Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Statement of Commitment
Virtual High School (VHS) is committed to meeting its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (the “AODA” or the “Act”) and the related Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations (the “IASR”).
Virtual High School has developed a multi-year plan which outlines our strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meet the requirements under the AODA.
The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five (5) years, and as required.
Upon request, a copy of this Accessibility Plan will be provided in an accessible format free of charge.
Customer Service
Virtual High School is committed to providing persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to access our services in a manner and format that respects dignity, independence and equal opportunity. VHS complied with the AODA’s Customer Service Standard with the following initiatives as of January 1, 2012:
- An accessibility policy was put in place so VHS employees, volunteers and customers can know what to expect.
- VHS’s staff and volunteers are trained to serve customers of all abilities.
- A written record of accessibility training is maintained.
- Service animals and support persons are welcomed on all VHS premises.
- Accessible ways for people to provide feedback on how VHS provides goods and services to people with disabilities was made available.
Information and Communications
VHS currently provides accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities upon request. VHS provides notice to the public of this availability and consults with the person making such a request to determine the suitability of an accessible format or accommodation.
VHS has ensured all internet websites and web content currently conform with Level AA of the WCAG 2.0 as required by the AODA’s Information and Communications Standard.
Policies and Training
VHS has and will continue to implement policies and initiatives in accordance with the AODA by taking the following steps:
- Implementing policies outlining VHS’s commitment to accessibility.
- Providing training to VHS’s employees and volunteers on accessibility and human rights legislation, as it pertains to people with disabilities. (Implemented and ongoing as new employees/volunteers join the company)
Employment
In accordance with the AODA’s Employment Standards, VHS implemented the following initiatives after reaching 50 employees in December 2016:
- Ensure VHS’s employment processes for hiring, retention and career development are accessible.
- Document VHS’s processes for developing individual accommodation plans and return-to-work plans.
- Provide individualized workplace emergency response information to employees who have a disability where VHS is aware of the need for accommodation.
Accessibility Plan Review
This multi-year Accessibility Plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five (5) years. The current Accessibility Plan will be reviewed, and updated where appropriate by January 1, 2025.
Feedback
In 2012, VHS ensured it had accessible ways to receive and respond to feedback. VHS will continue to ensure that there are accessible processes for receiving and responding to feedback from persons with disabilities. All feedback will be addressed in a timely manner.
VHS submitted its accessibility compliance report confirming compliance with its accessibility obligations as of December 31, 2023. VHS will file its next accessibility compliance report by December 31, 2026.
For more information on this Accessibility Plan, please contact:
Human Resources
hr@virtualhighschool.com
1-866-679-9377
Requirement | Required Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Provide accessible customer service – train your staff and volunteers to serve customers of all abilities – keep a written record of the training – welcome service animals and support persons – create accessible ways for people to provide feedback – put an accessibility policy in place so your employees, volunteers and customers can know what to expect | Jan. 1, 2012 | Completed |
| Provide accessible emergency and public safety information When asked, provide publicly available emergency information, like evacuation plans or brochures, in an accessible format. | Jan. 1, 2012 | Completed |
| Provide accessible emergency information to staff When necessary, provide accessible and customized emergency information. You should provide this information as soon as an employee asks for it or when you become aware an employee may need accommodation in an emergency. | Jan. 1, 2012 | Completed |
| File an Accessibility Compliance Report | Dec. 31, 2014 | Completed |
| Create accessibility policies – create policies to help you achieve your accessibility goals – tell your employees and customers about your policies | Jan. 1, 2015 | Completed |
| Consider accessibility when purchasing or designing self-service kiosks This includes interactive electronic terminals that people use to pay parking fees, validate tickets, buy groceries and renew licences. | Jan. 1, 2015 | Completed |
| Train your staff on Ontario’s accessibility laws Train all your employees and volunteers on the accessibility requirements that apply to their job duties and organization. | Jan. 1, 2016 | Completed |
| Make it easy for people with disabilities to provide feedback when asked This includes surveys or comment cards. | Jan. 1, 2016 | Completed |
| Create accessibility policies and a multi-year plan – Create policies and a multi-year accessibility plan to help you achieve your accessibility goals – tell your employees and customers about your policies – post the multi-year plan on your website in an accessible format | Jan. 1, 2017 | Completed (When VHS reached 50+ employees) |
| Make websites accessible This includes only new websites and old websites you significantly update and new web content you create. | Jan. 1, 2017 | Completed (When VHS reached 50+ employees) |
| Make your public information accessible when asked Work with the person to figure out how to meet their needs as soon as possible. | Jan. 1, 2017 | Completed (When VHS reached 50+ employees) |
| Make your employment practices accessible – Make how you hire, retain and provide career development opportunities accessible – document your processes for developing individual accommodation plan and return-to-work plans | Jan. 1, 2017 | Completed (When VHS reached 50+ employees) |
| Make new or redeveloped public spaces accessible – Recreational trails and beach access routes – outdoor public use eating areas – outdoor play spaces – public outdoor paths of travel – parking lots – service counters – fixed waiting lines – waiting areas with fixed seating | Jan 1, 2017 | Completed |
| File an Accessibility Compliance Report | Dec. 31, 2017 | Completed |
| Make all websites and web content accessible VHS is committed to ensuring all internet websites and web content conform with Level AA of the WCAG 2.0 by January 1, 2021 as required by the AODA’s Information and Communications Standard. | Jan 1, 2021 | Completed |
| File an Accessibility Compliance Report | Dec. 31, 2023 | Completed |
| File an Accessibility Compliance Report | Dec. 31, 2026 | Incomplete |