Accessibility

Damian Warner Fitness Centre: Commitment to Accessibility

Damian Warner Fitness Centre (DWFC) aims to offer a comprehensive wellness experience for all of our valued members. Our staff are trained in AODA requirements and are committed to treating individuals with disabilities in a manner that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence.

We believe in integration, and we are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner. We will do so by meeting our accessibility requirements under Ontario’s accessibility laws.

Damian Warner Fitness Centre: Accessibility Plan

At Southside Ultimate Fitness, we are committed to meeting the accessibility standards outlined in Ontario Regulation 429/07 under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This policy pertains to the provision of services to the public and third parties and emphasizes our dedication to dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity for all.

Southside Ultimate Fitness (operating as "Damian Warner Fitness Centre") endeavors to uphold the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity by:

· Ensuring equitable value and quality of services for all members.

· Allowing members with disabilities to navigate our facilities in their preferred manner and pace, provided it doesn't compromise safety.

· Employing alternative methods to ensure equal access to services for members with disabilities.

· Tailoring our services to accommodate individual needs.

· Communicating in a manner that considers the member's disability.

Devices

Individuals with disabilities are welcome to utilize their own assistive devices when accessing our services. While the safety and usage of these devices remain the responsibility of the individual, we are committed to facilitating their access to our facilities by implementing reasonable measures when necessary.

Service Animals

We warmly welcome individuals accompanied by guide dogs, service animals, or service dogs onto our premises, recognizing their indispensable support. Our "no pet" policies do not apply to these essential service animals. In situations where exclusion is required by law, alternative measures will be explored to ensure continued access to our services. In circumstances where the presence of a service animal poses a health or safety risk to others, we will explore alternative solutions while prioritizing the individual's access to our services.

We adhere to all relevant laws governing the presence of animals in public spaces, including the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the Dog Owners' Liability Act. Verification of a guide dog, service dog, or service animal may be requested if not readily apparent.

Please note, members accompanied by service animals are responsible for the care, control, and cleanliness of their animals while on our premises.

Support Persons

Southside Ultimate Fitness ensures that members with disabilities are accompanied by their support persons when necessary, granting them entry and recognizing their vital role. Support persons are not required to pay guest fees if they are not using the facilities other than for assistance alone, but are expected to sign in upon each visit at the front desk and wear a badge at all times in the facility.

DAMIAN WARNER FITNESS CENTRE (DWFC) MULTI-YEAR ACCESSIBILITY PLAN:

At Damian Warner Fitness Centre (DWFC), we are dedicated to ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities in a prompt and efficient manner, while upholding their dignity and respect. This commitment is extended to all members, regardless of the visibility of their disability.

Our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines strategies and initiatives aimed at identifying, eliminating, and preventing barriers to access within our facilities.

Aligned with Ontario's accessibility legislation, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), this plan reflects our ongoing dedication to compliance and improvement.

DWFC's comprehensive approach is developed in accordance with the requirements of the AODA and the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11.

We regularly review and update this plan as necessary to ensure continued compliance and effectiveness. This Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is readily available on the Damian Warner Fitness Centre website and can be provided in accessible formats upon request.

The AODA sets forth standards and deadlines for increased accessibility by 2025. DWFC has already implemented an Accessible Customer Service policy and an Integrated Accessibility Policy, with ongoing evaluation and adjustment to remain compliant with future revisions.

Our employees and volunteers undergo training in AODA requirements and DWFC's Accessible Customer Service Policy. Continuous education and resources are provided to address the Customer Services Standard, accessibility standards outlined in this plan, and requirements of the Human Rights Code pertaining to individuals with disabilities.

Accessible Websites and Web Content

DWFC ensures accessible websites and web content, conforming to the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 at Level AA.