Accessibility Requirement
|
Status
|
Compliance Deadline
|
Responsibility
|
Customer Service
|
Accessible Customer Service Policy
- Develop and implement an Accessible Customer Service Policy
addressing all requirements under the regulation.
- Develop and deliver training to all staff on behalf of Cuddy
Farms that may provide service to our customers. Provide training to all
new staff.
- Develop and make public a process for receiving and responding to
feedback from customers with disabilities.
|
Completed/ Ongoing
|
01/01/12
Reviewed:
01/01/23
|
Human Resources
|
Action Plan
- Cuddy Farms has developed and implemented an Accessible Customer
Service Policy specific to the organization. This policy is updated and
maintained by the HR department.
- Online training as well as a refresher course have been developed
and delivered to all current staff. All new staff are required to
participate in and complete an online AODA Customer Service Training*
within their first week of employment with the company.
Certification/record of completed training is retained in the employee’s
file.
- Cuddy Farms has developed and made public a process for receiving
and responding to feedback from customers with disabilities. The
feedback process is inclusive of multiple means by which feedback can be
received, including by phone, in-person, by E-mail and by written
correspondence. Client-facing employees have been informed of and
trained on the company's feedback process.
- * Alternative formats of the AODA Customer Service Training are
also available upon request.
|
Part 1 - General Requirements
|
Accessibility Policies
- Create and make public a statement of commitment.
- Develop and implement company-specific accessibility policies.
|
Completed/ Ongoing
|
01/01/15
Reviewed:
01/01/23
|
HR
|
Action Plan
- Cuddy Farms has created and made public a statement of
commitment. The statement of commitment is located in the reception area
of our main office.
- Cuddy Farms policies and procedures have been reviewed to
identify current and future barriers to accessibility. Identified
barriers have been addressed and policies amended. An additional
Accommodation Policy has been created for internal use to communicate
how Cuddy Farms will meet its requirements under the IASR, and to
address employee responsibilities and expectations. The Accommodation
Policy has been provided to all employees and will be provided to all
new hires as part of their orientation package*.
- * Alternative formats of the policy will be made available upon
request.
|
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
- Create and make public a multi-year accessibility plan.
- Provide the plan in accessible formats upon request.
- Review the plan every five (5) years.
|
Completed/ Ongoing
|
01/01/15
Reviewed:
01/01/23
|
HR
|
Action Plan
- All applicable IASR requirements have been reviewed to develop a
living Accessibility Plan. The Accessibility Plan has been created to
include training, procedures, and policy development to ensure the
identification and removal of barriers. The plan has been approved and
is posted in the main office reception area.
- Requests for accessible formats of this document will be
forwarded to the HR Associate who will work with the individual to
determine the most suitable format.
- This plan will be amended as required and will be reviewed fully
every five (5) years.
|
Training
- Train all employees on applicable IASR requirements and the
organization's responsibilities under the Human Rights Code (as it
pertains to persons with disabilities).
|
Completed/ Ongoing
|
01/01/15
Re-training:
Nov/2023
|
HR
|
Action Plan
- Training for new employees will be delivered via two (2) online
training modules covering all applicable content as required under the
IASR:
- Integrated Accessibility Standards
-Information/Communication and Employment; and
- Understanding Human Rights Training (AODA
edition).
- All current employees will complete the IASR and Human Rights
Code online training assigned by HR.
- All new employees (including contract and unpaid positions) will
be required to complete the above training as part of their orientation
with the company. HR will be responsible for assigning online training
and tracking for completion*.
- Certification/record of completed training will be retained via
the company's training system.
* Training will also be made available via alternate formats including
in-person presentation, as requested.
|
Part II - Information and Communication Standard
|
Accessible Websites and Web Content
- Ensure website and web content published after January 1, 2012,
conforms to the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, level A.
|
Completed/ Ongoing
|
|
External Web Designer
|
Action Plan
- Cuddy Farms website has not changed since it was originally
developed prior to January 1, 2012, therefore is currently exempt from meeting
all requirements under the WCAG 2.0 level A.
- Cuddy Farms will ensure all new content and/or any substantial changes
to the website conform to established guidelines by 2028.
|
Feedback
- Upon request, be able to receive and respond to feedback from
clients, individuals inquiring about Cuddy Farms, our employees and
members of the public who have a disability.
|
Completed
|
01/01/15
|
HR/Sales Department
|
Action Plan
- A process for receiving and responding to accessible feedback
requests has been developed and communicated to all relevant employees.
Currently Cuddy Farms can facilitate requests via the phone, e-mail, and
mail (enlarged text available).
- As feedback may be received by various departments and personnel
at Cuddy Farms, including reception and customer service; training on
how to receive and respond to accessible feedback requests has been
developed and delivered based on the different positions within the
company.
- Receiving and responding to feedback will be included in all new
hire orientations where the position frequently receives and responds to
requests.
- All other employees will be notified as to the internal party to
whom they should direct any accessible feedback requests.
|
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports
- Upon request, provide accessible formats and communication
supports to individuals with disabilities.
- Notify the public of the availability of accessible formats and communication
supports.
- Where a communication support or accessible format cannot be
provided immediately, consult with the client to arrange for a suitable
format as soon as possible.
|
Ongoing
|
01/01/16
|
HR/Sales Department
|
Action Plan
- Complete an assessment of the ways in which information is
provided to our customers, potential customers, and the public (i.e.
invoices, sales collateral, customer service, advisory services, etc.).
- Develop guidelines/processes for responding to various requests.
Currently, clients and the public may submit a complaint or inquiry
through the company Feedback Form.
- Train employees on guidelines/processes and ensure they are aware
that requests that cannot be met immediately must be forwarded to HR who
will arrange for a suitable and alternative format/communication
support. Training to include typical requests that may be encountered,
how the request may be facilitated.
- Make public Cuddy Farms ability to provide for or arrange for the
provision of accessible formats and communication supports by posting a
statement in the main office reception area.
|
Part III - Employment Standard
|
Workplace Emergency Response Information
- Create and implement individualized plans to assist employees
with disabilities during an emergency.
- Obtain consent from employees with individualized plans to
disclose emergency response or evacuations plans to the person
responsible for assisting the employee in situations where the plan
requires the assistance of a colleague.
- Create and provide emergency information formatted in such a way
that the employee with the disability can understand its
contents/direction as soon as practicable following the receipt of the
request and/or becoming aware of the need for an individualized plan.
- Review the individualized plan/information:
- When the employee moves to a different division
- When the employee's overall accommodation needs,
and plan are reviewed; and
- When the company reviews its general
emergency response policies.
|
Ongoing (based on employee needs)
|
01/01/12
Reviewed:
01/01/23
|
HR/Department Managers
|
Action Plan
- Recognizing that most disabilities are invisible or episodic and
therefore not readily apparent, the New Hire Form has been amended to
allow employees to identify emergency planning requirements. Emergency
planning information and directions are also included in the internal
Accommodation Policy which has been provided and communicated to all
current employees and provided to all new hires as a part of their
orientation package.
- The process for providing emergency information includes
alternative formats and will be completed in a timely manner upon
receipt of the request or becoming aware of the need for an
individualized plan.
- The process/policy used by the HR department to develop an
individualized emergency response plan includes the requirement that
consent is obtained from the requesting employee to disclose the
contents of the plan to the individual required to provide assistance
when responding to the emergency or evacuation. The process for
obtaining consent also includes obtaining the acknowledgement of the
employee designated to provide the assistance that the confidentiality
of the individualized plan will be maintained unless the health and
safety of either party is potentially compromised.
- Individualized emergency plans include the requirement that the
plan be reviewed:
- If the employee moves to another location
that would affect that person's ability to respond to the emergency or
evacuation (the ability of the individual designated to provide
assistance, where needed, will also be considered).
- On a recurring timeline, to be established
during the creation of the individualized emergency response plan.
Factors that are taken into consideration when developing the recurring
timeline (i.e. once every six (6) months, annually, etc.) include the
nature and severity of the disability as well as its classification of
permanent or temporary. A review of the plan will also be initiated if
requested by the employee; and
- When the company amends its emergency
response and/or evacuation procedures.
|
Documented Individual Accommodation Plans
- Develop and implement a written process for the development of
documented individual accommodation plans for employees with
disabilities.
|
Ongoing
|
01/01/16
Reviewed:
01/01/23
|
HR/Department Managers
|
Action Plan
- Cuddy Farms will develop and implement a written process for the
development of documented individual accommodation plans for employees
with disabilities. As per IASR requirements, the plan will include the
following elements:
- The manner in which an employee requesting
accommodation can participate in the development of the accommodation plan.
- Cuddy
farms will endeavour to ensure the employee is able to actively
participate in the development of the accommodation plan. Limitations
will be identified and clearly communicated to the employee prior to
the development of the plan.
- The means by which the employee is assessed
on an individual basis.
- The manner in which Cuddy Farms can request
the participation of a representative from the company in the
development of the accommodation plan.
- The steps that will be taken to protect the
privacy of the employee's personal information.
- The
content of the accommodation plan will be restricted to only those
required to facilitate the plan or supervise the employee. The
accommodation plan template will include a section identifying the
individuals that will have knowledge of the plan and will require each
person to sign an acknowledgement of the confidentiality of its
contents.
- The frequency with which the individual
accommodation plan will be reviewed and updated and the manner in which
it will be done.
- An outline of how the reasons for a denial
of an accommodation will be communicated to the requesting employee.
- Employees
will be informed of the factors that will be taken into consideration
by the company when a request for accommodation is received as well as
employer and employee expectations and responsibilities.
- The means of providing the individual
accommodation plan in a format that considers the employee's
accessibility needs due to a disability.
- Accommodation
plan documents will be made available in accessible formats.
- The accommodation plan template will
include a section regarding the provision of accessible formats and
communication supports to be completed if such supports are required by
the employee.
- The accommodation plan will also include an
emergency response/evacuation plan if required by the employee.
- The accommodation plan will be created to
include a section outlining additional accommodations that are
required.
|
Recruitment, Assessment and Selection
- Notify employees and the public about the availability of
accommodation for applicants with disabilities in the company's
recruitment processes.
- During the recruitment process, notify applicants selected to
participate in our selection and assessment processes that
accommodations are available upon request and in relation to the
materials and/or processes used by Cuddy Farms.
- Should a job applicant request accommodation, consult with the
individual and make adjustments to best suit his/her needs.
- Notify successful applicants of the company's policies for
accommodating employees with disabilities.
|
Ongoing
|
01/01/16
Reviewed:
01/01/23
|
HR
|
Action Plan
- Cuddy Farms has an accessibility statement included with all
external job postings notifying applicants that reasonable
accommodations will be made upon request to ensure that individuals with
disabilities are able to fully participate in our recruitment efforts.
- Successful applicants will be informed of the availability of
accommodations relating to Cuddy Farms selection/assessment processes
upon initial contact with HR.
- All assessment methods utilized by the
company will be reviewed and alternates developed to facilitate
accessibility requests.
- When updating or amending
assessment/selection methods, an assessment will be conducted to
identify potential barriers and alternative/accessible formats will be
developed; and
- Any accommodation request pertaining to the
company's selection/assessment methods that cannot be met with current
alternate formats will be forwarded to the HR Associate who will work
with the individual to develop an acceptable alternative.
- When scheduling interviews, Cuddy Farms will communicate to the
applicant that accommodations are available and inviting the applicant
to inform the HR Associate of any necessary accommodations.
- Our internal Accommodation Policy will be provided to all new
hires as part of their orientation package. This policy includes all how
Cuddy Farms will support employees with disabilities; also included are
emergency planning/responses, accessible formats and communication
supports, and the availability of accessible performance management,
career development and job change processes. Alternative formats of the
policy will be made available upon request.
|
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports for
Employees
- Where an employee with a disability requests it, work with that
individual to provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats
and communication supports for:
- Information that is needed to perform the
employee's job; and
- Information that is generally available to
employees in the workplace.
- Where a request is made, work with the requesting employee to
determine the suitability of the proposed accessible
format/communication support.
|
Ongoing
|
01/01/16
|
HR/Department Managers
|
Action Plan
- The availability of accessible formats and communication supports
has been communicated to all employees through the company's internal
Accommodation Policy. All future employees will be made aware of their
availability through the same policy which is provided with the new hire
orientation package. Cuddy Farms has completed a review of information
that is provided to employees and the way it is provided. Information
that is needed to perform an employee's job is generally provided via
one-on-one or group training sessions whereas information that is
generally available in the workplace is typically provided in written
policy format available in hardcopy or electronically. Prior to
providing the information needed to perform one's job or information
generally available in the workplace, employees requiring accessible
formats or communication supports will be requested to notify the HR
department so that alternate arrangements may be made.
- Upon receiving a request, the HR department will work with the
employee and any individuals responsible for providing the information
(for example the employee's manager, supervisor, or crew leader) to
deliver a suitable accessible format or communication support. Prior to
involving the employee's supervisor, manager or crew leader, consent
will be obtained from the employee.
|
Information for Employees
- Communicate the company's policy on accommodating employees with
disabilities to all staff members.
- Ensure that all new hires are informed of the company's policy on
accommodating employees with disabilities.
|
Ongoing
|
01/01/16
|
HR
|
Action Plan
- Cuddy Farms Accommodation Policy has been developed and communicated
to all employees by their manager. The policy will then be posted on the
company's health and safety bulletin boards within each department and
farm.
- Provide all new hires with the Accommodation Policy in their new
hire package. The policy addresses how Cuddy Farms will support
employees with disabilities, including emergency planning/responses,
accessible formats and communication supports as well as accessible
performance management, career development and job change processes.
- Ensure that all employees are informed of changes to the
Accommodation Policy as they occur. Changes will be communicated via
E-mail and/or group information sessions.
|
Processes to Accommodate Employees/Return to Work
Process
- Create a process to develop return to work plans for employees
who have been absent from work due to a disability and who require
disability-related accommodations to return to work.
|
Ongoing
|
01/01/16
|
HR
|
Action Plan
- Assess IASR requirements and ensure return to work forms address
all applicable requirements. Use of these forms will ensure that all
accommodation and RTW plans are properly recorded and retained on file.
|
Accessible Performance Management, Career Development
and Job Changes
- Ensure the organization's performance management and career
development opportunities account for the accessibility needs and plans
of employees and that these processes are inclusive and barrier-free.
|
Ongoing
|
01/01/16
|
HR
|
Action Plan
- Evaluate Cuddy Farms current performance management and career
development processes to identify barriers. Develop processes to ensure
that such functions are completely accessible. The Accommodation Policy
will identify/outline accessible performance management and career progression
to ensure consistent and clear communication to all employees.
|
Redeployment
- Consider the accessibility needs and accommodation plans of
employees who are reassigned to an alternate department or position with
the company as an alternative to a layoff.
|
Ongoing
|
01/01/16
|
HR
|
Action Plan
- As part of the redeployment process, Cuddy Farms will incorporate
the accessibility needs and accommodation plans of any employee that is
being redeployed to an alternate position and/or department. The HR
department will oversee the redeployment process; however, new and/or
amended reporting hierarchies will be reviewed to determine who is to be
involved with and informed of any accessibility plans and requirements.
|