Introduction
Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations (ISAR), the Government of Ontario has developed a phased-in approach to reaching its objectives of making Ontario fully accessible by 2025. ODC supports this initiative and has developed policies to meet these objectives.
Statement of Commitment
ODC is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders, including employees, clients, job applicants, suppliers and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the AODA and its associated regulations.
ODC understands that we have a responsibility for ensuring a safe, dignified, and welcoming environment for everyone. We are committed to ensuring our organization's compliance by incorporating accessibility legislation into our policies, procedures, equipment requirements, training, and best practices. We will review these policies and practices annually, as organizational changes occur or in anticipation of compliance deadlines. In addition, we will strive to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and effective manner.
Providing an accessible and barrier-free environment is a shared effort, and we are committed as an organization to working with the necessary parties to make accessibility for all a reality. More detailed information on our accessibility policies, plans and training programs are available upon request.
Customer Service
All goods and services provided by ODC will follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity. ODC has developed a Customer Service Policy which includes a feedback process, which is available by contacting
our Human Resources Department. ODC will communicate with people with disabilities considering their individual requirements.
Information and Communications
Information and feedback will be provided upon request in accessible formats including but not limited to large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, or braille taking into consideration the individuals requirements.
All websites will have content conforming to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG} 2.0 Level A and increasing to Level AA as per the ISAR requirements.
If it is determined in consultation with the requesting party that information or communications are unconvertible, ODC will ensure that the individual who made the request is provided with an explanation and a summary of the information.
Employment
ODC will notify employees and the public about the availability of accommodation for job applicants who have disabilities. The accommodation is available upon request for the interview, assessment and hiring processes, and at any time during the employment relationship.
ODC will create, in consultation with the employee, individual workplace emergency response information for employees with disabilities.
Training
ODC will provide training on the IASR accessibility requirements and Ontario's Human Rights Code as they pertain to individuals with disabilities as part of ODC'S orientation and hiring process. All current employees have been trained. Training records are maintained and filed in the individual employee's training file.
Human Resources Contact
110 Randall Drive
PO Box 70
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 326
Telephone: 519-576-8950 ext. 170
E-mail: [email protected]