| WIKWEMIKONG NURSING HOME | ||||
| RESIDENT SERVICES MANUAL | Approval: Director of Care | Page: 1 | ||
| SECTION: 3 Resident Safety | SUBSECTION: 3.13 Accessibility, Plans, Public Sector. | |||
| Original Date: 08/13 | Revised Date 08/24 | Reviewed Date 08/24 | ||
Purpose
Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005, Wikwemikong Nursing Home must meet the requirements of accessibility standards established by regulation. This policy incorporates the accessibility standards for customer service for the organization, in accordance with the Ontario Regulation 429/07. This policy applies to all employees, of the organization, Board of Directors, Volunteers, External Agents, and contracted service provider staff.
POLICY:
1. The AODA is to ensure that the goods and services provided in Ontario are accessible to people with disabilities, and that persons with disabilities are treated with respect, dignity and equality. Wikwemikong Nursing Home is committed to providing respectful services that focus on the unique needs of all individuals.
2. At all times the Wikwemikong Nursing Home will take all practical measures which will ensure the safety and security of the facility and are obligated to achieve accessibility through meeting its requirements to Regulation. 0l Reg. 191/11, s. 3(1).
3. Wikwemikong Nursing Home will ensure that all employees and volunteers are trained in compliance with the Customer Service standard requirements and AODA through our surge learning platform.
4. Wikwemikong Nursing Home will be obligated, to include a statement of organizational commitment to meet the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner in their policies. 0. Reg. 191/11, s.3(2). Measures include devices intended to serve the disabled sector, from entering and exiting the facility, wheelchair accessible door with push button access, bathroom accessibility grab bars, shower grab bars and assistive devices throughout the home. Wikwemikong Nursing home will welcome and service people with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person and will work with the support person to ensure access to service.
5. Wikwemikong Nursing Home will evaluate the plan once every five years and provide the plan in an accessible format upon request and post the accessibility plan on their front entrance or website.
Wikwemikong Nursing Home is committed to providing the core components of the Accessibility Act listed:
1. Use of Service Animals Responsibility
3. Notification of Service Disruption
6. Assistive Devices and Communications.
7. Procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities
(1) The Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly and designated public sector organizations shall incorporate accessibility design, criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities, except where it is not practicable to do so. O. Reg. 191/11, s. 5 (1); O. Reg. 413/12, s. 4 (1).
8. (2) If the Government of Ontario, Legislative Assembly or a designated public sector organization determines that it is not practicable to incorporate accessibility design, criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities, it shall provide, upon request, an explanation. O. Reg. 191/11, s. 5 (2); O. Reg. 413/12, s. 4 (2).
9. (3) Revoked: O. Reg. 165/16, s. 4.
External References:
Ontario Human Rights Code, Ontario Disabilities Act, Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
The Wikwemikong Nursing Home was originally designed to meet the Accessibility Requirements of
the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's, Ontario Building Code
and Ontarians with Disabilities regulations. The facility has minimum code requirements designed to
accommodate the accessibility requirements of staff, visitors, and occupants. Accessibility includes
physical challenges such as visual, hearing loss, mobility issues and is not limited to wheelchair travel only throughout the facility.
The design of the facilities accessibility supports independence of everyone utilizing the facility daily,
whether it be via wheelchair, stroller, visual ques, hearing assistance etc. It should be safe, functional
and provide space for all users. This includes:
Building Interior:
• Power operated Main Entry Door systems.
• Wide door washroom Doors throughout.
• Single Storey development with partial basement only accessible to staff for laundry or storage.
Accessible with stairs and elevator.
• All amenities accessible on a single level.
• Barrier Free path of travel throughout the entire facility with minimum width requirements of the Ontario Building Code and considering wheelchairs.
• Room doorway widths accommodate wheelchair access.
• Visual contrasting of interior surfaces to assist visually impaired occupants and Staff.
• Interior illumination of barrier free paths of travel.
• Wide doorway widths, path of travel and accessible washroom facilities.
• Accessibility signage throughout the facility.
• Plumbing fixtures set at accessible heights.
• Grab bars, low mirrors and emergency call stations to be provided.
• Showers and bathtubs that meet accessibility requirements. Showers with shower seats, and grab bars, bathtubs to have grab bars. Large shower with clear floor space conforming to accessibility
requirements.
• Living spaces, multi-purpose rooms, dining areas accessible to all occupants.
• Emergency call stations throughout the facility.
• Flooring finished surfaces solid.
• Windows heights are reachable and allow for good daylighting and accessible views to the exterior.
Building Exterior:
• All walking areas are solid surfaced and of width to support wheelchair mobility.
• Access to parking areas with barrier free path of travel.
• Accessibility signage throughout the exterior.
• Accessible parking spaces designated close to main entry points.
• Ramps are provided at entrance and exits. Walkways accessible for all.
• Site illumination on all exterior exits.
• Raised garden areas provided and utilized by elders who can access them.
• Exterior gazebos accessible.
• Loading zones and shipping and receiving designed to accommodate all users.
The 59 bed Facility is sub-divided into 2 “wings” of a West and East side, 29 shared rooms, one semi-private and one private with barrier free in all aspects inclusive of the following areas:
• All public areas.
• Shared rooms.
• Dining Facilities.
• Main Dining Space.
• Café Areas
• Hair Salon.
• Wellness Therapy areas.
• Egress and exiting.
• Exterior amenities such as courtyards, garden areas, walking paths.
• Parking areas.
• All Entries/ exits
• Sunshine Café -Home Kitchen Area.
• Lounges.
• Activity spaces.
• Bathing areas.
It is also important to note that in the event of an emergency, each resident
“wing” of 27 and 32 has accessible exits/ entries. There is no need to go to one single main accessible exit/ entry.
The wings are designed so that the 27 and 32 residents have their own lounges and one central accessible space within the facility to gather and enjoy activities.
Each resident has a fair and equal access to lounge areas with no barriers that may hinder persons with impairments, including physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment or other functional
impairment. The accessible design of the building allows resident’s the freedom
of choice to roam around in both wing hallways and lounges without limitations of any kind. The Wikwemikong Nursing home is also staffed 24/7 so in event a resident requires additional help,
staff are available.
The Wikwemikong Nursing Home will follow the following standards:
• Ontarians With Disabilities Act (AODA)
• Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care Homes.
Feed back process is included in the Resident Satisfaction Survey.