4.04 Accessibility for People with Disabilities
The SFB ensures that services and resources are accessible to all, including people with physical, intellectual, sensory, developmental and mental/psychological disabilities. The current facility is housed on the lower floor of a community centre that was built several decades ago. A ramp and double doors are in place and when necessary, clients will be assisted at the main back doors. An area for accessible parking is available, and chairs are provided for those with health conditions that limit their ability to stand. Client rights and expectations are clearly posted in the greeting area and include how to report an accessibility issue. In some cases, home delivery is possible.
The present-day SFB facility does not meet all current accessibility guidelines. Most, if not all services are provided outside, under tents. The new SFB facility is being planned and will be constructed to meet all employment, health and safety, and other applicable regulations.
The SFB Board is committed to the following accessibility principles and actions:
- Informs front-line employees on how to interact, communicate, and provide safe spaces for all people, including those with various types of disabilities.
- Provides access to goods and services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities, allowing them to benefit in the same ways as persons without disabilities.
- Ensures policies, principles, procedures and practices are developed and applied, to meet its obligations under the Ethical Food Banking Code and the “Accessible British Columbia Act”.
- Persons with disabilities are welcome to use their assistive devices to obtain, use, or benefit from SFB goods and services.
- Persons with disabilities may be accompanied by a support person or service animal on the parts of SFB premises that are open to the public and other third parties. Those who are accompanied by a service animal are responsible for the care and control of the animal at all times.
- Informs all new volunteers on an ongoing basis in connection with any changes to the policies, practices, and procedures relating to the provision of goods or services to persons with disabilities.
Accessibility improvement is a continuous process, and policies, procedures, and practices are reviewed and updated annually or as required. (Review included in perpetual calendar)