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Accessibility Policy

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

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:

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 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;

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