Accessibility Statement

L’Arche London is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We strive to treat people with disabilities in a manner that respects their dignity and independence. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and adhere to the standards outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

We believe in fostering integration and meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner. This includes identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility and fulfilling our obligations under Ontario’s accessibility laws. Accessibility is fundamental to building communities, workplaces, and services where everyone can participate fully and equally, as is their human right.

The AODA is a provincial law requiring organizations to follow accessibility standards, with the goal of making Ontario fully accessible by 2025. This legislation applies to all levels of government, private sectors, and non-profit organizations.

L’Arche London has developed a multi-year Accessibility Plan to guide our efforts in maintaining and enhancing a barrier-free environment for our community and the public.

Accessibility Plan

L’Arche London Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Introduction
L’Arche London is committed to fostering a barrier-free environment for all individuals, including those with disabilities. This multi-year Accessibility Plan outlines our ongoing and planned activities to improve accessibility, in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

1. Commitment to Accessibility
We are dedicated to ensuring accessibility by:

• Treating individuals with disabilities with dignity and respect.
• Preventing and removing barriers to accessibility in a proactive and timely manner.
• Meeting or exceeding the requirements of Ontario’s accessibility standards.

2. Areas of Focus

A. Customer Service

• Provide accessible customer service in all interactions.
• Train staff and volunteers on accessibility standards and best practices.
• Welcome and accommodate assistive devices, service animals, and support persons.

B. Information and Communications

• Ensure that all public documents, website content, and communications are accessible.
• Offer alternative formats upon request, including large print, Braille, and electronic text.
• Comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA for our website in 2025.

C. Employment

• Foster an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.
• Provide accommodations for employees with disabilities during hiring, onboarding, and employment.
• Maintain individualized workplace accommodation plans for staff with disabilities.

D. Built Environment

• Conduct regular accessibility audits of our facilities to identify and address barriers.
• Enhance physical accessibility in community spaces by ensuring ramps, elevators, and accessible washrooms are available.
• Implement wayfinding signage and ensure that pathways are clear and navigable.

E. Training and Awareness

• Deliver mandatory AODA and accessibility training to all staff, volunteers, and board members.
• Provide ongoing education on inclusive practices and how to support people with disabilities.

3. Feedback Process
We welcome feedback from our community to identify and address accessibility barriers. Feedback can be provided:

• By phone: 519-652-9778
• By email: marybee@larchelondon.org
• In person or in writing: L’Arche London, 4448 Col. Talbot. Rd., London, ON N6P 1B6

We are committed to responding to feedback in a timely manner and using it to improve our accessibility initiatives.

4. Monitoring and Review

• This Accessibility Plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five years.
• Progress will be reported annually and made available to the public.

Contact Us
For more information or to request accessible formats of this document, please contact:
Mary Bee Haworth, Community Leader, marybee@larchelondon.org