Accessibility Policy

Statement of Commitment

Herb Shaw and Sons Limited is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence.
We believe in integration, and we are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and by meeting our accessibility requirements under Ontario’s accessibility laws.

Aim and Objectives of the Policy

This Policy is intended to continue to move Herb Shaw and Sons Limited toward our vision of accessibility and inclusion for all who come to work or use our facilities and services. This Policy:

  • Outlines measures to be taken to meet the mandatory requirements of Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) or AODA
  • Outlines measures taken to ensure ongoing compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act(AODA) and Ontario Human Rights
  • Describes how the plan will be communicated internally and publicly

Definitions

For the purpose of this Policy, the following definitions will apply:
 – Architectural and Physical Barriers: features of buildings or spaces that cause problems for people with disabilities.
 – Attitudinal Barriers: discrimination against persons with disabilities.
 – Barrier: anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society. Types of barriers include physical, architectural, information or communications, attitudinal, technological and organizational.
 – Information or Communication Barriers: preventing a person from easily understanding information.
 – Organizational Barriers: an organization’s policies, practices or procedures that discriminate against persons with disabilities.
 – Technological Barriers: occur when technology can’t be modified to support various assistive devices.
 – Disability:

  • Any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness such as diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, visual impediment, hearing impediment and more
  • 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 WSIB

Commitment to Accessibility

Herb Shaw and Sons Limited is fully committed to building a diverse, accessible and inclusive organization that takes into account the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equality of opportunity to ensure that policies, procedures, practices, programs and services respect the rights and needs of persons with disabilities.
Although we are a business, our facilities are not open to the public. However, the following plan identifies commitments Herb Shaw and Sons Limited will undertake to comply with accessibility standards in Customer Service, Information and Communications, Employment, and Built Environment.
Customer Service
Herb Shaw and Sons will provide customer service to people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. This may include:

Customer Service

Herb Shaw and Sons will provide customer service to people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. This may include:

  • Providing a cordless card reader with optional tap function for processing debit or credit card payments in person, or over the phone
  • Welcoming support persons and service animals in our office
  • Greeting guests by opening our door or meeting them outside to accommodate physical disabilities

Information and Communications

  • For general company details and information, Herb Shaw and Sons Limited has published a website www.shawlumber.ca hosted by SmilingHost, a division of TUBMAN Marketing Inc.
    – Site is mobile friendly
    – Site structure satisfies accessibility requirements of WCAG 2.0 Level AA and AODA
  • Inclusion of a monitored email address to allow written communication
  • Additional details may be provided by Herb Shaw and Sons Limited in a similarly suitable accessible format upon request.
  • Announcements, such as a temporary disruption of services, will be posted on our website and on our office door, and will be made available in an accessible format upon request. Such announcements will include the reason, the anticipated duration and the location for alternative services or facilities as available.

Employment—Employment Opportunities

  • Employment opportunities at Herb Shaw and Sons Limited will be posted on job-search websites that meet accessibility requirements of WCAG 2.0 Level AA and AODA.
  • Individual job applicants who are invited to participate in further assessment or selection processes will be notified that accommodations, in relation to materials or processes, are available upon request.
  • Successful applicants will be notified of our policies for accommodating team members with disabilities.
  • Team members with disabilities will be consulted with and, upon request, will be provided with accessible formats or communication supports for information needed to complete their job duties.

Employment — Company Policies

Herb Shaw and Sons will provide employees with company policies in accessible formats upon request. These will be updated and distributed in a timely manner as changes are made.

  • Policy information, such as the Workplace Emergency Response Policy, may be individualized to accommodate a team member’s disability and will be provided in a timely manner.
  • Policies will be reviewed annually and Herb Shaw and Sons will work with team members with disabilities to determine a timeline for review that best suits them.
  • Employees with disabilities requiring assistance can choose to have a team member aid or support them during emergencies
  • Individualized policy information will be reviewed and revised as required, should the team member change Herb Shaw and Sons worksites

Built Environment

In the event that Herb Shaw and Sons constructs new public spaces, we will ensure to meet the Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces. We will also make an announcement on our website. Any announcement will be offered in an accessible format upon request.

Review of HSS Progress to Date

  • Hired a receptionist with training and experience working with individuals with disabilities
  • Implemented policy that main entrance door is held open for people using physical aids such as a cane
  • Implemented new payment system that allows credit card payments to be placed over the phone or in person; now accept tap debit and credit cards
  • Created a new Health and Safety Manual that includes provisions for Return to Work accommodations
  • New Workplace Emergency Response Policy that utilizes both visual (flashing lights/beacons) and auditory (sirens or honking horn) alarms to signal emergencies such as fire.
  • Posted sign in window welcoming Assistance Dogs

Feedback

Herb Shaw and Sons Limited welcomes feedback regarding our Accessibility Policies. This feedback helps us identify barriers and respond to concerns.
Comments or questions about our policies and how we provide services to people with disabilities can be sent:

  • via email to: info@shawlumber.ca
  • via snail mail to: Herb Shaw and Sons 31 Sharon Street Pembroke ON K8A 7J5

All feedback will be shared with the Company President, Vice-President and General Manager. Responses, if desired, will be provided within 10 business days of receipt. Herb Shaw and Sons Limited will make sure our feedback process by providing, or arranging for, accessible formats and/or communication supports on request.