SWSE

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Accessibility Policy

SW Sports Entertainment is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for employees, clients, and the public. This multi-year plan outlines our strategy to remove and prevent accessibility barriers in compliance with Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Key Highlights:

  • Training for all staff on accessibility and the Human Rights Code
  • Accessibility feedback process for employees and public
  • Barrier audits for physical spaces, technology, and communication
  • Ongoing updates to ensure web content is WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliant
  • Accessible hiring and accommodation processes
  • Regular policy reviews and accessibility updates

We are actively working to identify and remove barriers to accessibility in a timely manner. This plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five years.

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Package

Organization: SW Sports Entertainment
Duration: 2025–2029

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Purpose

This accessibility plan outlines the actions our organization will take to identify, prevent, and remove barriers to accessibility, as required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment that respects the dignity and independence of all individuals.

Our Commitment

SWSE is committed to treating all people in a way that respects their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the accessibility needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner through the identification and removal of barriers and the implementation of policies and procedures that comply with the AODA.

Goals

• Achieve compliance with AODA and associated regulations.
• Create a barrier-free and inclusive workplace and customer experience.
• Provide employees, customers, and the public with equal opportunity and access.
• Embed accessibility considerations into day-to-day operations.

Barrier Categories Considered

• Physical/Architectural: Building access, signage, pathways
• Information & Communication: Website, email, documents
• Employment: Recruitment, onboarding, accommodations
• Customer Service: Interactions, service delivery, support tools
• Technology: Internal systems, digital tools
• Organizational Culture: Policies, training, values

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan: Actions & Timelines

2025: Foundation & Awareness

• Conduct internal accessibility audit across all departments
• Update and implement Accessible Customer Service Policy
• Train all staff on AODA and Ontario Human Rights Code
• Set up an accessibility feedback mechanism
• Review website and start WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance improvements

2026: Communication & Employment

• Implement accessible document standards (Word, PDF)
• Ensure ongoing website content complies with WCAG 2.1 AA
• Create individual accommodation plans template for employees
• Train hiring managers on accessible hiring practices
• Collect feedback from employees on workplace barriers

2027: Physical Environment & Culture

• Conduct facility accessibility audit (doors, signage, restrooms)
• Implement physical upgrades based on audit results
• Launch internal “Accessibility Matters” awareness campaign
• Begin integrating accessibility into performance reviews

2028: Reinforcement & Expansion

• Offer accessibility training refreshers
• Inclusive Communication Campaign
• Enhance internal communication tools for accessibility (captioning, transcripts)
• Update policies to reflect lessons learned and feedback

2029: Evaluation & Renewal

• Conduct organization-wide accessibility survey
• Evaluate all completed accessibility improvements
• Draft and publish updated multi-year accessibility plan (2030–2034)
• Share plan updates with staff and the public

Training Overview

All staff and volunteers will be trained on:
• AODA requirements and accessibility standards
• Ontario Human Rights Code (as it relates to disabilities)
• Interacting with people with various disabilities
• Use of assistive devices and services
• Accessibility features in our facilities and services

Feedback Process

We welcome feedback from the public and employees.
Contact us at:
Email: [Insert Email]
Phone: [Insert Phone Number]
Mail: [Insert Mailing Address]
Alternate formats available upon request.

Review & Approval

This plan will be reviewed every five years and updated as necessary to ensure continued compliance and improvement.

Approved by: [Name, Title]
Date: [Insert approval date]

Accessibility Policy

Purpose

To meet the requirements of Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 191/11 under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Policy

SWSE is committed to ensuring that all employees take every reasonable precaution to respect the dignity, independence and equality of opportunity of all personnel, customers, and individuals in the community. Employees are expected to provide exceptional customer service to all current and potential clients, and to communicate with individuals who have a disability in a respectful manner that takes the individual’s disability into consideration.

In accordance with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 191/11, this policy addresses:

  • The provision of goods and services to persons with disabilities;
  • The use of assistive devices;
  • The use of service animals;
  • The use of support persons;
  • Notice of service disruptions;
  • Customer feedback;
  • Training; and
  • Notice of availability and format of required documents.

Assistive Devices

Persons with disabilities may use their own assistive devices when accessing services provided by SWSE. In cases where the assistive device presents a safety concern or where accessibility might be an issue, other reasonable measures will be used to ensure access to services.

Service Animals

A customer with a disability who is accompanied by a service animal will be allowed access to the premises, unless otherwise excluded by law.

Recognizing a Service Animal

If it is unclear that an animal is being used by a customer for reasons relating to their disability, SWSE may request verification from the customer. This may include:

  • Letter from a physician or nurse confirming the person requires the animal for reasons related to their disability;
  • Valid identification card signed by the Attorney General of Canada; or
  • Certificate of training from a recognized service animal training school.

Care and Control

A customer who is accompanied by a service animal is responsible for maintaining care and control of the animal at all times.

Allergies

If a health and safety concern arises – for example, in the form of a severe allergy to the service animal – SWSE will make all reasonable efforts to meet the needs of all individuals.

Support Persons

If a customer with a disability is accompanied by a support person, SWSE will ensure that both persons can enter the premises together and that the customer is not prevented from having access to the support person.

Notice of Disruption in Service

Service disruptions may occur due to reasons that may or may not be within the control or knowledge of SWSE. In the event of any temporary disruptions to facilities or services that customers with disabilities rely on to access SWSE services, reasonable efforts will be made to provide advance notice. In some circumstances, such as unplanned temporary disruptions, advance notice may not be possible.

If SWSE becomes aware of a disruption, notifications will be posted in conspicuous places with the following information:

  • The service that is disrupted or unavailable;
  • Reason for the disruption;
  • Anticipated duration; and
  • A description of alternative services or options.

Customers with scheduled appointments during the service disruption may also be contacted if that is reasonable and necessary under the circumstances.

Feedback Process

SWSE will respond to feedback pertaining to the service provided to customers and employees with disabilities. The feedback can be in writing, by telephone, email or online correspondence. All public information will be available in accessible formats as required.

Education and Training

Training is provided to all employees and anyone who provides services on behalf of SWSE. As reflected in Ontario Regulation 191/11, training includes:

  • A review of the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005;
  • A review of the requirements of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service,

Ontario Regulation 191/11;

  • Instructions on how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities;
  • Instructions on how to interact with people with disabilities who:
    • Use assistive devices;
    • Require the assistance of a service animal; or
    • Require the use of a support person.
  • Instructions on how to use equipment or devices that are available at our premises to assist people with disabilities;
  • Instructions on assisting a person with a disability who is having difficulty accessing our services; and
  • A review of any internal policies, procedures, and practices pertaining to providing accessible customer service to people with disabilities.

Training is provided for all new employees during orientation. The ELT will maintain a record of all training. Additional training will be provided in the event of changes to legislation, procedures, or practices.

This policy is also available to members of the public upon request.