Notice of Accessibility
AODA – Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) Information and Communications Policy
Intent
This policy applies to the provision of accessibility standards for each of information and communications, employment, services for persons with disabilities, in accordance with O. Reg. 191/11 Integrated Accessibility Standards (IASR) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and The international Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI).
The international Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) defines Web accessibility as follows:
"Web accessibility means that websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed so that people with disabilities can use them. More specifically, people can: perceive, understand, navigate and interact with the Web, and contribute to the Web. Web accessibility also benefits people without disabilities, for example older people with changing abilities due to ageing. Web accessibility encompasses all disabilities that affect access to the Web, including: visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive and neurological disabilities."
Definitions
Accessible formats: Include but are not limited to large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille, and other formats usable by persons with disabilities.
Communication supports: Include but are not limited to captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communications.
Conversion-ready: An electronic or digital format that facilitates conversion into an acceptable format.
Kiosk: An interactive electronic terminal, including a point-of-sale device, for public use that allows users to access one or more services or products.
Guidelines
General Requirements
The following general requirements apply to the five standards: information and communications, employment, transportation, design of public spaces, and customer service.
Establishment of Accessibility Policies and Plans
Northland Properties Corporation (“NPC”) and all its related entities, subsidiaries, reward programs and brands including Sandman Hotel Group & The Sutton Place Hotels will develop, implement, and maintain policies governing how it will achieve accessibility through these requirements.
NPC will include a statement of its commitment to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner in its policies. These documents will be made publicly available in an accessible format upon request.
NPC will establish, implement, maintain, and document a multi-year accessibility plan outlining its strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meet its requirements under the IASR. Accessibility plans will be made available in an accessible format upon request and will be posted on our website.
NPC will review and update its accessibility plan once every five years and will establish, review, and update our accessibility plans in consultation with persons with disabilities or an advisory committee. Annual status reports will be prepared that will report on the progress of the steps taken to implement NPC accessibility plan. This status report will be posted on our website. If requested, the report will be created in an accessible format.
Procuring or Acquiring Goods and Services, or Facilities
NPC will incorporate accessibility criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services, or facilities. The only exception is in cases where it is impracticable to do so.
Training Requirements
NPC will provide training on the IASR accessibility requirements including requirements stated within the Ontario’s Human Rights Code as they pertain to individuals with disabilities. This applies to all employees, individuals who participate in developing NPC policies, and all other persons who provide goods, services, or facilities on NPC’s behalf. Training will be provided as soon as is reasonably practicable, but no later than 90 days after hire. Training will be provided regularly to new employees and as changes to NPC accessibility policies occur.
Records
NPC will maintain records on the training provided, when it was provided, and the number of employees who were trained.
Feedback Process
NPC will ensure that all feedback processes, both internal and external, are made accessible to clients, customers, and employees upon request.
In accordance with the customer service standards, NPC will make known the availability of accessible feedback formats.
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports
Unless deemed unconvertible, NPC will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities upon request. Accessible formats and communication supports will be provided in a timely manner and at no additional cost to the individual.
NPC will account for the person’s accessibility needs when customizing individual requests and will consult with the individual making the request to ensure suitability.
NPC will make the availability of accessible formats and communication supports publicly known.
Emergency Procedures, Plans or Public Safety Information
NPC will ensure that all publicly available safety and emergency information, such as evacuation procedures and floor plans, are provided in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports upon request.
Accessible Websites and Web Content
NPC will ensure that our website and web content conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as outlined in the IASR and will refer to the legislation for specific compliance deadlines and requirements.
Exceptions
The Information and Communications Standards do 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.
Unconvertible Information or Communications
If it is determined in consultation with the requesting party that information or communications are unconvertible, NPC will ensure that the individual who made the request is provided with an explanation and a summary of the information.
NPC will classify information or communications as unconvertible where:
- It is not technically practicable to convert; or
- The technology required to make the conversion is not readily available.
Review
This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure that it reflects NPC current practices and legislative requirements. This policy was last updated March 19, 2021.
If you have difficulty using our website or encounter any accessibility issues you would like to report, NPC would appreciate your feedback. Please help us resolve any issues quickly by specifying the web page and the details where an issue has occurred. We will review and we’ll do our best to improve the page accessibility. You can reach us at Privacy@northland.ca.