AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy

Goemans Appliances Statement of Commitment

Goemans Appliances is committed to providing an accessible environment for all customers, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and comply with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and its associated regulations. We strive to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for everyone by identifying and removing barriers in our workplace and ensuring that new barriers are not created. The company ensures that persons with disabilities are provided with equal opportunities. We are committed to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and integrative manner that respects their dignity and independence.

Application and Scope

This Policy applies to all of Goemans Appliances employees, agents and/or contractors who deal with the public on behalf of our Company. If you are not certain whether this Policy applies to you or another person, please speak with your Manager or Human Resources.

Definitions

The following definitions, some of which are provided in the AODA and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, apply for the purposes of this Policy:

“Accessible Formats” may include, but are not limited to, large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille and other formats usable by persons with disabilities;

“Barrier” means anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of his or her disability, including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, an information or communications barrier, an attitudinal barrier, a technological barrier, a policy or a practice;

“Communication Supports” may include, but are not limited to, captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communications;

“Disability” means,

(a) 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 co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal, or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device

AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy

(b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;

(c) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language; (d) a mental disorder, or

(e) an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997; (“handicap”)

"Feedback" means any comments, compliments, suggestions or complaints provided to Goemans Appliances by its customers;

“Mobility Aid” means a device used to facilitate the transport, in a seated posture, of a person with a disability; and

“Mobility Assistive Device” means a cane, walker or similar aid.

Guidelines

Goemans Appliances strives to provide information and communications to all in a format or manner that meets their needs. The company provides or arranges for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities upon request. This includes but is not limited to our feedback process and all publicly available safety and emergency information, such as evacuation procedures and floor plans. The company also ensures that our website and web content meet the standards required by the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation to enable accessible information and communications online.

Confidentiality of Personal Information

Information about an employee's disability is sensitive personal information and, as such, will be managed in a manner that is consistent with Goemans Appliances policy regarding the confidentiality of employee personal information. Where the accommodation process requires the release of confidential information to a third party (such as an external resource group), the third party, and any person or department delegated by that third party, will be required to ensure that confidentiality is protected, that the information obtained is kept in a secure location, and used solely for the purpose that the release was required.

Accessibility Policies

Goemans Appliances acknowledges and complies with the following AODA standards:

a. Customer Service Standard: We ensure that all employees receive training on providing accessible customer service and strive to meet the diverse needs of our customers with disabilities.

b. Information and Communications Standard: We are committed to making our information and communications accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes accessible websites, documents, and communication supports.

c. Employment Standard: Our organization follows the Employment Standard to create an inclusive workplace, from recruitment and hiring to ongoing employment and accommodation.

d. Transportation Standard: If applicable, we comply with the Transportation Standard to ensure our transportation services are accessible.

e. Design of Public Spaces Standard: If applicable, we follow the Design of Public Spaces

Standard to ensure that our public spaces are designed and built with accessibility in mind.

Training

Goemans Appliances provides training to all employees, volunteers, and contractors who interact with the public or are involved in the development and maintenance of our policies, practices, and procedures. This training ensures that they understand and implement our accessibility policies and comply with the AODA standards.

Information and Communication

We are committed to providing accessible information and communication to individuals with disabilities. Our organization will:

a. Ensure our website and digital content are accessible in accordance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA or applicable standards.

b. Provide accessible formats and communication supports upon request.

c. Make all public information accessible, including documentation and materials provided to customers and employees.

Feedback and Accessibility Concerns

We welcome feedback on how we can improve accessibility at Goemans Appliances Individuals with disabilities and others who have accessibility concerns can provide feedback by email or by visiting any one of our stores. All feedback will be reviewed and addressed promptly.

Compliance and Reporting

Goemans Appliances is committed to ongoing compliance with the AODA standards. We will report our progress as required by law and take necessary actions to address any areas of noncompliance.

Accessible Customer Service

Goemans Appliances is committed to providing accessible customer service in accordance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This policy sets out the standards for the provision of goods, services, and facilities to the public.

Definitions

Guide dog: A dog trained as a guide for a blind person that has completed a training program at a designated training facility set out in the Guide Dogs Regulation.

Service animal: An animal is a service animal for a person with a disability if:

• The animal can be readily identified as one that is being used by the person for reasons

relating to the person’s disability, as a result of visual indicators, such as the vest or harness worn by the animal; or

• The person provides documentation from a designated regulated health professional

colleges confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to the disability.

Support person: In relation to a person with a disability, another person who accompanies them in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs, or access to goods, services, and facilities.

Guidelines

Goemans Appliances makes every reasonable effort to ensure that its policies, practices, and procedures are consistent with the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity by:

• Allowing customers with disabilities to do things in their own ways and at their own pace when accessing goods, services, and facilities, as long as this does not present a health and safety risk;

• Using alternative methods of access when necessary to ensure that customers with disabilities have access to the same goods, services, and facilities in a similar manner;

• Taking into account individual accommodation needs when providing goods and services; and

• Communicating in a manner that takes into account the customer’s disability.

Upon request, the company provides a person with a disability with a copy of this policy, or the information contained within it, in a format that meets their accessibility needs. Requests should be directed to the Human Resources Department at: tghumanresources@tgappliance.ca

Persons with disabilities may use their own assistive devices as required when accessing goods or services or facilities. In cases where the assistive device presents a health and safety concern or where accessibility might be an issue, the Human Resources Department should be informed so that other reasonable measures can be put in place to ensure the access of goods and services.

Guide Dogs and Service Animals

A customer with a disability who is accompanied by a guide dog or other service animal is welcome to access the premises that are open to the public and keep the animal with them unless the animal is otherwise excluded by law. “No pet” policies do not apply to guide dogs or service animals. If a customer’s guide dog or service animal is excluded by law, Goemans Appliances offers alternative methods to enable the person with a disability to access goods, services, and facilities.

If it is not readily apparent that the animal is a guide dog or service animal, employees may respectfully ask whether an animal is a guide dog or service animal but must not ask the nature of the person’s disability or purpose of the animal. If they reveal the animal is not a guide dog or service animal, they should be asked to remove the animal from the premises promptly.

The customer who is accompanied by a guide dog or service animal is responsible for maintaining control of the animal at all times. If a service animal becomes out of control, causing a clear disruption or a threat to the health and safety of others, and the animal’s behaviour is not corrected by the owner, this should be reported to the Human Resources Department who may ask them to remove their service animal from the premises.

Support Persons

If a customer with a disability is accompanied by a support person, Goemans Appliances will ensure that both persons may enter the premises together and that the customer is not prevented from having access to the support person. In situations where confidential information might be discussed, consent must be obtained from the customer before any potentially confidential information is mentioned in the presence of the support person.

The company may require a person with a disability to be accompanied by a support person while on the premises if the support person is required to protect the health and safety of the person with the disability or others in the workplace and there are no other reasonable measures that can be taken to ensure this. The company consults with the person with the disability and assess available evidence before making such a decision. Employees are informed of any such arrangements.

Notice of Temporary Disruptions

Goemans Appliances makes all reasonable efforts to provide notice of any temporary disruptions to facilities or services that customers with disabilities rely on to access or use goods or services. In some circumstances, notice may not be possible.

When disruptions occur without notice, the company informs customers by:

• Posting written notices in conspicuous places, including at the point of disruption and all entrances;

• Informing customers verbally upon arrival

The following information is provided regarding the disruption, unless it is not readily available or known:

• Goods or services that are disrupted or unavailable;

• Reason for the disruption;

• Expected duration; and

• A description of alternative services or options that are available.

Employees are informed of this information as soon as reasonably possible in the event of a disruption so that they can inform customers and respond to inquiries.

Training

Training is provided to employees, volunteers, those who participate in the development of company policies, and any other person who provides goods, services, or facilities on behalf of the company.

Training covers the following:

• A review of the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005;

• A review of the requirements of the customer service standards;

• Instructions on how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities;

• Instructions on how to interact with people with disabilities who use assistive devices or require the assistance of a guide dog or other service animal or a support person;

• Instructions on how to use equipment or devices that are available at our premises or that we provide that may help people with disabilities;

• Instructions on what to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing our services; and

• Policies, procedures, and practices of the company pertaining to providing accessible customer service to customers with disabilities.

The company keeps a record of training that includes the dates training was provided and the number of employees who attended the training. Where required, retraining is provided to ensure compliance with the company’s policies and procedures.

Accessible Employment

Intent

Goemans Appliances provides accessible employment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and its associated regulations. This policy sets out the company’s commitment to standards for accessible employment. It does not apply to volunteers or other individuals who are not paid.

Statement of Commitment

Goemans Appliances is committed to providing an accessible environment for all clients, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and comply with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and its associated regulations. We strive to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for everyone by identifying and removing barriers in our workplace and ensuring that new barriers are not created. The company ensures that persons with disabilities are provided with equal opportunities. We are committed to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and integrative manner that respects their dignity and independence.

Definitions

Accessible formats: Includes but not limited to large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille, and other formats usable by persons with disabilities.

Communication supports: Includes but not limited to captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language, and other supports that facilitate effective communication.

Redeployment: The reassignment of an employee to another department or job in the company as an alternative to layoff when their job or department has been eliminated by the company.

Guidelines

Hiring

Accommodations are available from the beginning of the recruitment process. Information regarding the availability of accommodations is included in all job postings. Applicants selected to participate in an assessment or the selection process are informed that accommodations are available upon request. Where an accommodation is requested, the company consults with the applicant and provides or arranges for suitable accommodation that meets their individual needs. Successful applicants are made aware of the company’s policies for accommodating employees with disabilities when an offer of employment is made.

Accessible Workplace Information

Goemans Appliances ensures that new employees are aware of the policies and supports available for employees with disabilities as soon as reasonably possible after beginning employment and all employees are informed of any updates to existing policies.

Individual Accommodations

Goemans Appliances creates and documents individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities upon request. An employee with a disability who requires an individual accommodation plan should inform the Human Resources Department. These plans include:

• Information regarding accessible formats and communication supports, where requested;

• Individualized workplace emergency response information, where necessary; and

• Details of any other accommodation provided.

Where an employee is absent from work due to a disability and requires accommodations to return to work, the company will develop and document individual return-to-work processes.

Performance Management and Career Development

The accessibility needs of employees with disabilities are considered in all aspects of the employment relationship, including during performance management processes, career development or advancement opportunities, and in the event of redeployment. Individual accommodation plans are consulted, where they exist, as part of these process.