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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values for Woodview. We are working hard to build an inclusive culture and environment where individuals and families, staff, and partners can feel safe.  We are committed to incorporating these values into all aspects of our work, including:

  • service delivery
  • advocacy
  • communications
  • workplace environment
  • recruitment
  • promotion & retention

We strive to remove barriers for the children, youth, adults, and families that we service, and believe in an inclusive workplace environment. 

We are committed to listening, validating, acknowledging, and learning. We are mindful of areas that need improvement and are committed to continuous improvement and learning. 

Read more about our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee

A Brief History of our EDI Committee

Woodview has been working diligently to cultivate a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion. In 2018, we established an internal Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee that has been working hard to break down barriers to inclusivity. 

The ad hoc EDI Committee shares and promotes Woodview’s strategic goals, and is committed to:

  1. Promoting ideas and events to further the spirit of equity, diversity and inclusion;
  2. Engage all staff in conversations and training about equity, diversity and inclusion;
  3. Ensure policies and practices to recruit, support, promote, and retain staff with diverse experiences and attributes are current and reviewed regularly;
  4. Ensure policies and practices respect the individuals and families we work with;
  5. Critically explore ways Woodview can incorporate equity, inclusion and diversity in our community engagement and outreach efforts and in our work.
“We advocate for the unique needs of individuals, communities, and staff to affect systemic barriers and provide education and understanding that makes Woodview a safe and inclusive place for all persons.”

The ad hoc EDI Committee fosters a shared culture at Woodview that promotes the goals of respecting, celebrating, and valuing differences that may include age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, sexual identity, ability, neurodiversity, language, family circumstances, and cultural backgrounds.

Strategic Priority

“Strengthening Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion” has been set as a priority in Woodview’s 2022-25 Strategic Plan.

  1. Achieve and maintain a workforce that is diverse and equitably represented across levels and functions.
  2. Provide a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment that meets the diverse needs of clients and families.
  3. Staff receive foundational and culturally relevant training that addresses the needs of Woodview’s clients and families and the communities Woodview serves.

Commitment to Accessibility

We believe in providing a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment that meets the diverse needs of the individuals and families we serve – and that includes our digital space.  If you have visual, auditory, motor or cognitive impairments, the accessiBe tools can help you have a better website experience tailored to your needs. Learn more about accessiBe, our accessibility widget! Learn about our accessibility widget!

We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Read our Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Plan here.

Commitment to French Language Services

Under the French Language Services Act, Woodview provides services to clients and families in a designated area (City of Hamilton).

The French language is a historic and honoured language in Ontario and is recognized as an official language in Canada. Woodview is committed to strengthening our ability to deliver services in French in all our service regions (Hamilton, Halton, and Brant).

We are committed to making resources available in the French language including Woodview client orientation documents and materials. We strive to publish public materials in English and French, including our Annual Report.  Woodview’s website can be translated into French by choosing from the drop-down menu on the navigation bar. We work collaboratively with our local partners to prioritize French Language Services in community planning.

Woodview provides access to services in French with the support of translation services. Do you need an interpreter? Contact us and we’ll book one for you!

Partnerships

We are proud members of:

Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce

Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce

Meet our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator

Theresa Vidal, EDI Coordinator
519-752-5308 x142

Theresa has worked at Woodview since 2015 where she has worked with the Intensive Child and Family services team, as well as being a member of several committees within Woodview and the Brantford community.  She was a member of the EDI committee when it was launched and has grown with the organization in their EDI journey becoming co-chair of the committee, to now being our EDI Coordinator. Theresa believes in giving a voice to all individuals, and her goal is to continue to advocate to remove systemic barriers for the under-represented groups for staff and clients alike.

Woodview is always looking to grow its partnerships in the community! Are you a cultural organization or under-represented group that would like to learn more about mental health and autism services?  Let’s connect! Reach out to Theresa at 519-752-5308 x142 or tvidal@woodview.ca.

Read our Land Acknowledgement