Cranbrook Food Bank Accessibility Policy 

At the Cranbrook Food Bank, we strive to provided support and resources in a way that respects the dignity and independence of all our community members. 

We commit to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity to access our supports and resources and allowing them to benefit from the same services in the same place and in a similar way as other users. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and meeting our accessibility requirements under the “Accessible British Columbia Act”. Further, we will strive to ensure policies, principles, procedures and practices are developed and applied to meet its obligations under the “Accessible British Columbia Act”. 

Training will be provided to all new employees, volunteers, and 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 Practices 

While we are continually reviewing our accessibility practices, we presently offer: 

Physical Accessibility Practices: 

• An area where a Handy Dart vehicle or accessible taxi can safely drop someone off 
• The entryway to the food bank is accessible to wheelchairs, walkers and strollers 
• An automatic door at both entrance and exit doors 
• Designated accessible parking available 
• Client waiting area, protected from weather and the elements 
• Waiting area has seating for people with health conditions that limit their ability to stand for extended periods. 
• Client washrooms have grab bars 
• Wheelchair provided for those in need 

 

Personal Assistive Devices: 

People with disabilities may use their personal assistive devices when accessing our goods, services or facilities. 

In cases where the assistive device presents a significant and unavoidable health or safety concern or may not be permitted for other reasons, other measures will be used to ensure the person with a disability can access our goods, services or facilities. 

Service Animals/Support Individual: 

At the Cranbrook Food Bank, a person with a disability supported by a service dog, a guide, or a support individual will be allowed to have that support resource accompany them while accessing our services. These support persons and service dogs are granted the same access as the person they are accompanying. Under no circumstances will a person with a disability and their support resource be prevented from accessing our services and resources. 

 

Communication Accessibility Practices 

• Use signage or other materials that explain how the food bank runs and what to expect 
• TV message board to communicate Food Bank events and closures, communicating changes to stakeholders 
• Offering options for non-verbal communication where possible 

 

Systemic Accessibility Practices 

• Ensure service hours are sufficient to reduce wait times and crowding. 
• Communicate to stakeholders how they can request accommodation for their disability (i.e., home delivery) 
• Communicate the complaint process and how to report an accessibility issue 
• Ensure employees and volunteers understand and agree with The Ethical Food Banking Code 
• Providing choice to clients whenever possible 
• Providing cooking suggestions for items that may be unfamiliar to clients. 
• Ensure employees and volunteers are trained in de-escalation or other methods for holding safe space 

 

Sensory Accessibility Practices 

• Accommodating food restrictions 
• Ensure sufficient lighting allows someone with low vision to navigate the space 
• Avoiding floors and wall colors contrasting with busy patterns 

Accessibility is a continuous process, and policies, procedures, and practices will be reviewed and updated annually and as required. This policy will be reviewed annually.