Vescio Funeral Homes Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

2. Policy Review and Development

Vescio Funeral Homes develops and maintains policy documents relative to how we will achieve accessibility through meeting the requirements of the AODA and the associated accessibility standards. Existing accessibility related documents and policies will be reviewed annually.

3. Accessibility Plan Breakdown by Year

Year 1 (2024) - Immediate Actions & Compliance

Customer Service

• Staff Training: Ensure all staff complete training on the Customer Service Standard under the AODA, including how to assist people with disabilities (e.g., wheelchair users, those with hearing impairments, etc.).
• Accessible Communication: All public-facing staff will be trained to communicate effectively with individuals who have various disabilities (visual, auditory, cognitive).
• Accessible Seating & Event Modifications: Ensure funeral and memorial event seating accommodates individuals with mobility aids and provide options for virtual attendance where appropriate.

Information & Communications

• Website Accessibility: Conduct a review of the website to ensure it complies with the WCAG guidelines
• Accessible Documents: Offer documents, forms, and brochures in accessible formats (e.g., accessible PDFs, large print) upon request.

Employment

• Accessibility in Recruitment: Update job descriptions and postings to indicate that Vescio Funeral Homes accommodates applicants with disabilities. Provide alternative application methods upon request.
• Workplace Accessibility: Conduct an audit of the physical workplace to ensure all areas are accessible for employees with disabilities.

Built Environment

• Physical Accessibility Review: Conduct an accessibility audit of Vescio Funeral Homes’ physical locations, including parking, entranceways, service areas, and washrooms, ensuring compliance with the Ontario Building Code and AODA's Design of Public Spaces Standard.
• Entrances: Ensure all entranceways are accessible, ramps, and clear signage for those with visual impairments.

Year 2 (2025) - Enhanced Accessibility & Outreach

Customer Service

• Accessibility Feedback Mechanism: Introduce a formalized feedback mechanism for customers to provide input on the accessibility of services. Actively address any concerns raised.
• Service Modifications: Implement and provide alternative formats for materials such as funeral service documentation and event invitations (e.g., large print, audio).
  

Information & Communications

• Multilingual Materials: Offer accessible materials in multiple languages to accommodate individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Accessible Technology Integration: Explore integrating assistive technologies like speech-to-text software for those with auditory or cognitive disabilities.

Employment

• Accommodation Plans: Develop individualized accommodation plans for employees with disabilities, including modified duties and ergonomic assessments.
• Career Advancement: Ensure employees with disabilities have equal access to career advancement opportunities, training, and professional development.

Built Environment

• Improved Accessibility Features: Based on customer feedback from Year 1, meet all Accessibility Standards for the design of any new public spaces within the funeral homes.

Year 3 (2026) - Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

Customer Service

• Review of Customer Service Policies: Review and refine customer service policies to ensure continuous alignment with accessibility laws and best practices. Update staff training accordingly.

Information & Communications

• Ongoing Website Improvements: Continue to update the website to comply with the latest WCAG guidelines. Ensure content remains accessible to users with varying disabilities.
• Content Accessibility: Develop a system for ensuring that all printed and digital materials are accessible before distribution.

Employment

• Workplace Environment: Review the workplace annually for any required accessibility improvements, focusing on the inclusion of employees with disabilities.
• Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs for employees with disabilities to foster an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

Built Environment

• Periodic Accessibility Audits: Conduct regular accessibility audits to monitor compliance with AODA and update the physical space to meet changing needs (e.g., technology changes, aging building).

4. Accountability and Reporting

Vescio Funeral Homes will:

• Review and update this accessibility plan annually, keeping the public informed of its progress.
• Provide an accessible format of the plan upon request.
• Provide appropriate accommodations when required (Upon Request)
• Provide training to full-time staff on Ontario’s accessibility laws and the Human Rights Code for all new employees as they are hired as well as all staff once a year.

Training on Ontario’s Accessibility Laws and the Human Rights Code

Vescio Funeral Homes provides training to employees on Ontario’s accessibility laws and on the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities. Training is provided in a way that best suits our employees. Vescio Funeral Homes will take the following steps to ensure employees are provided with the training needed to meet Ontario’s accessible laws:

• provide training to our management team
• provide training to our funeral directors, interns and administrators
• include training into the onboarding process to all new employees are trained going forward

5. Conclusion

Vescio Funeral Homes is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for both its clients and employees. We recognize that achieving full accessibility is an ongoing process, and we will continually monitor our practices and policies to ensure compliance with Ontario's accessibility laws. We are dedicated to making the necessary changes to provide the highest level of service to individuals with disabilities while fostering an environment of respect and inclusion.