Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy
This policy, which has been established in compliance with Regulation 191/11, “Integrated Accessibility Standards” (“Regulation”) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, aligns with RMG’s commitment to treat all employees in a way that respects their dignity and independence. This policy will be implemented in accordance with the time frames established by the Regulation.
RMG strives to provide its services in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. RMG is committed to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity as others to access and benefit from its services. RMG believes in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Accessibility Plan
RMG will develop, maintain and document an Accessibility Plan outlining the company’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers from its workplace and to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The Accessibility Plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five years, and will be posted on the company’s internal and external websites. Upon request, RMG will provide a copy of the Accessibility Plan in an accessible format.
Training
RMG will ensure that training is provided to its employees, agents, volunteers and to every other person who deals with members of the public or other third parties on RMG’s behalf on the requirements of the accessibility standards referred to in the Regulation and continue to provide training on the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities.
The training will be provided as soon as practicable to current and new RMG Staff members and whenever changes are made to RMG’s policies, procedures and practices governing the provision of its services to persons with disabilities. RMG will keep a record of the training it provides.
Information and Communications Standards
Feedback, Accessible Formats & Communication Supports
RMG is committed to providing accessible information in an ongoing effort to make services available to customers, clients and employees of RMG. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that every reasonable effort is made to provide materials in alternate formats, upon request. RMG will make every effort to provide materials in an accessible format upon request. If materials are not able to be converted to an accessible format, RMG will provide details of the reasoning behind why the material cannot be converted. In this case, RMG will provide a summary of the requested information or communications in a format that is suitable for the person with a disability.
Accessible Websites & Web Content
RMG will continue to make its website and web content conform to the World Wide Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, initially at Level A by January 1st, 2014 and increasing to Level AA by January 1st, 2021. RMG’s internet and intranet websites, technology solutions, communication materials, telephone communications and in-person interactions will be based on accessibility best practices.
Employment
Recruitment – General
RMG is committed to removing barriers and meeting the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities to create a workplace that provides equal employment opportunities and employment practices throughout all stages of the employment life cycle.
Recruitment, Assessment or Selection Process
When recruiting, RMG will provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Candidates will be notified during the recruitment process that an accommodation can be provided upon request.
If a selected job applicant requests an accommodation, RMG will consult with the applicant and provide suitable accommodation that takes the person’s accessibility needs into account.
Notice to Successful Job Applicants and Employees About Accommodations
RMG will make available to all employees the policies in place to support persons with disabilities within a reasonable amount of time. Employees will be notified regarding any changes to these documents.
This information will be posted on RMG’s internal and external website. Upon request, this information will also be provided in an alternate format which will take an employee’s accessibility needs into account.
Informing Employees of Supports
RMG will continue to inform its employees of its policies, and of any change to its policies, which are used to support employees with disabilities, including policies on the provision of job accommodations that take into account accessibility needs. This information will be provided to new employees as soon as is practicable after commencing employment.
Accessible Formats & Communication Supports for Employees
Upon the request of an employee with a disability, RMG will consult with the employee in order 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 for information that is generally available to other employees. RMG will also consult with the employee making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.
Workplace Emergency Response Information
RMG will develop individualized emergency response information to employees who have a disability and will provide the plan in an accessible format (if the disability is such that the individualized information is necessary and RMG is aware of the need for an accommodation). In addition, this information will be provided, with the employee’s consent, to any person the employee designates as a support person. Individualized emergency response information will be provided as soon as is possible.
RMG reviews individualized workplace emergency response information when:
- The employee moves to a different location in the organization;
- The employee’s overall accommodations needs or plans are reviewed or when;
- RMG reviews its general emergency response policies.
Please refer to Emergency Response Planning for Employees with Disabilities Policy.
Documented Individual Accommodation Plans
For employees who require accommodations, an Individual Accommodation Plan will be developed. The Individual Accommodation Plan will involve a collaborative effort between the employee, their manager and Human Resources.
Return to Work Process
Employees who require accommodations upon their return to work from a medical or disability leave, will notify our third party adjudication providers of their restrictions and limitations. Human Resources will be advised of the accommodations required and will make necessary adjustments so that the accommodation can be supported. Human Resources will update the return to work plan as changes to the employee’s functional status become available.
Performance Management, Career Development and Advancement and Redeployment.
RMGwill take accessibility needs and individual accommodation plans into consideration for employees with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans when conducting performance management, providing career development and advancement to employees, or when redeploying employees.
Transportation
RMG is committed to meeting all legislated accessibility requirements. Currently, this IAS does not apply to our core business or strategic direction; however this IAS will be monitored to ensure future compliance.
Built Environment Standard
Exterior Paths of Travel, Service Counters and Waiting Areas
Currently this Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) does not apply to our core business or strategic direction; however, RMG will ensure that, from January 1, 2017, any exterior paths of travel that it constructs or redevelops, any newly constructed service counters or waiting areas and any redeveloped waiting areas meet the built requirements as contemplated in the IAS. RMG will ensure that contractors performing such construction or redevelopment adhere to these requirements.
Maintenance of Accessible Elements
RMG will, from January 1, 2017, conduct preventative and emergency maintenance of the accessible parts of the above-mentioned exterior paths of travel, service counters and waiting areas and will also remediate temporary disruptions where the accessible parts of the above-mentioned exterior paths of travel, service counters and waiting areas are not in working order, as contemplated in the IAS. RMG will ensure that contractors performing such maintenance and remediation adhere to these requirements.
Questions about this policy
If you have any questions regarding this policy or any part of it, you may contact us by any of the means noted above.
Alternatively, you may contact us by any of the means noted above to request a copy of this policy in a format that takes into account any disability you may have.