Effective Date: March 1st, 2025
Statement of Commitment
CLV Group (“the Company) is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are dedicated to treating individuals with disabilities in a manner that upholds their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities promptly. We will achieve this by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and by fulfilling our accessibility requirements under Ontario’s accessibility laws.
Purpose
This policy is intended to meet the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its applicable regulations, ensuring that the Company provide accessible services, employment, and facilities to all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, volunteers, and individuals who provide goods, services, or facilities on behalf of the Company.
General Principles
The Company will make every reasonable effort to ensure that its policies, practices, and procedures are consistent with the principles of accessibility by:
- Providing an inclusive and barrier-free environment for customers, employees, and visitors.
- Ensuring equal access to goods, services, facilities, and employment opportunities.
- Providing accommodations that meet individual needs in a timely and effective manner.
- Communicating in an accessible manner that considers individual disabilities.
- Complying with all relevant accessibility legislation and regulations.
Accessibility Standards
The Company is committed to meeting the following AODA accessibility standards:
a) Customer Service Standard
- Ensuring all customers receive equal value and quality of service.
- Allowing customers with disabilities to access services in ways that suit their needs, provided it does not create a safety risk.
- Providing alternative methods of service delivery where necessary.
- Training employees and representatives on how to interact with individuals with disabilities.
b) Information and Communications Standard
- Ensuring that all public documents, digital content, and communications are available in accessible formats upon request.
- Providing accessible feedback mechanisms and responding effectively to accessibility-related concerns.
c) Employment Standard
- Accommodating employees and job applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection, and employment lifecycle.
- Providing individualized accommodation plans and return-to-work processes.
- Ensuring that performance management, career development, and job changes consider accessibility needs.
e) Design of Public Spaces Standard
- Ensuring that newly constructed or redeveloped public spaces comply with AODA accessibility requirements.
Accessitive Devices
The Company welcomes individuals with disabilities to use personal assistive devices to access services, employment, and facilities. Employees will be trained in how to accommodate assistive devices as needed.
Service Animals and Support Persons
- Customers and employees with disabilities may be accompanied by a service animal in areas open to the public unless otherwise prohibited by law.
- If a service animal is excluded by law, the Company will provide alternative access to services.
- Support persons are welcome to accompany individuals with disabilities, and consent will be obtained before discussing private matters in their presence.
Notice of Temporary Disruptions
- The Company will provide notice in the event of a disruption affecting accessibility.
- Notices will include the reason, duration, and any available alternatives.
- In emergencies, efforts will be made to provide updates as quickly as possible.
Feedback Process
- The Company welcomes accessibility-related feedback and commits to responding in a timely and effective manner.
- Feedback can be provided via email at hr@clvgroup.com or through alternative accessible means upon request.
Training
- The Company will provide AODA-related training to all employees, contractors, and volunteers.
- Training will be ongoing to reflect changes in legislation and company policies.
Availability and Format of Documents
- This policy and related documents are available upon request in accessible formats.
- Notification of availability will be posted in conspicuous locations and on the Company’s website.
Policy Review and Modifications
- The Company will review and update this policy as necessary to comply with AODA regulations.
- Any policy that does not respect accessibility principles will be modified or removed.
Contact Information For questions or concerns regarding this policy or accessibility at the Company, contact: hr@clvgroup.com via email.
AODA Multi-Year Plan
Introduction
CLV Group is committed to compliance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations (IASR) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). We are dedicated to fostering an accessible Ontario by 2025 and ensuring that our services are provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. Our goal is to remove and prevent barriers that impede full participation in our services, employment opportunities, and communications for individuals with disabilities.
Establishment of Accessibility Policies
CLV Group develops, implements, and maintains policies to meet accessibility requirements. These policies include a statement of our commitment to addressing the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner. These policies are publicly available on our website and internally accessible to team members upon request. We regularly review and update these policies to reflect legislative changes and best practices in accessibility. Specific individuals and departments within our organization such as Talent, Marketing, and Operations are responsible for overseeing the implementation and effectiveness of these policies.
Accessibility Plans
CLV Group maintains and documents this multi-year accessibility plan, outlining our strategy and actions toward removing barriers and meeting AODA requirements. This plan will be reviewed and updated at least every five years and is available on our website or upon request in an accessible format. Our strategy includes continuous evaluation of our facilities, programs, and digital platforms to ensure compliance with evolving accessibility standards. Additionally, we allocate the necessary human, financial, and technical resources to implement the initiatives outlined in the plan.
Training
CLV Group provides training to all Ontario-based team members on AODA and the Human Rights Code as it relates to persons with disabilities. Training is tailored to employee roles and responsibilities, including for those involved in policy making, and is provided in accessible formats upon request. In addition, training is refreshed periodically to incorporate new accessibility standards, technological advancements, and feedback from stakeholders.
Information & Communication Standard
Feedback Process
CLV Group is committed to working in partnership with our customers (internal and external) where we operate and as such, will take the following steps to ensure that our existing processes for receiving and providing feedback to our team members i8n the public, based on our service, are accessible to persons with disabilities. CLV Group will communicate the availability of accessible formats and communications with respect to the feedback process and take action on any complaints. Feedback on our processes can be sent to hr@clvgroup.com or by speaking directly with members of our Operations, Marketing, Legal, or Talent teams.
CLV Group ensures that our processes for receiving and responding to feedback are accessible to persons with disabilities. We communicate the availability of accessible formats and communication supports for the feedback process and take appropriate action on any complaints. Feedback can be submitted via email at hr@clvgroup.com or through direct communication with members of our Operations, Marketing, Legal, or Talent teams. We are committed to ensuring our feedback mechanisms remain responsive and inclusive.
Emergency Procedure, Plance or Public Safety Information
Where CLV Group has prepared emergency procedures, plans, or public safety information, these will be provided in accessible formats or with appropriate communication supports upon request, as soon as practicable. Conducting regular reviews of our emergency preparedness policies takes precedence, to ensure they remain inclusive and responsive to the needs of individuals with disabilities. Employees requiring individualized emergency response plans will receive them in collaboration with relevant stakeholders upon request, ensuring their safety and accessibility in emergency situations.
Accessible Websites & Web Content – Marketing to edit accordingly**
CLV Group ensures that its websites and web content comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standards. We continuously evaluate our digital presence, integrating user feedback and technological advancements to enhance accessibility for all users. Where required, we provide alternative means for individuals to access digital content that may not yet be fully compliant. We remain committed to maintaining an accessible online environment and ensuring that all individuals can access our digital services without barriers.
Employment Standards
Recruitment, Selection, and Hiring
CLV Group is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. We notify the public and team members that accommodations are available throughout all aspects of selection processes. Job postings clearly outline our commitment to accessibility, and candidates are encouraged to request accommodations as needed. During the selection process, hiring managers and recruiters receive guidance on ensuring accessibility in interviews and assessments. We also work to remove any systemic barriers to employment and create an inclusive hiring environment.
Accessible Emergency Information and Workplace Emergency Response
CLV Group provides accessible emergency information to team members upon request. When necessary, an individualized emergency response plan will be developed in collaboration with the employee, Talent representatives, and other relevant stakeholders, such as Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) members or management. We regularly assess our workplace emergency protocols to ensure they remain effective and inclusive.
Performance Management, Career Progression
CLV Group will take the following steps to ensure the accessibility and accommodation needs of our team members with disabilities are taken into account for our performance management and career progression.
Other Accessibility Barriers
CLV Group is committed to identifying, preventing, and removing accessibility barriers in our workplaces and services. Ongoing efforts will be made to ensure compliance with AODA and to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all individuals.
Review and Continuous Improvement Employment Standards
CLV Group is committed to reviewing this multi-year accessibility plan at least once every five years to ensure it remains effective and relevant. We regularly assess the impact of our accessibility initiatives and make necessary adjustments based on stakeholder feedback, technological advancements, and legislative updates.
Through these commitments, CLV Group aims to foster an environment of accessibility, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all individuals can fully participate in and benefit from our services and workplace.