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Methodology


An eight-step procedure was used to guide the development of the Accessibility Planning process at Baycrest.

  1. Establish Accessibility Working Group.
  2. Develop a commitment statement as to Baycrest's "Approach to Accessibility"
  3. Identify and inventory current successes at Baycrest that support a "barrier free environment".
  4. Identify barriers that exist at Baycrest. This is accomplished through various inputs from persons and/or groups as well as capitalizing on staff knowledge and expertise.
  5. Set both short and longer-term priorities, including the development of an annual Work Plan to address barrier identification, removal and prevention.
  6. Obtain Board and Senior Management Approval of the overall Accessibility Plan and year-one of the annualized Work Plan.
  7. Implement the communication strategy for all stakeholders.
  8. Establish ongoing monitor and review process through the Environmental Team.

The first step in the planning process was to establish an Accessibility Working Group (see Appendix B - Terms of Reference).

The Accessibility Working Group was formed with representation from across Baycrest and capitalized on the diverse staff knowledge and expertise within the clinical and support service areas.

  • A member of Baycrest Senior Management assumed the role of Chair/Coordinator throughout the process and ensured involvement by both Senior Management and the Board.
  • Clinical representation included staff from Audiology, Speech - Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Psychology. These staff brought professional knowledge of disabilities as related to their area of expertise.
  • Support Service and administrative representation included staff from Physical Plant, Materials Management, Art & Interior Design, and Occupational Health & Safety/Human Resources. 
  • A Public Relations specialist provided expertise in the area of information and communications, and assisted with the development and rollout of the communications strategy. 
  • In-house legal counsel was used to review the Centre´s by-laws to ensure compliance with the Disabilities Act - 2001.
     

Client/Consumer input was obtained through various methods including:

  • An outpatient to Baycrest provided unique input to the Accessibility Working Group. This individual, aside from being a user of Baycrest´s programs and services, also participated in the past on the Accessibility Committee for the design of Terminal 3 at the Toronto Airport. The individual conducted a walking tour of Baycrest taking photo pictures of various physical conditions that either supported accessibility or provided an opportunity for improvement. 
  • Staff with recognizable disabilities were approached and asked for their input regarding accessibility and what barriers exist that restrict their ability to fully enjoy their work life while at Baycrest.
  • All staffs were invited through the Centre´s staff newsletter "At the Centre", to submit any suggestions/concerns for removing barriers that may exist at Baycrest. 
  • A review was conducted with selected Volunteers to obtain their input regarding accessibility and what barriers exist that restrict their ability to fully enjoy their volunteer life while at Baycrest.
  • Focus groups were held with Baycrest clients including the Hard of Hearing Club and the PACE Program. As well, the Self Management Group is schedule for a focus group discussion at their December 2003 meeting. Feedback from the Self Management Group will be forwarded to the Environmental Team for follow up and inclusion into future annualized planning.
    • The Hard of Hearing Club is a 14-member group that was formed to provide an opportunity for seniors isolated by their hearing loss to come together, discuss their problems and make new friends.
    • The PACE Program is designed for adults with arthritis who want to learn how to better manage the daily challenges of living with their condition.
    • The Self Management Group is an educational program for stroke survivors and their care partners based on principles of self- management including information sharing, goal setting, social support and exercise. 
  • A focus group discussion was held with the Family Advisory Council, who provides a perspective as a frequent visitor to Baycrest, and as an advocate for their loved one who resides at Baycrest. 
  • A study related to parking at Baycrest was completed to identify current barriers. 

The role of the Accessibility Working Group ended with the completion and approval of the Accessibility Plan. Ongoing accountability for monitoring, review, and annual Work Plan development was assigned to the Baycrest Environment Team (see Appendix C - Terms of Reference).

The Environment Team is a standing committee within Baycrest with multi-disciplinary representation. A number of the members of the Accessibility Working Group are also members of the Environment Team thereby ensuring continuity on a go forward basis.

The Environment team will ensure that accessibility planning is incorporated into the Centre´s annual operating and capital business planning.