Accessibility Policy
Effective Date: December 24, 2024
At OCMSP, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all individuals, including those with disabilities. This policy outlines our practices to ensure that everyone can access our services equitably and with dignity, independence, and respect.
1. Purpose
We are dedicated to ensuring that our services are accessible to all by adhering to the following principles:
• Providing services in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of individuals with disabilities.
• Offering equal access to our services and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Ensuring that individuals with disabilities can benefit from our services in the same way as others.
2. Definitions
(a) Disability: Any degree of physical, cognitive, sensory, developmental, or learning disability, including conditions requiring assistive devices, service animals, or support persons.
(b) Service Animal: An animal trained to assist individuals with disabilities or identified by documentation as necessary for disability-related assistance.
(c) Support Person: An individual accompanying a person with a disability to assist with communication, mobility, personal care, or service access.
3. Application of Policy
This policy applies to all services provided by OCMSP, including online and physical services. It covers all employees, contractors, and others acting on our behalf in delivering services.
4. Providing Services to Individuals with Disabilities
We are committed to delivering exceptional service to individuals with disabilities by:
• Alternative Communication: Providing communication methods that accommodate disabilities, such as accessible formats or assistive technology upon request.
• Assistive Devices: Ensuring individuals using assistive devices can access services. If safety concerns or restrictions arise, we will offer reasonable alternatives.
• Service Animals: Permitting service animals in all areas unless prohibited by law. Alternative arrangements will be made if exclusion is required. Documentation may be requested if the need for the service animal is not apparent.
• Support Persons: Allowing support persons to accompany individuals with disabilities and ensuring they have access to services. If safety concerns require a support person, we will notify the individual and explore options.
5. Notice of Temporary Disruptions
In the event of planned or unexpected disruptions to facilities or services commonly used by individuals with disabilities, we will provide public notice, including:
• The reason for the disruption.
• The anticipated duration.
• Alternative facilities or services, if available.
Notices will be posted on our website, at the location, or communicated through other reasonable methods.
6. Staff Training
All employees and contractors involved in public service will receive training on accessibility standards and this policy. Training topics include:
• Understanding accessibility laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Methods of interaction and communication with individuals with different disabilities.
• Proper procedures for assisting individuals using service animals, assistive devices, or support persons.
• Steps to take if an individual has difficulty accessing our services.
Training will also be updated as policies or accessibility practices change.
7. Feedback Process
We value feedback about the accessibility of our services. Feedback can be submitted through:
• Email: [Insert Email Address]
• Phone: [Insert Phone Number]
We will investigate all feedback and respond in a timely manner. Responses will be provided in accessible formats upon request, and we will implement appropriate follow-up measures as necessary.
8. Modifications to This Policy
We are committed to ensuring this policy remains effective and aligned with accessibility principles. Changes will be made only after considering their impact on individuals with disabilities. Any policy inconsistent with accessibility and inclusivity will be modified or removed.
9. Requests for Documents in Accessible Formats
Upon request, we will provide this policy and other documents in formats that meet an individual’s accessibility needs. Requests can be made using the contact information provided above.
Contact Information
OCMSP
Email: [Insert Email Address]
Phone: [Insert Phone Number]