Accessibility Polices

Integrated Accessibility Standards Policy

December 2014

Interpretation

• Accessible Formats:

May include, but is not limited to, large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, Braille and other formats usable by persons with disabilities.

• AODA

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, S.O. 2005, c.11;

• Barriers

Anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in one or more aspects of society, including a physical barrier, an architectural barrier, information or communications barrier, attitudinal barrier, technological barrier, policy or practice.

• Communication Support

May include, but is not limited to, captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language and other supports that facilitate effective communications.

• Disability:

Includes (per the definition in the Ontario Human Rights Code (“OHRC”)) as follows:

• 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.
• 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 the insurance plan established.

Purpose

The purpose of this Policy and associated procedures is to provide a framework for breaking down barriers and increasing accessibility for persons with disabilities in the areas of information, communications, and employment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (“IASR”).

Scope

This Policy applies to all employees and all persons who have authority to act on behalf of Sofa By Fancy.
Nothing in this Policy diminishes in any way, Sofa By Fancy’s legal obligations with respect to persons with disabilities which are otherwise imposed by law.

Objective

The objective of this Policy and associated procedures is to ensure compliance with the AODA and IASR.

Policy Content

• Policy Statement

Sofa By Fancy is committed to meeting its obligations to meet the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner in accordance with the AODA and the IASR.

• Accessibility Plan and Policy

Sofa By Fancy shall maintain a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and this Policy in accordance with the IASR. These documents shall be publicly available on Sofa By Fancy website, and provided in an accessible format and with communications supports for persons with disabilities upon request.

• Training

Sofa By Fancy will provide training to all employees in accordance with the requirements set out in the IASR.

• Information and Communications

• Feedback

Sofa By Fancy will ensure that its processes for receiving and responding to feedback are accessible to persons with disabilities in accordance with the IASR.

• Accessible Formats and Communication Supports

Sofa By Fancy shall provide or arrange for accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities upon request in accordance with the requirements of the IASR.

• Accessible Websites and Web Content

Sofa By Fancy’s websites and web content shall conform to the requirements under the IASR, except where not practicable to do so.

• Employment Standards

Sofa By Fancy will meet all requirements with respect to accessible employment standards under the IASR in a timely manner in accordance with associated procedures.

Legislative Authority

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, S.O. 2005, c.11 

Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11 

Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19

Evaluation, Monitoring and Review

Sofa BY Fancy’s will regularly review and monitor this Policy to ensure that it remains current, relevant, and effective in meeting its purpose and objective.

Approved By:
This document has been approved for adequacy by:
Vice President