Acessibility - LGA Architectural Partners

Accessibility

LGA Architectural Partners complies with all standards set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
AODA Compliance Report 2026

Introduction

At LGA Architectural Partners, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects the dignity and independence of all individuals, including those with disabilities. In alignment with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005, this policy outlines our dedication to identifying, preventing, and eliminating barriers to accessibility in our services and workplace. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to access our services in a manner that is consistent with the core principles of dignity, equality of opportunity, integration, and independence.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures that ensure LGA Architectural Partners meets its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005. This policy aims to identify, prevent, and eliminate barriers faced by persons with disabilities, ensuring they have equitable access to our services. By implementing this policy, we are committed to modifying our practices to enhance accessibility and foster an inclusive environment for all clients and employees.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, and any individuals who interact with clients, members of the public, or third parties on behalf of LGA Architectural Partners. It encompasses all aspects of our operations and services within Ontario, including our premises and any locations where we conduct business. The policy is intended to guide our practices in serving and accommodating persons with disabilities, ensuring compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005, and its related standards.

Definitions

To foster a shared understanding of the terms outlined in this policy, the following key definitions are provided:

Accessibility: The practice of making services, environments, and information usable by all people, including those with disabilities.
Assistive Device: Any tool, technology, or equipment that a person with a disability uses to help with daily living tasks. Examples include wheelchairs, hearing aids, screen readers, and canes.
Barrier: Anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in society due to their disability. Barriers can be physical, architectural, informational, communicational, attitudinal, technological, or systemic.
Disability: A physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder a person’s full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR): A set of standards under the AODA that outlines requirements in areas such as information and communications, employment, transportation, and the design of public spaces to achieve accessibility.
Service Animal: An animal trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability. Service animals accompany individuals to help with daily tasks and access services.
Support Person: An individual who assists a person with a disability with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs, or access to services. This person can be a family member, friend, or professional support worker.
AODA: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005; legislation aimed at identifying, removing, and preventing barriers for people with disabilities in Ontario.
Dignity: Providing services in a way that allows people with disabilities to maintain self-respect and the respect of others.
Equality of Opportunity: Ensuring that people with disabilities have the same chances to access and benefit from services as everyone else.
Integration: Providing services in a way that allows people with disabilities to fully participate alongside others to the greatest extent possible.
Independence: Empowering people with disabilities to do things on their own, without unnecessary assistance, and enabling them to make their own choices.

By clearly defining these terms, we aim to promote a common understanding and commitment to the principles of accessibility and inclusion across all levels of LGA Architectural Partners.

Policy Statements

LGA Architectural Partners is committed to providing accessible services and fostering an inclusive environment for all clients and employees. Our policy statements outline the specific measures we take to ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005, and to uphold the principles of dignity, equality of opportunity, integration, and independence.

Communication

We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that respect their needs and take their disabilities into account. Staff are expected to be flexible in their communication methods and to tailor their approaches appropriately. We encourage open dialogue by asking clients how we can best communicate with them and will work diligently to find acceptable alternatives if a particular method is unavailable.

Assistive Devices

We are committed to serving people with disabilities who use assistive devices to obtain, use, or benefit from our services. Staff shall accommodate clients who use assistive devices wherever possible and ensure they are familiar with various devices that may be used by clients with disabilities while accessing our services. Examples of assistive devices include wheelchairs, screen readers, listening devices, and canes.

Service Animals

We welcome people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal on the parts of our premises that are open to the public and third parties. Service animals are allowed to accompany their handlers at all times while on our premises.

Support Persons

We welcome people with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person. Any person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to enter LGA Architectural Partners’ premises with their support person. At no time will a person with a disability be prevented from having access to their support person while on our premises.

Notice of Temporary Disruption

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in facilities or services usually used by people with disabilities, we will provide timely notice. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services that may be available.

Accessible Invoices and Documentation

We are committed to providing accessible invoices and documentation to all of our clients. Upon request, invoices will be provided in alternate formats that meet the needs of the client. We will answer any questions clients may have about the content of the invoice in person, by telephone, or by email.

Privacy

All information regarding a person’s disability is considered personal and confidential. We will treat all such information with the utmost privacy and will not disclose it without the individual’s consent, except as required by law.

Feedback Process

We welcome and appreciate feedback on how we provide services to people with disabilities. Clients can provide feedback through various channels, including in person, by telephone, by email, or by any other reasonable method. All feedback will be directed to Human Resources.

Difficulty Accessing Services

If a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing our services, we will take reasonable steps to accommodate their needs. We will ask the individual how they can be accommodated and what alternative methods of service provision would be more accessible.

Emergency Procedure

We are committed to providing and maintaining premises that respect the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. If we are aware that an employee has a disability and requires accommodation, we will provide individualized workplace emergency response information as soon as practicable. With the employee’s consent, we will provide assistance during emergency situations as necessary.

Compliance with the AODA and IASR

LGA Architectural Partners is dedicated to meeting all requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005, and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR). We have met all the requirements of the AODA Customer Service Standard, including:

Training staff and volunteers regarding assistive devices that could be used by other staff, clients, and visitors.
Tracking training records.
Accommodating the use of support animals wherever possible.
Providing notice of disruptions in service.
Welcoming feedback from people with disabilities.

Core Principals

Our policy and practices are guided by the following core principles:

Dignity: Persons with disabilities are treated as valued clients who are as deserving of service as any other client.
Equality of Opportunity: Persons with disabilities are given opportunities equal to others to obtain, use, and benefit from our services.
Integration: Wherever possible, persons with disabilities are provided services in a way that allows them to fully participate alongside others.
Independence: Services are provided in a way that respects the independence of persons with disabilities. We are always willing to assist but will not do so without the express permission of the individual.

By implementing these policy statements, LGA Architectural Partners reaffirms its commitment to accessibility, ensuring that all clients and employees receive equitable treatment and have the opportunity to fully participate in our services and workplace.

Legal Compliance Disclaimer

This policy is designed to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005, and all relevant regulations under the Act. LGA Architectural Partners is committed to meeting all legal requirements and standards concerning accessibility and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities.

This page is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. LGA Architectural Partners reserves the right to modify or amend this policy as necessary to reflect changes in legislation or organizational practices. Employees are responsible for understanding and complying with this policy and all applicable laws. Any questions or concerns regarding this policy should be directed to Human Resources.

We are privileged to live, work, and create in the meeting place of Toronto (from the Haudenosaunee word Tkaronto), the traditional homeland of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. As settlers, we acknowledge our role in the ongoing process of mending and nurturing relationships with Indigenous people, and the inherent subjectivities of building on these lands. We orient our practice to engage in reciprocal consultation and authentic relationship building with Indigenous communities, to work within each nation’s culture and ways of knowing and seeing the world; and to peaceably share, respect and care for the lands sustaining us all.