1:  Meet Communication Needs

Policy Statement:

We meet the communication needs of our clients.

 

Practices and Measures:

• To meet communication needs, when appropriate we offer to communicate in different ways, such as writing things down, reading things out loud, and taking extra time to explain things.

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• We also:

  • keep paper and pens available to write things down

  • offer a chair when longer conversations are needed

  • offer a quieter space

  • sit down to engage with someone using a wheelchair

 

• Our Accessibility Policy provides that any of our publications will be made available in an alternate format upon request. We also specify how a person can request an alternate format.

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• We use signs and documents that are easy to read, including using larger fonts and colour contrast, and ensuring messages are not printed on images.

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• We write signs and documents in plain language.

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2:  Accommodate the Use of Assistive Devices

Policy Statement:

 We accommodate the use of assistive devices when clients are accessing our services or facilities.

 

Practices and Measures:

•  We do not touch or move clients’ assistive devices without permission.

 

• We are trained in how to use the assistive devices that we provide, including our elevator.

 

• In cases where the assistive device presents significant and unavoidable health or safety concerns, we attempt to use other measures to ensure the person with disabilities can access our services or facilities.

 

3:  Welcome Support Persons

Policy Statement: 

We welcome support persons.

 

Practices and Measures:

•  We address the client, not the support person, unless requested by the client to do otherwise. 

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• We make space for support persons on-site and ensure clients have access to their support persons at all times.

 

 

4:  Allow Service Animals

Policy Statement: 

We allow service animals on our premises.

 

Practices and Measures:

•  We treat a service animal as a working animal.

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• We do not distract a service animal from its job by petting, feeding or playing with it, unless given permission by the person with the service animal to do so

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• We know how to identify a service animal by its harness or vest and by the assistance the animal is providing

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• If we have concerns, we may ask if the animal has been trained to help a person with a disability-related need.

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• We do not inquire about the disability.

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• We expect the person who is handling the service animal to maintain control of the animal physically or through voice, signal or other means. 

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• If the service animal is showing signs of not being controlled (i.e., by barking, whining or wandering), we may provide a warning to the handler to control the animal.

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• If the service animal continues to misbehave, we may ask the handler to leave.

 

 

5:  Maintain Accessibility Features

Policy Statement: 

To ensure barrier-free access to our services or facilities, we maintain our accessibility features so they can be used as intended.

 

Practices and Measures:

• We organize our space so that there is room for people with wheelchairs, electric scooters and walkers.

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• Our seating accommodates people of varying sizes and abilities.

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• We keep hallways, aisles, entrance and reception areas, waiting rooms and meeting rooms clear of clutter.

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• We keep our entrance area clear of ice and snow.

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• We place standing signs out of the way to avoid tripping hazards.

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• We use both audio and visual cues to inform clients it is their turn to be served.

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• We take our services to the client when our premises and structures are not accessible.

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• Alternatives to our accessibility features include providing service at alternate locations, such as a client’s premises or work location.

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• Our accessibility features affected by this policy include: hallways, aisles, entrance and reception areas, waiting rooms and meeting rooms, accessible washrooms, elevators, automatic doors, and elevator.

 

 

6. Let the Public Know When and Why an Accessibility Feature is Unavailable

Policy Statement: 

We let the public know when and why an accessibility feature is temporarily unavailable, how long it will be unavailable, and other ways to access our goods and services.

 

Practices and Measures:

•  If one of our accessibility features becomes temporarily unavailable, we prepare and post a notice and / or announcement about the disruption, the reason for the disruption, how long it will last, and whether there are other ways we can provide access to our services (e.g., by using an alternate entrance, or meeting at an alternative location).

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• If requested, we work with the customer to find other ways to provide services.

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• We let the public know about disruptions in the following ways:

  • Posted on our website.

  • Posted at our building entrance.

  • Through employees, volunteers or management (in person, by phone or through recorded greetings).

 

 

7. Welcome and Respond Promptly to Feedback

Policy Statement: 

We welcome and respond promptly to feedback we receive on the accessibility of our services.

 

We document the actions we take to respond to the feedback we receive, and that information is available on request in a format that meets the individual’s communication needs.

 

Practices and Measures:

• We invite feedback by visit our reception desk, or contact us by phone, email, or website.

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• All feedback is directed to Mike Stevens (Office Managing Partner) and Michael Delaurier (HR Partner) who determines what action, if any, should occur.

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• If the feedback requires us to follow-up, the client is notified that the request is being reviewed and when they can expect a response. 

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• We let the client know what action we will take to address their feedback, if any.

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• We respond to feedback in a way that meets the communication needs of the individual.

 

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8:  Provide the Required Training to Employees, Volunteers and Management

Policy Statement: 

We provide the required training on accessible customer service to employees, volunteers and management.

 

We are trained on:

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• How to interact and communicate with people who face barriers to accessing services, use assistive devices, are assisted by a support person and/or are assisted by a service animal.

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• How to use any equipment or assistive devices that are available on-site.

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• An overview of The Accessibility for Manitobans Act, The Human Rights Code (Manitoba), and the Customer Service Standard.

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• Our organizational policies, practices and measures, including updates or changes.

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Practices and Measures: 

• We train new employees, volunteers and management within one month after hiring. 

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• We provide refresher training regularly, including updates to policies, practices and measures. Training is offered every year.   

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• Managers or Partners who provide the training record who has taken training and when.

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• Feedback on the accessibility of our services is addressed in regular staff meetings.

 

9: Keep a Written Record of Accessibility and Training Policies

Policy Statement:

We keep a written record of our accessibility and training policies.

 

Our written documents include a summary of our training material and when training is offered.

 

We let the public know that our written policies are available on request.

 

Practices and Measures: 

• We let the public know that our accessibility and training policies are available in the following ways:

  • Posted on website.

  • Posted at our reception desk.

  • Through employees, volunteers or management (in person, by phone or through recorded greetings).

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• We provide our policies within a reasonable timeframe, at no cost, and in a format that meets the needs of the individual.