Summary
This policy outlines procedures to provide services to people with disabilities
and addresses such elements as assistive devices, service animals, support
persons, proper communication and training of Oxford employees.
Policy Statement
Oxford is committed to excellence in serving all customers including people with
disabilities. The purpose of this policy is to confirm our intention to provide
services to people with disabilities in a manner that is consistent with the
principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.
The customer service standard ensures that accessibility will be part of
Oxford's every day service delivery and will ensure that our premises are
accessible to all. Any Oxford policies that address accessibility for people
with disabilities will reflect Oxford's commitment to providing accessible
services.
Definitions
"disability" means,
(a) 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 co-ordination,
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,
(b) a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
(c) a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes
involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
(d) a mental disorder, or
(e) a workplace injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received
under the provincial Workers Compensation program.
"assistive device" means a tool, technology or other mechanism that enables a
person with a disability to perform everyday tasks and activities such as
moving, communicating or lifting.
"service animal" is an animal used by a person with a disability and for which
it is either (i) readily apparent that it is used for that purpose or (ii) for
which the person has a letter from a physician or nurse verifying that the
animal is required for reasons relating to his or her disability.
"support person" means, in relation to a person with a disability, another
person who accompanies him or her in order to help with communication, mobility,
personal care or medical needs or with access to goods or services.
Assistive Devices
Oxford will ensure that its employees are trained and familiar with various
assistive devices that may be used by customers with disabilities while
accessing our services.
Communication
Oxford will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into
account their disability. If any Oxford employee receives a request from a
disabled person, the employee should make all reasonable efforts to accommodate
the request. Should the employee not be able to accommodate the request, the
issue must be brought to the attention of the employee's manager in order that
the concern is addressed appropriately.
Service Animals
Oxford welcomes people with disabilities and their service animals. Service
animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public and
to the extent permitted by law.
Support Persons
A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be
allowed to have that person accompany them on our premises.
Notice of Temporary Disruption
In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for
customers with disabilities, Oxford will notify customers promptly by posting a
notice. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for
the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative
facilities or services, if available.
The notice will be placed at all impacted locations in advance of the disruption
if possible. Oxford will ensure that all employees who are affected by this
temporary disruption will be notified.
Training for Employees
Oxford will provide training to all employees, and others who deal with the
public or other third parties on their behalf. Training will also be provided to
every person who participates in developing Oxford's policies, practices and
procedures governing the provision of services to members of the public or other
third parties.
Training will include:
. An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and
the requirements of the customer service standard
. Oxford's Accessible Customer Service policy
. 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 onsite or otherwise that may
help with providing goods or services to people with disabilities
. What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing
Oxford's services
Employees will also be trained when changes are made to Oxford's Accessible
Customer Service plan.
Manager's Responsibilities
. Ensure that a copy of this policy and all other related policies are provided
to and reviewed with each new employee within one month of their start date.
. Inform and train their employees on the specific accessibility devices,
considerations and procedures at their specific location within one month of the
policy's effective date November 15, 2011 or within one month of their start
date.
. Immediately document and track training completed by each of their employees
regarding the Accessible Customer Service Policy.
. Comply with the policy
Employee's Responsibilities
. Read and understand Oxford's Accessible Customer Service Policy within one
month of the policy's effective date of November 15, 2011, or within one month
of their start date.
. Complete the training associated with the Accessible Customer Service Policy
within one month of the policy's effective date of November 15, 2011, or within
one month of their start date.
. Comply with the policy
Feedback Process
Anyone who wishes to provide feedback on the way Oxford provides services to
people with disabilities can do so in person, by email, or in writing or by any
other means, as required.
All feedback will be directed to Ann Clavelle, Senior Vice President, Human
Capital Management. Oxford commits to responding to all concerns in a timely
manner. The feedback will be provided in a format that considers any
accommodation required due to a disability. Complaints will be addressed
according to Oxford's regular complaint management procedures.
Policy Enforcement
Oxford reserves the right to take corrective action if any employee breaches
this policy. Any employee found in violation of this Policy may be subject to
discipline up to and including dismissal.
Accessible Customer Service
Oxford is committed to providing services that are accessible to everyone.
Please contact our Human Capital Management department at (416) 865-8300 or
info@oxfordproperties.com if you would like a copy of our Accessible Customer
Service Policy and/or would like to request it in an accessible format.
Alternatively, you can write to us at:
Oxford Properties Group
Royal Bank Plaza, North Tower
200 Bay Street, Suite 900
Toronto, ON M5J 2J2
Attention: Human Capital Management