GARNER THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
ACCESSIBLE SERVICE AND STANDARDS POLICY
This policy was developed by Garner Theatre Productions (“GTP” or “we”) to govern the provision of services with respect to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (the “Regulation”) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the Act”).
These standards are intended to break down barriers and increase accessibility and participation for persons with disabilities in the areas of information, communications, and employment.
We will develop, implement and maintain these policies in order to achieve accessibility through meeting our requirements as outlined in this policy and the Act.
Statement of Commitment
GTP is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders, including our patrons, employees, job applicants, artists, suppliers, volunteers, and any visitors who may access our information, use our services or enter premises on which GTP performs. We respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Act and its associated regulations.
We understand that we have a responsibility to ensure a safe, dignified, inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. We are committed to ensuring our compliance by incorporating accessibility legislation into our policies, procedures, customer service, equipment requirements, training, and best practices. We will review these policies and practices annually, as organizational changes occur, or in anticipation of compliance deadlines. In addition, we will strive to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and effective manner.
Providing an accessible and barrier-free environment is a shared effort, and we are committed to working with the necessary parties to make accessibility for all a reality. We strive to meet the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and to do so by: a) preventing and removing barriers to accessibility, and b) meeting accessibility requirements set out in the Act and applicable regulation.
To assist us in adhering to our commitment, GTP has developed this policy, which is guided is guided by the following principles:
GTP will communicate and provide goods and services in a manner that takes into account a person’s disabilities and needs, and respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities;
GTP will provide integrated services to people with disabilities wherever possible and we will provide alternative measures to provide goods and services to people with disabilities where integration is not possible; and
GTP will provide equal opportunity to people with disabilities to obtain, use, and/or benefit from our goods or services.
This Policy applies to any of our employees and volunteers and to any third parties providing goods and services on behalf of GTP and who may interact with the public or third parties.
Wheelchair, Mobility and Support Access
Accessible Seating
GTP does not have its own performance space or designated rehearsal venue. In selecting rehearsal and performance spades, we will seek to use spaces that offer wheelchair accessible seating.
Storage of Mobility Devices
If a mobility device needs to be stored during a performance, we will ensure that reserved locations are available. Our volunteers are always attentive should a patron need immediate access to their mobility device. For the safety of all patrons, we ask for patience in exiting any venue during intermission and at the end of a performance.
Support Persons
A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person may require that person to accompany them to assist them with communication, mobility, personal care or any other medical need. A support person will be permitted to accompany a person with a disability into any area open to our customers. A person with a disability will not be prevented from access to their support person at any time while attending one of our performances. To the extent possible in our performance venues, our volunteers will permit support persons to attend the performance at no or a reduced cost.
Service Animals
We welcome people with disabilities who require the use of service animals. We encourage customers to notify GTP in advance if a service animal will accompany them, so that we are best able to accommodate. Service animals are allowed to accompany persons with disabilities into any area open to our customers. Our volunteers may have some training on how to interact with people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal.
Other Assisted Devices
The availability of booster seats and wheelchairs will depend on the venue where GTP performs. These are all third-party venues.
Scent Free
In consideration of patrons with allergies and/or multiple chemical sensitivities, we urge everyone to refrain from using scented personal products when attending our performances.
Information and Communications
GTP is committed to meeting the information and communication needs of persons with disabilities in a way that takes into account their disabilities. We encourage patrons, staff and volunteers to provide us with feedback, both positive and negative, in regard to our performances, procedures and policies. We will continue to ensure that our feedback processes are accessible to persons with disabilities. When asked, we will provide information and communication materials in accessible formats or with communication supports. This includes publicly available information about our goods, services and facilities to be used for any performance or concert.
GTP will account for the person’s accessibility needs when customizing individual requests and will consult with the individual making the request to ensure suitability. Any accessible formats will be provided at no additional cost to the individual.
GTP will ensure that the website and content conform to the World Wide Web Consortium Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, Level AA in accordance with the requirements of the Act and the Regulation.
In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services, equipment and/or assistive devices for customers with disabilities, GTP will post a notice: a) at the performance venue and, b) where possible, on the website.
Training
GTP has provided service and standards training to all employees, volunteers, persons who participate in the development of GTP’s policies and all other persons who deal with the public or third parties on its behalf or who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of GTP.
GTP’s training program is delivered through online training or in such other manner as relates to the specific roles and duties of the individuals. The training covers, but is not limited to, the following:
an overview of the Act and the requirements of the Regulation and
this Policy.
All persons requiring training shall be trained as soon as practicable. In addition, training will be provided on an ongoing basis whenever changes are made to this Policy. GTP maintains a record of the training provided.
GTP does not currently have any employees. To the extent applicable, GTP will notify the public, any then existing staff and potential hires that, when requested, we will accommodate disabilities during the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring process. This will include consulting with the selected applicants or employees on the suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the accessibility needs.
We will notify staff that supports are available for those with disabilities. As soon as practicable, we will inform our new hires of our policies used to support employees with disabilities.
If applicable, GTP will put in place a process to develop individual accommodation plans for employees. GTP will also consult with the employees with respect to arrangements for accessible formats and communication supports.
If needed, we will provide customized workplace emergency response information to help employees who have a disability, if the disability is such that the individualized information is necessary and if GTP is aware of the need for accommodation.
Any performance management, career development, redeployment and return-to-work processes, currently in place or implemented in the future, will take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities.
Any staff, artists and volunteers may provide feedback to the Chair of the Board.
Patron Feedback
GTP is committed to customer service and standards and to providing the best possible experience for our patrons. Patrons are encouraged to provide us with feedback, both positive and negative, in regard to the delivery of our services to persons with disabilities.
Patrons may provide their feedback to GTP either verbally to any staff member or volunteer, by emailing us at info@garnertheatreproductions.com, calling 416.879.1303, or by posting a letter to GTP at 578 Coxwell Ave, Toronto ON M4C 3B6.
Information gathered through these channels will be read and reviewed by an appropriate representative of GTP. We will investigate and assess the feedback for appropriate action. A response, if required, will be made in a timely manner. In these situations, customers can expect to hear back from us within three business days.
To ensure that our feedback process is accessible to patrons with disabilities, we will provide or arrange for accessible formats and communication support, upon request.
For More Information
For more information on this Policy, please email us at info@garnertheatreproductions.com, calling 416.879.1303, or by posting a letter to GTP at 578 Coxwell Ave, Toronto ON M4C 3B6.
DATE: March 2026