Standards (external link)
• Government of Ontario accessibility laws information website (external link)
• Making self-service kiosks accessible (external link)
• OCUL Accessibility Information Toolkit For Libraries (external link)
• NCDAE Tips and Tools: Content Management Systems & Accessibility (external link)
• University of Toronto: Accessibility Language for Procurement Agreements (external PDF)

Overview

The University must train all staff on areas of the accessibility standards that are relevant to their work responsibilities.

Who is subject to this standard?

• All employees and volunteers (i.e., paid and unpaid, full-time and part-time)
• Anyone involved in developing policies (including managers, executives and directors)
• Anyone who provides goods, services or facilities on an employee’s behalf (such as external suppliers or centres and facilities management companies)

Requirements

The University must provide employees with training on the areas of the accessibility standards related to their work responsibilities. The accessibility standards apply to:

• Employment
• Information and communication
• Transportation
• Design of public spaces (built environment)

Training must also be provided on the Ontario Human Rights Code (as it relates to people with disabilities).

The University must provide ongoing training on any changes to its policies. The University is also responsible for keeping a record of all training completed, including the dates the training was provided and the number of individuals who completed the training.

Where can I learn more?

• uOttawa Human Rights Office
• Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC)
• OHRC’s Policy and guidelines on disability and the duty to accommodate
• uOttawa Accessibility Hub
• A Guide to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (PDF)
• Government of Ontario accessibility laws information website