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Accessibility Plan

Message from the Executive Director

At Anchor Christian Homes, we are committed to providing services that honour the dignity, independence, and unique abilities of every individual. In supporting Reformed Christian adults with developmental disabilities, we recognize that needs vary, and we strive to offer care that is both compassionate and accessible.


We are dedicated to meeting the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and its associated standards. This multiyear accessibility plan outlines how we ensure a safe, welcoming, and barrier‑free environment across all our homes and our head office.

Introduction

Anchor Christian Homes is committed to creating a barrier‑free environment for all residents, employees, job applicants, suppliers, visitors, and community members who interact with us. We work continuously to identify, remove, and prevent barriers by integrating accessibility into our:

  • Policies

  • Procedures

  • Training

  • Website and communications

  • Physical environments

  • Best practices

Our approach is guided by the AODA principles of integration, equality, dignity, and independence.

These principles apply whether an individual is:

  • Working or visiting our homes or head office

  • Living in one of our residential homes

  • Accessing our information

  • Seeking services online or by phone

We remain committed to timely, meaningful accessibility for all.

Past Achievements

Customer Service

  • Ramps, automatic doors, wide hallways, accessible parking

  • Grab bars, rails, accessible dining tables, lifts

  • Calm interior colours to support a peaceful environment

  • iPads for communication with family and friends

  • Wheelchair‑accessible vans with ramps/lifts

Information & Communications

  • AODA Policy published on our website

  • Leadership training through CCCC

  • Annual updates shared with members

  • Use of iPads, WhatsApp, and alternate communication tools

  • Electronic newsletters with hard copies available on request

Employment

  • Commitment to overcoming reasonable physical barriers

  • AODA training for all employees

  • Guidance on communicating with individuals with disabilities

Transportation

  • Wheelchair vans maintained regularly

  • Safety‑trained staff for loading/unloading

  • Accessible parking and widened driveways where needed

Accessible Built Environment

  • Ramps, automatic doors, wide hallways

  • Grab bars, accessible showers and tubs

  • Paved outdoor paths and seating areas

  • Sprinkler systems for emergency safety

Strategies & Actions

Customer Service Standard

Anchor will continue to:

  • Provide accessible, respectful service

  • Include residents in daily activities

  • Recognize individual abilities

  • Provide timely notice of service disruptions

Information & Communications Standard

Actions include:

  • Ensuring accessible formats upon request

  • Improving website accessibility

  • Maintaining alternate communication methods

  • Reviewing how information is shared with the public

Employment Standard

Commitments include:

  • Accessible recruitment and hiring

  • Training on AODA and the Human Rights Code

  • Individual accommodation plans

  • Ongoing staff education

Transportation Standard

  • Exploring alternate transportation options

  • Maintaining wheelchair vans, lifts, and ramps

Accessible Built Environment Standard

  • Installing safety features such as strobe alarms

  • Adding generators to larger homes

  • Improving outdoor lighting

  • Maintaining accessible outdoor spaces

Action Plan

Multi‑Year Commitments

Anchor will:

  • Maintain and update a multiyear accessibility plan

  • Review the plan at least every five years

  • Post the plan publicly and provide accessible formats upon request

  • Continue removing barriers across all five AODA standards:

    • Customer Service

    • Information & Communications

    • Employment

    • Transportation

    • Built Environment

Action Plan

Multi-Year Plan

Anchor will establish, implement, maintain and document a multi-year accessibility plan, which outlines the organization’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meet its requirements under the regulation. Anchor will post the accessibility plan on the website and provide the plan in an accessible format upon request.  The plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five years.  O. Reg. 191/11, s. 4 (1).

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At Anchor the residents face a number of barriers as summarized under the following five AODA Standards:  Customer Service Standard, Information and Communication Standard, Employment Standard, Transportation Standard, and Accessible Built Environment Standard.  The residents’ lives are occasionally impacted by these standards and the association continually strives to remove these barriers.

Customer Service Standard

Ongoing Actions

  • Explore new programs for residents
    Responsibility: Home Managers
    Status: Ongoing

  • Explore Passport Program opportunities for recreation
    Responsibility: Home Managers, Full‑Time Support Staff
    Status: Ongoing

  • Explore community employment opportunities for residents
    Responsibility: Home Managers, Full‑Time Support Staff
    Status: Ongoing

Information and Communications Standard

Completed Actions

  • AODA Policy reviewed and saved in accessible electronic format
    Responsibility: Executive Director, Human Resources
    Completion: June 30, 2021

  • Revised policy posted on website and social media
    Responsibility: Executive Director
    Completion: June 30, 2021

  • Assessment of public information and communication methods
    Responsibility: Executive Director, Human Resources
    Completion: June 30, 2021

  • Review of support‑request processes
    Responsibility: Executive Director, Admission Committee, Board of Directors
    Completion: September 1, 2021

  • Website outsourced for accessible‑format conversion
    Responsibility: Executive Director, Human Resources
    Completion: May 30, 2021

  • Notice posted offering accessible formats upon request
    Responsibility: Webmaster
    Completion: June 30, 2021

Employment Standard

Completed Actions

  • Accommodations available during recruitment, assessment, and selection
    Responsibility: Executive Director, Human Resources
    Completion: April 20, 2021

  • Staff informed of revised policies and procedures
    Responsibility: Executive Director, Home Managers
    Completion: May 1, 2021

Ongoing Actions

  • Return‑to‑Work accommodation plans provided as needed
    Responsibility: Executive Director, Human Resources

  • AODA training for new staff and stakeholders
    Responsibility: Home Managers, Team Leaders

  • Ongoing AODA training for all staff
    Responsibility: Home Managers

​Transportation Standard

Actions

  • Explore alternate transportation options
    Responsibility: Home Managers
    Completion: December 31, 2021

  • Maintain wheelchair vans, lifts, and ramps
    Responsibility: Home Managers, Executive Director
    Status: Ongoing

Accessible Built Environment Standard

Completed Actions

  • Install strobe‑light fire alarm for hearing‑impaired resident
    Responsibility: Twin Oaks Home Manager
    Completion: April 15, 2021

  • Install generators in larger group homes
    Responsibility: Executive Director, Board of Directors
    Completion: December 1, 2021 & June 1, 2022

  • Install outdoor safety lighting
    Responsibility: Home Manager
    Completion: May 15, 2021

Ongoing Actions

  • Maintain outdoor recreational spaces
    Responsibility: Home Managers

For More Information

Executive Director

info@anchorchristianhomes.ca

Standard and accessible formats of this document are available upon request.

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