2023 AODA annual status update

Vision and commitment

We are committed to meeting the requirements outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), and to:

• treating all people in a way that supports the maintenance of their dignity and abilities
• supporting integration and equal opportunity
• meeting accessibility needs in a timely manner by identifying, preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the AODA and the Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation (IASR)
• working together to promote a culture of respect and acceptance for accessibility in Ontario

The AODA is intended to enable the development, implementation and enforcement of accessibility standards to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities. The IASR establishes the accessibility standards for the following areas:

• information and communication
• employment
• design of public spaces
• customer service
• transportation

We are committed to customer service excellence. Our programs and services are delivered in ways that reflect our values:

• Be compassionate
• Always be helpful
• Do our work with integrity
• Earn people’s trust

Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation

In accordance with the standards in the IASR, we have completed the following actions:

Part one – general

Actions taken

• Continued our annual reporting to the WSIB Governance Committee, covering key accessibility metrics and compliance findings
• Continued to provide accessibility recommendations, requirements and best practices to our staff and vendors relating to procurement, and enhanced the submission questionnaire
• Conducted ongoing consultations with internal stakeholders and with contracted vendors of the WSIB on projects and contracts to ensure accessibility requirements and considerations are incorporated
• Began preparation for cyclical review of the Accessibility Policy that is scheduled for 2024
• Began exploring and discussing adding additional policies and procedures related to Accessibility
• Partnered with employees who have lived experience of disability to share their personal stories and raise awareness about disability and the ongoing importance of inclusion and equity in the workplace
• Created a video for internal staff to demonstrate using assistive technology and raise awareness about how it can be helpful for people with disabilities
• Collaborated with employees to write an article raising awareness on human rights and AODA
• Partnered with the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council to bring awareness to neurodiversity
• Held a virtual event on December 6, 2023, for the Accessibility Advisory Council featuring Jason Reid and Kristin Light, experts on invisible disabilities and neuroinclusion

Part two – information and communication standard

Accessible formats and communication supports.

Actions taken

• Produced and published an on-demand Microsoft Power BI document showing employees how to use accessibility features in that application
• Expanded our accessibility resources and updated our internal SharePoint site
• Developed and published a guide for creating accessible multimedia
• Continued to support the provision of accessible and alternate formats
• Provided communication supports such as captioning, transcripts and sign language interpretation
• Maintained and monitored our feedback process relating to accessibility
• Partnered with our internal digital communications team to show the Accessibility Advisory Council how accessible web content is created at the WSIB
• Continued to support the development of online services by providing W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) requirements, reviewing wireframes and support for defect remediation

Part three – employment standard

The Accessibility Office continued to work with Human Resources and business leaders regarding inclusive recruitment, employment and talent management practices.

Actions taken

• Reviewed and provided accessibility testing for internal communications, learning materials and software that WSIB employees use
• Collaborated on the creation of accessible new learning modules for employees
• Began developing a physical space guide to provide resources on ensuring accessibility of physical spaces
• Worked with internal partners to develop resources and tip sheets for assistive software users working with new software and applications
• Continued to consult with employees who have a lived experience of disability
• Shared WSIB job postings with Connexions Newsletter, which is designed to help jobseekers with disabilities find meaningful employment within the Ontario Government, the broader public sector or other sectors
• Organized and partnered with senior leadership to raise awareness about National Disability Employment Awareness Month and highlight the important contributions our employees with disabilities make to our organization
• Partnered with senior leadership to discuss and raise awareness on invisible disabilities
• Updated email signatures across our cluster to include the active offer of accommodation and French language services

Part four – customer service standard

Actions taken

• Continued to promote and monitor completion rates of AODA and human rights training courses for all WSIB employees, volunteers and Board members
• Reviewed 20 template letters sent to clients for accessibility as part of our annual compliance program and provided recommendations to make documents more accessible
• Continued working with internal divisions to provide alternate formats and support for complex format requests
• Established monthly Accessibility “Help Bar” sessions for all internal employees to join and ask questions about creating accessible documents, reports and presentations
• Began an Accessibility Office roadshow to introduce newer employees to accessibility and services we offer
• Developed effective communication strategies for people with disabilities for both in-person and virtual environments

Accessibility feedback

We’re committed to improving our services for people with disabilities. Your feedback is important to help us identify barriers that limit or prevent you from interacting with us or receiving our services in an accessible format.

You can provide your feedback by filling out an alternate format and feedback request form, emailing us at accessibility@wsib.on.ca or calling us at 416-344-4350.

You can also mail your feedback to us at:

WSIB
Accessibility Office
200 Front Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5V 3J1