Research
We are constantly on the lookout for new information relevant to people with disabilities. There are many unique needs still unmet in our community. As these needs are identified, the Centre responds by creating options.
"Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." ~Vince Lombardi
Ontarians with Disabilities Act
The purpose of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) is to improve opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of the province. To this end, the ODA requires each hospital to prepare an annual accessibility plan; to consult with persons with disabilities in the preparation of this plan; and to make the plan public.
The plan describes: (1) the measures that Sensenbrenner Hospital has taken in the past, and (2) the measures that Sensenbrenner Hospital will take during the current year to identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities who live, work in or use the facilities and services of Sensenbrenner Hospital, including patients and their family members, staff, health care practitioners, volunteers and members of the community.
Sensenbrenner Hospital has committed itself to the continual improvement of access to hospital facilities, policies, programs, practices and services for patients and their family members, staff, health care practitioners, volunteers and members of the community with disabilities; the participation of persons with disabilities in the development and review of its annual accessibility plans; and the provision of quality services to all patients and their family and members of the community with disabilities.
Our Role
Our Executive Director is the Co-Chair of the AAC Committee for the Town of Kapuskasing. Representation by the Disability Resource Centre for Independent Living on this committee, ensures that the independent living philosophy is considered when addressing issues that affect people with disabilities. We service cross-disabilities and can bring many different perspectives and skills to the table.
Working with the AAC's, our goal is to assist and support in the assessment of every municipally owned building and/or service and to provide recommendations on how to close gabs to reduce and eliminate barriers to people with any disability.
Accessibility Advisory Committee
The AAC has been mandated by the government to improve accessibility for people with disabilities and to encourage their involvement in identifying barriers. Each year, a plan is developed by the Committee ensuring:
- a) a report on the measures the municipality has taken to identify, remove and prevent barriers;
- b) the measures in place to ensure that the municipality assesses its proposals for bylaws, policies, programs, practices and services to determine their effect on accessibility;
- c) a list of the by-laws, policies, programs, practices and services that the municipality will review in the coming year in order to identify barriers; d) the measures that the municipality intends to take in the coming year to identify,remove and prevent barriers; and
- e) make the accessibility plan available to the public.
Town of Kapuskasing's Accessibility Plan
Suggestion Box
As part of our Research program, we are open to any suggestions that our members might have. Improvements? Program ideas? Activity idea? Everyone's opinion and suggestion are more than welcomed, so don't be shy! Let us know what you think!
Open Door Policy
Much like our Suggestion Box, we also have an open door policy. Our Executive Director's door is always open to anyone, literally. New to the Centre? No worries, we'll gladly take the time to show you around and introduce you to the available services. We have a friendly social atmosphere at the Centre so anybody and everybody is more than welcomed to stop by.
