Accessibility Policy
INTENT
Cawthra Computers LTD is dedicated to upholding an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities, encompassing our team members, clients, prospective employees, and partners. Our commitment revolves around treating everyone in a manner that preserves their dignity and autonomy. We advocate for integration and equal opportunities. Our pledge is to promptly address the needs of individuals with disabilities by proactively eliminating barriers to accessibility and adhering to accessibility standards mandated by relevant laws, regulations, and industry practices. We are firmly committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, provided such accommodations do not pose undue hardship on Cawthra Computers LTD.
We will diligently ensure that our policies, procedures, and practices governing employment and service provision to individuals with disabilities align with the following principles:
Employment opportunities and services will be offered in a manner that upholds the dignity and independence of individuals with disabilities.
Individuals with disabilities will have access to the same services and opportunities, in the same or similar manner as others.
Individuals with disabilities will have equal opportunities as others to access, use, and benefit from Cawthra Computers LTD's products and services.
This Policy is applicable to all entities, divisions, and offices under Cawthra Computers LTD. It will be interpreted and applied in conjunction with relevant local laws, regulations, and customary practices.
DEFINITIONS
In the context of this policy, the term "Disability" refers to:
- Any form of physical incapacity, weakness, abnormality, or disfigurement resulting from injury, congenital condition, or illness. This encompasses conditions such as diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, brain injury, various levels of paralysis, limb loss, impaired physical coordination, vision impairments, hearing impairments, speech impediments, or reliance on assistive devices like guide animals, wheelchairs, or other medical aids.
- Mental impairment or developmental disabilities.
- Learning disabilities or challenges in understanding and using symbols or spoken language.
- Mental disorders.
- Injuries or disabilities for which benefits were sought or received under the insurance plan established pursuant to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
"Service animal" denotes an animal that accompanies an individual with disabilities, where it is visibly evident that the animal serves the person's disability-related needs. Alternatively, if the individual provides documentation from a physician or nurse confirming the necessity of the animal due to their disability, it falls under this definition. This category specifically includes guide dogs aiding the blind or visually impaired.
A "Support person" is someone who accompanies a person with disabilities to assist with communication, mobility, personal care, medical requirements, or accessing goods and services.
APPLICATION OF POLICY
This policy is applicable to the services provided by Cawthra Computers LTD to the public. It extends to all employees and visitors of Cawthra Computers LTD who are responsible for ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
PROVISION OF GOODS AND SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
We are dedicated to delivering exceptional service to all visitors, including those with disabilities, and will fulfill our duties and obligations by:
- Engaging with individuals with disabilities in a manner that considers their specific disability.
- Assisting individuals with disabilities who use assistive devices.
- Allowing individuals with disabilities accompanied by guide dogs or service animals to enter Cawthra Computers LTD premises with their animals and to keep them with them, unless prohibited by law.
- Permitting individuals with disabilities accompanied by a support person to enter Cawthra Computers LTD premises with their support person. Individuals with disabilities accompanied by a support person will always have access to their support person while on Cawthra Computers LTD premises.
SUPPORT ASSISTANCE
Individuals with disabilities are welcome to enter the premises of Cawthra Computers LTD accompanied by a support assistant and can retain access to the assistance while on-site. In specific situations, Cawthra Computers LTD may request that individuals with disabilities are accompanied by a support assistant while on the premises, but only if it is necessary to ensure the well-being of the individual with disabilities or the safety of others present on the premises.
SERVICE ANIMALS POLICY
Individuals with disabilities are permitted to be accompanied by a guide dog or other service animal while on the premises of Cawthra Computers LTD. If service animals are prohibited by law from certain areas of the premises (e.g., areas where food is prepared), Cawthra Computers LTD will provide alternative resources or assistance to facilitate access to the services and products offered.
NOTIFICATION OF INTERRUPTIONS
Cawthra Computers LTD will inform the public in case of planned or unexpected disruptions in facilities or services typically used by individuals with disabilities. This notification will include details about the expected duration of the disruption and alternatives available for facilities or services. The notice will be visibly displayed on relevant devices (e.g., elevator doors) or communicated through appropriate means considering the circumstances.
STAFF TRAINING INITIATIVE
Cawthra Computers LTD is committed to providing comprehensive training to its staff and service providers regarding the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities. This training policy will also be promptly communicated to new employees. The training provided by Cawthra Computers LTD will cover the following areas:
- Understanding the objectives of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and compliance with the customer service standard requirements.
- Effective communication and interaction techniques with individuals having different types of disabilities.
- Proper engagement with individuals using assistive devices, guide dogs, service animals, or support persons.
- Familiarization with equipment and resources available on Cawthra Computers LTD premises or elsewhere that aid in providing services to individuals with disabilities.
- Protocols to follow if an individual with a specific disability encounters challenges in accessing goods and services provided by Cawthra Computers LTD.
- Familiarity with this training policy.
Cawthra Computers LTD will conduct ongoing training sessions to update staff on changes to company policies, practices, and procedures concerning employment and service provision for individuals with disabilities.
Communication
Cawthra Computers LTD will make efforts to communicate this policy and matters concerning accessibility and its provisions to staff, clients, job applicants, and partners appropriately and continuously.
Accessibility Strategy
Cawthra Computers LTD will continuously review and evaluate this policy and accessibility matters, developing and sharing a multi-year accessibility plan that applies to all our businesses and operations.
Feedback Mechanism
Cawthra Computers LTD appreciates feedback on how we provide services to individuals with disabilities. Feedback can be given in person, over the phone, in writing, or via email at:
Policy Amendments
Changes to this policy will only occur after evaluating their impact on individuals with disabilities. Any policy at Cawthra Computers LTD that does not uphold and advance the dignity and independence of individuals with disabilities will be revised or eliminated.
AODA Compliance Document Requests
Cawthra Computers LTD will provide a copy of this policy or a filed accessibility report to any individual upon request. When receiving such a request, Cawthra Computers LTD will provide the document or information in a format that considers the requester's disabilities.