Accessibility Policy

ICONIX (the “Company”) is committed to eliminating barriers and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities in a manner that respects dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity. The Company recognizes the diverse needs of all our clients and the public that may be affected by the goods and services that we provide and will respond by striving to provide services and facilities that are accessible to all.

Learn more about our accessibility policies and multi-year accessibility plan:

Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to address the accessibility requirements of Ontario Regulation 429/07, Accessibility Standards for Customer Service under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Policy Statement

ICONIX (the “Company”) is committed to eliminating barriers and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities in a manner that respects dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

The Company recognizes the diverse needs of all our clients and the public that may be affected by the goods and services that we provide and will respond by striving to provide services and facilities that are accessible to all.

Principles

Reasonable efforts will be made to ensure that:

  • Persons with disabilities are provided equal opportunity to obtain, use and benefit from the Company goods and services.
  • Goods and services are provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.
  • The goods and services provided to persons with disabilities are integrated with the provision to users of the same goods and services unless an alternate measure is necessary to allow a person with a disability to fully benefit. The alternate measure may be temporary or permanent.
  • Communications with a person with a disability are conducted in a manner that takes the person’s disability into account.
  • Persons with disabilities may use assistive devices, service animals and support persons as is necessary to access the Company goods and services unless superseded by other legislation.

Scope

This Policy applies to any Ontario employees of the Company as well as volunteers, agents, contractors, third parties or any other individuals who interact with the public or other third parties located in Ontario, who represent or act on behalf of the Company in any manner.

Definitions

  • Assistive Device is an auxiliary aid such as technical aids, communication aids, cognition aids (reading, listening, talking aids), personal mobility aids and medical aids (i.e. canes, crutches, wheelchairs, hearing aids, etc.) that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional abilities of people with disabilities to access and benefit from the goods and services offered by the Company.
  • Barrier, as defined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, means anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of his or her disability, including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, any information or communications barrier, an attitudinal barrier, a technological barrier, a policy, procedure or a practice.
  • Disability, as defined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, is:
    • 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, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
    • a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
    • a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
    • a mental disorder, or
    • an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
  • Person with Disabilities shall mean those individuals that are afflicted with a disability as defined under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
  • Service Animals shall mean an animal for a person with a disability if it is readily apparent that the animal is used by the person for reasons relating to his or her disability; or if the person provides a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to the disability.  
  • Support Persons shall mean any person whether a paid professional, volunteer, family member or friend who accompanies a person with a disability in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs or with access to goods or services.  

Procedures

  • Assistive Devices - The use of assistive devices by persons with disabilities to obtain, use or benefit from the Company goods or services is recognized unless otherwise prohibited due to health and safety or privacy issues.  It is the responsibility of the person with a disability to ensure that his or her assistive device is operated in a safe and controlled manner at all times.  
  • Communication - The Company will endeavour to communicate with persons with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.  This means employees will communicate in a means that enables persons with disabilities to communicate effectively for purposes of using, receiving and requesting goods, services and facilities.  
  • Service Animals - Persons with disabilities are permitted to be accompanied by their service animal and keep that animal with them in areas/premises that are open to the public, when accessing goods or services provided by the Company, unless the animal is otherwise excluded by law.In the event that a service animal is otherwise prohibited by law from the premises, the Company shall ensure that other measures are available to enable the person with a disability to obtain, use or benefit from the Company goods or services.It is the responsibility of the person with a disability to ensure that his or her service animal is kept in control at all times.  
  • Support Persons - Persons with disabilities are permitted to be accompanied by their support person in areas/premises that are open to the public, when accessing goods or services provided by the Company.If a person with a disability is accompanied by a support person, the provider of goods or services shall ensure that both persons are permitted to enter the premises together and that the person with a disability is not prevented from having access to the support person while on the premises.  If there is confidential information to be disclosed, consent must be received from the person with the disability.  Where fees for goods and services are charged, the Company shall ensure that notice is given in advance about the amount, if any, that would be charged to a support person.The Company may deem it necessary to require a support person for a person with a disability in order to protect the health and safety of that person or others on the premises.  This will only occur after consultation with the person with a disability and when it is the only means to allow the person with a disability to access the Company goods or services.
  • Service Disruptions - In the event of a planned service disruption to facilities, services, or systems that are relied upon by persons with disabilities to access ICONIX's goods or services, notice of the disruption shall be provided in advance. Notice of the disruption will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration and a description of alternative facilities, services, or systems, if any, that may be available. In the event of an unexpected disruption, notice will be provided as soon as possible.
  • Training - The Company is committed to establishing, implementing and maintaining a program for training on how to provide customer service to people with disabilities.  The Company shall ensure that the management, all staff (full-time, part-time, temporary, students), volunteers and contractors who interact with the public or other third parties on behalf of the Company receive training about the provision of its goods or services to persons with disabilities.The training shall include but is not limited to the following:
    • Review of the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of Ontario Regulation 429/07 Accessibility Standards for Customer Service.
    • How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disability.
    • How to interact with persons with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a guide dog, other service animal, or the assistance of a support person.
    • How to use the Company equipment or devices that may help with the provision of goods or services to a person with a disability.
    • What to do if a person with a particular type of disability is having difficulty accessing the Company goods or services.
    • The Company Accessible Customer Service policies, procedures and practices governing the provision of goods or services to persons with disabilities.  

Training shall be provided to each person as soon as practicable after he or she is assigned the applicable duties as well as on an ongoing basis as changes occur to the Company policies, procedures and practices governing the provision of goods or services to persons with disabilities.  

The Company will keep detailed records of the training provided for reporting purposes.  

Feedback Process

The company will maintain a feedback process to enable members of the public to comment on the provision of goods and services to persons with disabilities.  Feedback from the public is welcomed as it may identify areas that require change and encourage continuous service improvements.

All feedback will be kept in strict confidence and used to improve customer service.  An answer to feedback is not mandatory, however depending on the situation, it may be appropriate to respond to the customer.  Should an answer be deemed appropriate and should the customer have chosen to supply his or her contact information, the customer will be provided with a response. 

A member of the public may submit any comments or concerns in person at the Company location or by any of the following methods:

Email: inquiries@iconixww.com

Notice of Availability of Documents

The Company will make this Policy and any other documents required by Ontario Regulation 429.07 available upon request.

Alternate Formats

The Company is committed to providing accommodation to its customers where appropriate.

If the Company is required to provide a copy of a document to a person with a disability, the Company will take into consideration the person’s disability and provide the document in an appropriate format, which may include large print, electronic format, recorded audio or Braille.  The Company and the person with a disability will agree on the format to be used.

Responsibilities

The management of the Company is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Ontario Regulation 429/07, Accessibility Standards for Customer Service.

Contact Information

For more information about this policy, or questions related to accessibility at the ICONIX, please contact us:

ICONIX Waterworks LP
19900 84 Avenue
Langley, BC  V2Y 3C2

Phone: 604-455-3551
Email: inquiries@iconixww.com (Attention: Human Resources)

References and Related Documents

Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to address the accessibility requirements of Ontario Regulation 191/11, Integrated Accessibility Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”).

Scope

This Policy applies to any Ontario employees of the Company as well as volunteers, agents, contractors, third parties or any other individuals who interact with the public or other third parties located in Ontario, who represent or act on behalf of the Company in any manner.

Statement of Commitment

The Company is committed to treating people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We are committed to equal opportunity and to meeting the needs of persons with Disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility where possible and meeting accessibility requirements under the AODA. In support of this Policy, corresponding procedures and practices will be set out to support the Policy and may be amended from time to time. 

Administration

Procedures and practices may be amended or added to the Policy as necessary and appropriate in order to ensure that it is current and applicable.

Definitions

  • “Accessible Formats” formats that are an alternative to standard print and are accessible to people with Disabilities. Accessible formats may include larger print, Braille, and audio electronic formats such as DVD’s and CD’s. 
  • “Barrier” shall mean anything that prevents a person with a Disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of the Disability. Barriers may include a physical, architectural and attitudinal barrier as well as, an information or communication barrier, technological barriers, a policy, procedure or a practice. 
  • “Communications Supports” supports that individuals with Disabilities may need to access information. Some examples include plain language formats, sign language, as well as reading out loud captioning, or using written notes to communicate. 
  • “Disability” shall be defined as found in the Ontario Human Rights Code (Part II, Section 10(1) of the OHRC):
    • 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, 
    • a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability, 
    • a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language, 
    • a mental disorder, or
    • 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”). 
  • “Policy” means this Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy. 
  • “Procedures” shall mean how the Company will go about implementing their Policy.
  • “Practices” shall mean what the Company does on a day to day basis. 
  • “WCAG” refers to the World Wide Web Consortium Content Accessibility Guidelines. 

Accessibility Plan

The Company 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 (5) years, and will be made available to any person who requests one. The Company will also provide a copy of the Accessibility Plan in an Accessible Format upon request. 

Training Employees and Volunteers

The Company will ensure that training is provided 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, to: 

  • all its employees and volunteers; 
  • all persons who participate in developing the Company’s policies; and, 
  • all other persons who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the Company. 

The training will be appropriate to the duties of the employees, volunteers and other persons. Employees will be trained when changes are made to the Policy. New employees will be trained during the orientation process, or when practicable. The Company will keep a record of the training it provides. 

Information and Communication Standards

  • Feedback - The Company will continue to ensure that its process for receiving and responding to feedback is accessible to persons with Disabilities by providing, or arranging for the provision of, Accessible Formats and Communications Supports, upon request.
  • Accessible Format and Communication Supports - Upon request, the Company 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 Disability. The Company will consult with the person making the request in determining the suitability of an Accessible Format or Communication Support. The Company will also notify the public about the availability of Accessible Formats and Communication Supports by posting this Policy on its external website. 
  • Accessible Websites and Web Content - The Company will ensure that new internet websites and web content on these sites will conform to the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, at Level A except where this is impracticable. 

Employment Standards

  • Recruitment - The Company will notify its employees and the public about the availability of accommodation for applicants with Disabilities in its recruitment process. 
  • Recruitment, Assessment, or Selection Process - The Company will notify job applicants, when they are individually selected to participate further in an assessment or selection process that accommodations are available upon request in relation to the materials or processes to be used. If a selected applicant requests an accommodation, the Company will consult with the applicant and provide, or arrange for the provision of, a suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs due to Disability.
  • Notice to Successful Applicants - When making offers of employment, the Company will notify the successful applicant of its policies for accommodating employees with Disabilities. 
  • Informing Employees of Supports - The Company will continue to inform its employees of its policies (and any updates to those policies) used to support employees with Disabilities, including policies on the provision of job accommodations that take into account an employee’s accessibility needs due to Disability. This information will be provided to new employees as soon as practicable after commencing employment. 
  • Accessible Formats and Communication Supports for Employees - Upon the request of an employee with a Disability, the Company will consult with the employee to provide, or arrange for the provision of, Accessible Formats and Communication Supports for information that is needed to perform his/her job, and information that is generally available to other employees. In determining the suitability of an Accessible Format or Communication Support, the Company will consult with the employee making the request. 
  • Workplace Emergency Response Information - The Company will provide individualized workplace emergency response information to employees who have a Disability, if the Disability is such that the individualized information is necessary, and if the Company is aware of the need for accommodation due to the employee’s Disability. The Company will provide this information as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the need for accommodation. Where the employee requires assistance, the Company will, with the consent of the employee, provide the workplace emergency response information to the person designated by the Company to provide assistance to the employee. The Company will review the individualized workplace emergency response information when the employee moves to a different location in the organization, when the employee’s overall accommodations needs, or plans are reviewed.
  • Documented Individuals Accommodation Plans - The Company will maintain a written process for the development of documented individual accommodation plans for employees with Disabilities where required. If requested, information regarding Accessible Formats and Communications Supports provided will also be included in individual accommodation plans. 
  • Return to Work Process - The Company maintains a documented return to work process for its employees who have been absent from work due to a Disability and who require Disability-related accommodations in order to return to work. 
  • Performance Management - In administering performance appraisal processes in respect of employees with Disabilities, the Company will take into account the accessibility needs of employees with Disabilities as well as individual accommodation plans, where required.
  • Career Development - Where the Company provides career development and advancement to its employees, the Company will take into account the accessibility needs of employees with Disabilities as well as any individual accommodation plans, where required. 
  • Redeployment - Where the Company has in place a redeployment process, the Company will take into account the accessibility needs of employees with Disabilities as well as any individual accommodation plans, where required.

Related Documents and Policies

Purpose

This Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is developed in accordance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation under the Accessibility for Ontario with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). It incorporates the intentions of ICONIX (the “Company”) to meet its obligations under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001. The plan describes the measures that the Company will take over the five (5) year period from 2014-2019 to identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities. The plan will be guided by the Company Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy. 

Statement of Commitment

The Company is committed to treating people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We are committed to equal opportunity and 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 under the AODA where reasonably possible. In support of this Policy, corresponding procedures and practices will be set out to support the Policy and may be amended from time to time.