Purpose

BEAU-ROC INC. recognizes their obligation under the 2005 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and applies this policy to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to the objects, services, installations and jobs offered by the company.

Application

This policy applies to all sectors of activity of the company that deal with the Ontario public.

Definitions

Disability – is defined as follows, according to article 2 of the “AODA”:

1. a) any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical coordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device;
2. b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
3. c) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
4. d) a mental disorder;
5. e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.

Service animals – are defined as follows, according to paragraph 4(9) of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service:

“An animal is a service animal for a person with a disability in one or the other of the following situations:

1. a) if it is readily apparent that the animal is used by the person for reasons relating to his or her disability;
2. b) if the person provides a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that the animal is required for reasons relating to the disability.”

Support persons – are defined as follows, according to paragraph 4(8) of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service:

“Support person means, in relation to a person with a disability, another person who accompanies him or her in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs or with access to goods or services.”

Compliance

The company will offer goods and services with respect to the dignity and autonomy of persons with disabilities. The company will commit to offer the same access to its goods and services and the same possibility as others to obtain, use and benefit from said goods and services.

Communication

The company will communicate with persons with disabilities in a way that considers each individual’s handicap and, whenever possible, must respect the requirements of any person in regards to any needs and preferences in methods of communication.

Functional equipment and accessories

Functional equipment or accessories are permitted in the areas that are normally accessible to employees and visitors.  The person with a disability is responsible for the acquisition, use and safety of the functional equipment and accessories.

Service animals and support persons

The company will ensure access to a person with a disability that is accompanied by a service animal in the areas of their installations that are normally accessible to the public and third parties.  The service animal must always be accompanied by the person with a disability or the support person.

If a person with a disability is accompanied by a support person, the provider of goods or services shall ensure that both persons are permitted to enter the premises together and that the person with a disability is not prevented from having access to the support person while on the premises.

Notice of temporary disruptions

The company will advise the public of any temporary disruption, whether planned or not, in its installations or particular services that are normally available to persons with disabilities. Notice of disruption will indicate the reasons for the disruption, its duration and the temporary and/or replacement installations or services that will be available in this case. Notice will be put up at the entrance of designated areas and in the reception area.

Training

The company will ensure that any person who will be required to work with the public or other parties in its name as an employee, representative or volunteer receives appropriate training.

Training will cover the following:

1. an overview of the dispositions of the 2005 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service;
2. how to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disability;
3. how to interact with persons with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a guide dog or other service animal or the assistance of a support person;
4. what to do if a person with a particular type of disability is having difficulty accessing the provider’s goods or services;
5. all company policies, practices and procedures regarding current standards.

Feedback process

People who have any questions or comments that they wish to share about the manner in which the company provides goods or services to persons with disabilities can do so in person, by telephone or by e-mail.  When a response is required, the company will follow up as quickly as possible.

Documents

Documents pertaining to the present policy are displayed on the company’s premises and website and will also be made available to anyone who requires them, whenever possible, in an easily accessible format.

Changes to the present policy or any other policy

No changes will be made to the present policy without considering the impact on persons with disabilities.  Any policy established by the company that does not respect or promote the dignity and autonomy of persons with disabilities will be amended or removed.