The ACCESSIBLEPARKING AREA is marked with signs and is located in the Parking Lot on the East side of the building.
RAMP ACCESSIBILITY is located at the East entrance near the ACCESSIBLE PARKING area.
ELEVATOR ACCESS to the upper, middle and lower levels of the church is located at the Andrew Street entrance.
HEARING AIDS are available through the Ushers and the Sound System operator.
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THERE IS ANY WAY THAT WE CAN TRY TO MAKE OUR EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES MORE ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE FOR YOU!
Exeter United Church Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy Statement Approved by the Church Board on November 23, 2011
This policy contains statements that meet the requirements of the Customer Service Standard and other items that are good practices, and will be revised as other standards are introduced under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This policy seeks to achieve service excellence to participants with disabilities. Questions about the policy or its purpose should be directed to the Church Board.
1 Our Mission We choose to come together: to live by the example of Jesus Christ as led by the holy Spirit; to care for self, one another, our community and our world; to share our talents, resources, and enthusiasm.
2 Our Commitment In fulfilling our mission, Exeter United Church is committed to include people with disabilities as full and active participants. We will strive to remove barriers and negative attitudes that exclude people with disabilities from full and active participation. All people are encouraged to practice their faith and use their gifts in worship, service, study and leadership.
3 Providing Programs, Goods and Services to People with Disabilities Exeter United Church is committed to excellence in serving all participants, including people with disabilities. We will carry out our functions and responsibilities in worship, Christian education, social events and volunteer opportunities in the following ways:
3.1 Communication < We will strive to communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. < We will strive to provide publications in formats that are accessible for people with disabilities (e.g. large-print bulletins). < We will offer training to staff and volunteers on how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.
3.2 Telephone Services < We will train office staff and volunteers to communicate with participants over the telephone in clear and plain language and to speak clearly and slowly. < We will offer to communicate with participants by email or personal contact if telephone communication is not suitable to their communication needs or is not available.
3.3 Transportation We will strive to continue providing a courtesy car, volunteer driver or wheelchair-accessible van as required.
3.4 Assistive Devices < Exeter United Church has a lift with access to all levels of the building. < We provide assistive hearing devices for accessing worship and other applicable programs in the sanctuary. Ushers and other volunteers are trained on how to use these assistive hearing devices. < We will ensure that people are permitted to use their own personal assistive devices to access the sanctuary for worship and other applicable programs, goods and services. < We will familiarize staff and volunteers with the various assistive devices that may be used by participants with disabilities while accessing our programs, goods and services.
4 Accessibility Committee We are committed to establishing an Accessibility Committee to oversee all issues relating to accessibility in consultation with the Board. The committee membership will comprise champions of accessibility for people with disabilities. The Accessibility Committee will have several roles: < The committee will administer policies on providing accessible programs, goods and services to participants with disabilities that are in compliance with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07. < The committee will monitor our programs, goods and services to ensure that practices and procedures are consistent with our governing policies. < The committee will coordinate accessibility training and training materials for all staff and relevant volunteers. < The committee will be responsible for updating feedback procedures, reviewing feedback on accessibility and responding to any complaints or concerns.
5 Use of Service Animals and Support Persons < We are committed to welcoming people who are accompanied by a service animal on parts of our premises that are open to the public and other third parties. < We are committed to welcoming people who are accompanied by a support person. < Fees will not be charged for support persons accompanying a participant to social events.
6 Notice of Temporary Disruption Exeter United Church will strive to provide participants with notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services usually used by people with disabilities. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, the anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. The notice will be delivered to participants by means of telephone or email.
7 Feedback Process The ultimate goal of Exeter United Church is to meet and surpass expectations while serving participants with disabilities. Comments on our programs, goods and services regarding how well those expectations are being met are welcome and appreciated. < Feedback regarding the way Exeter United Church provides programs, goods and services to people with disabilities can be made by email, verbally, or feedback card. < All feedback will be directed to the Accessibility Committee. < Participants can expect to hear back in five days. < Confidentiality will be respected. < Complaints will be addressed according to the procedures outlined by the Accessibility Committee. Complaint procedures will be documented by the Accessibility Officer and responded to. Modifications to this Policy We are committed to developing an accessibility policy that respects and promotes the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. The policy will be reviewed annually and if modified will be done so consistent with this commitment.