Accessibility

Accessibility statement

Southeast Public Health is committed to ensuring equitable access to our programs, services, facilities, and information for all members of our community. We are committed to treating all people in a way that respects their dignity and independence, while promoting integration, inclusion, and equal opportunity.

We will identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility and will meet the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Integrated Accessibility Standards.

To support this commitment, we will make reasonable efforts to:

  • Provide programs and services in a manner that respects the dignity, independence, and individual needs of people with disabilities.
  • Provide equitable access to our programs and services, using alternate methods when necessary to ensure accessibility.
  • Communicate in ways that consider each person’s communication needs.
  • Permit the use of personal assistive devices and welcome support persons, service animals, communication aids, cognition aids, mobility aids, medical devices, and other assistive technologies, unless prohibited by law.
  • Provide accessible information and communications, including alternate formats and communication supports upon request and in a timely manner.
  • Seek opportunities to identify, remove, and prevent barriers that may limit access to our services, information, facilities, or employment.

Accessibility policies

Southeast Public Health has policies and procedures that support compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Integrated Accessibility Standards. The following documents are available to the public, upon request:

  • Accessibility policy
  • Accessibility reports
  • Multi-year accessibility plan

To receive a copy of these documents, please contact us.

Feedback

Southeast Public Health welcomes feedback about the accessibility of our programs, services, facilities, and website. Your feedback helps us identify and remove barriers. Please submit your comments through our Feedback page.

Accessible service and alternate formats

If you require information in an alternate format, or require accessible accommodation to access our services, please complete our online request for accessible service or alternate format form to let us know how we can help. We will respond within three business days.

Multi-year accessibility plan

Southeast Public Health was established on January 1, 2025, bringing together three respected public health agencies with a shared commitment to protecting and promoting the health and well-being of the communities they serve. Each organization had its own history, expertise, and long-standing relationships, yet they were united by common values and a commitment to providing high-quality public health services.

The creation of Southeast Public Health marked the beginning of a new chapter, bringing together people, programs, and services to better serve residents across southeastern Ontario. As a newly merged agency, we are harmonizing policies, practices, and systems while building on the strengths of our legacy organizations.

Accessibility is a foundational element to serving our communities. We are committed to identifying, removing, and preventing barriers so that everyone can access our programs, services, facilities, information, and employment opportunities with dignity, independence, and equal opportunity. The inaugural multi-year Accessibility Plan reflects the actions and achievements of Southeast Public Health since January 1, 2025, and outlines our ongoing commitment to embedding accessibility into everything that we do.

Southeast Public Health has identified projects and programs to improve the accessibility for people with disabilities and to meet the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. These initiatives will be completed over the duration of this multi-year plan.

Customer service

  • Review and update multi-year accessibility plan at least once every five years.
  • Review and update the process for receiving and responding to feedback, as needed.

Information and communications

  • Harmonization of emergency procedures, plans, and public safety information.

Employment

  • Harmonization of employment accommodation policies and make the information available to the public, as well as applicants during recruitment processes.
  • Notify successful applicants of policies for accommodating employees with disabilities.
  • Harmonization of the return-to-work process.
  • Harmonization of performance management process that takes into account employees with disabilities.
  • Harmonization of redeployment process that takes into account employees with disabilities.
  • Harmonization of career development and advancement process that takes into account employees with disabilities.

Training

  • Development of a comprehensive, harmonized training program, including training on the requirements of the accessibility standards.
  • Development of harmonized records for training, including dates and number of people trained.

Design of public spaces

  • Harmonization of signage policies that incorporate accessibility criteria to be considered when displaying and installing public-facing materials and signage.

Southeast Public Health is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of the community and employees. For more information or to obtain a copy of this document in an alternate format, you may contact Southeast Public Health in several ways.

Email

Online

Phone: 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875, extension 1940

Mail: 221 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, ON K7M 1V5