About

Accessible Customer Service

Policies and Procedures

 

Introduction

The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA is committed to the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

We are also committed to excellence in serving all customers, including people with disabilities.

 

Policies

Assistive Devices: We will ensure that our staff are trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by customers with disabilities while accessing our goods and services.

Communication: We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that respectfully take into account their disability.

Service animals: We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public.

Support persons: A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them to the public areas of our premises to access our programs, services and special events.

Fees will not be charged for support persons accompanying a person with a disability attending HBSPCA educational programming. We will notify customers of this through a notice on our written and digital promotional materials. This does not apply to fundraising events.

 

Procedures

Notice of Temporary Disruption: In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for customers with disabilities, the HBSPCA will notify customers promptly. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services if available.

The notice will be placed at the Adoption Centre entrance and the administration entrance.

Training for staff: The HBSPCA will provide training to employees and volunteers who deal with the public or other third parties on their behalf. Individuals in the following positions will be trained:

  • All reception staff, customer service representatives and adoption associates
  • All animal protection and investigations staff
  • All coordinators, supervisors, managers and directors

This training will be provided to staff within one year of the hire date.

 

Training will include:

  • An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard
  • The HBSPCA's accessible customer service plan
  • How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities
  • How to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or support person
  • An introduction to equipment or devices available onsite that may help with providing goods or services to people with disabilities
  • What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing the HBSPCA's goods and services

 Staff will also be re-trained when changes are made  to this document.

 

Feedback process

Customers who wish to provide feedback on the way the HBSPCA provides goods and services to people with disabilities can do so by email or telephone. All feedback will be directed to the Manager of Communications. Customers can expect acknowledgement in one business day. The HBSPCA will solicit feedback about the way the HBSPCA provides goods and services to people with disabilities from time to time, using its regular communications channels. Complaints will be addressed according to the HBSPCA's regular complaints policy and procedures.

 

Modifications to this or other policies

Any policy of the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.

 

Responsibilities

All staff are responsible to be familiar with this document, to uphold its principles and adhere to its terms.

The Manager of Communications is responsible for receiving feedback, acknowledging its receipt, collating the information and forwarding the results and recommendations to the CEO and government.

The Manager of Accounting is responsible for ensuring that all staff who require training receive it in the timelines specified in this policy.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for ensuring the overall adhereance to this policy.



Contact Us
Hamilton / Burlington SPCA

245 Dartnall Road

Hamilton, Ontario L8W 3V9

Main Switchboard: (905) 574-7722

Fax: (905) 574-9087

 

The Adoption Centre

Contact us by phone

(905) 574-7722 extension 305

 

Hours of operation:
Mon & Tues: 12:00 – 5:00
Wed – Fri: 12:00 – 7:30
Sat: 10:00 – 5:00
Sun: 12:00 – 4:00