IPC Accessibility Status Report 2020

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) is committed to creating an accessible organization by removing barriers for people with disabilities.  The IPC has prepared this annual accessibility status report to describe the steps it has taken to meet the goals set out in its Accessibility Plan and to comply with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

Since the previous annual status report, the IPC conducted specialized training for its intake and investigations staff regarding recognizing and responding to those experiencing mental distress or mental health conditions.  This training complemented the updated training on accessibility that was provided to all staff as described in the previous annual status report.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, IPC employees have worked from home for the majority of 2020.  To facilitate this, the IPC provided all employees with technology to facilitate working from home, including assistive technologies, where necessary, to support employees with disabilities.  The IPC has provided employees with increased resources to support mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Throughout 2020, the IPC continued to provide communication supports and documents in accessible formats to the public, and to accommodate persons who require assistive devices, service animals or support persons while using our services.  The IPC continued to offer and provide accommodations to persons with disabilities in the employment recruitment process and to employees with disabilities. The IPC continues to meet the needs of staff who require ergonomic assessment and/or modification of their physical workspace.