AODA – Statement of Commitment to Accessibility
Intent
This Multi- Year Accessibility Plan outlines the strategy of Landscape Effects Group C/O Rochester Place Resort Inc. to prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities and comply with the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
Landscape Effects Group (Rochester Place Resort Inc.) 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. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and meeting our accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Ontario’s accessibility laws.
Landscape Effects Group (Rochester Place Resort Inc.) is committed to meeting its current and ongoing obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code respecting non-discrimination.
Landscape Effects Group (Rochester Place Resort Inc.) understands that obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its accessibility standards do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law.
Landscape Effects Group (Rochester Place Resort Inc.) is committed to excellence in serving and providing goods, services or facilities to all customers including people with disabilities.
Our accessible customer service policies are consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration, and equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.
Accessibility Policy
Landscape Effects Group 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. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers in our environment for all stakeholders, including our clients/customers, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and its associated regulations.
Landscape Effects Group is committed to meeting its current and ongoing obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code respecting non-discrimination. We understand that obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its accessibility standards do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law.
Landscape Effects Group is committed to excellence in serving and providing goods, services or facilities to all customers including people with disabilities. Our accessible customer service policies are consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration, and equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.
Landscape Effects Group understands that we have a responsibility to ensure a safe, dignified, and welcoming environment for everyone. We are committed to ensuring our organization’s compliance by incorporating accessibility legislation into our policies, procedures, equipment requirements, training, and best practices. We will review these policies and practices annually, as organizational changes occur, or in anticipation of compliance deadlines. In addition, we will strive to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and effective manner.
Landscape Effects Group will review and update our accessibility plan at least once every 5 years, or as needed. The current plan covers a five-year period (2023-2028).
Paul St. Pierre
President & CEO
January 2024
Accessibility Plan (AODA) 2023-2028
Intent
This Multi- Year Accessibility Plan outlines the strategy of Landscape Effects Group C/O Rochester Place Resort Inc. to prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities and comply with the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
Accessibility Policy
Landscape Effects Group is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders, including our clients/customers, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and its associated regulations.
Landscape Effects Group understands that we have a responsibility for ensuring a safe, dignified, and welcoming environment for everyone. We are committed to ensuring our organization’s compliance by incorporating accessibility legislation into our policies, procedures, equipment requirements, training, and best practices. We will review these policies and practices annually, as organizational changes occur, or in anticipation of compliance deadlines. In addition, we will strive to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and effective manner.
Providing an accessible and barrier-free environment is a shared effort, and we are committed as an organization to working with the necessary parties to make accessibility for all a reality.
Landscape Effects Group will review and update our accessibility plan at least once every 5 years, or as needed. The current plan covers a five-year period (2023-2028).
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2023-2028
Initiatives
Landscape Effects multi-year initiatives set out in this plan will act as the foundation to the Accessibility plan.
The initiatives fall under four key areas:
- Inclusive employment
- Equitable customer service
- Digitally-inclusive communications
- Enhanced and updated AODA requirements
Inclusive employment
The Employment Standards under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation set out accessibility requirements that Landscape Effects must follow to support the recruitment and accommodation of employees.
Key outcome: Landscape Effects candidates and employees with disabilities have the support to join, work effectively, experience career growth, and have opportunities for learning, development, and progression.
Initiatives:
- Streamline and integrate employment accommodation
- Develop and implement recruitment strategies to help increase the representation of persons with disabilities
- Expand mental health resources and services, including for employees with disabilities.
- Proactively identify and address systemic employment barriers with a focus on recruitment, promotion, and career development, including for employees with disabilities.
Equitable customer service
The Customer Service Standards under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation require Landscape Effects to provide accessible public services for persons with disabilities and to ensure that policies and procedures are in place to support this requirement.
Key outcome: Clients/Customers of all abilities receive seamless, dignified, and equitable access to barrier-free services from well-equipped Landscape Effects employees.
Initiatives:
- Develop and implement strategies to support employees in providing accessible customer service.
- Renew and enhance mandatory training on AODA accessibility standards and develop a supplementary role-based module on accessible customer service.
- Review and update the Accessible Customer Service Policy to be more inclusive and promote the delivery of accessible customer service.
Digitally Inclusive Communications
The Information and Communications Standards under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation require Landscape Effects to communicate and provide information in ways that are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Key outcome: Members of the public and Landscape Effects employees of all abilities are provided with equitable access to digital information, products, and services that meet accessibility requirements.
Initiatives:
- Develop a Digital Accessibility Standard to provide clear corporate guidance on digital accessibility requirements.
- Implement the Web Accessibility Plan to meet accessibility requirements.
Enhanced and Updated AODA Requirements
The Establishment of Accessibility Policies and Accessibility Plans under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation requires Landscape Effects to establish, implement and maintain a multi-year accessibility plan and supporting policies.
Key outcome: Landscape Effects will implement a review procedure in conjunction with an established accessibility revisory committee.
Initiatives:
- Review and update the accessibility plan at least once every five years
- Update their accessibility plans in consultation with an accessibility advisory committee
- Prepare an annual status report on the progress of measures taken to implement the four key initiatives in the multi-year accessibility plan
Customer Service Standards
Customer Service Policy
Landscape Effects Group has implemented an Accessible Customer Service Policy. It is available and can be provided in an accessible format upon request.
Training
Landscape Effects Group has a training program for all team members. We are committed to training all staff and volunteers in accessible customer service, other Ontario accessibility standards and aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities.
In addition, we will train:
a) all persons who participate in developing the organization’s policies; and
b) all other persons who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the organization
Training of our employees and volunteers on accessibility relates to their specific roles.
We train every person as soon as practicable after being hired and provide training in respect of any changes to the policies.
We maintain records of the training provided including the dates on which the training was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided.”
All team members, volunteers or anyone providing a service on behalf of the company must be trained on:
- purpose of the AODA
- Requirements of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Regulation and the standards referred to in the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation that impact on the delivery of government services.
- Ontario Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities.
- How to interact and communicate with individuals who may have various types of disabilities, this includes individuals who may use an assistive device or have a support person or animal.
- How to properly handle a situation where an individual with a disability may have difficulty accessing our facilities, and/or goods.
- How to properly use any devices required to assist a person with disabilities.
Accessible Websites & Web Content
Landscape Effects Group is committed to making our company website(s) and all its web content accessible by ensuring we comply with the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA.
Accessible Formats
If any additional information is required by an individual with a disability, Landscape Effects Group will provide communication support. We strive to respond in a timely manner and will ensure we do what we can to accommodate.
Menus
- provided in large format or digital if requested
- service team can read menu aloud
Signage
- Include detailed information for residents with hearing disabilities
- Use clear language or pictures for residents with intellectual disabilities
- Be at eye level for residents at wheelchair and standing heights
- Have large print and good colour contrast for residents with visual impairments
Contact Information
Multiple contact methods used for customers to gain service
- Phone
- Email addresses
- Accessible online ways to order meals, and contact forms on websites
Emergency Response and Service Disruptions
Safety is our priority, and we continue to strive and improve our facilities to ensure they are safe for our team members, clients, and visitors. We will work on providing individualized emergency response plans for any team members with disabilities to ensure their safety and accessibility needs are met.
If an employee who receives individualized workplace emergency response information requires assistance and with the employee’s consent, the employer shall provide the workplace emergency response information to the person designated by the employer to provide assistance to the employee. O. Reg. 191/11, s. 27 (2).
Landscape Effects Group will provide the emergency response information as soon as practicable after they becomes aware of the need for accommodation due to the employee’s disability. O. Reg. 191/11, s. 27 (3).
Landscape Effects Group will review the individualized workplace emergency response information,
(a) when the employee moves to a different location in the organization;
(b) when the employee’s overall accommodations needs or plans are reviewed; and
(c) when the employer reviews its general emergency response policies. O. Reg. 191/11, s. 27 (4).
Documented Individual Accommodation Plans
Landscape Effects Group will develop and have in place a written process for the development of documented individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities. O. Reg. 191/11, s. 28 (1).
The process for the development of documented individual accommodation plans shall include the following elements:
- The manner in which an employee requesting accommodation can participate in the development of the individual accommodation plan.
- The means by which the employee is assessed on an individual basis.
- The manner in which the employer can request an evaluation by an outside medical or other expert, at the employer’s expense, to assist the employer in determining if accommodation can be achieved and, if so, how accommodation can be achieved.
- The manner in which the employee can request the participation of a representative from their bargaining agent, where the employee is represented by a bargaining agent, or other representative from the workplace, where the employee is not represented by a bargaining agent, in the development of the accommodation plan.
- The steps taken to protect the privacy of the employee’s personal information.
- The frequency with which the individual accommodation plan will be reviewed and updated and the manner in which it will be done.
- If an individual accommodation plan is denied, the manner in which the reasons for the denial will be provided to the employee.
- The means of providing the individual accommodation plan in a format that takes into account the employee’s accessibility needs due to disability. O. Reg. 191/11, s. 28 (2).
Individual accommodation plans shall,
(a) if requested, include any information regarding accessible formats and communications supports provided
(b) if required, include individualized workplace emergency response information
(c) identify any other accommodation that is to be provided. O. Reg. 191/11, s. 28 (3).
ACCOMMODATION PLAN
Notice of Temporary Disruption:
Landscape Effects will provide customers with notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or service usually provided to people with disabilities. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services if available.
This notice will be placed at all public entrances and service counters on business property.
Notice of Availability of Documents
Landscape Effects will post notice to the public that documents related to accessible customer service are available upon request.
This notice is posted in the corridor to the front West entrance to Rochester Place Resort.
Employment Standards
Landscape Effects Group is compliant with requirements set out regarding employment legislation- this includes recruitment, emergency responses, notices, accommodation plans, return to work processes, career advancement and performance management. We will continue to remove barriers to build a diverse and accessible environment enabling our team members to reach their full potential.
Recruitment
All job postings that are public-facing websites include the notice of availability of accommodations for disabilities where needed, to support recruitment processes. Landscape Effects Group is committed to fair and accessible recruitment practices to ensure we attract and retain team members with disabilities. We strive to continue to improve our accessibility throughout the recruitment process.
Notices
Landscape Effects will continue to inform current team members and job applicants of our support and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will notify of our policies on job accommodations for team members accessibility needs.
Return to Work Processes and Accommodation Plans
Landscape Effects is committed to developing individualized accommodation plans and return to work plans when required to assist team members with disabilities. We will ensure all processes are documented with steps outlined on return to work or accommodation.
The return-to-work process shall,
(a) outline the steps Landscape Effects Group will take to facilitate the return to work of employees who were absent because their disability required them to be away from work; and
(b) use documented individual accommodation plans, as part of the process
Career Advancement and Performance Management
Landscape Effects Group will ensure all needs are accommodated and proper plans are put in place for team members with disabilities to advance within the company. We will adapt current performance management systems to ensure that accessibility needs are met.
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Information and Communications Standard – Landscape Effects Group is committed to ensuring that all information and communications are accessible to individuals with disabilities. We continue to improve our processes and procedures to meet accessibility requirements. We will ensure that all information and communications are in accessible formats.
Communication – Landscape Effects Group will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that considers their personal disability. Landscape Effects will train staff who meet customers on how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.
Telephone Services – Landscape Effects is committed to providing a fully accessible telephone service to its customers. Staff will be trained to communicate with customers over the telephone in clear and plain language and to speak clearly and slowly. Landscape Effects will offer to communicate with customers by email, if telephone communication is not suitable or available to their personal needs.
Assistive Devices – Landscape Effects is committed to serving people with disabilities, who use assistive devices to obtain, use or benefit, from the goods and services; Staff will be trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by customers with disabilities while accessing the goods or services of the location.
We will continue to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. All feedback is welcome on how we can continue to improve our accessibility processes. Feedback can be provided verbally over the phone or in person, or via email or our website contact form.
Service Animals and Support Persons – Landscape Effects is committed to welcoming people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal on the parts of property which is open to the public. Landscape Effects will also ensure that all staff, volunteers, and others dealing with the public are properly trained in how to interact with people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal.
Landscape Effects is committed to welcoming people with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person. Any person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to enter the business property, which is open to the public, with their support person.
Feedback Process
The goal of Landscape Effects is to meet and surpass customer expectations while serving customers with disabilities. Comments on the business’ services regarding how well those expectations are being met are welcome and appreciated.
Feedback regarding the way Landscape Effects provides goods and services to people with disabilities can be made in person, by email or by telephone. We can arrange for accessible feedback and alternate formats upon request.
Modification to this or Other Policies:
Landscape Effects is committed to developing customer service policies that respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. Therefore, no changes will be made to this Policy or any other, without considering the impact on people with disabilities.
Any policy of Landscape Effects that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.
If there are any questions or concerns regarding Landscape Effects Group’s policies or procedures, please do not hesitate to contact our Culture Talent/Human Resources Department by filling out our feedback form here or you are welcome to call 519.727.4769 ext. 240, or reach out by email to alessia@landscapefx.com