AODA Policy
This Accessibility Policy outlines Central Smith’s commitment to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate how Central Smith will identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility and ensure equal opportunities for all Ontarians.
This policy applies to all employees of the Company as well as contractors, visitors, and members of the public who interact with the company or access its goods, services, and facilities.
1.7.1 Policy Statement
The Company is committed to providing an inclusive, accessible, and respectful environment for individuals with disabilities. We strive to provide goods, services, information, and employment in a way that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.
1.7.2 Accessibility Standards
Individual Accommodation Plans
The company will consult employees with disabilities to develop and document an individual accommodation plan based upon their individual needs.
1.7.3 Performance Management, Career Development and Advancement
The company will take in account the accommodation needs of employees and any established accommodation plans when providing any type of feedback for the purposes of performance management and/or career development and advancement information.
1.7.4 Individualized Emergency Response Plans
The company will provide individualized workplace emergency response information to employees who have a disability:
If the disability is such that individualized information is necessary and the employer is aware of the need for accommodation due to the employees disability;
With the employee’s consent, to the person designated by the company to provide assistance to the employee if required;
As soon as practicable after becoming aware of the need for accommodation due to the employee’s disability;
The company will review the individualized workplace emergency response information when the employee moves to a different location in the organization.
1.7.5 Assistive Devices
Allow use of personal assistive devices.
Train staff on company-owned assistive devices.
Where a device presents a safety concern, offer alternative accommodation.
1.7.6 Service Animals
Permit service animals on company premises unless excluded by law.
Request verification only when not obvious.
Resolve conflicts (e.g., allergies) through reasonable efforts.
1.7.7 Support Persons
The Company shall allow people with disabilities, who require to be accompanied by a support person, to all The Company premises that are open to the public. Both people are permitted to enter the premises together and the person with a disability will have access to their support person. In situations where confidential information might be discussed, consent will be obtained from the member of the Public, or other Stakeholder, prior to any conversation where confidential information might be discussed.
1.7.8 Notice of Temporary Disruption
Notice of Service Disruptions must be provided when facilities or services that people with disabilities may use to access The Company’s goods or services are temporarily unavailable or if the goods or services are expected in the near future to be temporarily unavailable. The Notice must include the following information (unless it is not readily available or known):
The reason and information for disruption
Anticipated duration
Description of alternate facilities or services, if available
Contact information in the case of an unscheduled disruption, the notice will be posted at the location of the service disruption as soon as practically possible.
In the case of a scheduled disruption, the employer may post the notice prior to the disruption at the physical location, on its website or if appropriate may advertise the disruption with local medial outlets. The notice will be posted to allow for sufficient time to inform customers.
1.7.9 Training
The Company provides training to employees on Ontario’s accessibility laws and on the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities. Training is provided to all new hires as soon as practicable. If any changes are made to the policy or the requirements, additional training will be provided. The Company will maintain a record of the dates when training is provided and the name of the individuals to whom it was provided.
Training includes:
Purpose of Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the Customer Service Standards.
Our policies related to Customer Service Standards.
How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.
How to interact with people with disabilities who used who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person.
How to use the equipment or devices available on site or otherwise that may help with providing goods, services or facilities to people with disabilities.
1.7.10 Design of Public Spaces
The Company complies with applicable accessibility laws when constructing or modifying public spaces including:
Parking areas
Service-related elements such as counters and waiting areas
1.7.11 Feedback Process
Feedback regarding accessibility at Central Smith can be directed to:
Email: info@centralsmith.ca
Phone: 705-742-5867
Mail or In Person:
739 Lindsay Road, Selwyn, ON, K9J 0C5
Feedback will be reviewed and responded to promptly. Accessible formats and communication support will be available upon request.
1.7.12 Review and Update
This policy and the accompanying accessibility plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five years.