AODA – Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR)
Intent
This accessibility plan outlines the policies and actions that Cascades will put in place to improve opportunities for people with disabilities in accordance with the requirements communicated under the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11
Statement of Commitment
Cascades is committed to treating 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 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.
Accessible Emergency Information
Cascades is committed to providing the customers and clients with publicly available emergency information in an accessible way upon request. We will also provide employees with disabilities with individualized emergency response information when necessary.
Training
Cascades will provide training to employees, volunteers and other staff members on Ontario’s accessibility laws and on the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities. Training will be provided in a way that best suits the duties of employees, volunteers and other staff members.
Cascades will take the following steps to ensure employees are provided with the training needed to meet Ontario’s accessible laws by January 1, 2015.
- Train our Sales Associates, Customer Service Representatives, Managers, Supervisor’s, Office staff (that will be directly communicating with people with disabilities), and anyone who develops policies and procedures, using the online government site:
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/serve-ability/index.asp
Information and Communication
Cascades is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. We will consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs.
Cascades will take the following steps to make ensure existing feedback processes are accessible to people with disabilities upon request by:
January 1, 2015.
- Make all staff aware of the feedback process and what direction it should be taken.
- Make a phone number, fax number, customer feedback form and email account accessible for this process. It will be included on our Accessible Customer Service Plan and our Customer Service Standard.
Cascades will take the following steps to make sure all publicly available information is made accessible upon request by
January 1, 2016.
- Contact the right resource to ensure we have the right information
- Will make it available to the public through printed transcript, verbally and any other form required
- Have content available on our corporate website
Cascades will take the following steps to make all websites and content conform with WCAG 2.0, Level AA by
January 1, 2021.
- Communicate and work with Head Office to ensure our corporate website and content on our corporate site conforms with WCAG 2.0, Level AA.
Employment
Cascades is committed to fair and accessible employment practices.
We will take the following steps to notify the public and staff that, when requested, will accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes and when people are hired.
- Add it to the job posting
- Make it part of the orientation process
Cascades will take the following steps to develop and put in place a process for developing individual accommodation plans and return-to-work policies for employees that have been absent due to a disability.
- We will use our existing return to work policy to comply with persons with disabilities
- We will develop individual accommodation plans for persons with disabilities by working with them and their doctor
Cascades will take the following steps to ensure the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities are taken into account if using performance management, career development and redeployment processes.
- We will ensure the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities are taken into account for all performance management, career development and redeployment processes
Cascades will take the following steps to prevent and remove other accessibility barriers identified.
- As they are identified the barrier will be dealt with
Design of Public Spaces
Cascades will meet the Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces when building or making major modifications to public spaces. Public spaces include:
- Recreational trails/beach access routes
- Outdoor public eating areas like rest stops or picnic areas
- Outdoor play spaces, like playgrounds in provincial parks and local communities
- Outdoor paths of travel, like sidewalks, ramps, stairs, curb ramps, rest areas and accessible pedestrian signals
- Accessible off-street parking
- Service-related elements like service counters, fixed queuing lines and waiting areas
Cascades will put the following procedures in place to prevent service disruptions to its accessible parts of its public spaces.
- In the event of a service disruption, we will notify the public of the service disruption and alternatives available.
For More Information
For more information on this accessibility plan, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.