Call
613-432-4884
Email
[email protected]
Address
B-499 O'Brien Rd, Renfrew, ON K7V 3Z3

Accessibility

Accessibility Standards

Renfrew Hydro is committed to treating all individuals in a manner that maintains their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity, and we are dedicated to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely and respectful way.

We are committed to identifying, preventing, and removing barriers to accessibility in order to meet the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Through proactive planning and inclusive practices, we strive to create an environment where everyone can access our services and opportunities equally.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 requires that all service providers remove barriers faced by people with disabilities. The purpose of the Act is to move organizations in Ontario forward on accessibility with the long-term goal of a barrier-free Ontario by 2025. 

Visit the Government of Ontario website for more information about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities.

Corporate Accessibility Policies

1. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, third-party contractors, officers, and directors of Renfrew Hydro Inc. (“RHI”).

2. Purpose

This policy governs the provision of services in information, communications, and employment for persons with disabilities. It ensures that RHI meets the requirements of Regulation 191/11, the “Integrated Accessibility Standards,” under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”).
RHI is also governed by the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service under the AODA.

3. Policy

RHI is committed to treating all people with dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. RHI aims to meet the needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and complying with AODA requirements.
This policy will be implemented according to the timeframes established by the Regulation.

4. Procedures

Training

RHI will train its employees on the accessibility standards under the Regulation and the Ontario Human Rights Code, including:

  • All employees and volunteers
  • All policy developers at RHI
  • All individuals providing goods, services, or facilities on behalf of RHI (unless they can show proof of training)

Training will match the roles of the individuals. It will be provided during policy updates and to new hires as soon as practicable.
RHI will maintain records of all training.

Information and Communications Standards

Feedback

RHI will ensure accessible feedback processes by offering formats and communication supports upon request.

Public RHI Websites

After January 1, 2021, all RHI-controlled public websites and web content posted after that date will meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards, excluding:

  • 1.2.4 (Live captions)
  • 1.2.5 (Pre-recorded audio descriptions)

If compliance is not possible, future software updates will support accessibility. For content like maps or diagrams, RHI will provide accessible alternatives on request.

Accessible Formats and Communication Supports

Upon request, RHI will provide or arrange accessible formats and communication supports. Suitability will be determined in consultation with the requester.
The public will be informed about the availability of these supports.

Employment Standards

Recruitment, Assessment and Selection

RHI will inform job applicants that accommodations are available during the recruitment process under the AODA and Human Rights Code. Applicants must make their needs known in advance.
When requested, RHI will provide appropriate accommodations by consulting with the applicant.

Informing Employees of Supports

Employees will be informed of policies and job accommodation options that consider disability-related needs. New employees will be notified as soon as practicable after hiring.

Accessible Formats and Communication Supports for Employees

When requested by an employee with a disability, RHI will consult to provide accessible formats and supports for:

  • Job-related information
  • General company communications
Workplace Emergency Response Information

RHI will provide personalized emergency response information to employees with disabilities when necessary, as soon as practicable. If assistance is needed, RHI will share this information with designated helpers with the employee’s consent.
This information will be reviewed if:

  • The employee changes location
  • Their needs change
  • Emergency procedures are reviewed
Return to Work Process

RHI has a documented return-to-work program for employees returning from disability-related absences. It includes steps for accommodating their return. This does not override any statutory programs.

Performance Management, Career Development, and Redeployment

RHI considers accessibility needs and accommodation plans during:

  • Performance management
  • Career development and advancement
  • Employee redeployment


The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“the AODA”) is a provincial act that aims to develop, implement, and mandate accessibility standards to achieve accessibility for persons with disabilities. This includes access to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures, and premises in Ontario.

The Regulation establishes accessibility standards specific to customer service for public sector organizations and any other organizations providing goods or services to the public or third parties.

Objective

The objective of this policy is to define the minimum legal requirements under the Ontario Human Rights Code, the AODA, and the Regulation regarding program design and service delivery to persons with disabilities. It addresses the following:

  • The provision of goods and services to persons with disabilities
  • The use of assistive devices
  • The use of service animals
  • The use of support persons
  • Notice of temporary disruptions
  • Training
  • Customer feedback
  • Notice of availability and format of documents

Definitions: See Schedule A

Policy

RHI is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We will meet the needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner by identifying and removing barriers and complying with AODA requirements.

General Principles

The Provision of Goods and Services to Persons with Disabilities

RHI’s policies, practices, and procedures are based on the following core principles:

  • Dignity: Services are provided in a respectful manner that does not undermine the dignity of persons with disabilities.
  • Independence: Persons with disabilities are supported in doing things on their own and choosing how services are received.
  • Integration: Persons with disabilities have access to all services, including alternative formats where needed. This includes full participation and inclusiveness.
  • Equal Opportunity: Access to services is equal for persons with disabilities and others.

Procedures

Communication with Persons with Disabilities

RHI will communicate in ways that take into account a person’s disability. Training will be provided to all employees on how to interact and communicate with persons with various disabilities.

Notice of Disruptions in Services and Facilities

If a service disruption affects employees, visitors, contractors, or the public, RHI will provide notice through appropriate channels, such as:

  • Company websites
  • Temporary signs near the affected area
  • Email to relevant individuals or departments

Notices will include:

  • Date, time, and location of the disruption
  • Reason for the disruption
  • Expected duration
  • Alternatives available
  • Contact details for assistance

Assistive Technology

Persons with disabilities may use their own assistive devices in all public and employee-accessible areas, unless safety is a concern. RHI is responsible for training staff on how to support these devices as needed. The individual is responsible for the safety and operation of their personal devices.

Service Animals

Service animals accompanying persons with disabilities are allowed on RHI premises open to the public, unless excluded by law. If safety or health risks exist (e.g. allergies or hazardous materials), RHI will offer alternative accommodations.

Support Persons

Persons with disabilities may be accompanied by a support person while accessing RHI services or facilities. Support persons are permitted in all areas open to the public, including meeting rooms.

In rare cases where safety is a concern, alternative arrangements will be discussed. If a fee is charged for entry to an event, the support person will be admitted free of charge.

Feedback

Feedback about how RHI delivers services to persons with disabilities is encouraged and may be provided through:

  • Phone
  • Email
  • In-person
  • Mail

Feedback will be responded to in the same format it was received whenever possible.

Send feedback to:

Renfrew Hydro Inc.
Attn: Accessibility
B-499 O’Brien Rd
Renfrew, ON K7V 3Z3

Phone: 613-432-4884
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.renfrewhydro.com

Training

Training will be provided to all employees involved in service delivery and policy development. New employees will receive training during orientation. Training will cover:

  • An overview of the AODA and Accessibility Standards for Customer Service
  • How to communicate with persons with different types of disabilities
  • How to interact with persons using assistive devices, service animals, or support persons
  • How to use assistive equipment available at RHI
  • What to do if someone has difficulty accessing services
  • How to create and update service policies for accessibility

Renfrew, ON K7V 3Z9

We Value Your Feedback

If you would like to provide feedback about how Renfrew Hydro delivers services to individuals with disabilities, please contact us:

Online: General Feedback Form
Phone: 613-432-4884
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
Renfrew Hydro Inc.
Attention: Accessibility
B-499 O’Brien Rd
Renfrew, ON K7V 3Z9