Our commitment
At Know History, we believe that everyone should be able to access and participate in researching, presenting, and documenting the past. We pride ourselves on our ability to offer adaptable solutions and exceptional customer service to meet the unique needs of our clients. We know that to understand our collective history, we need to prioritize diverse voices across all aspects of our work and ensure that our client’s stories are accessible to a range of audiences, including people with disabilities.
In fulfilling our mission, Know History is committed to providing our services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. We recognize our responsibility to identify and remove barriers to ensure our services, activities, and workplace are accessible to people with disabilities. We endeavour to do this by implementing policies, practices, training, and procedures that meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
Customer Service Policies
Know History is committed to providing inclusive experiences for our clients and others seeking our services. All team members are expected to comply with the spirit and intent of this policy when providing services or otherwise conducting business on behalf of Know History.
Providing Goods and Services to People with Disabilities
Know History and all staff will carry out our functions and responsibilities in the following areas:
- Communication: We will communicate with and provide information to people with disabilities in ways that are accessible and consider their disability. We will train staff to communicate in clear and plain language.
- Telephone Services: Questions and inquiries will be responded to via telephone or email. However, in-person or virtual meetings, TTY, and other services are available upon request.
- Assistive devices: People with disabilities are welcome to use their own personal assistive devices. We will ensure staff are familiar with various assistive devices.
- Billing and Documentation: Invoices, reports, and other documents are shared by email or Dropbox as MS Word/Excel or PDF files. Other formats and file types can be arranged upon request.
- Off-site services: These policies continue apply to staff who deal with the public or clients, including when the provision of services occurs off Know History’s premises.
Service Animals and Support Persons
Any person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to enter Know History premises with their support person. People with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal are welcome on Know History’s premises.
Notice of Temporary Disruption
We will promptly notify anticipated visitors of a planned or unexpected disruption to services. While our offices are not open to the public, we will update our office voicemail and post a sign near the building entrances notifying members of the public in the event of an office closure.
Training for Staff
Know History will ensure that all persons to whom this policy applies– or could conceivably apply – receive training as required by applicable legislation.
Feedback and More Info
Your feedback is important in helping improve the accessibility to our services. If you have any comments or concerns regarding accessibility, you can contact us:
- by e-mail at info@knowhistory.ca
- by phone at 613-700-8677
- by mail at 384 Bank Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, ON, K2P 1Y4
For additional information, or to request documents in accessible format, please contact us using the contact information above.
