AODA - Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (2026-2031)
| Revision #: | Rev1.0 | Document ID: | 806 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Updated: | 2026-04-06 | Status: | Published |
Terms and Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Accessible | capable of being entered or reached, approachable; easy to get at; capable of being influenced, obtainable; able to be understood or appreciated. |
| Accommodation | any modification to the work or the workplace, including but not limited to reduced hours, reduced productivity requirements, that results in work becoming available that is consistent with the worker’s functional abilities and that respects applicable human rights legislation. |
| Accessibility Committee | a committee set up to create policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. |
| Assistive Device | a device used to assist persons with disabilities in carrying out activities or in accessing the services of persons or organizations covered by the customer Service Standard. |
| Barrier | a barrier is defined as anything that prevents a person with a work conflict from fully participating in all aspects of their employment because of his or her conflict, including a physical or health barrier, an information or communications barrier, an attitudinal barrier, or a familial barrier. |
| Duty to Accommodate | the obligation of an employer to take steps to eliminate the disadvantage caused by familial, or physical barriers that unfairly exclude individuals or groups protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. |
| Support Person | is an individual hired or chosen by a person with a disability to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or with access to goods or services. |
| Service Animals | is, according to the AODA’s Customer Service Standards, an animal which must meet one of two conditions to be considered a service animal:
Service animals are not pets. Additional fees or requirements that apply to pets do not apply to service animals. |
Regulations
Acts/Regulations
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
2026-2031
Table of Contents
I. INTRODUCTION
II. STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT
III. OVERVIEW OF TYNDALE'S AODA POLICIES
Customer Service Standard
Information and Communications Standard
Employment Standards
Design of Public Spaces Standards (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment)
Legislative Compliance Reporting
IV. ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE
V. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Establishment of Policies, Practices, and Procedures (O. Reg. 191/11, s.3)
Development of a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (O. Reg. 191/11, s.4)
Procuring or Acquiring Goods, Services or Facilities ((O. Reg. 191/11, s.5)
Self-Service Kiosks (O. Reg. 191/11, s.6)
Training for Staff on Requirements (O. Reg. 191/11, s.7 & O. Reg. 429/07, s.6)
Use of Service Animals and Support Persons (O. Reg. 429/07, s.4)
Notice of Temporary Disruptions (O. Reg. 429/07, s.5)
Feedback Process (O. Reg. 429/07, s.7)
Notice of Availability of Documents (O. Reg. 429/07, s.9)
VII. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS
Feedback Process (O. Reg. 191/11, s.11)
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports (O. Reg. 191/11, s.12, s.17)
Emergency Procedures, Plans, or Public Safety Information (O. Reg. 191/11, s.13)
Accessible Websites and Web Content (O. Reg. 191/11, s.14)
Educational and Training Resources and Materials (O. Reg. 191/11, s.15)
Training to Educators (O. Reg. 191/11, s.16)
VIII. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Recruitment & Selection Process (O. Reg. 191/11, s.22, s.23, s.24)
Informing Employees of Supports (O. Reg. 191/11, s.25)
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports for Employees (O. Reg. 191/11, s.26)
Workplace Emergency Response Plan (O. Reg. 191/11, s.27)
Documented Individual Accommodation Plans (O. Reg. 191/11, s.28)
Libraries of Educational and Training Institutions (O. Reg. 191/11, s.18)
Return to Work Process (O. Reg. 191/11, s.29)
Performance Management (O. Reg. 191/11, s.30)
Career Development & Advancement (O. Reg. 191/11, s.31)
Redeployment (O. Reg. 191/11, s.32)
IX. TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS
X. DESIGN OF PUBLIC SPACES STANDARDS
Recreational Trails and Beach Access Routes (O. Reg. 413/12 80.6-80.15)
Outdoor Public-Use Eating Areas (O. Reg. 413/12 80.16-80.17)
Outdoor Play Spaces (O. Reg. 413/12 80.18-80.20)
Exterior Paths of Travel (O. Reg. 413/12 80.21-80.31)
Accessible Parking (O. Reg. 413/12 80.32-80.39)
Obtaining Services (O. Reg. 413/12 80.40-80.43)
Maintenance (O. Reg. 413/12 80.44)
I. INTRODUCTION
In 2005, the Government of Ontario enacted the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) with the goal of achieving a fully accessible Ontario by 2025. The AODA requires public, private, and not-for-profit organizations —including post-secondary institutions—to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility for people with disabilities.
At Tyndale University, our commitment to accessibility reflects our values of dignity, respect, compassion, and inclusion. We are dedicated to ensuring that students, employees, volunteers, and visitors with disabilities can fully participate in the life of our community.
The Customer Service Standard became applicable to Tyndale on January 1, 2012, under O. Reg. 429/07, which was later revoked and consolidated into the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), O. Reg. 191/11, on July 1, 2016.
The Information and Communications Standard and the Employment Standard under O. Reg. 191/11 – Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), became applicable to Tyndale on January 1, 2016.
The Transportation Standard applies only to organizations that directly provide transportation services and therefore does not apply to Tyndale.
The Design of Public Spaces Standard, which addresses accessibility in certain newly constructed or redeveloped outdoor spaces and facilities, became applicable to Tyndale on January 1, 2017.
Rooted in our mission and values, Tyndale remains committed to creating a barrier-free environment. This Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines the steps we are taking to meet AODA requirements and continually strengthen accessibility across our campus and community.
II. STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT
Tyndale University is committed to full compliance with the AODA and to identifying, removing, and preventing barriers for people with disabilities. In keeping with our mission and legal obligations, Tyndale commits to:
viii. Providing training to all employees, volunteers, persons who deal with customers and the public on Tyndale’s behalf, and persons participating in the development and approval of Tyndale’s policies, practices, and procedures, on the requirements under the IASR and the Human Rights Code as they pertain to persons with disabilities.
ix. Assigning responsibility for accessibility compliance to designated leadership to ensure accountability and ongoing progress.
Through these commitments, Tyndale University strives to create an accessible, inclusive, and barrier-free environment for all members of our community, in alignment with our values of dignity, respect, compassion, and inclusion.
III. OVERVIEW OF TYNDALE'S AODA POLICIES
All policies are communicated to employees, consultants/independent contractors, and volunteers of Tyndale. Active policies are available to the public online on Tyndale's Employment Website.
The Customer Service Standard Policy was implemented in November 2012.
Online training pertaining to the Customer Service Standard is provided to all Tyndale employees, consultants/independent contractors and volunteers. All trainings are recorded and maintained.
The Information and Communications Standard Policy was implemented in January 2014.
Online training pertaining to the Information and Communications Standard is provided to all Tyndale employees, consultants/independent contractors and volunteers. Training records will be maintained for all community members.
Employment Standards
Policy and Procedure
Policies and procedures are mostly covered in the employee handbook, website and other documents available in the intranet (FLOW).
Training
Online training pertaining to the Employment Standard is provided to all Tyndale managers and supervisors, consultants/independent contractors and volunteers. Training records will be maintained for all community members.
Design of Public Spaces Standards (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment)
Policy and Procedures
The Design of Public Spaces Standards Policy is available on our website and intranet.
Training
Online training pertaining to the Design of Public Spaces Standards is provided to all relevant Tyndale management. All trainings are recorded and maintained.
Legislative Compliance Reporting
Tyndale completed the 2023 Accessibility Compliance Report in November 2023, in compliance with Ontario’s Integrated Accessibility Standards. The Accessibility Compliance Report will be submitted every three years in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
IV. ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE
The Accessibility Committee is set up to create policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the IASR. Members of the Accessibility Committee include:
- Dean of Student Life
- Director, Campus Operations
- Director, Information Technology
- Director, Human Resources
- Manager, Website Strategy & Development
- University Librarian
V. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Establishment of Policies, Practices, and Procedures (O. Reg. 191/11, s.3)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Accessibility Committee
Tyndale has developed policies, practices and procedures in accordance with the IASR. The Customer Service Standard Policy was established in February 2022. The Information and Communications Standard Policy was originally implemented in January 2014 and most recently updated in November 2025. The Employment Standard Policy was implemented in 2019, and updated November 2025. The Design of Public Spaces Policy became applicable to Tyndale in January 2017 and was updated in September 2024. All policies are accessible to the public via our website and to staff through our intranet.
Development of a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (O. Reg. 191/11, s.4)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Accessibility Committee
Tyndale has developed a multi-year plan outlining a strategy to prevent and remove barriers and address the current and future requirements of the AODA. The plan is available on the Tyndale website and in several visible locations on campus. The plan is reviewed at least once very five years to ensure continued alignment with accessibility standards.
Procuring or Acquiring Goods, Services or Facilities (O. Reg. 191/11, s.5)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Campus Operations, Director of Library Services, Director of Information Technology
Any facility related goods or services/contracts impacting accessibility are reviewed and compared against current accessibility and building code standards. Repairs or new installations are planned to enhance the quality of service - such as the height of new light switches, style of replacement faucets, lighting levels, door hardware, and signage.
Accessibility is a procurement consideration in the procurement of any library related goods or services, such as educational materials. Electronic resources, such as e-book are also available in the library catalogue.
For IT related general goods (hardware and software), accessibility is not one of the criteria that is considered when procuring these items, unless it is requested by the Centre for Academic Excellence. For IT related services such as Computer Labs, Classroom Card Readers, accessibility standards are followed.
Self-Service Kiosks (O. Reg. 191/11, s.6)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Campus Operations, Director of Library Services, Director of Information Technology
Self-service kiosks available to students, customers and employees will have regard for accessibility features, where possible, when designing, procuring or acquiring self-service kiosks. In the absence of an accessible self-service kiosk, other arrangements will be made to assist persons with disabilities.
Training for Staff on Requirements (O. Reg. 191/11, s.7 & O. Reg. 429/07, s.6)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director, Human Resources
Training is provided through an online in-service training program to all employees, volunteers, persons who deal with customers and the public on its behalf, and persons participating in the development and approval of its policies, practices and procedures on the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards and the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities. Training records are maintained and training will re-occur depending on the course, as indicated in the online in-service training program.
VI. CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARD
Use of Service Animals and Support Persons (O. Reg. 429/07, s.4)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Campus Operations & Conference Services
Tyndale permits persons with disabilities to be accompanied by support persons or service animals when accessing Tyndale services, unless otherwise excluded by law. This information is documented in Tyndale's Customer Service Standard Policy, made available to the public on its website.
Notice of Temporary Disruptions (O. Reg. 429/07, s.5)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Campus Operations
Tyndale has multiple methods of dealing with temporary disruptions to accessible elements. In the event that a planned or unexpected service disruption occurs that would limit a person with a disability from gaining access to Tyndale’s facilities, goods or services, Tyndale will provide appropriate notice to make the disruption known to staff, students, and visitors. The Campus & Conference Services department or the Campus Facilities department will provide signage and/or personnel to direct students, staff, faculty, and guests to alternate routes or amenities. The Director of Campus Operations also notifies the entire university community of such disruptions through email messaging. Tyndale’s Customer Service Standard Policy outlines the ways the notice will be distributed.
Feedback Process (O. Reg. 429/07, s.7)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director, Human Resources & Accessibility Services
Tyndale provides a feedback process for anyone to comment on how we deliver goods and services to people with disabilities. Feedback may be submitted via an online form, by phone, in person, or by email. All feedback is reviewed by the Accessibility Team and Human Resources who will respond in a timely manner. Information about how to provide feedback, along with a link to the Accessibility Standards Feedback Webform, is publicly available on Tyndale’s website and on campus.
Employee feedback should be directed to the Human Resources Department
E-mail: hr@tyndale.ca
Student feedback should be directed to the Accessibility Specialist
E-mail: accessibilityservice@tyndale.ca
Notice of Availability of Documents (O. Reg. 429/07, s.9)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director, Human Resources & Director of Information Technology
The public is notified of the documents required by O. Reg. 429/07, which are made available on Tyndale's website, or in alternative formats upon request. Currently HTML and PDF formats are available. To request alternative formats:
Employee should contact the Human Resources Department
E-mail: hr@tyndale.ca
Student should contact the Accessibility Specialist
Address: Tyndale University, 3377 Bayview Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M2M 3S4
Telephone: 416 226 6620 – Ext. 2189
E-mail: accessibilityservice@tyndale.ca
VII. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS
Feedback Process (O. Reg. 191/11, s.11)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director, Human Resources & Accessibility Services
Feedback regarding the manner in which Tyndale provides accessible formats and communication supports to people with disabilities can be provided in person, by telephone, through email, or by other means as appropriate to the Human Resources Department or the Accessibility Specialist.
Employee Feedback should be directed to the Human Resources Department.
Address: Tyndale University, 3377 Bayview Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M2M 3S4
Telephone: 416 226 6620 – Ext. 2234
E-mail: hr@tyndale.ca
Student feedback should be directed to the Accessibility Specialist.
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports (O. Reg. 191/11, s.12, s.17)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Library Services, Director of Distributed Learning & Accessibility Services
Tyndale will provide accessible or conversion-ready formats of digital, multi-media, or print resources and materials, when requested. Arrangements will be made for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities. Tyndale is also committed to continuously improving the accessibility of its systems by providing better audio and colour quality.
Emergency Procedures, Plans, or Public Safety Information (O. Reg. 191/11, s.13)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Campus Operations
Tyndale's emergency response procedures and plans required by law consider the needs of persons with disabilities and are available in an accessible format or with communications supports, upon request.
Accessible Websites and Web Content (O. Reg. 191/11, s.14)
Status: In Progress
Responsibility: Director of Information Technology and Website Strategy & Development Manager
Tyndale will develop all websites and website content in compliance with the Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.0 Level AA standard. Accessibility training will be required for all people who have access to post website content. This training is on an ongoing basis through an online course. All new website content will undergo an accessibility audit prior to being posted to the website. Similarly, all new content templates undergo accessibility audits prior to use. Accessibility audits of previously posted website content are completed on an ongoing basis and corrections made where errors are detected. Automated accessibility tools are provided for non-technical users for simplified testing and a deeper understanding of accessibility issues. All in-page components are developed to adhere to WCAG 2.0 Level AA and include variable heading size options where required.
Educational and Training Resources and Materials (O. Reg. 191/11, s.15)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Library Services, Registrar, Accessibility Services, Director of Distributed Learning
Tyndale will provide students who have disabilities with educational and training materials/resources, student records, and course and program information in accessible formats, upon request.
Training to Educators (O. Reg. 191/11, s.16)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director, Human Resources & Accessibility Services
Tyndale educators receive accessibility awareness training through Tyndale’s online in-service training program as well as by Accessibility Services so they can create inclusive environments in their classrooms and increase the opportunities for learning for students with disabilities.
Libraries for Educational and Training Institutions (O. Reg. 191/11, s.18)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Library Services, Registrar & Accessibility Services
Tyndale will provide supports to students or staff who have disabilities with educational and training materials/resources, student records, and course and program information in accessible formats, upon request.
VIII. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Recruitment & Selection Process (O. Reg. 191/11, s.25)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director, Human Resources
Tyndale publicly notifies applicants throughout the recruitment and selection process about the availability of accommodation for applicants with disabilities. Consultations will take place with a job applicant who requests accommodations to support them during the process. Successful applicants are notified of Tyndale’s policies for accommodating employees with disabilities when the offer of employment is made. Effective January 1, 2026, Tyndale will also apply the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA) related to job postings.
Informing Employees of Supports (O. Reg. 191/11, s.25)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director, Human Resources
New and existing employees are informed of Tyndale’s policies for supporting employees with disabilities during HR Orientation and through publicly posted policies on Tyndale’s website and Intranet.
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports for Employees (O. Reg. 191/11, s.26)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director, Human Resources
Employees who have disabilities are provided with accessible formats and communications supports to do their jobs effectively. They are encouraged to reach out to the supervisors or to HR directly. Accessible formats and communication supports are addressed in Tyndale’s Information and Communications Standard Policy.
Workplace Emergency Response Plan (O. Reg. 191/11, s.27)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Campus Operations
Tyndale provides individualized workplace emergency response information to employees who have disclosed a disability. With the employee’s consent, the workplace emergency response information is provided to the person designated by the employer to provide assistance to the employee. The individualized workplace emergency response information will be reviewed when the employee moves to a different location in the organization, when the employee’s overall accommodations needs or plans are reviewed, or when the employer reviews its general emergency response policies.
Documented Individual Accommodation Plans (O. Reg. 191/11, s.28)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director, Human Resources
Tyndale will develop written individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities. Tyndale’s Accommodation Policy outlines the workplace accommodation procedure.
Return to Work Process (O. Reg. 191/11, s.29)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director, Human Resources
Tyndale will accommodate employees who return to work after being away for reasons related to their disabilities. The Human Resources team will outline the steps to facilitate and use the Documented Individual Accommodation Plans as part of the process, outlined in the Employment Standards Policy.
Performance Management (O. Reg. 191/11, s.30)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director, Human Resources
Tyndale will take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities during the performance management process. Managers will be instructed to consider individual accommodation plans.
Career Development & Advancement (O. Reg. 191/11, s.31)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director, Human Resources
Tyndale will take into account the accessibility needs of employees who have disabilities during career development and advancement opportunities. Managers will be instructed to consider individual accommodation plans. Job skills assessments are available in accessible formats upon request.
Redeployment (O. Reg. 191/11, s.32)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director, Human Resources
Tyndale will consider the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities during redeployment as mentioned in the Accommodation Policy. Processes will be documented and shared with the employee and management involved with the redeployment. The employee's direct manager, with the guidance of HR, will be responsible for identifying and implementing accommodation
IX. TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS
Transportation Standards are not applicable as Tyndale does not provide transportation services. If students request accessible transportation to or from campus, they are instructed to work directly with mobile services offered by the city or private organizations.
X. DESIGN OF PUBLIC SPACES STANDARDS
Recreational Trails and Beach Access Routes (O. Reg. 413/12 80.6-80.15)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Campus Operations
Tyndale is not currently planning to create or redevelop any recreational trails or beach access routes. In future, if Tyndale plans to create any new recreational trails, the Tyndale Campus Facilities department and their building contractors will consult and follow the requirements set out in O. Reg. 413/12 80.6-80.15. As much of Tyndale’s campus also falls under the jurisdiction of the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA), permission would first have to be granted by the TRCA before any new recreational trails could be created.
Outdoor Public-Use Eating Areas (O. Reg. 413/12 80.16-80.17)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Campus Operations
Tyndale is not currently planning to create or redevelop outdoor picnic areas. In the future, if Tyndale plans to create any new outdoor picnic areas or redevelop existing picnic areas, the Tyndale Campus Facilities department and their building contractors will consult and follow the requirements set out in O. Reg. 413/12 80.16-80.17 when designing such spaces.
Outdoor Play Spaces (O. Reg. 413/12 80.18-80.20)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Campus Operations
Tyndale currently has no outdoor play spaces and is not currently planning to create any. In the future, if Tyndale plans to create any new outdoor play spaces, the Tyndale Campus Facilities department and their building contractors will consult and follow the requirements set out in O. Reg. 413/12 80.18-80.20 when designing such spaces.
Exterior Paths of Travel (O. Reg. 413/12 80.21-80.31)
Status: In Progress
Responsibility: Director of Campus Operations
Many of Tyndale’s exterior paths of travel are aging asphalt pathways that will require re-paving in the next 3-5 years. At that time, the Tyndale Campus Facilities department and their building contractors will consult and follow the requirements set out in O. Reg. 413/12 80.21-80.31 for redeveloping existing exterior paths of travel.
Accessible Parking (O. Reg. 413/12 80.32-80.39)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Campus Operations
Tyndale University has 11 accessible parking spaces, all of which meet the requirements for width, access aisles, and signage set out in O. Reg. 413/12 80.32-80.39. In the future, the Tyndale Campus Facilities department and their paving contractors will follow the requirements laid out in the regulation when re-paving existing parking facilities, building new parking facilities, or creating or redeveloping off-street parking facilities.
Obtaining Services (O. Reg. 413/12 80.40-80.43)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Campus Operations
Tyndale has no current plans to create new service counters, fixed queuing areas, or waiting areas. In the future, if Tyndale plans to create any new service counters, fixed queuing areas, or waiting areas, the Tyndale Campus Facilities department and their building contractors will consult and follow the requirements laid out in O. Reg. 413/12 80.40-80.43. Tyndale currently has three service counters that are compliant with O. Reg. 413/12 80.40-80.43, located at the main reception, main library, and campus store. Tyndale has no fixed queuing areas and no waiting areas with fixed seating. Tyndale has one waiting area for Counselling Services where the seating is not fixed and therefore can be moved to accommodate any clients with mobility aids.
Maintenance (O. Reg. 413/12 80.44)
Status: Complete
Responsibility: Director of Campus Operations
Tyndale currently has three systems in place to ensure proper maintenance of accessible elements on campus.
- The first system is the monthly inspection of all areas on campus by members of the Joint Health and Safety Committee. Inspected areas include sidewalks, parking lots, hallways, doorways, and washrooms.
- The second system is the use of Hippo CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Software) by the Tyndale Campus Facilities department to schedule monthly and annual repairs to accessible elements on campus. Such annual repairs include grinding down raised areas on sidewalks and repainting lines on accessible parking spaces.
- The third system is a contract with an AAADM (American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers) Certified Inspector to annually inspect all automatic door operators on campus, ensuring they remain in good working order.
Related Documents
Links to Content
Primary Author / Owner
hrdirector@tyndale.ca