PURPOSE
To define and outline the responsibilities of employees, and others who deal with the public or other third parties on behalf of NeuronicWorks Inc. to provide goods and services to people with disabilities in a manner that is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
INTENT
This policy applies to all NeuronicWorks Inc. employees and others who deal with the public or third parties on behalf of NeuronicWorks Inc.
DEFINITIONS
Accessible Communications:
This varies upon situation and ones needs, this involves altering methods of communication in a way that can make it easier for an individual to communicate. This may include using assistive devices or services such as a sign language interpreter or TTY phone. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA): a law passed by the Ontario legislature that allows the government to develop specific standards of accessibility and to enforce them. Assistive Device: A tool, technology and other mechanism that improves the quality of life of a person with a disability and/or enables them to do everyday tasks and activities such as moving, communicating or lifting. This assists the person to maintain independence at home, at work and in the community. examples include: wheel chairs, oxygen tanks, hearing aids, etc. Customer Service Standard: the first standard developed under the AODA. AODA enables enforcement of the standard conducted through inspections, compliance orders and administrative penalties. All providers that are covered by the customer service standard must comply with the requirements outlined in the policy below. Dignity: treating a person with a disability the same as any other customer by offering the same level of service and respect.
Disability:
(a) any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
(b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
(c) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
(d) a mental disorder, or
(e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997; (“handicap”)
Independence: an individual’s freedom to make their own choices and/or do things their own way. Service Animal: An animal that is used by a person with a disability as a means of supporting that disability. Support Person: another person who accompanies a person with a disability in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs, or accessibility of goods or services.
POLICY
NeuronicWorks Inc. is committed to providing goods and services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities at all times. Our goal is to provide people with disabilities the same opportunity to access our good and services and allow them to benefit from this in a similar manner as other customer’s.
NeuronicWorks Inc. will establish our commitment by concentrating in these areas:
a) Communication: We will ensure to consider peoples’ disabilities when communicating with them. We will ensure to identify and establish a method of communication that is suitably the best and most accommodating for the individual. Any team member whom communicates with Those shall be given the appropriate training and guidance on how to communicate and interact with people with various types of disabilities.
b) Telephone Services: Team members shall be trained to communicate with customers, clients and applicants over the telephone in clear and plain language and will demonstrate patience if any customer may be experiencing difficulty in understanding the conversation or expressing themselves.
c) Assistive devices : NeuronicWorks Inc. will ensure to train and familiarize our team with various assistive devices that may be used by those with disabilities, while accessing our goods and services.
d) Billing : We are committed to providing accessible invoices to all of our customers, clients. Invoices will be provided in alternative format upon request. We will answer any questions individuals may have about the content of the invoice in person, by telephone or email.
e) Use of service animals: NeuronicWorks Inc. welcomes individuals that have disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on our premises.
f) Support person: A person with a disability whom is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them on our premises. These support persons may be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement depending on the nature of the visit.
PROCEDURE
a) Training:
NeuronicWorks Inc. will provide training for its employees and volunteers regarding the IASR and the Ontario Human Rights Code as they pertain to individuals with disabilities. Training will also be provided to individuals who are responsible for developing NeuronicWorks Inc. policies, and all other persons who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of NeuronicWorks Inc.
Training will be provided as soon as is reasonably practicable. Training will be provided on an ongoing basis to new employees and as changes to NeuronicWorks Inc. accessibility policies occur.
FEEDBACK
Those who wish to provide feedback on the way NeuronicWorks Inc. provides goods and services to people with
disabilities may do so by contacting human resources via email at humanresources@neuronicworks.com
Individuals can expect to hear back within five business days.
a) Modifications to this or other Policies
Any policy of NeuronicWorks Inc. that does not respect or promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.
b) Additional questions or concerns surrounding this Policy may be directed to the Human Resources Department via email at Human Resources