Accessibility Policy and Multi-year plan
September 1, 2020
Statement of Commitment
DMS is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This policy will be reviewed every five years and or if there are any relevant changes to the regulation.
Accessible Emergency Information
DMS is committed to providing the customers and clients with publicly available emergency information in an accessible way upon request. We will also provide employees with disabilities with individualized emergency response information when necessary.
Training
DMS will provide training to employees, volunteers and other staff members on Ontario's accessibility laws and on the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities. Training will be provided in a way that best suits the duties of employees, volunteers and other staff members. All staff are trained during their orientation and or within two weeks of the date of hire and training logs are maintained electronically.
Information and communications
DMS is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. We will consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs.
DMS will take the following steps to develop, establish and maintain accessibility policies by January 1, 2014:
- Accessibility policies have been developed and made available to staff on request.
- Update: May 1, 2017: The AODA Policies have been made electronically available to all staff via the employee portal.
DMS will take the following steps to make ensure existing feedback processes are accessible to people with disabilities upon request by January 1, 2015:
- All services are made available in accessible format upon request.
- Staff are trained to observe for any indicators requiring accommodation.
DMS will take the following steps to make sure all publicly available information is made accessible upon request by January 1, 2016:
- The staff have been provided with all formats of documentation required to assist people who may require documents in an accessible format.
DMS will take the following steps to make all websites and content conform with WCAG 2.0, Level AA by January 1, 2021:
- A full revamp of the website has been completed as of January 2019 to ensure our website is compliant with the AODA requirement.
Employment
DMS is committed to fair and accessible employment practices.
We will take the following steps to notify the public and staff that, when requested, DMS will accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes and when people are hired:
- All our job postings offer accommodation to candidates if they require.
- Our Hiring Policy also includes this assurance.
DMS will take the following steps to develop and put in place a process for developing individual accommodation plans and return-to-work policies for employees that have been absent due to a disability:
- On a case-by-case basis, HR will work with employees and their health care providers if and when they need accommodation to return to work.
We will take the following steps to ensure the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities needs are taken into account if DMS is using performance management, career development, and redeployment processes:
- On a case-by-case basis, HR will work with employees and their health care providers if and when they need accommodation to return to work.
- If an employee requires a performance management documents in an accessible format, DMS will provide them upon request.
DMS will take the following steps to prevent and remove other accessibility barriers identified:
- On a case-by-case basis, HR will work with site staff to ensure any identified accessibility barriers are removed or adjusted like installing a ramp or automatic door opener etc.
Procurement
DMS will take into consideration accessibility requirements when it is costing out or making plans to purchase any materials for its workplace.
Design of Public Spaces
DMS will meet the Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces when building or making major modifications to public spaces. Public spaces include:
- Recreational trails/beach access routes
- Outdoor public eating areas like rest stops or picnic areas
- Outdoor play spaces, like playgrounds in provincial parks and local communities
- Outdoor paths of travel, like sidewalks, ramps, stairs, curb ramps, rest areas and accessible pedestrian signals
- Accessible off-street parking
- Service-related elements like service counters, fixed queuing lines and waiting areas
DMS will put the following procedures in place to prevent service disruptions to its accessible parts of its public spaces.
- In the event of a service disruption, we will notify the public of the service disruption and alternatives available.
Administration
This policy and its related procedures will be reviewed as required in the event of legislative changes.
Standard and accessible formats of this Accessibility Plan and our Accessibility Policy are available upon request.
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or its related procedures, please contact:
Preethi James, Manager, Human Resources
416-664-5172
4810 Dufferin Street, Suite E, Toronto, ON, M3H 5S8
pjames@dmsproperty.com