Non-Discrimination/Access And Equity


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PROGRAMS AND SERVICES MANUAL
POLICY
NON-DISCRIMINATION/ACCESS AND EQUITY


The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT), a community-based, non-profit organization, provides health promotion, support, education and advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS and those affected by HIV/AIDS.

ACT affirms and is committed to the belief that the diversity of our communities is a source of social, cultural, and economic enrichment and strength.

ACT realizes that HIV/AIDS affects all communities and recognizes that individuals, groups and organizations representative of diverse communities encounter barriers in their efforts to access services and to derive equal benefit from provision of services.

Therefore, ACT, as an employer and service provider, is committed to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, creed, colour, place of origin, ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, political affiliation, religious affiliation, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family relationship, HIV status, economic status, identity, disability or record of offences.

ACT is committed to the following measures:

1. non-discrimination/access and diversity education for Board members, staff and volunteers;

2. the development, in collaboration with other AIDS service organizations, of specific measures to ensure that individuals, groups and organizations representative of diverse communities have access to racially sensitive, culturally appropriate services, and are able to participate in the planning, development and delivery of services directly provided by ACT;

3. strong representation throughout the organization of people living with HIV/AIDS and affected communities;

4. the implementation of strategies to ensure that volunteers, staff and Board members are representative of all ethnoracial communities, lesbians and gays, and women, based on a recognition that HIV/AIDS is increasingly affecting members of these communities;

5. promotion of the eradication of discriminatory and racist incidents or behaviours;


6. programs that seek to eradicate systemic barriers to full participation and promote the inherent dignity of all individuals;

7. publication and promotional material that is non-discriminatory, racially sensitive and culturally appropriate;

8. procedures to deal with complaints related to this policy (see Harassment (including Sexual Harassment), HR #'s 8-10 and 8-11; Volunteer Complaints, HR # 9-260; Complaints, PS # 3-10); and

9. complying with the Ontario Human Rights Code and other relevant legislation.