Pollard Enterprises Ltd. MYAP 2024-2029

Pollard Enterprises Ltd. is committed to preventing, identifying, and removing barriers to accessibility in a timely, integrated, and accessible manner that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. 

Our dedication for compliance with accessibility legislation; it embodies our core values of respect, dignity, and equal opportunity. We strive to ensure that every employee, customer, and partner can fully participate and benefit from our services and workplace without barriers. 

Our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines our strategic and progressive approach to fulfilling current accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). 

In accordance with the legal and regulatory requirements set out in the AODA’s Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations Pollard Enterprises Ltd. will:

• Continue to review, identify, and remove barriers to accessibility within our workplace
• Implement policies, practices, and procedures that support accessibility - ensuring our approach is proactive and integrated.
• Provide ongoing training and resources to employees to enhance awareness and understanding of accessibility standards, fostering an inclusive culture.
• Regularly update and assess our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan at least once every 5 years to reflect progress, address new accessibility needs, and align with best practices.
• Provide the policy’s and Multi-Year Accessibility Plan in an accessible format, upon request.

Our commitment is to uphold this plan as part of our broader strategy to create a welcoming, equitable, and empowering environment for everyone associated with Pollard Enterprises Ltd. 

Under the AODA and IASR standards, 4 of the 8 accessibility standards are applicable to Pollard Enterprises Ltd., as follows: 

           - Customer Service

           - Information and Communications

           - Employment

           - Training

Our Commitment:

Pollard Enterprises Ltd. is dedicated to delivering goods and services in a manner that upholds the dignity and independence of individuals with disabilities. We adhere to the Accessible Customer Service Standard and remain committed to full compliance with all related regulations. Our goal is to provide an inclusive customer service experience, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equitable access to and can fully benefit from our services and facilities, alongside all other customers.

Ongoing Initiatives:

• Individuals with disabilities are welcome to use their personal assistive devices when accessing goods or services provided by Pollard Enterprises Ltd. Should an assistive device present a safety concern or pose accessibility challenges, Pollard Enterprises Ltd. will implement alternative reasonable measures to facilitate access to goods and services.
• Customers with disabilities who are accompanied by a guide dog, service animal, or service dog will have access to public areas of our premises, except where restricted by law. “No Pet” policies do not apply to guide dogs, service animals, or service dogs.
• When a customer with a disability is accompanied by a support person, Pollard Enterprises Ltd. will ensure that both individuals are allowed to enter the premises together, and that the customer’s access to the support person is unrestricted.
• Pollard Enterprises Ltd. is committed to providing accessible customer service through various communication channels, including phone calls and emails. We ensure that interactions with individuals with disabilities are conducted in a respectful and accommodating manner.
• Pollard Enterprises Ltd. is committed to ensuring that all employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional and accessible customer service to individuals with disabilities.
• All service staff that deal with customer service receive AODA training. This training covers how to interact and communicate with individuals with various disabilities, the proper use of assistive devices, and how to accommodate guide dogs, service animals, and support people. Ongoing training and refresher sessions are conducted to keep employees up to date on any changes in regulations and best practices related to accessibility.

Commitment:

At Pollard Enterprises Ltd., we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where information and communication are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. We recognize that clear, equitable access to information is essential for meaningful participation in all aspects of our operations.

Ongoing Initiatives:

• Service disruptions may occur due to reasons that may or may not be within the control or knowledge of Pollard Enterprises Ltd. If a notification needs to be posted, the following information will be included unless it is not readily available or known: 
• Goods or services that are disrupted or unavailable 
• Reasons for the disruption 
• Anticipated duration 
• A description of alternative services or options  
• Pollard Enterprises Ltd. is committed to providing accessible communication channels through phone calls and emails. 
• When communicating by phone, our staff will speak clearly, listen attentively, and adapt their communication style as needed to meet individual requirements. Alternative methods, such as written correspondence, will be offered if telephone communication is not suitable.
• For email communication, Pollard Enterprises Ltd. will provide accessible formats and support to ensure that individuals with disabilities can effectively receive and respond to information. Adjustments will be made as needed to facilitate seamless interaction and an inclusive experience.
• Pollard Enterprises Ltd. encourages feedback to continuously improve accessibility measures over the phone, via online communications, and through in-person communications.
• Feedback Process: Pollard Enterprises Ltd. shall provide customers with the opportunity to provide feedback on the service provided to customers with disabilities.  Feedback forms along with alternate methods of providing feedback such as verbal (in person or by telephone) or written (handwritten, delivered, website or email), will be available upon request. 
• Customers who provide formal feedback will receive acknowledgement of their feedback, along with any resulting actions based on concerns or complaints that were submitted. 

Commitment:

At Pollard Enterprises Ltd., we are firmly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals, including those with disabilities, have equal access to employment opportunities. We believe that diversity enhances our organization and that every employee’s unique perspective and experience contributes to our success. 

The company is committed to taking all necessary measures to comply with employment regulations set forth in relevant accessibility legislation concerning recruitment and selection, return-to-work processes, and individual accommodation where needed.

Ongoing Initiatives:

• Pollard Enterprises Ltd. develops and implements recruitment strategies that ensure job postings are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. This includes utilizing multiple platforms for job advertisements, providing clear instructions for application submissions, and ensuring that application materials are available in accessible formats.
• Successful applicants will be informed about the policies available on the corporate website, which can be provided in an accessible format upon request at any time during their employment. They will also receive updated information whenever there are changes to existing policies.
• Our company will create a comprehensive return-to-work program for employees who have taken a leave of absence due to health-related issues. This initiative will include personalized plans that assess individual needs, provide necessary accommodation, and facilitate a smooth transition back into the workplace. The return-to-work process includes the following components:
• Identifying the essential job tasks and functions.
• Determining reasonable accommodations that enable employees with disabilities to perform their essential job duties.
• Maintaining a written return-to-work policy and tracking the progress of employees currently receiving accommodation due to a disability.
• The company establishes a clear and transparent process for employees to request accommodation. 
• Employees will be informed that their dignity and privacy will be upheld, and that any information regarding their accommodation needs will not be shared without their consent. 

Commitment:

At Pollard Enterprises Ltd., we are dedicated to ensuring that all training programs and resources are accessible to everyone, in alignment with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We recognize that inclusive training is essential for fostering a diverse workforce and empowering all employees to reach their full potential.

Ongoing Initiatives:

• Pollard Enterprises Ltd. provides training to all employees and contractors who interact with the public or third parties on behalf of Pollard Enterprises Ltd. Training will encompass the following areas, in accordance with Ontario Regulation 429/07:
• Purpose of AODA: Review the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
• Accessibility Standards: Overview of the requirements of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (Ontario Regulation 429/07).
• Interacting with Individuals with Disabilities: Instructions on how to effectively interact and communicate with individuals with various types of disabilities.
• Assistance Protocols: Guidelines for interacting with individuals with disabilities who:

                               - Use assistive devices.

                               - Require assistance of a guide dog, service dog, or other service animal.

                               - Require the use of a support person, including handling admission fees.

• Access Issues: Instructions on appropriate actions to take if a person with a disability has trouble accessing our services.
• Policies and Procedures: Familiarization with Pollard Enterprises Ltd.'s policies, procedures, and practices for providing accessible customer service to individuals with disabilities.
• Training Schedule:
• The company ensures training is provided as soon as practicable, especially for new employees and contractors who engage with the public or act on behalf of the organization.
• Pollard Enterprises Ltd. Will update and provide revised training in response to changes in legislation, procedures, or practices.

Pollard Enterprises Ltd. shall notify customers that the documents related to the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service are available upon request and in multiple formats. Notification will be given by posting the information in a conspicuous place owned and operated by Pollard Enterprises Ltd. website and/or any other reasonable method. 

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or its related procedures, please contact: 

Pollard Enterprises Ltd.

1795 Ironstone Drive,

Burlington, ON

L7L 5T8,

905.332.6660

This policy and its related procedures will be reviewed as required in the event of legislative changes. 

Referenced Documents:

• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 
• Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07 
• Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Regulation 562 
• Ontario Human Rights Code, 1990