We respect the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a barrier-free environment that promotes equal opportunity for everyone that accesses our services.

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Last Revised: August 18, 2026

 

Bridgeway Family Homes is committed to excellence by all members of our organization, including Staff, Foster Parents, Contractors, Volunteers, and Students, in providing services that are accessible to all clients, including persons with disabilities.  We will provide services in a manner that allows them to maintain their dignity, independence, integration, and equality of opportunity.

We will meet our current and ongoing obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

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​ASSISTIVE DEVICES

Clients with disabilities may use their own personal assistive devices when accessing our services. 

 

Assistive devices may include, but are not limited to:

• Wheelchairs

• Mobility scooters

• Walkers and other mobility aids

• Hearing devices

• Communication devices

• Computer software and hardware

• Other assistive technologies or devices

Members of the organization who provide services to clients will receive training on how to interact with clients who use assistive devices and how to use any accessibility equipment or supports provided by Bridgeway Family Homes.

 

Where appropriate, Bridgeway Family Homes will work with the client to support the safe and effective use of their assistive device when accessing our services.
 

COMMUNICATION

Bridgeway Family Homes will communicate with clients with disabilities in ways that take their individual disability-related needs into consideration.

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When requested, we will consult with the client and make reasonable efforts to provide information about our organization and services, including public safety information, in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports.

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Accessible formats and communication supports will be provided:

• In a timely manner, taking into account the person’s accessibility needs due to disability; and

• At no additional cost beyond the regular cost, if any, charged to other persons.

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These may include:

• Providing information in an accessible electronic format

• Providing large-print materials that best supports the individual’s needs

• Using plain language

• Providing verbal explanations of written information

• Assisting with forms or written documentation

• Allowing additional time for communication when required

• Using other communication supports appropriate to the individual's needs
   

SERVICE ANIMALS

Clients with disabilities may be accompanied by a service animal when accessing our services.

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When it is not readily apparent that an animal is a service animal, Bridgeway Family Homes may ask the client to provide documentation from a regulated health professional confirming that the animal is required for reasons relating to a disability.

SUPPORT PERSONS

Clients with a disability may be accompanied by a support person when accessing Bridgeway Family Homes services. 

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Bridgeway Family Homes will communicate directly with the client wherever possible. Before discussing confidential information in the presence of a support person, we may obtain the client’s consent.

 

TEMPORARY DISRUPTIONS TO SERVICES OR SERVICE CHANNELS

Bridgeway Family Homes will provide notice of planned or unexpected disruptions to services or service channels that may affect accessibility as soon as reasonably possible.

Where applicable, the notice will include:

• The reason for the disruption

• The anticipated duration

• Available alternative services or communication methods

 

Service channels may include telephone, email, website, electronic forms and documents, virtual meetings, and in-person services or meetings, where applicable.

 

Notice may be provided through the website, email, telephone or voicemail, direct communication with affected clients, or another reasonable method appropriate to the circumstances.

TRAINING FOR MEMBERS

Bridgeway Family Homes will provide training all members of the organization who interact with clients or are involved in providing services on behalf of Bridgeway Family Homes.  

 

Training will include:

• An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the requirements of the applicable client service standard

• The purpose and principles of accessible client service are guided by four core principles: dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity

• How to interact and communicate with clients with various types of disabilities

• How to interact with clients who use assistive devices or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person

• How to use assistive devices or other accessibility supports that may be available

• What action to take if a client with a disability is having difficulty accessing Bridgeway Family Homes’ services 

• An overview of Bridgeway Family Homes’ Accessible Client Service Plan and related accessibility policies and procedures

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Training will be provided as soon as practicable and whenever changes are made to applicable accessibility policies, practices, or procedures.

​MODIFICATIONS TO THIS POLICY OR OTHER POLICIES

Bridgeway Family Homes will regularly review its policies and practices to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility. Policies will be modified when necessary to ensure that they respect and promote dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity of persons with disabilities.

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FEEDBACK PROCESS

Bridgeway Family Homes welcomes feedback regarding the way we provide services to clients with disabilities. Feedback helps us identify barriers, improve our services, and ensure that our accessibility practices continue to meet the needs of our clients. We can arrange for accessible feedback and alternate formats upon request.

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Clients may provide feedback through the following methods: 

By Telephone:  1-877-377-1600

By Email:  bfh@bridgeway.ca 

In Writing:  Bridgeway Family Homes | PO Box 253 Stn Main | Cobourg, ON, K9A 4K8

 

Feedback received regarding accessible client service will be directed to the Executive Director for review and follow up.

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Feedback will be acknowledged and responded to within five (5) business days, where appropriate. We will make reasonable efforts to respond to accessibility feedback in a manner that takes into consideration the individual’s accessibility needs.