Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH) is committed to identifying, removing and preventing barriers to care, services, work and learning.

If you are interested in receiving more information, or need this information in another format, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and tell us what you require. You may also complete a form to request documents in an accessible format, or other communication supports. We will be happy to assist you.

Resources:

• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
• LWDH Accessibility Plan
  Areas of focus include:
  • Customer Service (service animals and support persons, training for staff, access to services)
  • Information & Communications (feedback processes, accessible forms, website content)
  • Employment (recruitment practices, supports for employees, accommodation plans, career advancement)
  • Design of Public Spaces (service counters, waiting areas, exterior paths, accessible parking).
• Request for Documentation in an accessible Format or with Communication Support
  Use this form to request an accessible version of patient information material.

You are also welcome to view our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to learn about past accomplishments and initiatives LWDH continues to work on.

LWDH continually strives to improve our Accessibility Plan for programs and services for all community members and effectively remove barriers to access. Provincial standards, as well as your comments, concerns and ideas help. We welcome any feedback you may have on how we might improve accessibility.

Statement of Commitment:
The Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH) is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration 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

Accessibility Advisory Committee
The LWDH Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is composed of both LWDH key staff and community users. The AAC guides the LWDH in ensuring that it's environment and services are accessible to all.

Accessible Parking
Designated Accessible parking spots are located in the Outpatient parking lot, and an Accessible Parking Permit (APP) must be displayed.

Support Persons
Support persons accompanying people with disabilities are welcomed at the LWDH. They can access any area of the LWDH, as long as it is safe and appropriate to do so (i.e. NOT in the Operating Room). If an LWDH staff is required as an escort or guide, please inform staff at the Admitting Desk and they will arrange for the appropriate assistance.

Telephone services
The LWDH provides fully accessible telephone services to our patients, and large button, variable volume and braille telephones are available upon request for admitted patients. As well, TTY telephones are located in the hospital front lobby.
LWDH staff will communicate with patients over the telephone in clear, plain language and speak clearly and slowly. The LWDH staff will communicate with patients by other appropriate means of communication (e.g. email or TTY relay services if telephone communication is not suitable to their communication needs or is not available.)

Service Animals
The LWDH welcomes Service Animals who are accompanying people with disabilities. When possible, please inform LWDH staff about your Service Animal before your appointment or procedure, particularly if you will be admitted and an animal care plan needs to be developed.
Service Animals do not require prior authorization to enter the LWDH when accompanied by the owner, subject to the following provisions:
• The owner must provide or arrange for all required care and attention for the animal.
• The animal must be clean and in good health.
• Proof of appropriate immunization is available upon request.
• For admitted patients, requests for overnight accommodation shall be directed to the appropriate Patient Care Manager or designate.

Assistive Equipment
All patients and visitors to the LWDH are responsible for ensuring safe operation, maintenance and storage of all personal assistive equipment. All personal equipment should be clearly labeled with name and phone number.
LWDH staff are familiar with the use and operation of various assistive devices that may be used by patients with disabilities while accessing our services.
The LWDH may provide clients with short term use of certain required assistive devices, including:
* Mobility aids – i.e. , wheelchairs, walkers, crutches

Temporary Disruption
The LWDH will notify clients of any planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services usually used by people with disabilities, including the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. The notice will be posted on our external website, and will be placed at all public entrances and service counters on our premises.