The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) Policy

Last Updated: June 21, 2021

Purpose:

This policy applies to the provision of information and communications services and materials for people with disabilities.

Uberflip 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.

Uberflip 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 as an organization, Uberflip is committed to working with the necessary parties to make accessibility for all a reality. For more detailed information on our accessibility policies, plans, and training programs, please contact anyone on the People & Culture Team.

Our Statement of Commitment:

Uberflip is committed to ensuring that its policies, practices and procedures are consistent with and promote the core principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity. All policies will embrace, respect and promote the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities to create an inclusive environment.

Uberflip is committed to diversity, inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities and strives to provide an equal opportunity for all individuals. Uberflip believes in treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence.

As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations. All information and communications materials and services provided by Uberflip shall follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

Policy Definitions:

Accessibility — The term accessibility means giving people of all abilities opportunities to participate fully in everyday life. It is used to describe how widely a service, product, device, or environment is available to as many people as possible. Accessibility can be seen as the ability to access and benefit from a system, service, product or environment.

Barrier — Barriers are obstacles that limit access and prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in society. Most barriers are not intentional. Barriers usually arise because the needs of people with disabilities are not considered from the beginning.

Disability — Ontario’s accessibility law adopts the definition for disability that is in the Ontario Human Rights Code. It defines disability broadly:

• “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 coordination, 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,
• a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
• a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
• a mental disorder, or
• an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.”

Our Responsibility:

All Management and Employees are responsible for ensuring that all employees follow the guidelines set up in this policy.

Uberflip is responsible for providing training under the accessibility regulations and standards under AODA, and all related policies, practices and procedures.

Training of Employees:

Uberflip will provide training to all of its employees and volunteers regarding the provisions and ways to ensure accessible programs, goods, services and workplace. Training will occur on an ongoing basis and whenever changes are made to relevant policies, practices and procedures. Training will include:

• purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard
• Uberflip’s policies related to the customer service standard
• how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities
• how to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person
• how to use the equipment or devices available on-site or otherwise that may help with providing goods, services or facilities to people with disabilities.
• what to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing Uberflip’s goods, services or facilities

Staff will also be trained when changes are made to our accessible customer service policies.

Recruitment & Employment at Uberflip:

Uberflip will notify employees, potential hires and the public that accommodations can be made during recruitment and hiring. Uberflip will notify staff that supports are available for those with disabilities. We will put in place a process to develop individual accommodation plans for employees. Our performance management, career development and redeployment processes will take into account the accessibility needs of all employees.

Accessibility Feedback & Requests – Please Contact:

To request accommodation or assistance for any program, goods or service, or a copy of this policy in an accessible format, please contact the Uberflip by phone or email. Any feedback from employees and customers regarding accessibility requests questions, or concerns can contact any member of the People & Culture team, call 1-888-694-2946 or direct inquiries to Accessibility@uberflip.com.

Exceptions:

The Information and Communications Standard does not apply to:

• Products and product labels;
• Unconvertible information or communications; or
• Information that the organization does not control either directly or indirectly through a contractual relationship.

Policy Review:

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure that it is reflective of Uberflip’s current practices and legislative requirements.