1. Purpose

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”), requires all public and private sector organizations to meet the requirements of accessibility standards established by the Integrated Accessibility Regulation (the “Regulation”). 

This policy has been developed to break down barriers and increase accessibility for persons with disabilities. If anyone has a question about the policy, or if the purpose of the policy is not understood, an explanation will be provided by the People & Culture Team.

2. Statement and Organizational Commitment

CanDeal is committed to treating all people in a way that maintains their dignity and independence.   We have committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner by preventing and removing barriers.

CanDeal shall use every effort to ensure that we comply with our obligations under the Regulation in a timely manner.

3. Training

All CanDeal team members and other third parties receive training as required by the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. Training will be provided to all CanDeal team members as part of the orientation process for new team members and on a continuing basis as required, such as when changes are made to CanDeal’s Accessible Policy.

 

Training includes:
• A review of the purposes of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the
requirements of the Accessibility Standards.

• Information about CanDeal’s policies, procedures and guidelines pertaining to the provision of
services to customers with disabilities.
• Guidance and recommendations on how to interact and communicate with persons with various
types of disabilities.
• What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing services or resources.
• How to interact with persons with disabilities who use assistive devices or require the assistance of aservice animal or a support person.
• How to use the equipment or devices available on CanDeal’s premises that assist with the provisionof services to persons with disabilities.

 

4. Information and Communications Standard

CanDeal will endeavor to create, provide, and receive information and communications in ways that are accessible to people with disabilities.

If CanDeal determines that it is not technically feasible to convert the information or communications or that the technology to convert the information or communications is not readily available, we shall, upon request, provide the person that requires the information with an explanation as to why the information or communications are unconvertible, and a summary of the unconvertible information or communications.

We air to make our website accessible to everyone and will continue to upgrade and ensure alignment with the required standards.

Feedback

CanDeal will ensure that processes for receiving and responding to feedback are accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports, upon request.

Communication supports may include, but are not limited to, captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communications.

Accessible Formats and Communication Supports

CanDeal will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.

1. In a timely manner that considers the persons’ accessibility needs due to a disability;
2. At a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons;
3. Consult with the person making the request and determine suitability of an accessible format or communication support; and
4. Notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports.

Website Accessibility

CanDeal shall make both its internet website and web content conform with the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 initially at Level A and increasing to Level AA. 

5. Employment Standard

CanDeal will inform team members of policies and changes in policies used to support team members with disabilities. CanDeal will notify team members and the public about the availability of accommodation forapplicants with disabilities in the recruitment process.

Employment

CanDeal is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that is supportive and everyone is treated with respect.   We recognize that we have a responsibility to provide a barrier-free work environment and equitable employment opportunities for all our team members.

Recruitment

CanDeal will notify job applicants, when they are individually selected to participate further in an assessment or selection process, that accommodations are available upon request in relation to the materials or processes to be used. If a selected applicant requests an accommodation, CanDeal will consult with the applicant and provide or arrange for the provision of a suitable accommodation in a manner that considers the applicant’s accessibility needs due to disability.

 

Employee Notification

CanDeal shall inform its team members of its policies used to support its team members with disabilities, including but not limited to, policies on the provision of job accommodations that consider an team members accessibility needs due to a disability:

1. As required to new team members as soon as practicable after they begin their employment; and
2. Whenever there is a change to existing policies on the provision of job accommodations that consider an employee’s accessibility needs due to a disability.

Accessible Formats and Communication Supports

In addition, and where a team member with a disability requests it, CanDeal will consult with team member to provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for:

1. Information that is needed to perform the team member’s job; and
2. Information that is generally available to team members in the workplace.

CanDeal will consult with the team member making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.

Performance, Career Development

CanDeal will consider the accessibility needs of team members with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans, when conducting performance management, providing career development andadvancement to team members, and when reassigning team members.

Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP)

CanDeal shall have in place a written process for the development of a documented Individual Accommodation Plan for each employee with a disability in accordance with the following principles:

1. The team members participation in the development of the IAP;
2. Assessment on an individual basis;
3. Identification of accommodations to be provided;
4. Timelines for the provision of accommodations;
5. CanDeal may request an evaluation by outside medical or other expert, at our expense, to assist with determining accommodation and how to achieve accommodation;
6. The team member may request the participation of a representative from the workplace in the development of the accommodation plan;
7. CanDeal will take steps to protect the privacy of the team members personal information;
8. Frequency with which the IAP will be reviewed and updated and the way it will be done;
9. If denied, the reasons for denial are to be provided to the team member;
10. A format that considers the employee’s disability needs;
11. If requested, any information regarding accessible formats and communication supports provided; and
12. Identification of any other accommodation that is to be provided.

Workplace Emergency Response Information

CanDeal shall provide individualized Workplace Emergency Response Information to team members who have a disability:

1. If the disability is such that the individualized information is necessary, and the employer is aware of the need for accommodation due to the team members disability;
2. If the team member who receives individual Workplace Emergency Response Information requires assistance and with the team members consent, CanDeal shall provide the workplace emergency information to the person designated by CanDeal to provide assistance to the team member;
3. As soon as practicable after becoming aware of the need for accommodation due to the team members disability.