Accessibility Service Policy

MaRS Guest Accessibility Package

Learn more about the MaRS accessible customer service policies, practices and procedures in our Guest Accessibility Package (GAP). You may request alternative formats of this package at any time by contacting Security at (416) 673-8101.

MaRS Guest Accessibility Package

Statement of Commitment

MaRS Discovery District (“MaRS”) is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, accessible environment. We recognize that barriers exist that prevent the full and inclusive participation of people with differing (dis)abilities and strive to ensure that such barriers are identified and removed in a timely and respectful manner. MaRS will provide services in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.

This policy outlines MaRS’ commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and reflects the standards outlined in the 2005 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation.

Communication with Persons with Disabilities

MaRS will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account the person’s disability. MaRS Staff will communicate in a means that enables persons with disabilities to communicate effectively for the purposes of using, receiving and requesting MaRS services and facilities.

In determining the appropriate method and form of communication, MaRS will take into account accessibility needs resulting from disabilities. We will work with the impacted individual to identify any accessibility needs so we can respond appropriately to those needs.

Notice of Temporary Disruptions in Services and Facilities

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for clients and visitors with disabilities, MaRS Discovery District will notify clients promptly.

This notice will include the following information:

  • the reason for the disruption;
  • its anticipated length of time;
  • a description of alternative facilities or services, if available; and
  • contact information.

The notice will be placed at all critical doors, elevators and parking levels.  It will be posted and/or communicated to individuals with disabilities in a manner that is reasonable in the circumstances.

When possible, every effort will be made to reduce disruption to individuals with disabilities using MaRS services or facilities by contacting them and/or arranging alternate meeting/work locations or alternative means of accessing MaRS information.

Assistive Devices and other Measures that Assist with Accessibility

People with disabilities may use their own assistive devices when accessing our goods, services, and facilities. They include any auxiliary aids such as communication devices, technical aids, or other instruments that are used to maintain or assist the functional abilities. Members of the public who are disabled usually bring these devices with them.

MaRS will ensure that its staff is trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by individuals while accessing MaRS services. MaRS staff will ask before assuming assistance is required.

Service Animals

MaRS welcomes people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of MaRS premises that are open to the public.

Members of the public with varied disabilities utilize service animals as a way to overcome barriers. Service animals are not pets — they are working animals. A few examples of service animals include dogs used by people who are blind, hearing alert animals for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and animals trained to alert an individual to oncoming seizure and lead them to safety.

MaRS will permit any person with a disability who is accompanied by a guide dog or other service animal to enter MaRS premises (those areas open to the public) with the service animal and keep the animal with them.

MaRS Staff may ask to see documentation to ensure that the animal brought on to the premises is a certified service animal, in accordance with applicable laws.

Support Persons

A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them on MaRS premises (those areas open to the public) and MaRS will ensure that the individual needing the support person will have access to this person at all times.

Some individuals with disabilities rely on support persons in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs, or access to goods and services. A support person may be a paid professional, a volunteer, a family member or a friend of the person with a disability and does not necessarily need to have special training or qualifications.

Fees will not be charged for support persons for programs that are sponsored solely by MaRS.

Training for Staff

MaRS will provide appropriate training to MaRS Staff who interact with the public and/or clients.

This training will be provided to MaRS Staff as soon as practicably possible after they join MaRS.

Training may include, as appropriate:

  • An overview of the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of client service standards.
  • MaRS Discovery District’s plan related to client service standards.
  • How to most inclusively interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities
  • How to interact most inclusively with people with disabilities who use an assistive device, would benefit from communication support and/or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person
  • How to utilize assisted devices that are available at our premises.
  • What to do if a person with a disability expresses barriers or faces challenges accessing MaRS services or facilities.

Staff will also be trained in the event of changes to legislation, MaRS’ policies, practices and procedures as they relate to accessibility.

Feedback Process

Clients who wish to provide feedback on the way MaRS provides services to people with disabilities can do so through email, mail, in person or by telephone.  You can also use these methods to request additional/different accessible feedback methods.

All feedback should be directed to Human Resources

MaRS Discovery District
South Tower, Suite 100
101 College Street
Toronto, ON M5G 1L7
Telephone: (416) 673-8100
Email: accessibility@marsdd.com

Clients can expect to hear back in ten (10) business days from receipt of feedback, or as soon as practicable, if the feedback requires a response.

 

MaRS Discovery District Accessibility Compliance Report

MaRS Accessibility Compliance Report

Availability and Format of Documents (Alternative Formats)

MaRS is committed to providing accessible information and communication supports to improve accessibility of MaRS’ information and communication materials. We recognize that people with disabilities may use methods other than standard print to access information. MaRS will provide any publicly available correspondence, reports and other documentation in an alternative format where reasonably possible, upon request.

If another type of format is requested, MaRS will do what is reasonably possible to ensure that information is shared within a reasonable time frame, no longer than twenty (20) business days.

MaRS Multi-year Accessibility Plan (2021-06-29)