Accessibility Plan

Statement of Commitment

Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is committed to developing a culture of diversity and inclusivity for the communities we serve. We believe in equal access to education and employment, and as one of the province’s leading post-secondary institutions, we are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming, supportive and respectful of the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.

RRC Polytech is committed to continuing its work to remove barriers to education and employment, and to promote access and participation in all aspects and activities of the College. Building on decades of inclusion and the establishment of best practices, it is the responsibility of each member of the RRC Polytech community — including employees, students, alumni, volunteers and their representative organizations — to play a part in creating an equitable and inclusive environment. To support individuals to satisfy the requirements of their education or employment, we commit to making reasonable accommodations that may be required to allow persons with disabilities to be successful.

We believe in inclusion and we will continue our work to meet, and exceed where possible, the mandate of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act and the mandate of The Human Rights Code.

RRC Polytech’s Accessibility Plan and Accessibility Working Group

To advance this commitment to accessibility, RRC Polytech has created an Accessibility Plan. The Accessibility Plan has been created under the guidance and direction of the Chief Human Resources Officer and is supported by the Human Resource Services Programs and Policies team. The plan is updated every two years by an Accessibility Working Group, representing programs and departments across the College. The Accessibility Work Group leads the implementation of the Accessibility Plan and with input and feedback from the College community, they report on progress; demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Accessibility Standards; and, identify further initiatives to address accessibility barriers and support access to programs and services.

If you have any questions or feedback about RRC Polytech’s Accessibility Plan; or, if you would like to request this information in alternate formats, please contact the College by email at diversity@rrc.ca, by phone at 204-632-2319, or by fax at 204-694-0750.

General Requirements

Establish an Accessibility Working Group Complete

Initiative: Establish an Accessibility Working Group

Create an Accessibility Working Group to support the development and implementation of RRC Polytech’s Accessibility Plan.

Update

RRC Polytech’s commitment to accessibiltiy is championed by our Chief Human Resource Officer. To support the development, implementation of update of our Accessibility Plan, RRC Polytech has established an Accessibility Working Group. The Accessibiltiy Working Group is comprised of stakeholders from across the College and is supported by the Human Resource Programs and Policies team. The Accessibility Working Group was renewed in 2022 to support the updates and implementation of the 2022-2024 Accessibility Plan updates.

Develop an Accessibility Plan and Update Every Two Years Complete

Initiative: Accessibility Plan Updates

In compliance with the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, RRC Polytech will update its Accessibility Plan every two years to comply with the requirements of the Accessibility Standards, report on progress and identify initiatives to raise awareness, address barriers and support accessibility.

Update

The Accessibility Working Group reviewed and updated the Accessibility plan for 2022-2024, with input from representatives from across the College Community. The plan updated were advanced to RRC Polytech’s Executive team and the Manitoba Accessibility Office who provided support to proceed with implementation.

Create Accessibility Policy and Procedures In Progress

Initiative: Accessibility Policies, Programs and Practices

Develop policies, programs, and practices to remove barriers and deliver accessible services and supports.

Update

RRC Polytech will continue to support the development of accessible policies, programs and practices; and plans to develop an overarching Accessibility Policy as part of the 2022-2024 Accessibility Plan updates.

Customer Service Standard

Staff Training Complete

Initiative

Provide mandatory staff training to improve overall understanding of accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Expected Outcome

Increase knowledge and awareness, and reduce stigma.

Update

This action is complete. Customer Service Standard Online Training is mandatory for all Red River College Polytechnic employees. The College is at a 99% compliance rate on this training presently.

Sharing Resources Complete

Initiative

Develop a strategy for sharing resources related to accessibility with employees, students and stakeholders.

Expected Outcome

Increased knowledge and easier access to resources and information.

Update

This action is complete. We have developed an Accessibility section on the RRC Polytech website where information, resources and services for students and employees related to this topic are available.

Alternate Communication Complete

Initiative

Ensure alternate formats for all communication materials are available upon request.

Expected Outcome

Include alternate format statement on all communications.

Update

This action is complete. Best practice for the College has been developed to include active offer statements on all of our communication. This work will be ongoing and as we identify gaps in compliance we will correct as needed.

Closed Captioning Complete

Initiative

Create a process for providing closed captioning to new video materials and previously developed priority materials.

Expected Outcome

All RRC Polytech developed videos to include closed captioning.

Update

This action is complete. Every RRC Polytech video on YouTube and Vimeo has upgraded to include closed captioning. Closed captioning is also included in the standard process for new video development.

Accessibility Statement Complete

Initiative

Ensure all course outlines include an Accessibility Statement.

Expected Outcome

All course outlines upgraded to this standard.

Update

This action is complete. All course outlines have an Accessibility Statement included.

Form Task Group Complete

Initiative

Form a task group to improve the student self-identification process for disabilities.

Expected Outcome

Improved processes for student self-identification.

Update

This action is complete. The RRC Polytech application form now has a question encouraging students to self-identify as having a disability and the process enables students to link with our Academic Support Services for further assistance.

Readiness Strategy Complete

Initiative

Develop additional readiness strategies specific to students with disabilities to ensure they are prepared for the start of classes.

Expected Outcome

Improvement in student readiness.

Update

This action is complete and ongoing. RRC Polytech’s Autism Spectrum Disorder pilot prep program launched in August 2017. The program was a success and is now an annual offering. In 2020 and onwards we will assess whether there are additional programs we can implement to improve student readiness.

Academic Accommodations Plans Complete

Initiative

Review process for developing student Academic Accommodation Plans.

Expected Outcome

Process for Academic Accommodation Planning is defined and communicated to employees.

Update

This action is complete. A review of the process for developing Accommodation Plans is complete and the process was communicated to the College successfully. Specific programs that include co-op, clinical or any other off-campus placements were reviewed to ensure Accommodation Plans are clear and communicated to faculty as well as on-site instructors.

Mental Health Strategy Complete

Initiative

Develop a Mental Health Strategy for all employee and students.

Expected Outcome

Mental Health Strategy rolled out.

Update

This action is complete. RRC Polytech has developed the ongoing Healthy Minds, Healthy College initiative. The College has employed a Mental Health Coordinator as well as an Advisory Committee that supports this objective throughout the year.

Reduce Financial Barriers Complete

Initiative

Explore options to reduce financial barriers to students with disabilities, such as site licenses for assistive technology.

Expected Outcome

Outline strategies to reduce financial barriers.

Update

This action is complete and ongoing. RRC Polytech has financial bursaries and assistive technology available to support students. These services have expanded in 2019 to include license to access Text to Speech software.

Employee Awareness Complete

Initiative

Ensure that employees know who to contact and where to get information related to customer service and accessibility.

Expected Outcome

Improve awareness of where to get information and direct questions.

Update

This action is complete. There is an email set up for employee and student inquiries related to accessibility – diversity@rrc.ca. This information is available on our corporate website.

Provide Training Complete

Initiative

Provide accessibility training to new instructors as part of the Teaching Essential Program (TEP).

Expected Outcome

Information on Academic Accommodations policy and processes included in the TEP.

Update

This action is complete. Information regarding the Academic Accommodation Policy and process is included in the TEP training and manual.

Increase Awareness of Academic Accommodations Policy

Initiative

Evaluate methods to further educate the Academic Accommodation Policy to RRC Polytech faculty.

Expected Outcome

Increased awareness of the Academic Accommodations Policy (A28).

Update

The Academic Accommodation Policy is to be updated in 2020. After the update is complete we will look to develop training or information sessions for the RRC Polytech community.

Define Essential Outcomes

Initiative

Begin the process of defining essential learning outcomes for Program and Curriculum Development.

Expected Outcome

Process defined.

Update

In 2020, we will be reviewing where the development and implementation can best fit into our current process and connecting with other institutions (ie. University of Manitoba) who have implemented essential learning outcomes. We will then make a plan to develop essential learning outcomes for our programs.

Employment Standard

Provide individual emergency response information to keep employees with disabilities safe.

Initiative: Emergency Response Plans Complete

Develop individual emergency response plans and practices to keep employees and students with disabilities safe during a workplace or classroom emergency.

Update

RRC Polytech has developed individual emergency response plans and practices and communicated these practices to all employees and students. Employees and students are aware they can request an accessible emergency response plan by emailing safety@rrc.ca. RRC Polytech’s Safety, Health and Security Services ensures all requested emergency response plans are developed and are regularly reviewed and updated.

Ask employees who require assistance during an emergency for permission to share information with individuals who have agreed to help.

Initiative: Emergency Response Information Practices Complete

Develop practices to obtain emergency response information and permission to share information, as needed, to support the implementation of established emergency response plans.

Update

As part of the developed emergency response plans and practices, RRC Polytech obtains emergency response information from employees or students; and, confirms permission to share this information with individuals who have agreed to help implement an emergency response plan. Employees and students receive a copy of their emergency response plan which identifies those who need to be part of their plan and what their role would be.

Offer reasonable accommodations when recruiting new employees.

Initiative: Accommodation Offer on Job Postings Complete

Develop a statement to notify job applicants that they can request accommodations during the hiring process and add to all job postings.

Update

RRC Polytech includes a statement on all job postings to reflect its commitment to accessible, barrier free employment and to invite candidates requiring accommodation to contact Human Resources Services to discuss their accommodation needs.

Initiative: Alternate Format Offer on Job Postings Complete

Develop a statement to offer information in alternate formats and add to all job postings.

Update

RRC Polytech job postings include an accessible offer to provide information in alternate formats upon request.

Initiative: Interview Accommodation Supports Complete

Provide job seekers with further information on requesting accommodations during the hiring process.

Update

RRC Polytech has developed an Interview Accommodations FAQ to provide job seekers with further information on accommodations during the hiring process including how to request an accommodation; examples of accommodations that can be requested; what job applicants can expect during the interview process; and, how their personal information will be protected.

Inform applicants about workplace accommodation policies and practices when making an offer of employment.

Initiative: Accommodation Information in Letters of Offer Complete

Develop a statement to inform applicants about workplace accommodation policies and practices and add to all letter of offer templates.

Update

RRC Polytech has updated its letter of offer templates to provide employees with information about workplace accommodations and process to request accommodation.

Initiative: Accessible Offer Letter Complete

Ensure the employee letter of offer is fully accessible and includes alternate text.

Update

RRC Polytech has updated its letter of offer templates to ensure letters can be provided in accessible formats with alternate text.

Inform employees about policies and practices, including updates, and offer this information in accessible formats and with communication supports upon request.

Initiative: Policies Development Framework Complete

Inform employees about new policies and/or changes to accessibility/accommodation policies and procedures.

Update

RRC Polytech has established a Policies Development Framework that establishes that all policies and associated procedures will be posted on the College Policies website. RRC Polytech further communicates policy and/or procedure updates through internal emails and staff training, where required.

Initiative: Policies Drafting Guidelines Complete

Establish guidelines to support accessible policy development.

Update

RRC Polytech has established policy Drafting Guidelines which prompt consideration of systematic barriers; inclusive language; and, fairness and flexibility during the policy development process.

Initiative: Onboarding Process Checklist Complete

Include information about workplace accommodations in the employee onboarding process.
Update

RRC Polytech includes information about workplace accommodations as part of its Onboarding Process Checklist.

Initiative: New Employee Orientation Training Complete

Include information about workplace accommodations in the new employee orientation training.

Update

RRC Polytech delivers regular New Employee Orientation sessions which provide employees with an introduction to the Supportive Employment Program and information on workplace accommodations and related legislation.

Develop and implement individual accommodation plans for employees that request them. Ensure individualized accommodation plans meets the requirements of section 13(2) of the Accessible Employment Standard Regulation.

Initiative: Supportive Employment Program Complete

Develop a program to support the workplace accommodation process and to develop accommodation plans for employees that request them.

Update

RRC Polytech has developed a Supportive Employment Program which provides employees and supervisors with training, tools, templates and supports to manage the medical accommodation process and develop individual accommodation plans. The accommodation plans established through the Supportive Employment Program meet the requirements of section 13(2) of the Accessible Employment Standard Regulation.

Management considers workplace accommodations to remove a barrier affecting an employee’s performance.

Initiative: Update the Performance Support Conversation Program Complete

Update the Performance Support Conversation Program to include information about workplace accommodations.

Update

RRC Polytech has updated its Performance Support Conversations Program to include information about workplace accommodations and to prompt consideration of whether there are any accessibility barriers that could be removed or accommodated to support an employee’s performance.

Consider workplace accommodations to remove a barrier that may affect an employee’s opportunities for training and advancement.

Initiative: Guidelines for Staff Development Complete

Develop and implement guidelines for the design and delivery of accessible staff development workshops.

Update

RRC Polytech has developed a collection of accessibility resources and tips to support the design and delivery of accessible training and development for staff (and students). RRC Polytech has developed accompanying training and all facilitators who deliver staff development workshops were invited to attend the kick-off sessions. The accessibility resources include information about accommodations and provide further information to learn more. The Accessibility Guidelines for staff training are published on the Staff Forum Accessibility Website.

Follow a return to work policy for employees who have been off work due to a disability, and a process to determine reasonable workplace accommodations.

Initiative: Supportive Employment Program Complete

Develop a program to support the workplace accommodation process and to develop return to work plans/reasonable accommodation plans for employees who require them.

Update

RRC Polytech had developed a Supportive Employment Program which provides employees and supervisors with training, tools, templates and supports to manage the medical accommodation process and to guide the planning for return to work plans for employees who have been off work due to injury or illness and the development of reasonable accommodation plans for employees who require them.

Train management and staff with human resource responsibilities about accessible employment and related legislation.

Initiative: Supportive Employment Program Training for Managers Complete

Develop training to support management with considering workplace accommodations and removing barrier to accessibility.

Update

RRC Polytech has developed training for Managers on the Supportive Employment Program which provides an overview of relevant legislation and the medical accommodation process.

Initiative: Accessible Employment Online Training In Progress

Train management and staff with human resource responsibilities on the Accessible Employment Standard.

Update

RRC Polytech is developing a training plan to support management and staff with human resource responsibilities to complete the Accessibility for Manitobans online training for Accessible Employment.

This will be implemented as part of the 2022-2024 Accessibility Plan updates.

Keep a written record of accessible employment policies and practices, including a summary of training content and when training is offered.

Initiative: Update Accessibility Websites and Resources Complete

Update RRC Polytech’s Accessibility websites with new policies, practices and training related to the Accessibility Standard for Employment.

Update

RRC Polytech continues to keep a record of its accessibility policy and practices, including its training offerings through its Accessibility website. The website is updated as new policies, procedures, trainings and supports are developed. The website provides information on how to request further information about RRC Polytech’s accessibility services and supports; as well as how to request information in accessible formats.

Inform public that the accessible employment policies and practices are available on request and in accessible formats.

Initiative: Update Accessibility Websites and Resources Complete

Update RRC Polytech’s Accessibility websites with new policies, practices and training related to the Accessibility Standard for Employment.

Update

RRC Polytech continues to inform the public about its accessibility policies and practices through its Accessibility website, which offers information on how to request assistance with accessibility and/or further information in accessible formats.

Information and Communication Standard

All Manitoba websites and web content must meet or exceed globally followed World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA

Initiative: Accessible Website and Web Content Audit In Progress

Conduct an accessibility audit to determine compliance with World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and resolve any areas of non-compliance.