Statement of Commitment:
RideCo is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Accessibility Policy and Plan:
RideCo is committed to meeting the current and ongoing Ontario Human Rights Code respecting nondiscrimination. RideCo accepts and abides by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act,2005 (AODA) and understands its accessibility standards do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or its accountability to people with disabilities under any other law.
· RideCo is committed to complying with both the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA.
· RideCo is committed to excellence in serving all customers including people with disabilities.
· Our accessible customer service policies are consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.
· This policy and plan apply to all employees and others who provide services on behalf of RideCo.
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan:
RideCo has developed a multi-year Accessibility Plan outlining the strategy to prevent and remove barriers from its workplace and to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities. The multi-year Accessibility Plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five years, and has been posted to our website. Upon request, RideCo will provide a copy in an accessible format.
Assistive Devices:
People with disabilities may use their own assistive devices as required when accessing services, good, or facilities provided by RideCo. In cases where the assistive device presents a safety or system security concern or where accessibility might be an issue, other reasonable measures will be used to ensure the access of services.
Communication:
We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. We will work with each person with a disability to determine what method of communication works for them.
Upon request, RideCo will provide, or will arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities in a timely manner that takes into account the person’s accessibility needs due to their disability. RideCo will consult with the person making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.
Service Animals:
We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public. If a service animal is excluded by law from the premises, the Company will ensure that other measures are available to enable a person with a disability to access the Company’s products, services or facilities.
Support Person:
If a customer with a disability is accompanied by a support person, RideCo will ensure that both persons are allowed to enter the premises together and that the customer is not prevented from having access to the support person.
Notice of Temporary Disruption:
In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services and/or facilities for customers with disabilities, RideCo will notify customers promptly. This notice may include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. In some circumstances such as in the situation of unplanned temporary disruptions, advance notice may not be possible.
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports:
Upon request, RideCo will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities, including as part of the feedback process established above. Such accessible formats and/or communication supports will be provided in a timely manner that takes into account the customer’s accessibility needs due to disability and at a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons (if any). RideCo will consult with the individual making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.
Training:
RideCo provides training to employees as soon as possible upon joining the company. Subsequent training is provided on an ongoing basis as deemed necessary and in the event of material changes to legislation, RideCo procedures and/or practices.
Among other considerations, training includes a review of RideCo’s policy, the purpose of AODA, the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards regulation until AODA (Customer Service Standard, General Requirements, Employment Standards, Information and Communication, Ontario Human Rights Code as it related to people with disabilities), and the instruction about the following matters:
· interacting and communicating with persons with various types of disability;
· interacting with persons with disabilities who use an assistive devise or require the assistance of a service animal or the assistance of a support person;
· using equipment or devises available on RideCo’s premise or otherwise provided by RideCo that may help with the provision of goods, services or facilities to a person with a disability; and
· what to do if a person with a particular type of disability is having difficulty accessing the provider’s goods, services, or facilities.
Employment:
We notify employees, job applicants and the public that accommodations can be made during recruitment and hiring. We notify job applicants when they are individually selected to participate in anassessment or selection process that accommodations are available upon request.
We notify successful applicants of policies for accommodating employees with disabilities when making offers of employment.
We notify staff that supports are available for those with disabilities as soon as practicable after they begin their employment. We provide updated information to employees whenever there is a change to existing policies on the provision of job accommodation that considers an employee’s accessibility needs due to a disability.
We will consult with employees when arranging for the provision of suitable accommodation in a manner that considers the accessibility needs due to disability. We will consult the person making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication supports specifically for:
a) information that is needed in order to perform the employee’s job; and
b) information that is generally available to employees in the workplace.
Where needed, we will also provide customized emergency information to help an employee with a disability during an emergency. With the employee’s consent, we will provide workplace emergency information to a designated person who is providing assistance to that employee during an emergency.
We will provide the information as soon as practicable after we become aware of the need for accommodation due to the employee’s disability.
Feedback:
RideCo views accessibility as an ongoing effort and is continually evaluating its policies, procedures, and processes, to ensure an inclusive experience for all users, regardless of ability. Feedback will help us identify barriers and respond to concerns. If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility within the RideCo organization, please address your concerns in writing:
Email:
people@rideco.com
By Mail:
RideCo
57 Erb Street West
Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 6C2
Attention: Human Resources
All feedback will be directed to the appropriate individuals for review and any necessary action.
