AODA Statement of Commitment
SIRCH Community Services is committed to providing accessible, inclusive services, programs, and workplaces for people of all abilities. We strive to identify, remove, and prevent barriers so that everyone can obtain, use, and benefit from our goods, services, and facilities in a manner that respects dignity, independence, equal opportunity, and integration.
We work to meet and maintain the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its regulations, and to continuously improve accessibility through our policies, staff training, customer service practices, and feedback processes. Accessibility is a shared responsibility at SIRCH, and we welcome input from employees, volunteers, customers, and community members to help us better meet the needs of people with disabilities.
Information and Communication Commitments
Feedback Process
- Online: Using our online form
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 705-457-1742
- In Person: 49 Maple Avenue, Unit 6 (upstairs, use elevator if needed), Haliburton, ON.
- By Mail: SIRCH Community Services, P.O. Box 687, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
Accessible Formats Notification
In accordance with the AODA, SIRCH will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports, upon request, at no additional cost. We will consult with you to determine the most suitable format or support to meet your needs.
For more information or to request a document in an alternate format, please contact HR staff at 705‑457‑1742 or [email protected].
Emergency Information
If SIRCH prepares emergency procedures, emergency plans, or public safety information for the public, we will provide this information in accessible formats or with communication supports on request. We will make every reasonable effort to provide these accessible versions as soon as possible after a request is received, recognizing the importance of timely access to safety information.
For any immediate medical or safety emergency, please call 9‑1‑1 to reach police, fire, or ambulance services right away.
Customer Service Elements
Service Animals and Support Persons
SIRCH welcomes people with disabilities who are accompanied by service animals and/or support persons at all locations.
Service Animals:
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Office, Program locations and Thrift Warehouses (Haliburton and Bancroft): Service animals and other dogs are welcome in all public areas of these locations, which are dog‑friendly spaces.
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Bistro Bakery: Service animals are welcome in customer areas where food is served or sold; for health and safety reasons they cannot enter kitchen or food‑preparation areas, and staff will provide assistance so customers still receive equivalent service.
Staff are trained to treat service animals as working animals, not pets, and to interact directly with the person using the animal, unless the person asks for assistance. Signage at our entrances and service counters lets customers know that service animals are welcome and that staff are available to help.
Support persons:
SIRCH welcomes people with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person at all of our locations and programs. A support person may help with communication, mobility, personal care, or access to our services. If confidential or sensitive information is being discussed (for example, in a group program), staff will confirm whether the individual wants their support person to remain present and will respect their wishes.
Notice of Temporary Disruptions
If there is a temporary disruption to services or facilities that people with disabilities rely on (for example, an elevator or automatic door), SIRCH will notify the public as soon as possible. We post notices at the affected location and may also share updates by social media, or on this page. Each notice will explain what is disrupted, why, how long it is expected to last, and what alternative access or supports are available.
- SIRCH Office: No current disruptions
- SIRCH Bistro Bakery: No current distruptions
- Thrift Warehouse Haliburton: No current disruptions
- Thirft Warehouse Bancroft: No current disruptions
- Off site programs: No current disruptions
Employment and Training
SIRCH Community Services is dedicated to providing a barrier-free workplace that allows every team member to reach their full potential. We make every reasonable effort to meet the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) across all stages of employment, including performance management, career development, and return-to-work processes. By integrating accessibility into our daily operations, we foster a culture of inclusion, dignity, and respect for all employees and volunteers.
Recruitment Commitment
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. SIRCH Community Services is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request at all stages of the hiring cycle, including the application, assessment, and interview processes. If you require support to participate fully in our recruitment process, please notify us, and we will work with you to provide suitable arrangements that respect your individual accessibility needs.
Staff Training Information
Our team is equipped to serve the diverse needs of our community. SIRCH provides mandatory accessibility training to all employees, volunteers, and members of the Board of Directors. New staff members complete this training through the HR Covered portal within two weeks of hire. This training covers the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) and the Ontario Human Rights Code as they pertain to persons with disabilities. We ensure our staff are fully trained on accessible customer service, the duty to accommodate, and our organization's specific accessibility policies.
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports
SIRCH Community Services is committed to providing information in a way that works for everyone. Upon request, we will provide or arrange for accessible formats (such as large print or screen-reader compatible electronic files) and communication supports (such as reading information aloud) for persons with disabilities. We provide these supports in a timely manner and at no additional cost beyond the regular price charged for standard materials. We will consult directly with you to determine the most suitable format or support to meet your specific needs.
Zoom and Scalability
We aim to make our digital content easy to see and navigate. Our website is designed to be compatible with the zoom and scaling features of modern web browsers. You can resize our web pages and downloadable documents up to 200% without losing content or functionality, ensuring a clear and comfortable reading experience for those who require visual magnification.
Descriptor Voice Options
We are dedicated to the continuous improvement of our digital accessibility. Our AODA webpage currently features AI-generated text-to-speech technology for select content. It is our goal to have our website fully modified by the end of 2026 to include comprehensive descriptor voice options, allowing all visitors to have on-screen text and image descriptions read aloud automatically
Contact Information
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 705-457-1742
- In Person or by Mail: 49 Maple Avenue, Unit 6, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0
Most recent Accessibility Compliance Report
SIRCH has completed and submitted its most recent Accessibility Compliance Report to the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, as required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Our current report covers the reporting year 2023 and confirms our efforts to meet AODA requirements across customer service, information and communications, employment, and public spaces. A PDF copy of the 2023 Accessibility Compliance Report is available on this page for review and can be provided in accessible formats on request.