Accessibility

PEN Canada’s AODA statement

PEN Canada (PEN) recognizes the importance of accessibility and acknowledges the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA).

PEN recognizes that defining disability is a complex, evolving matter and the term “disability” covers a broad range and degree of conditions, visible or invisible.

For PEN Canada members, donors, supporters, staff, volunteers and friends of PEN who are disabled, this includes providing service in ways that:

  • allow constituents to maintain their independence and dignity;
  • provide constituents with disabilities the same access to services as others

In keeping with this commitment, PEN will carry out the functions and responsibilities according to the AODA Customer Service Standard.

Communication

  • We will communicate in ways that take accessibility into account.
  • We shall upon request provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities in a timely manner and at no more than the regular cost charged to other persons.
  • Our staff will be trained to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.

 Assistive Devices

  • We are committed to serving disabled people who use assistive devices to obtain, use or benefit from our service.

 Use of Service Animals and Support Persons

  • We are committed to welcoming people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal
  • Staff will be properly trained in how to interact with people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal.
  • At no time will a person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person be prevented from having access to that support person while visiting PEN premises.

Training for Staff

  • All staff will be provided training in accessible service.
  • Staff training will be upgraded when changes are made to policies, practices, and procedures.

 

Persons with disabilities can make complaints or inquiries in a manner that considers their disability, including verbally in person, through a support person, by telephone, in writing, or via email.