People2.0 Canada

Accessibility Plan 2021-2024

Message from the President

People2.0 is committed to serving all individuals with respect and dignity. Part of this commitment is ensuring that people with disabilities have the resources and access they require in order to participate as employees, clients, and members of the general public who are interested in learning more about our services.

Our Accessibility plan outlines our planned activities and confirms our commitment to ensuring an accessible, welcoming environment for everyone.

Steve Schaus

President

Introduction

People2.0 strives to meet the needs of its employees and customers with disabilities and is working diligently to remove and prevent barriers to accessibility.

Our organization is committed to fulfilling the requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. This accessibility plan outlines the steps People2.0 is taking to meet those requirements and to improve opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

As other provinces and territories develop their own accessibility legislation, People2.0 will ensure that our accessibility activities meet or exceed compliance requirements in all areas for all employees, regardless of location.

People2.0 is committed to a framework for change that begins with articulating a vision of inclusion based on research and self-reflection. We will implement strategies, policies, and practices inspired by that vision, including addressing the organization’s public image and information (communications). We will continuously improve through an on-going process of evaluation and change.

An inclusive approach will be thoroughly integrated into the organization’s on-going activities, operations, and relationships. People2.0 will make every effort to identify and remove barriers to inclusion.

People2.0 is committed to employment diversity with respect to all aspects of employment. Accordingly, all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, employee development decisions such as training, and all other terms and conditions of employment, will be made without regard to race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, physical and mental disability, age, ancestry or place of origin.

People2.0 will make every effort to make its employee workforce representative and reflective of the communities in which its services are provided. The People2.0 will endeavour to ensure that the workplace, all policies, procedures, and practices are free of deliberate or unintentional (systemic) barriers so that no one is disadvantaged.

Our Human Resources department is embarking on the development of a new 3-year strategy to build on current accessibility achievements. This new strategy will enhance training, access to information and strengthen our commitment through action.

Section One: Past Achievements to Remove and Prevent Barriers

Below are some highlights from past accessibility initiatives. They have incorporated compliance to legislation and set the baseline for our new accessibility plan.

Customer Service

• Provided accessible materials to clients in appropriate formats
• Ensured that access to physical locations met legislated accessibility requirements
• Implemented client suggestions to improve accessibility offerings

Information and Communications

• Ensured that clients, employees, and the general public are aware of our accessibility offerings
• Provided information regarding service outages, planned construction, and alternative access points
• Provided a dedicated contact for information and issues

Employment

• Worked with employees on customized return to work programs
• Offered accessibility equipment/assistive devices to staff as required
• Provided materials in accessible formats upon request at all stages of the employment, from applicants to accommodation requests for existing employees

Other

• Training new and existing employees on the Ontario human rights and accessibility laws.

Section Two: Strategies and Actions

The following plan outlines the accessibility commitment and actions of the organization. More detailed information on the activities and objectives are outlined in the Human Resources 3-year strategy on accessibility in the workplace.

Customer Service

People2.0 is committed to providing accessible customer service to people with disabilities. This means that we will provide services to people with disabilities with the same high quality and timeliness as others.

Information and Communications

People2.0 is committed to making our information and communications accessible to people with disabilities.

Employment

People2.0 is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Job advertisements will indicate that the organization will meet the needs of people with disabilities, including receiving job postings and descriptions in alternative formats and accommodations as it relates to the interview process. Candidates will also be asked upon hire if they require any workplace accommodation in order to support them in their new role, and the appropriate resources will be provided.

Employees have a right to a fully accessible workplace. People2.0 is committed to an accessible workplace and will collaborate with employees to ensure that they have the tools and support necessary to be successful at work.

Training

People2.0 is committed to providing training in the requirements of Ontario’s accessibility laws and the Ontario Human Rights Code as it applies to people with disabilities.

Design of Public Spaces

People2.0 is committed to ensuring that our work premises are accessible to everyone. Where there are plans to renovate existing locations or secure new office space, we will ensure that accessibility is at the forefront of design. At a minimum, we will inspect our physical locations annually to ensure compliance with legislation and look for opportunities to enhance accessibility.

People2.0 will continue to ensure that procedures are in place to prevent service disruptions to the accessible parts of our public spaces and provide the necessary alternatives should a disruption occur.

Other

For More Information

For more information on this accessibility plan or to request accessible forms of this or other documents, please contact the HR Department at HRCanada@people20.com.