Accessibility Statement
Hopewell Support Services is committed to providing accessible, inclusive, respectful, and person-centred services to the people we support, their families, visitors, employees, volunteers, students, contractors, community partners, and members of the public.
As a not-for-profit developmental services organization, Hopewell supports people with developmental and physical disabilities to participate in their homes, programs, communities, and daily lives in a manner that respects their dignity, independence, rights, choices, and individual needs.
Hopewell is committed to meeting its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and other applicable legislation. We will make reasonable efforts to identify, prevent, and remove barriers to accessibility in our services, facilities, communications, employment practices, and interactions with the public.
Our Commitment
Hopewell will make every reasonable effort to ensure that:
• Services are provided in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.
• People with disabilities have equal opportunity to access, use, and benefit from Hopewell’s services.
• Services are provided in an integrated manner whenever possible.
• Individual needs are considered when planning and delivering supports.
• Communication is provided in a way that takes into account a person’s disability, communication style, and support needs.
• People may use their own assistive devices, service animals, and support persons when accessing Hopewell’s services, unless otherwise limited by law, health and safety requirements, or individualized support considerations.
• Feedback about accessibility is welcomed and responded to in a respectful, timely, and accessible manner.
Accessible Communication and Information
Hopewell is committed to communicating with people in ways that are accessible and respectful. Upon request, we will provide or arrange accessible formats and communication supports, where practicable, and will consult with the person making the request to determine a suitable format or support.
This may include, but is not limited to, plain language, large print, electronic formats, verbal explanation, assistive communication methods, or support from a person’s chosen representative, where appropriate.
Assistive Devices
People with disabilities may use their personal assistive devices when accessing Hopewell’s services or premises. Assistive devices may include communication devices, mobility aids, medical supports, or other tools that assist a person with daily living, communication, participation, or independence.
Hopewell employees will receive appropriate training on how to interact with people who use assistive devices and, where applicable, how to use accessibility-related equipment available at Hopewell locations.
Service Animals
Hopewell welcomes people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal in areas that are open to the public or otherwise available to the person receiving services, unless the animal is excluded by law or there is a legitimate health and safety concern.
Where a service animal cannot be permitted, Hopewell will explore alternative arrangements to support the person’s access to services while respecting health, safety, dignity, and individual needs.
Support Persons
Hopewell welcomes people with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person. A support person may assist with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs, behavioural support, decision-making, or access to services.
Hopewell will communicate with the person receiving support and their support person in a respectful manner and will protect privacy and confidentiality in accordance with applicable legislation and organizational policies.
Temporary Disruptions
Hopewell will provide notice when there is a temporary disruption to services or facilities that may affect accessibility. This may include disruptions to entrances, accessible parking, washrooms, elevators or lifts, communication systems, transportation arrangements, or other services used by people with disabilities.
Where possible, notices will include the reason for the disruption, the anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative services or facilities, if available. Notices may be provided through posted signs, direct communication, website updates, email, phone, or other methods appropriate to the circumstances.
Training
Hopewell provides accessibility training to employees, volunteers, students, and others who provide services on behalf of the organization. Training includes information about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, accessible customer service, respectful communication, assistive devices, service animals, support persons, temporary disruptions, and Hopewell’s accessibility-related policies and procedures.
Training is provided during orientation and updated when policies, practices, procedures, or legislative requirements change.
Feedback Process
Hopewell welcomes feedback about the accessibility of our services, facilities, communications, website, and customer service practices. Feedback may be provided in person, by phone, by email, in writing, through a trusted advocate or support person, or by using accessible communication methods.
Hopewell will review accessibility feedback and respond in a timely, respectful, and confidential manner. Where a concern identifies a barrier, Hopewell will consider appropriate steps to address the barrier and improve accessibility.
Privacy and Respect
Hopewell respects the privacy, dignity, and confidentiality of all people who access our services. Personal information will be protected in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and Hopewell policies.
Continuous Improvement
Hopewell is committed to continuous improvement in accessibility. We will review our accessibility policies, practices, procedures, feedback, and service delivery approaches to support barrier-free, inclusive, and person-centred services.
Any Hopewell policy, practice, or procedure that does not respect and promote the dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity of people with disabilities will be reviewed and modified where appropriate.
Contact Us
For accessibility-related questions, requests for accessible formats or communication supports, or feedback about accessibility, please contact Hopewell Support Services:
Hopewell Support Services
1-381, Elmira Rd North Guelph, ON, N1K 1H3
Phone: 519 – 836 – 9641
Email: info@hopewellsupport.ca
Website: Hopewell Support Services
