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Ontario Arts Council (OAC)
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Annual Status Report
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018-2021

2018 Annual Status Report

In 2018, the Ontario Arts Council continued to comply with its requirements under the AODA and undertook several accessibility-related initiatives, as described below:
  • Finalized its inclusive application policy and process that made its online granting system more accessible and improved the way in which OAC receives and responds to accommodation requests.
  • Finalized its inclusive assessment policy that made assessment panel participation more accessible.
  • Committed to holding all OAC hosted public events at accessible venues.
  • Conducted a staff demographic survey which identified that 30% of OAC’s population at the time identified as having a disability. Provided training to staff and management on mental health awareness and tools.
  • Identified the importance of ASL and LSQ communication skills in job descriptions and job postings of positions that serve the public.
  • Researched where OAC could post its job advertisements to attract individuals with disabilities.
  • Strengthened our communications on the job page of our website to welcome and encourage applicants with disabilities.
  • Held a learning session for staff on the ethics of partnership and cultural appropriation relating to Deaf and Disability Arts. 
  • Created a back-up plan for internal trainers on equity, Deaf and disability arts and accessibility. 
  • Provided formal ASL training opportunities to applicable staff.
  • Moved funding for Deaf and Disability Arts Projects Program into its base budget.
  • Established a list of suppliers of different alternate formats and communication supports for internal use. 
  • Conducted panels with a Deaf facilitator and Deaf assessors to evaluate ASL/LSQ applications.
  • Partnered with the Deaf Culture Centre and Small Language Connections on the provision of grant writing training and mentorship for application support. 
  • Convened meetings of its Deaf and Disability Arts and Access Advisory Group and continued to collect feedback from Deaf artists and artists with disabilities on how OAC policies, programs and services impact the community.
 

2019 Annual Status Report 

In 2019, the Ontario Arts Council continued to comply with its requirements under the AODA and undertook several accessibility-related initiatives, as described below:
  • Updated its Manager’s Guide to conducting performance reviews to improve the section on evaluating accessibility needs, accommodation and supports.
  • Diversified where it posted its job advertisements to include platforms that have a strong connection to Deaf and disability arts communities.  
  • Implemented mechanisms to make the process to request accessibility support funds faster and more efficient.
  • Convened further meetings of its Deaf and Disability Arts & Access Advisory Group and continued to collect feedback from Deaf artists and artists with disabilities on how OAC policies, programs and services impact the community.
  • Filed a report to the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario confirming the organization’s compliance with the AODA.
 

2020 Annual Status Report

In 2020, the Ontario Arts Council continued to comply with its requirements under the AODA and undertook several accessibility-related initiatives, as described below:
  • Audited OAC’s website and fixed any issues to ensure accessibility standards are maintained
  • Trained front-line workers on customer service for individuals with mental health issues or who are in distress
  • Provided a grant writing workshop for Deaf newcomer artists
  • Offered a mentorship initiative that supported Deaf artists and newcomer artists with disabilities to get guidance on arts grants, application content and project options
  • Contracted a firm to translate nine key OAC webpages, resources and associated links into American Sign Language to improve access for Deaf individuals. That project will be completed in early 2021
  • Members of Deaf and Disability Arts & Access Advisory Group (DDAAAG) made presentations to staff on their arts practice and disability, and gave guidance on considerations for working with and supporting artists with disabilities
  • Convened two DDAAAG meetings and continued to collect feedback from Deaf artists and artists with disabilities on how OAC policies, programs and services impact the community
  • Improved communication about and streamlined the application and reporting process for the Accessibility Fund: Project Support program, which now goes through OAC’s on-line application portal
  • Submitted requested documents in response to an AODA, 2005 - Desk Audit administered by the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility
 

2021 Annual Status Report

In 2021, the Ontario Arts Council continued to comply with its requirements under the AODA and undertook several accessibility-related initiatives, as described below:
  • Completed an Accessibility Compliance Report 

  • Convened a meeting of the Deaf and Disability Arts & Access Advisory Group (DDAAAG)  

  • Launched a series of videos in American Sign Language about the grant application and assessment process to better support applicants who are Deaf 

  • Held focus group sessions with Deaf artists and artists with disabilities to gather feedback and information for the creation of our new strategic plan