AODA Policy

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (“AODA”)

Effective: November 2020 Updated: December 2023
COLLECTIVE ARTS BREWING LIMITED, 207 BURLINGTON STREET EAST, HAMILTON, ONTARIO L8L 4H2

POLICY STATEMENT

The company is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and we are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner.

PURPOSE

This policy has been established to outline expectations, general guidelines and our commitment to meeting our accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Ontario’s accessibility laws.
If a situation not addressed in this policy arises, contact your Direct Manager and/or Human Resources to discuss the specific situation.

SCOPE

This policy pertains to all employees, contractors, visitors, and guests of the company.

POLICY REQUIREMENTS

TRAINING

The company is committed to training all staff and volunteers in accessible customer service, other Ontario’s accessibility standards and aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities. All training will be completed within a timely manner and tracked with dates in the Company’s HRIS and in accordance with the company’s training policies. A.O.D.A. training includes but is not limited to;
● The purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the Customer Service Standards
● Company policies related to the Customer Service Standards
● How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities
● How to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person
● How to use the equipment or devices available on-site or otherwise that may help with providing goods, services or facilities to people with disabilities.
● What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing our organization’s goods, services or facilities.

ASSISTIVE DEVICES

People with disabilities may use their personal assistive devices when accessing our goods, services or facilities. In cases where the assistive device presents a significant and unavoidable health or safety concern or may not be permitted for other reasons, other measures will be used to ensure the person with a disability can access our goods, services or facilities.

We ensure that all staff in customer facing positions are trained and familiar with various assistive devices customers with disabilities may use when accessing our goods, services or facilities.

COMMUNICATION

Employees will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. Additionally, they will work with the person with disabilities directly to determine what method of communication works for them. These alternative methods of communication includes but is not limited to:
● Using a pen and paper
● Using a laptop or phone
● Sign language

SERVICE ANIMALS / SUPPORT PERSONS

The company is committed to welcoming people with disabilities and their service animals. All service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public and third parties. Additionally, any fees or fares for customer facing events will not be charged to a person’s support person. 

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY DISRUPTION

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for customers with disabilities, this organization will notify customers promptly. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. The notice will be made via social media, email, and posted using descriptive signage.

FEEDBACK PROCESSES

The company welcomes feedback on how we provide accessible customer service. Customer feedback will help us identify barriers and respond to concerns. Feedback may be provided in many ways including but not limited to:
● Calling Customer Service (289) 426-2374
● Emailing info@collectiveartsbrewing.com
● Submitting feedback via the company website
● Google Reviews
● In store with our staff on duty

All feedback, including complaints will be handled and responded to in a timely manner. The Company ensures the feedback process is accessible to people with disabilities by providing or arranging for accessible formats and communication supports, on request.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF DOCUMENTS

The company notifies the public that documents related to accessible customer service are available upon request by posting a notice at both of our locations. These documents will be provided in an accessible format or with communication support, on request. We will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of the format or communication support. We will provide the accessible format in a timely manner and at no additional cost.

EMPLOYMENT

The company is committed to providing accommodations during recruitment,  hiring, and throughout employment. We consult with applicants to arrange suitable accommodations and inform successful candidates of our policies for supporting employees with disabilities.

Upon commencement of employment, staff is promptly notified of available supports, and any policy updates regarding job accommodation are communicated to ensure alignment with accessibility needs due to disability.

In arranging accommodations, we consult with employees to determine suitable formats or communication supports for job-related information. Customized emergency information is provided, with employee consent, to designated individuals assisting during emergencies.

We regularly review workplace emergency response information, particularly when employees relocate, when overall accommodation needs are reviewed, and during general emergency response policy assessments.

Our commitment extends to written processes for developing individual accommodation plans and assisting employees returning to work after disability-related absences. Our performance management, career development, and redeployment processes consider the accessibility needs of all employees.

CHANGES TO EXISTING POLICIES

Any policies that do not respect and promote the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity for people with disabilities will be modified or removed.

Employee Policy Acknowledgement Sign Off

You confirm that you have received, read, and understood the A.O.D.A. Policy and agree to abide by it. It is the expectation that all Collective Arts employees comply with all Company rules and policies. The Company may, from time to time, amend, alter, establish new policies or delete policies and immediately upon receiving notice of such Revised Policies, employees will be governed by and comply with such Revised Policies.

For any questions or clarifications regarding this policy, please speak to your Direct Manager and/or HR.