1. Purpose
Richmond Hill Christian Community Church (RHCCC) is committed to excellence in serving all attendees to the church including people with disabilities.
We aim to create and maintain a climate of mutual respect in which all persons who attend our worship services and programs will be able to do so irrespective of any disability they may have.
This Policy is created in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, (referred to as the “AODA”, or the Act), and specifically, Ontario Regulation 429/07, Accessibility Standards for Customer Service.
2. Scope
This Policy applies to the provision of all goods and services to the public by the Richmond Hill Christian Community Church.
3. Core principles
We will follow the core principles of accessible service in providing goods and services to the public:
- Dignity – person is able to maintain their self-respect and the respect of others
- Independence – person is able to do things on their own without unnecessary help
- Integration – person is able to benefit from the same services, in the same place, and in the same or similar ways as others
- Equal Opportunity – person is able to have the same opportunity as others to benefit from the way we provide goods and services
4. Assistive devices
We will ensure that our staff and volunteers are trained and familiar with various assistive devices we have on site or that we provide that may be used by customers with disabilities while accessing our programs or services.
5. Communication
We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.
6. Service animals
We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public.
7. Support persons
A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them on our premises.
Extra fees will not be charged for support persons except when notified in advance in bulletins, verbal announcements or through our website (www.rhccc.ca).
8. Notice of temporary disruption
In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for attendees with disabilities, we will notify attendees promptly.
The notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.
The notice will be placed in the weekly service bulletins, at the main entrance to the event, and on our website (www.rhccc.ca).
9. Training
We will provide training to employees, volunteers and others who deal with the public or other third parties on our behalf.
Individuals in the following positions will be trained: all employees, members of the current Executive Church Board, ushers, traffic teams, welcoming/reception teams, visitation teams. The list of positions will be reviewed and updated periodically or as needed.
This training will be provided to staff within one month of their hiring. Records of this training will be kept on file.
Training will include:
- An overview of the AODA and the requirements of the Customer Service Standard
- A review of this Policy
- How to interact and communicate with people with various disabilities and with those who use assistive devices or require the assistance of a service animal or support person
- What to do if a person with a disability is having any difficulties in accessing our services
- Staff will be trained when changes are made to this Policy.
10. Feedback process
Feedback or complaints relating to accessibility of our goods and services can be directed to the Lead Pastor via telephone, fax, mail, email, or in person.
Lead Pastor
9670 Bayview Avenue
Richmond Hill
Ontario L4C 9X9
Tel: (905) 884-3399
Email: [email protected]
When feedback or complaints are received, we will respond within two (2) weeks of the receipt of the feedback or complaints.
11. Modifications to this or other policies
Any policy of RHCCC that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.
12. Accessibility of documents
This Policy and all other documents required by the AODA pertaining to RHCCC policies, practices and procedures on the provision of services to persons with disabilities can be obtained by contacting the Lead Pastor via telephone, mail, email or in person.
Approved by RHCCC Executive Church Board
Last updated: December 28th, 2023