Accessibility Policy

Purpose

This policy aims to confirm R. Denninger Limited’s (“Denninger’s”)  commitment to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities promptly and in a way that respects their dignity, independence, and rights of equal opportunity and access. The AODA Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines the policies, achievements and actions that Denninger's has taken and the work underway to improve opportunities for people with disabilities. 

Statement of Commitment

Denninger’s strives at all times to provide goods and services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. Denninger’s is committed to complying with all aspects of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code and strives to ensure that all locations owned or operated by Denninger’s provide barrier-free services, supports, environments and employment. Denninger’s recognizes that the key principles of accessibility are independence, dignity, integration and equality.

 Definitions

  1. Alternative Format: Any other ways of publishing information beyond traditional printing (i.e. large print, audio format, etc). 
  2. Assistive Device: A tool, technology or other mechanism that enables a person with a disability to do everyday tasks and activities such as moving, communicating or lifting. Personal assistive devices include wheelchairs, hearing aids, white canes or speech amplification devices. 
  3. Customer: Any person who receives goods or services.
  4. Disability: Definition of disability found in the Ontario Human Rights Code:
  • 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 coordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or 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.

         5. Associate:Any person who works for or provides services to Denninger’s               on a full- or part-time basis.

         6. Person with a Disability: Those individuals with a disability as defined                  under the Ontario Human Rights Code. 

Standards of Accessibility under AODA

General Requirements

  • Accessible Emergency Information
    • Emergency procedures and public emergency safety information prepared by Denninger’s and made available to the public is made available in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports, as soon as practicable, upon request.
  • Accessibility Policies and Plans 
    • Denninger's has developed, implemented and maintained a multi-year plan that outlines strategies and actions to identify, prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities. Policy Review takes place within the organization every five (5) years.

Training

  • Denninger’s ensures training is provided to associates, volunteers and those who provide services on Denninger’s behalf on the standards set by provincial legislation regarding accessibility and any aspect of local human rights legislation relating to persons with disabilities. Training is:
    • Appropriate to the duties of the person undergoing training;
    • Provided before or as soon as possible after the person commences job duties and whenever Denninger’s alters its policies or practices regarding accessibility.

 Customer Service Standard

Denninger’s is committed to providing Accessible Customer Service for Persons Seeking Goods and Services through the following procedures:

  • Persons with disabilities are permitted to use their own assistive devices to obtain, use or benefit from Denninger’s goods and/or services;
  • Persons accompanied by a service animal are permitted to enter areas of our premises that are open to the public, except in those areas in which the animal is excluded by law;
  • Where a person with a disability is accompanied by a support person, both the person with the disability and the support person are provided equal access to our goods and services;
  • The public is provided with notice of any temporary or other disruptions to facilities or services usually used by persons with disabilities, including information about the reason for and expected length of the disruption and a description of any available alternative facilities and/or services.

 Information and Communications Standard

Denninger's is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. We will consult with them to determine their information and communication needs. 

Denninger’s website and web content will conform to level AA of the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. 

Employment Standard 

Denninger's is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and dignity in the workplace and is committed to accommodating people with disabilities throughout the entire employment experience.

 Recruitment

  • Denninger's notifies all internal and external job applicants, in job postings and when inviting an applicant to an interview or assessment, that accommodation is available upon request. When arranging accommodation, Denninger’s will consult with the job applicant to determine their specific accessibility needs.
  • When an offer of employment is made, Denninger's notifies the successful applicant of its policies for accommodating employees with disabilities.
  • Documented Individual Accommodation Plans
  • Denninger's is committed to producing and providing documented individual accommodation, including the following. Associates requiring accommodation should advise Human Resources of their need for accommodation. Associates may be required to support their request with medical documentation. 
  • Return to Work
  • Denninger's is committed to developing and implementing a process for developing individual accommodation plans and return-to-work policies for associates who have been absent due to a disability. Associates should notify Human Resources of an impending return as far in advance as possible.
  • Performance Management & Career Development
  • Denninger's is committed to ensuring the accessibility needs of Associates with disabilities are taken into account in performance management and career development.

 Design of Public Spaces 

Denninger's will establish plans to meet the Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces when building or making major modifications to public spaces. Denninger's will also take appropriate measures to prevent service disruptions to its accessible parts. In the event of a service disruption, we will notify the public of the disruption and alternatives available.

Feedback

Denninger’s welcomes comments and feedback on how our services are provided. People who wish to give feedback on how Denninger’s offers services to people with disabilities can do so by contacting us at:

Please click here for Denninger's AODA Multi-Year Plan.