MYAP: Waterloo will develop a strategy for the following customer service areas:
- Improving communications for planned service disruptions (such as IT, roads, elevators, etc.)
- Develop a community engagement strategy that involves active and ongoing consultation with persons experiencing disabilities. B1. Communications for service disruptions
B1. Communications for service disruptions
Status: somewhat complete
Progress: on track
Plant Operations is working to improve how service interruption notifications are issued to the campus. The new system will allow users to self-register and manage their preferences, with the ability to subscribe to a variety of emailed service interruption notifications. Individuals can self select the types of service interruptions they wish to be notified about, such as those related to planned power outages, elevator maintenance, water shut-offs, etc. Users will be able to select notifications based on impacted services and/or locations.
Improvements are also planned to standardize the format and content of notifications. Messages will generally include when the disruption will occur, the duration, and the reason for the disruption. It is hoped that the system will also assist in automatically incorporating language related to potential impact on accessibility, such that occupants of the buildings are prompted to make alternate arrangements as necessary (i.e. a general “power shutdown in the east wing” could also automatically include “accessible power door operators may not be functioning during this time. Please consider making alternate arrangements”). Roll out of the system is planned for early 2021.
B2. Community engagement strategy
Status: mostly complete
Progress: behind schedule
Over the past year, the Accessibility Committee has been working on its Terms of Reference. It was important to the committee to ensure contributions from persons with lived experience interacting with the University in multiple capacities (students, employees, community, clients/patients, etc.) were included. The Terms of Reference clearly outlines the University’s commitment to inform the Advisory Panel of accessibility initiatives undertaken by the University, and to seek input on its impact to persons with disabilities throughout the development process.
Concerted effort was put into selecting the best forum for communication and hosting of the Advisory panel, respecting the complexities of representation while maintaining confidentiality with our members. The Committee has agreed to move forward with a virtual registration format, whereby all information and communication will be channeled through the Secretary of the Accessibility Committee. Over the next few months, a virtual platform that allows all Waterloo community members to participate and contribute will be established. It is anticipated that registration will be posted on the Accessibility at Waterloo website by March 2021.
