1. Scope

This Policy applies to all HIEC employees, volunteers, and applicable third parties responsible for delivering goods, services, or facilities. This Policy applies to HIEC’s efforts to remove barriers to participation among persons with disabilities, including attitudinal, communication, physical, policy, programmatic, and social, towards creating an inclusive environment for all HIEC Community members.

 2. Purpose

The AODA aims to develop, implement, and enforce Accessibility Standards to achieve accessibility for all Ontarians. The purpose of this Policy is to outline the commitment of HIEC in promoting accessibility, equal participation, and inclusion as an inherent right of persons with disabilities by implementing the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, S.O. 2005, c.11 Standards, O. Reg. 191/11 (“IASR”).

HIEC understands that obligations under the AODA and its accessibility standards do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law.  

3. Policy

HIEC commits to the ongoing maintenance of measures in adhering to the applicable standards in the AODA Act, summarized as follows:

3.1 General Requirements

• HIEC ensures that all staff, volunteers, and applicable third persons responsible for policy decisions and persons who provide goods and services on behalf of the organization receive training. Training occurs as soon as practicable after being hired and provides training concerning any policy changes. Training includes the following:
  
  • The purposes of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the integrated standards;
  • How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities;
  • How to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or support person;
  • How to learn about the use of various assistive devices;
  • What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing HIEC’s services
• HIEC uses accessible design criteria and features that are incorporated whenever possible and without undue hardship

3.2 Information and Communication Standard

• HIEC is committed to communicating with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. When asked, we will provide information about our organization and its services, including public safety information, in accessible formats or with communication supports:
  
  • In a timely manner, taking into account the person’s accessibility needs due to disability, and at a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons
• We will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of an accessible format or communication support. If the organization determines that information or communications are unconvertible, the organization shall provide the requestor with:
  
  • An explanation as to why the information or communications are unconvertible; and
  • A summary of the unconvertible information or communications
• HIEC ensures that information and communication that can be made accessible upon request through consultation is done in a timely manner, including emergency plans, program content,
  training resources, etc.
• HIEC will continue to provide appropriate training to employees in any new accessible formats as needed

3.3 Employment

• HIEC strives to ensure that its employment strategies are conducive to building a workplace and employment culture that respects diversity and inclusion
• HIEC notifies employees, job applicants, and the public that accommodations can be made during recruitment and hiring
• HIEC ensures that all employees and applicants have access to accommodation upon request through the “Employment Accommodation/Accessibility Policy”
• HIEC consults with an employee making a request to ensure that they can equally participate by ensuring the provision of accessible workplace information, communication supports, emergency response information, and documented individual accommodation plans
• HIEC commits to creating Return to Work plans for those employees who have been absent from work due to a disability

3.4 Customer Service

Assistive and mobility devices may be used to access any services directly offered by HIEC. 

• Upon request, HIEC will communicate with persons with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability
• HIEC is committed to welcoming people with disabilities whom a service animal accompanies on the parts of our premises that are open to the public. We will also ensure that all staff personnel are properly trained to interact with people with disabilities whom a service animal accompanies. When we cannot easily identify that an animal is a service animal, our staff may ask for documentation (template, letter, or form) from a regulated health professional that confirms the person needs the service animal for reasons relating to their disability

3.5 Use of Support Persons

• We are committed to welcoming people with disabilities whom a support person accompanies. Any person with a disability whom a support person accompanies will be allowed to enter HIEC’s premises or offsite event venues with their support person. At no time will a person with a disability whom a support person accompanies be prevented from accessing their support person while on our premises or premises operated by HIEC for event purposes

3.6 Notice of Temporary Disruptions

• HIEC will provide notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services usually used by people with disabilities. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration and a description of alternative facilities or services if available

4. Compliance and Reporting

4.1 HIEC shall provide a copy of this Policy to each Employee, regardless of their position, within 30 calendar days of implementation. Should any changes be made to the Policy after its implementation, HIEC shall provide each Employee of HIEC with a copy of the revised Policy within 30 days of the changes being made

4.2 HIEC shall provide a copy of this Policy to all new Employees within 30 calendar days of the Employee commencing employment with HIEC

4.3 HIEC shall retain a copy of this Policy and any revised version of this Policy for a period of three years after it ceases to be in effect 

4.4 All HIEC policies and procedures will be developed or updated so as to respect and promote the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities 

4.5 Feedback Process

The ultimate goal of HIEC is to exceed the expectations of people with disabilities. Comments regarding how well those expectations are being met are welcomed and appreciated. Please complete our Customer Feedback Form. If you have any questions, please call our Human Resources at (905) 634-2575 ext. 107 or by email to hr@hiec.on.ca. All feedback is directed to Human Resources and responses will follow within ten business days.