Last Updated 04/09/2024
Introduction
To promote workplace health and safety, to facilitate return to work, recovery, and re-entry into the labour market for people who have a workplace injury or illness, and to provide compensation and other benefits in a financially responsible and accountable way; whether you’re a person who experienced a compensable or non-compensable injury or illness.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility standard Regulation (IASR) was enacted to develop, implement, and enforce Accessibility.
Standards to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to:
- Information and Communication
- Employment
- Design of Public Spaces
- Customer Service
- Transportation
The requirements of AODA and the IASR are not a replacement or a substitution for the requirements established under the Ontario Human Rights Code or the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. Under AODA the IASR, we are required to establish, implement, maintain and document a multi-year accessibility plan. This plan outlines our strategy to identify, prevent and remove accessibility barriers and meet our requirements under the IASR.
In accordance with the requirements set out in the IASR, the Company will:
- Post the multi-year accessibility plan on our website (www.erieap.com)
- Provide the plan in an accessible format upon request
- Review and update the accessibility plan at least once every five years
- Review and update the accessibility plan in consultation with persons with disabilities
- Prepare an annual status report and post it on its website.
Statement of commitment
We are committed and fully support the AODA. We will treat all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the accessibility needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by identifying, preventing, and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under AODA and the IASR. We will work to promote a culture of respect and acceptance for accessibility within Ontario.
Accessibility Plan 2019 – 2025
Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation
Part 1 General
Requirement: Accessibility policy
We are committed to maintaining the AODA policy. The policy includes an organizational statement of commitment and requirements for employees at all levels of the organization to meet the accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities in a timely manner.
Actions taken:
- The AODA policy was developed and approved
- The AODA policy was reviewed and updated in accordance with internal review processes
- The AODA policy will be made available in an accessible format to customers requesting a copy of the policy
Actions planned:
- Continue to review the AODA policy at least every 5 years or whenever the Company’s practices and/or procedures change to ensure it is up to date and all AODA requirements are integrated
- Continue making the AODA policy available in an accessible format to customers requesting a copy of the policy
Requirement: Multi-year accessibility plan
Erie Architectural Products Inc. is committed to developing and implementing a multi-year accessibility plan to meet the requirements of the AODA and the needs of Erie’s stakeholders with disabilities.
Actions taken:
- A multi-year accessibility plan was developed in 2019 and updated in 2024
Actions planned:
- Post updated multi-year accessibility plan to the Erie Architectural website
- Provide the plan in an accessible format on request
- Prepare annual status updates on what has been done to achieve accessibility plan, post the update to the website and make the update available to the public in an accessible format if requested
- Review and update the multi-year accessibility plan at least every five years based on changing accessibility requirements and feedback from internal and external stakeholders
- Establish an Accessibility Advisory Committee to provide direction into the multi-year plan
Requirement: Procurement of goods, services, or facilities
When procuring or acquiring goods or services or facilities, we will incorporate accessibility criteria and features. Where applicable, procurement documents will specify the desired accessibility criteria to be met and provide guidelines for the evaluation of proposals in respect of those criteria. Where we determine that it is not possible to incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services, or facilities, we will provide a written explanation upon request.
Actions taken:
When tendering for goods, services and facilities accessibility criteria are included in the request for proposal. To address AODA procurement requirements:
- Through our obligations under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 and the AODA,
- 2005, we strive to meet the highest level of universal accessibility. All products and components proposed in response to our procurement practices are to meet or exceed the minimum standards for accessibility. Suppliers are solely responsible for familiarizing themselves with this legislation to ensure their proposed products and components meet or exceed the minimum standards for accessibility
- Learning and performance have built-in additional accessibility criteria for the procurement of learning services and eLearning products
- Accessibility design, criteria and features are incorporated into the procurement or redesign of any space owned or leased by the organization.
- An internal project screening tool has been developed that help identify AODA requirements when new projects are initiated.
Actions planned:
- Use the project screening tool and information that is posted on the Ontario Government website (www.ontario.ca) – Accessibility rules for businesses and non-profits
- Accessibility Rules for Procurement – How to buy or acquire goods, services or facilities that are accessible to people with disabilities site Ontario Government Accessibility Rules for Procurement to better incorporate accessibility considerations and requirements into the procurement cycle.
- Educate employees to consider, and where required, incorporate accessibility criteria when procuring goods or services
Requirement: Self-service kiosks and computer stations
Erie Architectural will incorporate accessibility features when designing, procuring, acquiring, or designing self-service kiosks or computer stations.
Actions taken:
- Self-service computer stations in reception areas & Cafeteria incorporate a large print keyboard,
- screen magnification software (i.e. Zoom text)
Actions planned:
- We will continue to incorporate accessibility features into self-service kiosks/computer stations as they are implemented
- We will ensure accessibility features are functional
Requirement: Training
- We are committed to providing appropriate AODA training to all employees including management, and all people participating in the development and approval of the Company’s policies
- We will also ensure all people who provide goods, services, and facilities on the Company’s behalf are appropriately trained
- Training content includes the requirements of AODA, the IASR and the Ontario Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities
- We will use multiple channels to promote awareness and encourage learning about accessibility
Actions taken:
- All employees have taken the required AODA training
- AODA training has been added to the On-Boarding/Orientation process
- Mandatory training continues to be provided to all new employees
- All employees, managers and senior managers understand how to interact with customers of varying abilities
- Organization-wide training compliance check reports are run as needed
Actions planned:
- We will Institute a refresher training cycle at least every 5 years or as changes occur to ensure knowledge remains current
Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation
Part 2 – Information & Communication Standard
Requirement: Accessible formats and communication support
Erie Architectural is committed to making information and communication accessible to people with disabilities. The information we provide and the ways we communicate are key to delivering our programs and services to the public.
Erie Architectural will incorporate accessibility requirements under the IASR information and communication standard to ensure that its information and communications systems and platforms are accessible, and they meet the needs of persons with disabilities. The Company will, upon request, consult with the person requesting the information and provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and/or communication supports in a timely manner.
There are situations where accessible formats and communication supports may not be provided. These situations include when:
- it is not technically possible to convert a document to an accessible format. In this case, we will explain why and provide a short summary of the information comes from another organization we do not control the information the information is found on products or product labels.
- If we determine that information or communications are unconvertible, we will provide the person requesting the information or communication with: an explanation as to why the information or communications are unconvertible a summary of the unconvertible information or communications.
Actions taken:
- Implemented our accessible customer service feedback process. Feedback can be provided in multiple formats including phone, email and TTY
Actions planned:
- Develop processes to ensure information can be made accessible to people with disabilities upon request
- Develop guidelines and best practices for creating accessible documents
- Work with employees that create documents that are accessible
- Develop best practices to make email communication more accessible
- Continually improve accessibility of our information and communications by reviewing feedback received and conducting accessibility audits to identify accessibility barriers and striving for barrier removal
- Continue to use the accessible feedback and request mechanism as a means for enabling people with disabilities to request accessible formats or communication supports
Requirement: Accessible websites and web content
External-facing websites and web content controlled directly by Erie Architectural will conform to the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, at Level A and AA in accordance with the schedule set out in the IASR.
We will also consider conforming to WCAG 2.0 Level A and Level AA standards for our intranet site. This will improve inclusion and provide employees using adaptive technologies better access to information.
Actions taken:
- Review of public website
- 1.2.5 (pre-recorded audio descriptions)
Actions planned:
- Beginning April 1, 2024: all public websites and web content posted after January 1, 2019, will also meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA other than criteria 1.2.4 (live captions) and 1.2.5 (pre- recorded audio descriptions)
- Establish a governance procedure to ensure web site and web content conform to the appropriate standards
- Create processes and guidance documents to ensure information posted on our intranet sites are accessible
- Conduct web accessibility audits on existing website and web content in order to determine if AODA requirements are met and develop remediation plan if content does not conform to the requirements
- Ensure any future digital services or computer programs are designed for accessibility striving for all users to have equal access to information and functionality
- Ensure forms are designed and conform with accessibility criteria
Requirement: emergency procedures, plans or public safety information
Safety is a priority, and we strive to ensure that our facility is safe for clients, visitors, and employees. The Company prepares building related emergency procedures, plans or public safety information and the provision of this information in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports, as soon as possible, upon request.
Action taken:
- We undertook a review of emergency procedures at our facility and ensured that third party facilities managers can provide building related emergency and
- public safety information in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports, as soon as practical, upon request
Actions planned:
- Where a safety representative or managers are unable to provide building emergency and public safety information on request the Company will provide this information in an accessible format or with appropriate communication support, as soon as possible.
Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation
Part 3- Employment standard
We have a strong organizational history of accommodating its employees with disabilities and creating an inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees with disabilities.
We recognize that by removing barriers across the employment life cycle will create a workplace that is diverse, accessible and enables employees to reach their full potential.
Requirement: Recruitment
Actions planned:
- Job applicants who are selected for an interview and/or testing will be notified that accommodations are available, upon request. Processes have been established to consult with any applicant who requests an accommodation in a manner that considers the applicant’s unique abilities
- When offers of employment are made, we notify the successful applicants of the policy for accommodating employees with disabilities.
- Our careers website to include a “Celebrating Diversity” statement that encourages people with disabilities to apply for employment and states that accommodations are available upon request
- All postings to the public-facing careers website include notice about the availability of accommodation for disabilities, where needed, to support their participation in recruitment processes. All postings include the statement:
- Erie Architectural is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodation is available under the Human Rights Code.
- Continue addressing barriers to recruitment
- Continue to accommodate employees
- Ensure the online recruitment portal will meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards by April 1, 2024
Requirement: Accessible formats and communication support for employees
Actions taken:
- Assistive technology in use includes ZoomText, various keyboards, specialty mice, and ergonomically designed workstations and components
- Office design standards have considered accessibility and automatic door openers have been installed where required by persons with mobility impairments
Actions planned:
- All videos used in learning and performance courses are closed captioned
- Continue to ensure all learning products and systems are WCAG Level A and AA compliant
- Continue to provide assistive devices as required
- Provide training to employees on how to create accessible documents
Requirement: Documented individual accommodation plans
Actions taken:
- We have a workplace accommodation policy and a return-to-work program that includes documented processes and information on accommodating employees with varying abilities
Actions planned:
- Continue to review documented processes and procedures and look for ways to enhance the accommodation program
Requirement: Workplace emergency response information
Where we are aware that an employee has a disability and that there is a need for accommodation, individualized workplace emergency response information will be provided to the employee as soon as possible if such information is necessary given the nature of the employee’s disability.
Actions taken:
- An employee-wide communication was deployed to identify employees with disabilities or accommodations
Actions planned:
- Review and revise individualized workplace emergency plans on an ongoing and regular basis
- Canvas employees every two years to identify new employees requiring workplace emergency response assistance and ensure information for existing employees is current
- Develop a process for communicating individual emergency response plans to emergency response personnel, maintaining the privacy of any medical information that may be disclosed during the accommodation process
- Prepare individualized workplace emergency plans for employees who have disclosed a disability and who require accommodation
- Revise Emergency Specific Protocols to include Person’s Requiring Assistance and AODA requirements
Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation
Part 4.1- Design of Public Spaces Standard
Requirement: Accessible public spaces
We will incorporate accessibility design, criteria and features when procuring or redesigning any space owned or leased by the organization.
When the Company constructs or redevelops public spaces such as, service counters and waiting areas we will do so in keeping with the requirements set out in the Integrated Accessibility Standards – The Design of Public Spaces Standards and Ontario’s Building Code.
Actions taken:
- Real Estate and Facilities Management adhere to the requirements in the Ontario Building Code, the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, the Guide to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation and any other Ontario government requirement governing accessibility.
Actions planned:
- Continuously improve physical accessibility in the offices
Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation
Part 4.2- Customer Service Standard
Requirement: Accessible customer service
The Company strives for excellent Customer service and providing a safe, healthful, and respectful workplace. We strive for service excellence in all our interactions with our customers. From the very first moment of contact with our employees, clients should feel that we are listening and responding to their needs.
We will meet the requirements of AODA and the IASR. The Company proactively identifies barriers to accessibility and determines appropriate ways to accommodate customer needs in order to provide customer service that is accessible to people with varying abilities.
Actions taken:
- All New employees, managers and senior managers have been trained on interacting with customers of all abilities and we maintain records of the training that is provided
- Support persons that accompany a person with a disability are welcome in areas where the public or third parties are permitted and or served
- Customers are informed when accessible services are temporarily unavailable
Actions planned:
- Continue to train new employees on accessible customer service
- Continue enabling customers to use assistive devices and welcoming the assistance of service animals and support persons
- Continue to communicate when accessible services are temporarily unavailable using methodologies appropriate for the circumstances
- We will develop internal AODA Check list to help identify AODA requirements when new projects, roles, and workstations planned
- Continue reviewing emergency procedures to ensure customers with varying abilities are assisted in building emergencies
- Develop digital services with accessibility with accessibility at its core, striving for all users to have equal access to information and functionality
- Permit the use of assistive devices and service animals on the first floor office space
- Work to ensure all online forms are accessible
- Develop tip sheets for employees on interacting with person of varying abilities
- Develop meeting/public information protocols to ensure the needs of persons with disabilities are met
- Develop Emergency procedures to ensure customers with varying abilities are assisted in building emergencies
Requirement: Feedback
Feedback on how services were delivered to people with disabilities will be invited, forwarded to the appropriate personnel, responded to, documented, and tracked. Feedback will be collected by phone, TTY, by email via Company website and in person. Feedback will be accepted in accessible formats and with other communication supports as required. Feedback will be considered to improve services and when reviewing the multi-year plan.
Actions taken:
- Implemented an accessible customer service feedback process. Feedback can be provided in multiple formats including phone, email and TTY
Actions planned:
- Continue to use the accessible feedback mechanisms as a means for improving services to persons with different abilities
- Create an Internal Advisory Committee to provide feedback
- Ensure any internal feedback mechanisms for employees are accessible
Measuring results
Accessibility status reports
We will prepare annual accessibility status reports. The report will include how we have met our goals, commitments, and the legislative requirements for that period, as laid out in this plan.
The report will be available on our website and will be provided in alternate formats upon request.
Reviewing feedback
We will monitor and evaluate any feedback the Company has received throughout the year related to accessibility. This information will be used to continuously improve our processes and may be integrated into our accessibility reports and/or multi-year plan.
Revisions to the Multi-year Accessibility Plan
If, through public consultation, feedback and our own accessibility action and planning processes, we determine that the Multi-year Accessibility Plan needs revision, we will update it to reflect these insights. Revisions will be available on our website and will be provided in alternate formats on request.
Feedback is Welcome
We welcome inquiries and feedback about accessibility and our efforts at meeting the AODA and the IASR.
Please contact us by:
Email:
Phone:
-
- 1-(519) 727-0672
- 1-800-855-0511 (voice to TTY)
- 711 (TTY to voice)
- 1-800-855-1155 (TTY to TTY)