Read our 2023–24 Strategy Report, outlining Branksome's progress across our six strategic priorities.
Accessibility at Branksome Hall
Accessibility
Our Commitment:
Branksome Hall is committed to providing services in a manner that, as much as reasonably possible, respects the dignity, independence, integration and equality of opportunity of all individuals, including those with disabilities. In our ongoing efforts to strive for accessibility, the school endorses the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the regulations supporting this Act. We aim to ensure that people with disabilities are given the same opportunity as others to obtain and benefit from services offered by the school.Communication
We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that best take into account their disability.Service Animals
Service animals are allowed to enter premises with any person with a disability, except where animals are not allowed by law (for example, where food is being prepared). Where an animal is not allowed by law, alternative options will be explored to provide the service to the person with a disability. The animal must be under the care and control of the individual at all times. Where there is a risk to the health and safety of another person as a result of the presence of a service animal, consideration must be given to options available prior to the exclusion of a service animal.Support Persons
Support persons are allowed to accompany any person with a disability in any area on school premises. If there is an admission fee payable as a result of the person’s attendance at the premises, notice shall be given in advance about the amount, if any, payable by the support person.Notice of Temporary Disruption
If there is a temporary disruption of facilities or services typically used by people with disabilities, notice of the disruption will be provided. Notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, the anticipated duration of the disruption, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if any are available.Notice may be given by posting information at the premises and on the school website, and by recorded voice messaging on our telephone system, or any other reasonable alternative in the particular circumstances. It is expected that consideration will be given to those people with disabilities who will be most affected by the disruption, and steps will be taken to ensure that the information about the disruption will be communicated in a way that best matches these needs.
The training will include a review of the purposes of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of Regulation 429/07 and address the following matters:
Customer Service Training
Branksome Hall will ensure that all persons to whom this policy applies receive the training required under the Act.The training will include a review of the purposes of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of Regulation 429/07 and address the following matters:
- how to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities;
- how to interact with persons with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a guide dog or other service animal, or a support person;
- how to use equipment or devices available on school premises, if any, that may assist with the provision of services; and
- what to do if a person with a particular disability is having difficulty accessing school services.
Feedback Process
Any person wishing to provide feedback to the school about the manner in which it provides service to people with disabilities may do in person, by telephone, in writing by e-mail, hard copy, fax, or by some other communication method. Should you have questions about this policy please contact Human Resources at Branksome Hall or e-mail hr@branksome.on.ca. Upon receipt of a complaint, the matter will be reviewed by the Director or designate. A response will be provided to the person making the complaint, either verbally or in writing, as appropriate, concerning the complaint and any action that may have been taken as a result.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We wish to acknowledge this land on which Branksome operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and go to school on this land.
Setting the new standard for girls' education everywhere takes collective action. From all of us.
