Shift Paradigm Accessibility Policy

SCOPE:

In accordance with the Ontario provincial law, and in compliance with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), this policy applies to all Canadian staff, customers, vendors, employees or anyone that may have contact with the company and/or use the services of Shift Paradigm.

The ultimate goal of Shift Paradigm is to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Comments on our services regarding how well these expectations are being met are welcome and appreciated.

Feedback regarding the way Shift Paradigm meets the needs of people with disabilities can be made in writing, in person, online, by email, telephone or any other method. Mail should be addressed to: Human Resources, 2 Wyndham Street N, Guelph, ON N1H 4E3 or email hr@shiftparadigm.com

All feedback will be directed to management. Customers can expect a timely response through email or telephone.

Training

We are committed to training all Canadian staff and volunteers in Ontario’s accessibility laws and aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities.

We will train our employees and volunteers on accessibility as it relates to their specific roles.

Information and communications

We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. When asked, we will provide information about our organization and its services, including public safety information, in accessible formats or with communication supports.

As of 2020 we also meet internationally-recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA website requirements in accordance with Ontario’s accessibility laws.

Employment

We will notify employees, potential hires and the public that accommodations can be made during recruitment and hiring.

We will notify staff that supports are available for those with disabilities. We will put in place a process to develop individual accommodation plans for employees including a process for return to work to include accommodations as needed.

Where needed, we will also provide customized emergency information to help an employee with a disability during an emergency.

Our performance management, career development and redeployment processes will take into account the accessibility needs of all employees.

Service Animals and Support Persons

We are committed to welcoming people with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person or a service animal on the parts of our premises that are open to the public and allowable by governing regulations. We will also ensure that all staff who deal with the public are properly trained in how to interact with people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal or support person. Verbal consent from a person with disability will be obtained prior to communicating any confidential information while in the presence of their support person.

Notice of Temporary Disruption

Shift Paradigm will provide advanced notice where possible in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services usually used by people with disabilities. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. The notice will be placed at all public entrances and display areas on our premises.

Changes to existing policies

We will modify or remove an existing policy that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.