Accessibility Policy and Plan

Accessibility Policy

A. INTRODUCTION

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is a law that sets out a process for developing and enforcing accessibility standards for people with disabilities.

Accessibility standards are laws that govern businesses, non-profits and public sector organizations to become more accessible.

Morin Supply is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination and harassment, in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity and can contribute fully and have equal opportunities.

B. APPLICABILITY

The right to freedom from discrimination and harassment extends to all employees including full time, part time, temporary or contract staff.

This policy applies at every level of organization and to every aspect of the workplace environment and employment relationship.

C. RESPONSIBILITY

Employees shall, at the earliest opportunity, advise Morin Supply of any change in their circumstances that may require Morin Supply to consider or take account of an employee’s needs connected to or related to their disability.

Morin Supply may, where it considers it necessary or appropriate, seek professional guidance, including medical advice, in undertaking and fulfilling its obligations under this policy.

D. HIRING, RECRUITMENT AND PROMOTION

Morin Supply shall notify its employees and job applicants about the availability of accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes.

If a selected applicant or employee requests an accommodation, Morin Supply shall consult with the applicant and arrange for the provision of suitable accommodation in a manner that considers the applicant’s accessibility needs due to their disability.

E. SUPPORT FOR EMPLOYEES

Where an employee with a disability requests it, Morin Supply will consult with the employee about the provision of accessible formats and communication supports that may be needed for the employee to perform their job.

Morin Supply shall develop and have in place a written process for the development of documented individual accommodation plan for employees with disabilities.

F. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Morin Supply uses performance management in respect of its Employees and shall consider the accessibility needs of Employees with disabilities, when using its performance management process in respect of employees with disabilities.

G. RETURN TO WORK

Where an employee has been absent from work due to ill health or sickness that is related to or connected with their disability, Morin Supply shall develop and have in place a return-to-work process.

Such a process shall be documented and shall identify the steps that Morin Supply shall take to facilitate the return to work of Employees who were absent because of their disability.

Such a process shall include a documented individual accommodation plan and a Return-to-Work Interview.

H. REVIEW

Morin Supply will periodically review this policy, carrying out any necessary amendments considering changes in legislation or improving good practice and supervising its implementation.

 

Accessible Customer Service Policy

A. PURPOSE

To provide Morin Supply employees with information and training on how to provide accessible customer service for people with disabilities.

To provide our guests and vendors (upon request) information about Morin Supply policies regarding accessible customer service.

B. BACKGROUND

Morin Supply is committed to excellence in serving all guests, including people with disabilities.

In accordance with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 165/16, this policy sets out the standards by which Morin Supply will provide goods and services to individuals with disabilities.

Morin Supply shall, upon request, supply a copy of the policies, practices and procedures to any person.

C. DEFINITIONS

  • Assistive Devices – any auxiliary aid such as communication aids, cognition aids, personal mobility aids and medical aids (i.e. canes, crutches, wheelchairs, or hearing aids).
  • Disabilities – a broad range and degree of conditions, some visible and others not. A disability may have been present from birth, caused by an accident, or developed over time. It includes physical, mental, and learning disabilities, mental disorders, hearing or vision disabilities, epilepsy, drug and alcohol dependencies, environmental sensitivities, as well as other conditions. (the same as definition of disability found in the Ontario Human Rights Code)
  • Employees – any person who deals with members of the public or other third parties on behalf of Morin Supply, whether the person does so as an employee, agent, volunteer or otherwise.
  • Persons with disabilities – individuals that are afflicted with a disability as defined under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
  • Service Animals – any animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.
  • Support persons – any person whether a paid professional, volunteer, family member or friend that accompanies a person with a disability in order to help with communications, personal care or medical needs, or with access to goods or services.

D. POLICY Training for Staff

Morin Supply will provide training to employees, volunteers and others who deal with the public or other third parties on their behalf. Individuals in the following positions will be trained:

  • Office Staff
  • Drivers
  • Helpers
  • Yard staff
  • Production employees
  • Management
  • Other – any other individuals identified as dealing with the public

This training will be provided to new staff within 30 days of their start date, and to existing staff prior to January 1, 2012. Staff will also be trained when changes are made to the plan.

Training will include:

  • An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard
  • Morin Supply’s plan related to the customer service standard
  • 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 a support person
  • How to use the assistive devices available on-site that may help with providing goods or services to people with disabilities
  • What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing Morin Supply’s goods and services

Assistive Devices

We will ensure that our staff are trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by guests with disabilities while accessing our goods or services.

Communication

We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that consider their disability.

Service Animals

We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. People with disabilities may bring their service animals on the parts of our premises that are open to the public or other third parties.

Support Persons

A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them on our premises.

Notice of Temporary Disruptions

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for guests with disabilities, Morin Supply will notify guests promptly. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

Feedback Process

Guests who wish to provide feedback on the way Morin Supply provides goods and services to people with disabilities can provide feedback through several methods:

  • Verbally, in person or over the phone: to HR at (613)224-9980
  • E-mail, to HR: humanresources@morinsupply.ca; subject ‘Accessibility Feedback’
  • Feedback form, available by request.

All feedback will be directed to HR.

Where requested, guests can expect to hear back within 5 business days. Where possible, complaints will be addressed within the specified time period. However, some complaints may require more effort to address, and may be reviewed at a higher level. In such cases, guests will receive acknowledgement in the requested method within 5 business days, and feedback within 15 business days.

Alternative Formats

Guests that require documents provided in alternative formats should notify the staff member they are dealing with or can contact HR using any of the contact information listed.

Morin Supply will make a reasonable attempt to provide the document in the requested format. If the requested format is not available, staff will work with the customer to determine an appropriate solution.

Preventative and Emergency Maintenance of Accessible Elements in Public Spaces

Morin Supply has procedures in place for preventative and emergency maintenance of accessible elements in its public spaces. Accessible public space elements include exterior paths of travel, such as walkways and stairs, as well as private parking lot.

  • Personnel responsible for maintaining accessible elements in Morin Supply public spaces will develop preventative maintenance schedules, as required, to keep the elements in good working order or restore them to their original condition when necessary.
  • To the extent possible, notice regarding any disruption to accessible elements due to planned maintenance or repairs impacting customer accessibility will be posted in advance. This will include information about the disruption, its anticipated duration, and alternative accessible elements. This notice may be posted notices in a conspicuous place on Morin Supply premises, the company website and/or such other method as is reasonable under the circumstances.
  • Morin Supply personnel will inspect accessible elements on a regular basis. Any elements that are found to have defects or required maintenance will be identified and reported to management. Arrangements will be made for the necessary repairs and/or maintenance.
  • If third party information is received regarding an accessible element requiring maintenance or repairs, the information will be sent to the relevant personnel so appropriate action can be taken.
  • If it is determined that emergency maintenance or repairs to an accessible element are required, the element will be taken out of service and the necessary repairs will be assessed and addressed as a priority.

E. MODIFICATIONS TO THIS OR OTHER POLICIES

Any policy of Morin Supply that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.

F. QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS POLICY

Questions about this policy may be addressed to HR:

In person/by mail: 7 Tristan Court, Nepean, ON, K2E 8A4
By phone: (613)224-9980
By e-mail: humanresources@morinsupply.ca

 

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

A. INTRODUCTION AND STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

Morin Supply is committed to meeting its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Building on the Company’s Accessibility Policy, Morin Supply 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. The Company is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility.

As part of its commitment to meeting its obligations under the Act, Morin Supply has developed its Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to outline its ongoing strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meet its requirements under the AODA.

Morin Supply’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan will be reviewed and at least once every five (5) years, and as required.

B. ESTABLISHMENT AND APPLICATION

Morin Supply will review by January 1, 2023: (COMPLETED)

  • Develop, implement, and maintain a policy governing how the organization will achieve accessibility.
  • Establish, implement, and maintain a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.
  • Include within its Multi-Year Accessibility Plan a statement of commitment to meet the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner.

C. TRAINING

Morin Supply will review by January 1, 2023: (COMPLETED)

  • Provide training on disability-related obligations under Ontario Human Rights legislation, as well as similar legislative provisions across the country, to employees, volunteers, and any others who may be acting on Morin Supply’s behalf in dealing with the public or any other third parties. Training will also be provided to all people who are involved in the development of the Company’s policies. Records of the individuals who completed the training, as well as the dates of completion, will be kept on file for review as needed.

D. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION STANDARDS

I. Accessible Website and Web Content

Morin Supply will by January 1, 2024: (COMPLETED)

  • Make Morin Supply’s internet website and new content conform with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
  • Make the Company’s Accessibility Policy and Multi-Year Accessibility Plan available to the public on the Morin Supply website and available in accessible formats upon request.

II. Feedback, Accessible Formats and Communication Supports

Morin Supply will by January 1, 2024: (COMPLETED)

  • Put a statement on its website about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports and, upon request, provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats in a timely manner.
  • Ensure that the processes for receiving and responding to feedback are accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging for the provision of accessible formats and communications supports, upon request.

E. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

I. Recruitment

Morin Supply will by January 1, 2025:

  • On its website and on job postings, specify that accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.
  • Inform applicants selected to participate in a selection process that accommodations are available during the recruitment process, upon request, with respect to materials and processes to be used.
  • Upon request, consult with the applicant and arrange for suitable accommodation.
  • When making offers of employment, notify the successful applicant of its policies for accommodating employees with disabilities.

II. Informing Associates of Supports

Morin Supply will by January 1, 2025:

  • Inform employees and new hires (as soon as is practicable) of Morin Supply’s policies to support employees with disabilities and keep employees up to date on any changes to these policies.
  • Upon request from an employee with a disability, provide for suitable accessible formats and communication supports for: information needed by the employee to perform their job, and information that is generally available to employees.

III. Documented Individual Accommodation Plans / Return to Work Process

Morin Supply will by January 1, 2025:

  • Develop a written process for the development of individual accommodation plans.
  • Develop and document a return-to-work process for employees who have been absent due to a disability; the process shall outline the steps that Morin Supply will take to facilitate the employee’s return to work and use the individual’s accommodation plan as part of that process.

IV. Performance Management, Career Development and Redeployment

Morin Supply will by January 1, 2025:

  • Consider the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities and individual accommodation plans when utilizing Morin Supply’s performance management processes, as well as considering career development and advancement opportunities and redeployment of its employees.

V. Preventative and Emergency Maintenance of Accessible Elements in Public Spaces

Morin Supply will by January 1, 2024: (COMPLETED)

  • Morin Supply will have procedures in place for preventative and emergency maintenance of accessible elements in its public spaces. Accessible public space elements include exterior paths of travel, such as walkways, stairs, and ramps, as well as private parking lot.