This 2014-21 accessibility plan outlines the policies and actions that Avondale Stores will put in place to improve opportunities for people with disabilities.

I Statement of Commitment

Avondale Stores Limited is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

II Accessible Emergency Information

Avondale Stores Limited is committed to providing the customers and client with publicly available emergency information in an accessible way upon request. We will also provide employees with disabilities with individualized emergency response information when necessary.

III Training

Avondale Stores Limited will provide training to employees, volunteers and other staff members on Ontario’s accessibility laws and on the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities. Training will be provided in a way that best suits the duties of employees, volunteers and other staff members.

Avondale Stores Limited met Ontario’s accessible requirement regarding training by January 1, 2015.

• Develop a training plan by the Health & Safety Coordinator
• Provide training to the staff that deal directly with the public (managers & staff) on the General and Information and Communication Standard and the Ontario Human Rights
• Code in sessions during 2014
• Keep and maintain a record of the training provided, including dates and names of

IV Information and Communication

Avondale Stores Limited is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. We will consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs.

A. Website

Avondale Stores Limited met Ontario’s accessible requirement regarding websites by January 1, 2014.

B. Feedback & Communication

Avondale Stores Limited met Ontario’s accessible requirement for publicly available information by January 1, 2015

• Policy will be written by the Health & Safety coordinator and approved by management
• The policy will be available on the Avondale website by the end of 2014.

Avondale Stores Limited will make sure all publicly available information is made accessible upon request by January 1, 2015.

C. Accessible formats

Avondale Stores Limited will make sure that all websites and content conform with WCAG 2.0,

Level AA by January 1, 2021.

V. Employment

Avondale Stores Limited committed to fair and accessible employment practices by January 1, 2016.

A. Recruitment

• We will take the following steps to notify the public and staff that, when requested, Avondale  Stores Limited will accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes and when people are hired.
• All job advertisements and applications will include wording to state that accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.
• Will update the Application for Employment into accessible formats and include information on accommodating a disability.

B. Individual accommodation plans/Return to Work

Avondale Stores Limited will take the following steps to develop and put in place a process for developing individual accommodation plans and return-to-work policies for employees that have been absent due to disability.

• Avondale will develop formal policies in regards to accommodation plans and return to work actions

C. Performance Management

We will take the following steps to ensure the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities are taken into account if Avondale Stores Limited is using performance management, career development and redeployment processes.

• Avondale does not currently have a formal PM, etc process.

VI Design of Public Spaces

Avondale Stores Limited will meet the Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces when building or making major modifications to public spaces include:

• Accessible off street parking
• Service-related elements like service counters, fixed queuing lines and waiting areas

Avondale Stores Limited will put the following procedures in place to prevent service disruptions to its accessible parts of it public spaces.

• Will meet the Accessibility Standards for Design of Public spaces when building new structures or renovations to public spaces. 

In the event of a service disruption, we will notify the public of the service disruption and alternatives available.

For more information 

For more information on this accessibility plan please contact Monique DeJonghe at: 

Phone: 905-562-4173

Email: accessibility@avondalestores.com

Accessible formats of this document are available free upon request.