Accessibility Plan and Inquiries

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is committed to the continual improvement of accessibility to school board facilities, policies, programs, practices and services for students, staff, parents, guardians, volunteers and members of the community with disabilities.

The Multi-Year Annual Accessibility Plan (pdf), describes the actions taken by HPEDSB in the past and actions to be taken during the five-year period from September 2024 to August 2029. The plan will identify, remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities who work, learn and participate in the school board community and environment including students, staff, parents and guardians, volunteers and visitors to the Board at its schools.

The multi-year plan is developed in accordance with the Integration Accessibility Standards Regulation 191/11 (IASR) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA). HPEDSB will strive to provide an environment in all of its facilities that fosters independence, dignity and respect for persons with disabilities.

The AODA provides an enhanced emphasis on required actions to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. The AODA includes regulations with respect to:

  • Customer Services
  • Transportation
  • Information and Communications
  • Employment
  • The Building Environment

Please refer to Board Administrative Procedure 133: Accessibility Standards - General Outline (pdf), which addresses procedures related to the AODA and the Board's commitment to take into account a person's disability for accessibility requirements.

Our commitment to accessibility is ongoing

  • The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) meets annually to review the plan.
  • We consult with people with disabilities to develop and review of the plan.
  • We ensure school board policies and procedures are consistent with the principles of accessibility.
  • We improve access to facilities, policies, programs, practices and services for students, staff, parents, guardians, volunteers and members of the community

In maintaining the plan, the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) invites advice from persons with disabilities by email to Facility Services. In selection of members of the committee, organizations are asked to appoint representatives with disabilities where possible.

HPEDSB actions to date

  • Reduced height of water fountains
  • Installed audio enhancement equipment
  • Improved access to automatic door opener buttons
  • Ensured chair lifts are in good repair
  • Improved accessibility signage
  • Improved training for self advocacy
  • Ensured consistency of educational assistant staffing
  • Continued emphasis on anti-bullying programs
  • Ensured clarity in fire safety plans for evacuation of persons with special needs (i.e.: wheelchairs)
  • Provided accessibility to school offices such as lower counter heights
  • Assisted persons with disabilities to strive for independence
  • Provided sufficient door access widths

Contact Information

Toll-free: 1-800-267-4350

Phone: 613-966-1170, extension 62200

Fax: 613-966-5691

Email: Facility Services