In accordance with Ontario provincial law, and in compliance with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), our plan shows how Shift Paradigm plays its role in making Ontario an accessible province for all Ontarians.
Client Service
Shift Paradigm strives to provide excellent client service taking accessibility into consideration. All employees in Ontario are trained on AODA standards and customer service. When putting work proposals together for the clients, recommendations on accessibility best practices on design and creation of emails is always provided.
Information and Communication
Shift Paradigm is committed to providing this and other policies and other information in an accessible format taking an individual’s disability into account. Such information will be provided upon request at no cost and in a timely manner.
As of January 1, 2021, Shift Paradigm completed the required web-site accessibility compliance audit and is WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliant. This compliance is maintained on an ongoing basis and all new content will adhere to these standards.
Client and employee feedback is always welcomed formally and informally. The Accessibility link on Shift Paradigm’s website includes a paragraph on how feedback may be submitted (online contact Human Resources at hr@shiftparadigm.com; or by phone 512-717-4097).
Once feedback is received, all necessary steps will be taken to respond to it in a timely manner. In the case of potential barrier findings, timely investigation will be performed to adequately address, and where necessary, remove such barriers for the individual(s) and to further prevent related matters.
Support Persons
In the instance that a visitor or a client is touring the premises and requires their support person to be present, an appropriate accommodation will be provided. Verbal consent from a person with disability will be obtained prior to communicating any confidential information while in the presence of their support person. Where necessary, a support person will accompany the individual with disability where health and safety is at risk.
Emergency Procedures/Plan
The procedure “in case of fire” is displayed in each kitchen of the office building. Upon request, an alternative format of this information can be provided to an individual to accommodate their disability as needed.
Employment
Shift Paradigm is committed to accessible employment opportunities and practices by removing barriers that prevent or hinder the recruitment, retention, or career development of candidates and employees with disabilities.
Recruitment, Assessment and Selection
Shift Paradigm notifies all applicants about availability of accommodations in the recruitment process in each job posting: “Shift Paradigm welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.”
All applicants who have been invited for an interview or taking assessments are notified that accommodations are available via the email invitation:
“If you need any type of accommodation for this phone call, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.”
“If you need any type of accommodation for the Predictive Index Assessment or Google Meet Interview, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. If you have any questions, please let me know!”
Offers of employment will also notify applicants that accommodations for people with disabilities are available outlined in the Employee Handbook attached to the offer letter.
Training
All Canadian team members complete mandatory training for Accessibility Standards for Customer Service under AODA and the Human Rights Code that relates to accessibility. New team members are required to complete this training within the first ten (10) days of employment. All records of completion are kept in our HRIS.
Accessible formats and communications for employees are provided in an accessible format as needed to perform the job upon request and in a timely manner.
Workplace emergency response information is provided in accessible format upon request based on the needs requirements of the individual. Individualized workplace emergency plans are developed as required and taking into account specific needs of people with disabilities.
Documented individual accommodation plans will be developed and documented with employee assistance when the disability is indicated by the employee. Template of an accommodation plan is located on an HR drive and will be filled in as required by the employee requiring accommodation, their manager and HR.
Return to work process is developed and documented for each individual employee who requires accommodation to return to work after a leave of absence due to disability.
Performance management, career development and advancement
Shift Paradigm will ensure accommodation for employees with disabilities to support their success during internal moves and/or advancement through the organization.
Modification of the Plan
Shift Paradigm will consider accessibility in all aspects of its business and operations, and will continue to seek to identify and remove accessibility barriers going forward.
For more information on our accessibility policy and plan, or to obtain accessible formats of this or other documents, free of charge, please contact hr@shiftparadigm.com or by phone: TX LINE> 512-717-4097.
