ACCESSIBILITY
Stover Landscaping is dedicated to accommodating all employees, clients and guests on business appointments whenever possible. Stover Landscaping committed to providing quality service in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of our clients and employees with disabilities.
This policy aims to ensure that all persons with disabilities are provided equal opportunity to obtain, use and benefit from Stover Landscaping’s employment opportunities, goods and services in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (A.O.D.A.).
Definitions
A.O.D.A means the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
Assistive Device means a communication or technical aid device used to assist persons with disabilities in carrying out activities or in accessing Stover Landscaping services. Assistive devices may include, but are not limited to, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, oxygen tanks, service animals and electronic communication devices.
Disability or Disabilities means:
- 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 service 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 (1) 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.
Guide Dog is a highly-trained working dog that has been trained at one (1) of the facilities listed in Ontario Regulation 58 under the Blind Persons’ Rights Act, to provide mobility, safety and increased independence for people who are blind.
Service Animal under the Ontario Regulation 429/07 means any animal used by a person with a disability for reasons relating to the disability, where it is readily apparent that the animal is used by the person for reasons relating to their disability, or where the person provides a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that they require the animal for reasons relating to their disability. Service animals may include a variety of animals used to assist with sight or hearing, to detect seizures or to provide any other form of assistance necessary to a person with a disability.
Service Dog under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Regulation 562, is a dog other than a guide dog for the blind, where it is readily apparent that the dog is used by the person for reasons relating to their disability, or where the person provides a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that they require the dog for reasons relating to their disability.
Support Person means a person who accompanies a person with a disability in order to assist them with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs, or with access to goods or services.
Location
Stover Landscaping is located at 1320 McAdoo’s Lane, Glenburnie, ON. Stover Landscaping is not located on a bus route.
Parking
Stover Landscaping has designated handicap parking spots available for employee and client use.
Restrooms
Restrooms in Stover Landscaping are not currently accessible.
Communication
When communicating with a person with a disability, Stover Landscaping employees will do so in a manner that takes into account the individual’s disability.
When communicating with co-workers or clients over the telephone, employees will communicate in clear, plain language and will speak clearly and slowly. If telephone communication is not suitable to and employee or a client’s needs or is not available, employees will offer to communicate with co-workers or clients by email and/or written form.
Stover Landscaping adapts its communication with clients in an appropriate format. This may be in person, written or by email if that is more suitable to meet the clients’ needs.
Assistive Devices
Stover Landscaping currently does not supply assistive devices for people with disabilities. In the event that a person is hired who requires an assistive device, appropriate accommodations will be made either by providing the device or asking the person to provide it. It is the responsibility of the person with a disability to ensure that their assistive device is always operated in a safe and controlled manner, while at Stover Landscaping.
Service Animals, Service Dogs and Guide Dogs
Service animals, service dogs and guide dogs are always welcome at Stover Landscaping premises.
All service animals, service dogs and guide dogs must have their handler carry identification cards, wear harnesses or vests when in the building. Service animal, service dog and guide dog owners are responsible for their animal’s care, supervision and behaviour while on site.
If an employee of Stover Landscaping or any clients on the premises have allergies to a service animal, service dog or guide dog, every reasonable effort to meet the needs of both the employee and/or client will be taken.
Support Person
Persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person will always have access to their support person while on the premises operated by Stover Landscaping.
In situations where confidential information will be discussed, consent will be obtained from the client prior to any discussion occurring in the presence of the support person.
Temporary Disruptions
Stover Landscaping will provide employees and clients with appropriate notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption and the anticipated duration. The notice of the temporary disruption will be placed at all public entrances to the premises. All reasonable efforts will be made to provide advance notice.
Billing
Stover Landscaping is committed to providing accessible pay notifications to all employees, and accessible invoices and bills to all its clients. For this reason, invoices and bills will be provided in the following formats upon request:
- Hard copy; and
- Electronic.
The Accounting Supervisor will answer any questions that clients may have about the content of an invoice or bill in person, through the regular postal service, by telephone or e-mail.
Training
The Supervisors will ensure that all persons to whom this policy applies receives training as required by the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (Ontario Regulation 429/07). The training will be provided as part of the orientation training for new employees and on a continuing basis as required.
Training will include:
- A review of the purposes of the A.O.D. A.;
- The requirements of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (Ontario Regulation 429/07);
- Instruction on our policies, procedures and practices pertaining to the provision of goods and services to persons with disabilities;
- How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities;
- What to do if a person with a particular type of disability is having difficulty accessing the company’s goods or services; and
- How to interact with persons with disabilities who use assistive devices or who require the assistance of a support person or service animal, service dog or guide dog.
Employees will be notified when changes are made to these policies, practices, and procedures.
A record of training provided under this policy will be kept by the Supervisor in the employee’s files.
Feedback
Stover Landscaping is committed to providing high quality services to all members of the public it serves therefore, feedback from the public is welcomed, as it may identify areas that require change and encourage continuous service improvements.
Feedback from a member of the public about the delivery of goods and services to persons with disabilities may be given by telephone, in person, in writing, in electronic format or through other methods.
All feedback will be directed to Human Resources and clients can expect an acknowledgement of their message within five (5) business days.
Evaluation
The standard will be reviewed on a yearly basis and changes will be made as necessary.
Applicable training needs will also be reviewed and provided as needed to keep the standard current.
References
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (Ontario Regulation 429/07)