YouthLink is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in inclusion and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 ( the AODA).
YouthLink is committed to developing, implementing and maintaining policies that govern how the organization achieves or will achieve accessibility through meeting this Regulation. To facilitate this commitment, YouthLink has established, maintained and documented a multi-year accessibility plan that is reviewed and updated at least once every five years to identify progress made in addressing barriers. This plan outlines strategies for reaching our goal to prevent and remove as many physical and virtual barriers to accessibility as we possibly can. YouthLink’s Accessibility Plan is designed to meet and surpass the requirements set out in the AODA and related Regulations. This initiative began in 2014 and as of February 2022 everything stated in this plan is in full effect. We also welcome you to review our AODA Customer Service Policy and Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
The AODA requires our Agency to meet certain standards in providing services that enable people with disabilities to have equal and fair access to the services we offer. We strive to meet these standards and inform the public about our efforts. We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our services and locations.
Our website meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) A level standards for accessibility. If you encounter any problems, please contact us to let us know.
Wheelchair, Stroller Access, In-Person & Virtual Accessibility Initiatives Described by Location
636 Kennedy Road location: At our Kennedy site, there are power-assisted entry doors into the main building from the south parking lot. There is an access ramp on the south side of the building and power-assisted entry doors into our main reception area to our centre. Wheelchair-accessible washrooms are located on the main floor and second floor of the building. There is an elevator in service from the first to the second floor. In the rear parking lot, which is on the south side of the building, there are two wheelchair-specific parking spaces, divided by a ramp, leading to the main entrance.
747 Warden Avenue emergency shelter and transition Home, equipped with a professional private dog kennel:
The doors at this site are locked and there is a doorbell to request entry. The entire facility is at ground level. The interior of the facility is equipped with several power-assisted doors. Wheelchair-accessible washrooms are available throughout the facility. This facility also features a fully wheelchair-accessible bathroom, including a roll-in shower.
596 Danforth Road: At our Danforth Road multi-use facility, there are power-assisted entry doors into the building, on the main/ground floor from the front, east-facing, parking lot. There is a wheelchair and stroller-accessible ramp leading to the main/ground floor entrance.
Wheelchair-accessible washrooms are located on the main/ground floor.
Accessibility through Diversity and Inclusion
All facilities are designed specifically for Trans clients, clients with disabilities, and parents and/ or guardians who want access to gender-neutral family rooms. There are change stations located on the third floor.
Access to Other Sites
If you are visiting one of our other sites, please discuss your access needs in advance with, intake, your therapist or designated contact person at YouthLink.
Service Animals
Your service animal is welcome to accompany you to your appointment. Please inform our intake professional, your therapist or contact person in advance so that appropriate arrangements are made.
Interpreters
Sign Language Interpreters
Do you require a sign language interpreter? Please inform our intake personnel or your assigned counsellor or your contact person (CAST, TDSB teacher) in advance of your appointment so that necessary arrangements can be made. YouthLink will make every effort to accommodate your request.
Language Interpreters
Do you want to arrange to have an interpreter who speaks your language? Please inform our intake personnel or your assigned counsellor or your contact person (CAST, TDSB teacher) in advance of your appointment so that necessary arrangements can be made. YouthLink will make every effort to accommodate your request. This request is fulfilled for clients who do not speak any English at the time of your appointments.
Service Disruptions
Our staff will notify their assigned clients/visitors directly and as soon as possible if there are unexpected disruptions to our services. Examples could include office closure or if elevator repair or renovations will limit access to the facility. In addition to direct staff notifications and whenever possible, service disruptions will be posted to our website homepage, www.youthlink.ca.