Accessibility Policy
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accessibility plan and policy statement
Dr. William Rodriguez Dentistry Professional Corporation is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for our patients with disabilities. We are committed to treating our patients with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence.
We believe in integration, and we are committed to meeting the needs of our patients with disabilities in a timely manner. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and by meeting our accessibility requirements under Ontario’s accessibility laws
This policy has been established pursuant to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
definitions
The following definitions can be found in the AODA, or in the regulations made pursuant to the Act.
disability
- Any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device.
- A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability.
- A learning disability, or dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in the understanding or using symbols or spoken language.
- A mental disorder, or
- An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
barrier
Means anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of his or her disability, including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, information or communications barrier, an attitudinal barrier, a technological barrier, or a policy or a practice.
service animal
An animal which is specially trained to assist a person with a disability. A service animal must be readily identifiable as a service animal.
support person
Means, in relation to a person with a disability, another person who accompanies him or her in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs or with access to goods or services.
our mission
At Dr. William Rodriguez Dentistry Professional Corporation, we provide innovative and inspired leadership to deliver exceptional value by:
- *Promoting the highest standards of dental care and supporting our diverse patient base in their pursuit of optimum oral health and personal fulfillment;
- *Fostering a collaborative workplace environment which promotes creativity and personal growth while celebrating achievements; and
- *Advocating with a unified voice for accessible and sustainable optimal oral health for all Ontarians.
our commitment
We are committed to excellence when serving all patients and members of the public, including persons with disabilities, and to carrying out our functions and responsibilities in accordance with the principles of respect for dignity and independence, integration, and equal opportunity.
providing services to persons with disabilities
This policy will guide decision-making related to accessibility issues and initiatives. Our goals in the area of accessibility and customer service include:
communication
All members of our team will be trained on how to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities.
telephone service
All members of our team will be trained to communicate over the telephone in plain language and to speak clearly and slowly. If we are notified that telephone communication is not suitable to an individualʼs communication needs, we will aim to find an alternative means of communication.
assistive devices
We will ensure that our team is trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by persons with disabilities while accessing our services. We will provide a manual wheelchair if an electronic assistive device (such as a scooter or automatic wheelchair) is unable to move safely around the building.
Billing
We are committed to providing accessible invoices to all people to whom we issue invoices. For this reason, invoices will be provided in alternate formats upon request. We will answer any questions about the content of the invoice in person, by telephone or e-mail, in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
use of service animals and support persons
Every member of our team is required to follow the procedures outlined below when providing service to persons with disabilities:
service animals
We are committed to welcoming persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal on the parts of our premises that are open to the public and other third parties, unless the animal is otherwise excluded by law, in which case steps will be
taken to ensure that other measures are available to enable a person with a disability to access our goods and services. We will also ensure that all team members dealing with anyone entering our premises, are properly trained in how to interact with persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal.
support persons
We are committed to welcoming persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal on the parts of our premises that are open to the public and other third parties, unless the animal is otherwise excluded by law, in which case steps will be
taken to ensure that other measures are available to enable a person with a disability to access our goods and services. We will also ensure that all team members dealing with anyone entering our premises, are properly trained in how to interact with persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal.
notice of temporary disruption
If there is a temporary disruption of the facility or services usually used to allow a person with a disability to access goods or services, we will place notices of the disruption in appropriate locations including all entrances using a suitable medium. The notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. The notice will be given in accordance with requirements under Section 5 of the AODA.
training for staff
We will provide training to all employees, independent contractors, volunteers (where applicable) and others who deal with patients and other members of the public on our behalf, or who are involved in developing policies, practices and procedures. Training will be provided to existing team members at the time this policy is implemented; for new team members, when they commence their duties; and for all on an ongoing basis. Training will cover:
*The purposes and requirements of the AODA, associated standards and the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities;
- HOw to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities;
- How to interact with persons with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person;
*How to use the equipment, devices, services and/or facilities currently available on our premises;
*What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing goods or services;
- Our policies, practices and procedures relating to the customer service standard; and
- What to do with feedback concerning the manner in which the we provide goods or services to persons with disabilities.
information and communications
Dr. William Rodriguez Dentistry Professional Corporation is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. As required, we will consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs.
We are committed to providing patients and members of the public with publicly available emergency information, and all print documents and information provided to the public, in an accessible format upon request. We will also provide employees with disabilities with individualized emergency response information when necessary. Employees will be given any information that they need to perform their jobs, including any general information that is available to all employees, such as emergency procedures, in an accessible format on request.
employment
Dr. William Rodriguez Dentistry Professional Corporation is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. As required, we will integrate accessibility into regular workplace processes, including recruitment, employee accommodation, and performance management and career development. We will consider the needs of persons with disabilities throughout their employment, including performance management.
We will provide employees with disabilities with individualized accommodation plans, including emergency response information and return to work plans as necessary.
feedback process
Feedback from patients, members of the public, and team members on this Accessibility Plan and Policy Statement is welcome and can be provided by any method, (e.g. in person, by mail, by email, by telephone or other appropriate medium). To provide feedback, contact Dr. William Rodriguez at: 125 – 350 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga, ON L5B 3J1. Tel: 905-277-3088; Fax: 905-277-5138; Email: william@thesmilecentre.com. Please address your communication to the attention of Dr. William Rodriguez, Accessibility Policy Manager.
questions about this policy
If anyone has a question about this policy, he or she is encouraged to contact Dr. William Rodriguez, Accessibility Policy Manager. A copy of this document will be provided to individuals in an accessible format, on request.
investigations
Dr. William Rodriguez Dentistry Professional Corporation will respond to any complaints about the manner in which we provide goods and services to persons with disabilities, within a reasonable amount of time.
Revised June 12, 2023
