General Information
La Boîte à soleil is committed to treating all individuals in a manner that respects their dignity, independence, and full participation. We strongly believe in integration, inclusion, equity, and equal opportunity, and we are committed to preventing and removing barriers to accessibility across all of our programs, services, and workplaces.
We respond promptly and respectfully to the needs of persons with disabilities — including children, families, employees, volunteers, students, and members of the public — in compliance with:
- the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA);
- the Ontario Human Rights Code;
- the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA);
- the Building Code Act, 1992;
- the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA) and its regulations.
We are also committed to fostering an inclusive and culturally safe environment for all individuals who use or work within our services, in alignment with principles of equity, diversity, and anti-oppressive practices.
Accessible Communication and Information
We communicate with all individuals in ways that consider their disability, specific needs, and communication preferences. Our employees, volunteers, and students receive training in adaptive and inclusive communication to:
- provide, receive, and understand information in various formats;
- use visual, verbal, or technological strategies when conventional communication is not adequate;
- adapt their approach to support active participation.
Upon request, we provide accessible formats and communication supports, including:
- large print documents;
- accessible electronic documents;
- verbal reading of materials;
- simplified (easy-read) summaries;
- telephone or virtual communication;
- written exchanges;
- visual supports or pictograms;
- the presence of a support person;
any other format that is reasonably possible.
We maintain our websites and digital documents in compliance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards and continuously work to improve digital accessibility.
Assistive Devices, Service Animals, and Support Persons
Individuals are permitted to use their own assistive devices (e.g., wheelchair, cane, walker, hearing aid, communication device, insulin pump, oxygen tank). Staff receive foundational training to understand assistive devices, interact respectfully, and recognize the limits of their expertise.
- We welcome individuals with disabilities who are accompanied by:
- a service animal (except in areas restricted by law, in which case alternatives will be provided);
- a support person, at no additional cost or restriction.
To ensure the health and safety of children and staff, we may request, where applicable, up-to-date proof of vaccination for a service animal before it enters our educational centres. This requirement is applied respectfully and does not aim to limit access to services. No individual will be prevented from accessing their support service while on our premises.
Mandatory Training
We provide mandatory training to all employees, volunteers, and students on:
- the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service;
- the requirements of the AODA;
- the Ontario Human Rights Code (duty to accommodate);
- inclusive early childhood practices and children’s rights;
- adaptive communication;
- the appropriate use of aids, supports, and accommodations;
- appropriate interaction standards;
- the safety of children and service animals;
- adapting activities to ensure an inclusive experience.
Training must be completed prior to the start of duties, updated when the policy changes or new needs are identified, and documented in employee records.
Temporary Service Disruptions
In the event of a planned or unplanned disruption to services or facilities used by persons with disabilities (e.g., accessible washrooms, ramps, elevators, care rooms), we will:
- post clear and accessible notices;
- communicate via email, social media, or other appropriate methods;
- indicate the nature of the disruption, the expected duration, and any available alternative solutions or facilities.
Accessible Employment Practices
We are committed to fair and accessible employment practices. We:
- indicate in job postings that accommodations are available;
- inform applicants, at the time of interview invitation, of the availability of accommodations;
- adapt interview processes as needed;
- develop individualized workplace emergency response plans for employees with identified disabilities.
Our performance management, professional development, redeployment, and return-to-work processes consider accessibility needs (materials, timelines, supports, tools). Employees are informed of return-to-work policies following disability-related absences, and individualized return-to-work plans are developed with regular meetings to identify and reduce barriers to reintegration.
Organizational Responsibilities
The Executive Director ensures the policy remains current, legally compliant, and fully implemented across all locations.
Centre Directors implement the policy within their centres, identify and report barriers, ensure compliance, and support staff.
Employees must comply with this statement and implement accessibility practices in their daily interactions. They are responsible for disclosing accommodation needs or situations requiring accessibility measures to ensure appropriate supports can be put in place.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination for cause.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Anyone wishing to provide feedback or submit a complaint regarding accessibility may do so:
By email: directrice@laboiteasoleil.ca
By phone: 905-735-1840 ext. 22
In person or in writing at the administrative office.
Feedback will be reviewed and a response provided within a reasonable timeframe. Corrective measures will be implemented as needed.
This statement will be reviewed at least every five years, updated sooner if legislative changes occur, and adapted based on organizational needs, best practices in early childhood education, and evolving accessibility standards.