ACCESSIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARD

Dear Tecumseh BIA Member,

The BIA has joined the Tecumseh Accessibility Advisory Committee, that was established with the Town of Tecumseh, to help explain the new Accessible Customer Service Standard. You may also be aware that the Ontario Government has established the Ontarians with Disability Act, 2001.

The Tecumseh BIA and the Town of Tecumseh is working together with the Province to make Ontario more accessible to people with disabilities and to everyone who lives in and visits our Town. That's why the Province has developed the new Accessible Customer Service Standard.

All businesses that have at least one employee will have to comply with this standard by January 1, 2012. The standard is for businesses to improve their physical premises (internal and external) that will accommodate people with disabilities who visit and shop in their establishments.

The Tecumseh Accessibility Advisory Committee has created an idea and check list for you to use to help make your business more accessible for your customers who have disabilities. The Tecumseh BIA will be hosting a free Meet, Greet & Educate session for BIA members to provide additional information and Q&A's on the Disability Act; date and time will be available by Mid-April.

Entrances and Exits

Wide doors that are easily opened with one hand or self-opening doors
Entrances are level without steps or ledges
Handrails on stairs or ramps are provided
Entrance and exit mats are clear, dry and flat
Provide seating and ensure that they have arm-rests
Display name of business on the door
Service Dogs allowed on premises by law

Floors and Aisles

Floors are kept clean and dry
Aisles are wide and free of obstructions and allow access for wheelchair, walker, scooters
Floors are level and without any uneven ledges

Inside Stairways and Corridors

Whenever possible replace stairs with ramps
Stair edges are highlighted with bright colours and use non-skid surfaces
Stairs are uniform with risers consistent in height and treads consistent in width
Rounded handrails are used
Stairways and corridors are will lit with emergency lighting available

Parking Lots and Driveways

Adequate parking spots that are large enough to accommodate vehicles that display a disabled parking permit
Debris, snow and water are removed from parking area to minimize the struggle with barriers
Accessible placement of curb cuts
Even surfaces allowing easy access for strollers, wheelchairs, walkers and scooters

Washrooms

Washrooms are well marked and conveniently located
Entrances are wide enough to allow wheelchair and baby stroller access
Handrails are installed in toilet areas and sinks and towel dispensers are at reasonable heights
Family washrooms are available
Washrooms are well lit and well maintained

Shelves and Displays

Shelves and displays are firmly attached
Objects that are bulky and heavy are placed on or near the bottom
Assistance is provided for people who are unable to reach the top

The Visually Impaired

Large print on all signs
Braille by handles of washrooms, elevator, warnings and directional signage, etc.
Assistance available when needed
Fast food restaurants could provide hand held menus with large print or Braille

The Hearing Impaired

Individuals with hearing impairments can often read lips if you speak slowly and look straight at theme while talking
Learning just a few sign language gestures would help to communicate with persons with hearing impairments

For additional information you can visit the following websites:
>> www.youtube.com/accessontario
>> www.ontario.ca/AccessON
>> Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) - www.aoda.ca


		SEARCH OUR DIRECTORY *BROWSE* The Tecumseh BIA proudly represents Tecumseh, ON. We invite you to experience our businesses and services, our distinguished history, vibrant present and exciting future. The Town of Tecumseh is a safe place to live, work and visit to savour life's finer things in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This is the town anyone can call home!