Corunna Soccer AODA Commitment
1. Purpose
Corunna Soccer is dedicated to making our soccer programs, services, and facilities accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This policy is created to meet the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which aims to remove barriers for people with disabilities by 2025. This policy applies to all Corunna Soccer staff, volunteers, members, and anyone who interacts with the public on behalf of the club. We strive to ensure that everyone can participate in soccer in a way that respects their dignity, independence, and integration.
2. What is a Disability?
The AODA defines disability broadly. It includes various physical, mental, and learning conditions. Some examples include:
- Physical disabilities, like difficulty walking, seeing, or hearing.
- Mental health conditions.
- Learning disabilities.
- Conditions where someone needs to use a service animal or assistive device.
Disabilities can be visible or invisible, and may change over time. Corunna Soccer recognizes that people with disabilities are a diverse group with different needs.
3. Our Commitment
Corunna Soccer is dedicated to providing excellent service to all our customers, including those with disabilities. We will do this by:
- Ensuring our staff and volunteers are trained on how to interact with and assist people with disabilities.
- Creating an inclusive environment that respects the rights of all individuals.
- Following the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.
- Removing barriers to accessibility.
4. Assistive Devices
People with disabilities are welcome to use their own assistive devices when accessing our services. Assistive devices include items like wheelchairs, walkers, hearing aids, and communication devices. We will ensure our staff know how to use and accommodate various assistive devices. However, for on-field play, we will consider the safety of others and alignment with soccer regulations.
5. Service Animals
We welcome people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal on our premises. Service animals are trained to assist people with disabilities and are allowed in areas open to the public. If there is a conflict, Corunna Soccer will determine the most appropriate accommodation. For on-field play, the safety of others and soccer regulations will be considered.
6. Support Persons
People with disabilities are welcome to be accompanied by a support person. A support person can be a family member, friend, or someone hired to assist with communication, personal care, or medical needs. Support persons will be allowed to access our facilities and programs with the person they are supporting, and generally will not be charged a fee unless they are actively participating in the program.
7. Communication
When communicating with a person with a disability, we will do so in a way that respects their needs and preferences. We will offer alternative communication formats when needed. Our staff will be trained to communicate clearly and effectively with people with various types of disabilities.
8. Notice of Temporary Disruption
If there is a temporary disruption to our facilities or services, we will make reasonable efforts to provide notice. This notice will include:
- The reason for the disruption.
- How long the disruption is expected to last.
- Any alternative facilities or services that are available.
This information will be posted in visible places on our premises, on our website, and through other reasonable means.
9. Training
Corunna Soccer will provide training to all staff, volunteers, and others who interact with the public. This training will include:
- An overview of the AODA and its requirements.
- How to interact with and assist people with disabilities.
- How to communicate with people with disabilities.
- The use of assistive devices, service animals, and support persons.
- What to do if someone is having trouble accessing our services.
10. Availability of Documents
Upon request, we will provide copies of our AODA policies, practices, and procedures in a format that is accessible to the person making the request.
11. Questions and Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, or if you feel that it has not been followed appropriately, please contact [insert contact person/department] for clarification.
12. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually. We are committed to continuously improving our practices to ensure our services are accessible to everyone. Any policy of Corunna Soccer that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.
This policy will help ensure that Corunna Soccer is a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone who wants to participate in soccer.
Additional Considerations
- Duty to Accommodate: The Ontario Human Rights Code requires service providers to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities to the point of undue hardship. This means that Corunna Soccer may need to adjust our rules, policies, or practices to ensure equal access and opportunity.
- Inclusive Design: Corunna Soccer should use the principles of inclusive design when creating policies, programs, procedures, standards, requirements, and facilities to reduce the need for individual accommodation requests.
- Preventing Discrimination and Harassment: Corunna Soccer is committed to providing a discrimination and harassment-free environment. The club will take steps to address negative attitudes, stereotypes, and stigma to ensure they do not lead to discriminatory behavior toward people with disabilities.
- Accessibility Beyond Physical Space: Accessibility includes not just the physical space, but also the programming, the training, and the attitudes of staff and volunteers.
- Alignment with Ontario Soccer: This policy is aligned with and implements Ontario Soccer’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Policy. Corunna Soccer will stay up-to-date with any changes in Ontario Soccer’s accessibility standards.
The revised policy incorporates the requested changes, is based on the sources provided, and is designed to be clear and accessible. The most important points are bolded for clarity.