Accessibility Plan 2026-2031
Summary of the Objectives
The following is a summary of the objectives as recommended by the Accessibility Committee and endorsed by the appropriate departments at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC).
- Employment: Improve accessible recruitment and hiring processes. Enhance workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities.
- ALC/LTC Grouping
- Emergency planning improvements.
- Information and Communication: Ensure accessible, clear materials with editorial guidelines; include persons with disabilities in videos and educational/promotional materials.
- Customer Service Training: Expand AODA-aligned training and professional development.
- Removing Barriers in Public Spaces: Accessible washrooms, parking, sidewalks, wayfinding, and accessible procurement standards.
- Each objective includes project targets, timelines, and responsible departments.
Overview of Plan (click here to view)
SLMHC Mission, Vision, and Values
The SLMHC Mission
Caring for people, Embracing Diversity, Respecting Different Pathways to Health
The SLMHC Vision
We will be a Centre of Excellence in First Nations and northern health care by working together to improve the health status of individuals, families and communities now and for generations to come.
The SLMHC Values
We value compassion, respect, quality and teamwork.
Why Accessible Health Care is Important at SLMHC
Using the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA, 2005) as our guiding framework, SLMHC commits to meeting accessibility standards by identifying, removing, and preventing barriers affecting services, programs, and employment.
Communication of the Plan
The plan is posted on internal and external SLMHC websites and is updated regularly. Accessible formats (hard copy, large print, and others) are available upon request.
Barrier Identification Methodologies
- Feedback and observations from staff, volunteers, patients, and residents.
- RiskPro incident reporting.
- Patient and public feedback through Quality & Safety and Occupational Health.
- Community partnerships and continuous accessibility audits.
Past Achievements
- Implemented motion-activated door openers for major patient care entrances.
- Purchased a Fourplex Apartment building for staff accommodations, with one apartment fully barrier free and accessible.
- Purchased R.I.O. interpreter service supporting multilingual and ASL communication.
- Accessibility Committee members completed accessibility training to improve knowledge on improving accessibility within the facility.
Review and Monitoring of Plan
The Accessibility Committee meets quarterly and publishes an annual status report detailing progress in implementing the plan
We Would Like to Hear From You
We welcome your feedback to help improve accessibility at SLMHC. If you have identified barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us:
Feedback Form: https://slmhc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2siTavEFPAlRbsa
Phone: 807-737-6578
Email: feedbacksupport@slmhc.on.ca
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (2026-2031)
ALC Grouping & Extended Care Unit
| Key Deliverables | Activities | Dept. Responsible | Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ensure activities of daily living are barrier-free and promote independence | Ensure clear and uncluttered hallways to support mobility devices. Implement wayfinding systems using large-print, tactile, and pictorial signage. Encourage participation in daily routines — such as folding laundry, setting tables, or helping with garden care. Provide written materials in accessible formats (large print, plain language, or audio). Ensure staff are trained in communication supports — visual cues, picture boards, hearing devices, and cultural sensitivity | Patient Care Managers & Administrator LTC – Cynthia Dwyer | Ongoing | Ongoing |
Employment
| Key Deliverables | Activities | Dept. Responsible | Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recruitment | Review recruitment processes for accessibility and ensure accommodations are offered as needed throughout the recruitment and employment cycle, supporting the successful hiring and retention of employees with disabilities. | Human Resources | December 2026 | Ongoing |
| Employment | Employees will be reminded upon hire of accommodation options when required. Review and update employment related policies including accommodations and accessibility policy. | Occupational Health & Human Resources | Immediate & Ongoing | Ongoing |
Emergency Planning
| Key Deliverables | Activities | Dept. Responsible | Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ensure Emergency Response Plan information is accessible | Finalize plan and ensure all managers communicate the plan to their staff and where it can be accessed in case of an emergency. | Accessibility Committee, Security Manager, Communications | December 2026 | Ongoing |
| Employees requiring an Emergency Accessibility Plan for evacuation will have one. Review and track total number of Emergency Accessibility Response Plans | Promote the use of emergency plans focusing on new hire, return-to-work, and re- deployments within the organization. Create file that would be forwarded to Command table in event of Code Green Consider addition to QIP | Occupational Health, Security Manager & Human Resources | Annually Within Five-Year plan | Ongoing |
Information and Communication
| Key Deliverables | Activities | Dept. Responsible | Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessible materials | Plain language, high contrast text, accessible fonts, Indigenous language integration. | Communications with Accessibility | January 2027 | Ongoing |
| Accessible web environments | Annual audits; captions; transcripts; navigation clarity; Indigenous artwork integration. | Communications | December 2026 | Ongoing |
| Accessible social media | Captions; avoid flashing visuals; inclusive language; content warnings. | Communications | September 2026 | Ongoing |
| Accessible wayfinding | Plain language; high contrast fonts; accessible maps; tactile/pictorial signage; regular audits. | Communications with Accessibility Committee approval | April 2027 | Ongoing |
Procurement
| Key Deliverables | Activities | Dept. Responsible | Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AODA-aligned procurement to ensure all furnishings and equipment are accessible to all | Review/update furniture policy and include in procurement process. Purchases of medical equipment and furniture shall be from established commercial or reputable hospital vendors to ensure patient safety, Canadian regulatory compliance and product quantity to meet all AODA requirements. | Materials Management | Yearly | Ongoing |
Customer Service Training
| Key Deliverables | Activities | Dept. Responsible | Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AODA Training | Mandatory annual training; tracked via LMS; updated regularly. | Education / HR Manager | Yearly | Ongoing |
| Building Accessibility Training | Chair & committee training; develop and deliver manager training. | Chair of Accessibility Committee | Yearly | Ongoing |
Policy, Physical Environment, and Reporting
| Key Deliverables | Activities | Dept. Responsible | Timeline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessibility Policy | Regular review for relevance and legal compliance. | Accessibility Committee / HR Manager | Yearly | Ongoing |
| Inclusive Workplace | Curate resources; educational opportunities; awareness of service animals & support persons. | Accessibility Committee | December 2026 | Ongoing |
| Public Space Accessibility | Accessible parking, accessible washrooms; raised toilet, review adaptive equipment; adjust grab bars; install hands-free faucets. | Accessibility Committee | Spring 2027 | Ongoing |
| Annual Status Report | Prepare and post annual accessibility report to update staff and the public on measures taken to improve accessibility. | Security & Enterprise Risk Manager | December 2026 | Ongoing |
