Message from the CEO
Libraries exist to provide access to resources that a community might not otherwise be able to access. A key part of this mandate is ensuring that the Library is itself accessible to the whole community. The FFPLTC is committed to ensuring that every community member is able to use the Library. We are also committed to ensuring that we meet the needs of staff with disabilities and prevent barriers to accessibility.
Introduction
The FFPLTC is a dynamic community hub. We provide evolving and superior library services in a safe and welcoming space for all. This Accessibility Plan outlines our ongoing commitment to our mission statement. Guidance for staff and the FFPL Board decision making is included for a number of areas.
Past Achievements to Remove and Prevent Barriers
This section includes a summary of the accessibility initiatives the FFPLTC has completed.
Customer Service
- The FFPLTC provides accessible customer service. All staff and volunteers who serve customers are trained in how to serve customers of all abilities and are also trained in Ontario’s accessibility laws which apply to their position.
- We welcome service animals and support persons
Library Materials
- The FFPLTC provides accessible materials in a number of formats including:
- Large print
- Audiobooks
- Daisy discs
- Daisy reader
- Victor reader
- Small selection of braille
- Staff will also provide assistance to library users regarding their own CELA devices, including ordering discs through CELA’s interlibrary loan service or downloading books onto victor readers
Self Service Kiosks
- When designing, procuring, or acquiring self-service kiosks the FFPLTC will incorporate accessibility features and consider accessibility for people with disabilities.
- Currently the self service kiosks have a number of accessible technical and structural features, including:
- extra time for people to complete tasks in the form of a long timeout
- resizable elements
- language selection (English/French)
- height and stability of the kiosk designed for accessibility
- Consideration was given to whether people with mobility aids, such as walkers and wheelchairs, could easily access the kiosk.
Information and Communications
- We have created accessible ways for people to provide feedback. Library users can submit comments through either our website or on paper. Staff also accept verbal feedback.
- We provide all publically available emergency in accessible formats on request.
- Closing announcements are broadly posted prior to a planned close in.
Employment
- We provide accessible and customized emergency information whenever necessary, whether an employee asks for it or the FFPLTC becomes aware that an employee may need accommodation in an emergency.
- The FFPLTC provides accommodations to staff in order to ensure staff retention.
- A statement is included on the FFPLTC website on the employment that reads as follows:
“The Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre is committed to providing accommodation for disabilities during the recruitment and selection process. This service is available upon request.”
- The FFPLTC will work with any applicants who request accommodations to ensure that arrangements are in place to ensure their needs are met.
- We ensure that all new hires are advised of our policies for accommodating employees with disabilities
Strategies and Actions
The below sections outline how the FFPLTC maintains full AODA compliance.
Customer Service & Training
- The FFPLTC is committed to providing accessible customer service to people with disabilities. This means that we will provide goods and services to people with disabilities with the same high quality and timeliness as others.
- New staff will continue to be trained in the Accessible Customer Standard
- New staff will also be trained in the Ontario Human Rights Code as it applies to people with disabilities and Ontario’s Accessibility laws.
Information and Communications
- The FFPLTC is committed to making our information and communications accessible to people with disabilities.
Accessible Materials
- The FFPLTC is committed to providing accessible materials
- New Large Print, Audiobook, and Daisy disc titles will continue to be added on a regular basis
- The FFPLTC will continue to facilitate access to CELA services for the community
Employment
- The FFPLTC is committed to fair and accessible employment practices.
- Language indicating that accommodations are available for candidates during recruitment and selection and also during employment.
- Statements indicating that accommodations are available during recruitment, selection, and employment will be included in all job ads.
Self-service kiosks
- The FFPLTC is committed to incorporating accessibility features/ considering accessibility for people with disabilities when designing, procuring or acquiring self-service kiosks.
- All new self-service kiosk (i.e. self-check stations) purchases will reflect this commitment.
Design of Public Spaces
- The FFPLTC will meet accessibility laws when building or making major changes to public spaces.
- Any renovations of spaces or permanent rearrangement of shelving will consider accessibility requirements.
For More Information
For more information on this accessibility plan, please contact CEO, Richard Bee at 807-274-9879 x1610 or rbee@ffpltc.ca
Visit our website at ffpltc.ca
Standard and accessible formats of this document are free on request from to the Library by calling 807-274-9879 or emailing ffpltc@gmail.com.