Accessibility
Our commitment to making our services accessible to everyone.

Click the items below to view our policies and commitments.

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Last Reviewed: December 2023
Next Review: December 2028 

Statement of Commitment

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and we are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and meeting our accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Ontario’s accessibility laws.

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. understands that obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its accessibility standards do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law.

This plan outlines the steps we are taking to meet those requirements in making Ontario an accessible province for all Ontarians and improve opportunities for people with disabilities.

Actions Taken 

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. has completed the following accessibility initiatives:

• Implemented the AODA Customer Service Standard Requirements.
• The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan was created to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility.
• The multi-year accessibility plan communicates goals to improve workplace accessibility and actions to achieve those goals.
• Review and update the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan at least once every 5 years.
• The Accessibility Policy was created and posted on the Ashland Construction Group Ltd.’s website at www.ashlandconstructionltd.com

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) which includes accessibility standards in:

• Customer Service
• Information and Communication
• Employment
• Design of Public Spaces

Customer Service

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to the provision of serving customers including people with disabilities in a manner consistent with the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity. Furthermore, such goods and services will be provided in accordance with the spirit and intent of all applicable legislation including the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA).

Actions Taken 

• Accessible Customer Service Policy
  • Created: June 5, 2014
  • Updated: March 7, 2022

Feedback

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will conduct a review of feedback processes across the organization to ensure that information is accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging for accessible formats and communication supports upon request. 

Actions Taken 

• The process to submit feedback is available on company website.
• Feedback will be received through the following methods of communication:
  • Human Resources at 905-660-3060;
  • By mail at 340 Bowes Road, Concord, ON L4K 1K1; or
  • By email at accessibility@ashlandltd.com 

Notice of Disruption

Actions Taken

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will post timely public notice of a current or anticipated disruption in any facilities or services we provide to enable people with disabilities to access our services. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. 

Information and Communication

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities.
Upon request, the company will provide or will arrange to provide accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities in a timely manner, and that considers the person’s information and communication needs.

Accessible Website

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to providing a fully accessible website experience for all users of all abilities. We will ensure that our website and web content will conform with WCAG 2.0 Level.

Actions Taken

• Updated the website to comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA in July 2022.

Planned Actions

• Periodic testing of website accessibility to ensure features are compliant.
  • July 2024.
• Website accessibility feedback available via email on the website accessibility@ashlandltd.com

Employment

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to fair and accessible employment practices and meeting the requirements relating to preventing and removing barriers to accessibility in the workplace.

We are working towards taking the following steps in two major areas of employment standards recruitment and accommodations for staff.

Recruitment

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will notify the public and staff about the availability of accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment and assessment processes. The availability of accommodation is communicated in each job posting as well as at the beginning of the interview process.

Accommodations for Staff

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will ensure we develop and follow steps for any staff member who requires accommodation based on the individual’s disability.

Planned Actions

• Review and modify existing recruitment processes and procedures.
• Develop and provide recruitment processes and policies for accommodating employees who require accommodation due to a disability.
• Consult with the employee making the accommodation request to determine the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.
• Review, modify or develop policies or processes of individual accommodation plans.
• Develop and provide training to managers, supervisors and other colleagues responsible for supporting the individual accommodation plan.

Return to Work Process

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. maintains a return-to-work process for its employees. This return-to-work process will not replace or override any other return to work process created by or under any other legislation (i.e., Workplace Safety Insurance Act, etc.).

Training

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to providing training in the requirements of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code as it applies to people with disabilities. We train every staff member as soon as practicable after being hired and provide training in respect to any changes to the policies. We maintain records of the training provided including the dates on which the training was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided. For more Information on this plan, please contact:
Human Resource Manager
Telephone: 905-660-3060
Email: georgep@ashlandltd.com

Our Accessibility Plan is publicly available at www.ashlandconstructionltd.com/about/accessibility

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Download our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Accessibility Policy

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and we are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and meeting our accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Ontario’s accessibility laws.

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. understands that obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its accessibility standards do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law.
Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) which includes accessibility standards in:

• Customer Service
• Information and Communications
• Employment
• Training
• Design of Public Spaces
• Transportation – (not applicable)

Customer Service

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to providing services in accordance with the spirit and intent of all applicable legislation including the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA).

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. and its employees will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account each person’s particular disability.
Our Accessible Customer Service Plan is our commitment to the provision of serving customers including people with disabilities in a manner consistent with the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

This Policy is found on our website at: www.ashlandconstructionltd.com/about/accessibility

Information and Communications

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. Upon request, Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will provide or will arrange to provide accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities in a timely manner, that takes into account the person’s information and communication needs. Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will consult with the person making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.

Feedback

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will conduct a review of all feedback processes across the organization, to ensure that processes are accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging for accessible formats and communications supports upon request.

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will take the following steps to ensure existing feedback processes are accessible to people with disabilities upon request within five (5) business days.

We encourage feedback about our accessibility including customer service, website and employment practices.

Feedback may be made via the website at: www.ashlandconstructionltd.com/about/accessibility

Feedback may also be in writing, by telephone, fax or email to:
Ashland Construction Group Ltd.
340 Bowes Road, Concord, ON L4K1K1
Tel: 905-660-3060 Fax: 905-660-4515
Email: accessibility@ashlandltd.com

Employment

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. aims to provide fair and accessible employment practices and meeting the requirements relating to preventing and removing barriers to accessibility in the workplace.

We are working towards taking the following steps in two major areas of employment standards: recruitment and accommodations for staff.

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will notify the public and staff that when requested, Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will accommodate persons with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes.

Accommodations for Staff

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free environment. The company will accommodate individuals who require accommodation as a result of a disability following an accommodation process and policy.

Training

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to providing training to all staff in Accessible Customer Service in the requirements of Ontario’s accessibility standards and aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities.

Training of our employees on accessibility relates to their specific roles, and may include:

• purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements for Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) including the
  Customer Service Standards
• our policies related to the Customer Service Standards
• how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities
• how to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person
• what to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing our organization’s services or facilities
• company Accessibility Policies

We train every person as soon as practicable after being hired and provide training in respect of any changes to the policies.

We maintain records of the training provided including the dates on which the training was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided.

Assistive Devices

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to serving people with disabilities who use assistive devices. We will endeavor to become familiar with the various assistive devices used by people with disabilities and will be flexible in facilitating their use to access our services.

Communication

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. and its employees will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account each person’s particular disability.
We will work with the person with disabilities to determine what method of communication works for them.

Service Animals and Support Persons

• We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, persons with disabilities will be permitted to be accompanied by a service animal or support person:
• where services are provided at premises owned by Ashland Construction Group Ltd.; and
• where the public or third parties have normally had access to such premises.

Support Persons

A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them on our premises.

Where a support person accompanying a person with a disability may be required to pay an admission fee to enter our premises, notice of the amount of this fee will be provided in advance of their visit.

We will notify customers of this by posting a notice at the main entrance to Ashland Construction Group Ltd owned premises, or where the public or third parties normally have access to such premises.

Disruption in Service

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in services or facilities for customers or employees with disabilities, Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will post timely public notice. This notice will include information about the reason for disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services if available.

We will notify by posting notice:

• at the point of disruption
• at the main entrance and the nearest accessible entrance to the service disruption
• at the main entrance of the Ashland Construction Group Ltd. facilities
• by any other method that may be reasonable under the circumstances such as on the Ashland Construction Group Ltd. website or social media channels

Feedback Process

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. welcomes feedback on the manner in which it provides accessible customer service. Customer feedback will help us identify barriers and respond to concerns.

Feedback may be provided in the following ways:
In person: 340 Bowes Road, Concord, ON L4K 1K1
By telephone: 905-660-3060
By fax: 905-660-4615
By email: accessibility@ashlandltd.com

Feedback will be directed to the Human Resource Manager or a delegate to review and investigate to provide resolve. A response will be provided to the person providing the feedback within five (5) business days.

Notice of Availability of Documents

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will notify the public that documents related to accessible customer service, are available upon request via the website at www.ashlandconstructionltd.com/about/accessibility

Design of Public Spaces

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. shall incorporate/consider accessibility standards as outlined in the Design of Public Spaces standard of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) for any future new or redevelopment projects.

Responsibilities

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is responsible for reviewing this policy every five (5) years and/or recommended amendments to ensure on-going compliance with regulated accessibility standards and legislated obligations.

Management personnel will ensure that they and the workers under their supervision are familiar with this policy, and will monitor current practices to ensure compliance.

For more information on this accessibility plan please contact the following:
Human Resources Manager
340 Bowes Road
Concord, ON L4K 1K1
905-660-3060
accessibility@ashlandcontructionltd.com

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Download our Accessibility Policy

Accessible Customer Service Plan (AODA)

Intent

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to the provision of serving customers including people with disabilities in a manner consistent with the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.

Furthermore, such goods and services will be provided in accordance with the spirit and intent of all applicable legislation including the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA).

Accessible Communication

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. and its employees (“workers”) will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account each person’s particular disability.

Service Animals and Support Persons

Unless otherwise prohibited by law, persons with disabilities will be permitted to be accompanied by a service animal or support person:

1. where services are provided at premises owned by Ashland Construction Group Ltd.; and
2. where the public or third parties have normally had access to such premises.

Where a support person accompanying a person with a disability may be required to pay an admission fee to enter our premises, notice of the amount of this fee will be provided in advance of their visit.

Assistive Devices

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to serving people with disabilities who use assistive devices. We will endeavor to become familiar with the various assistive devices used by people with disabilities and will be flexible in facilitating their use by people with disabilities to access our services.

Disruption in Service

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will post timely public notice of a current or anticipated disruption in any facilities or services we provide to enable people with disabilities to access our services. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

Training

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will provide training to:

1. All its workers, who could reasonably be expected to interact with the public or third parties on behalf of Ashland Construction Group Ltd.
2. All those who are involved in the development, approval, monitoring or implementation of Ashland Construction Group Ltd. customer service policies, practices and procedures about the provision of services to the public and/or third parties.

This training will be provided within three (3) weeks of when the individual commences performing duties for Ashland Construction Group Ltd. Additional training will be provided within four (4) weeks of any revisions made to this policy and/or related procedures and practices.

Such training will include the following:

1. A review of the purposes of the AODA and the requirements of its Customer Service Standard.
2. How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disability.
3. How to interact with persons with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a guide dog or other service animal or the assistance of a support person.
4. How to use equipment or devices available on Ashland Construction Group Ltd. premises or otherwise provided by Ashland Construction Group Ltd. that may help with the provision of services to a person with a disability.
5. What to do if a person with a particular type of disability is having difficulty accessing the services provided Ashland Construction Group Ltd.

Feedback Process

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will establish a process for receiving and responding to feedback from anyone about the manner in which it provides goods or services to persons with disabilities. Information about this process will be made readily available to the public.

The feedback process will permit persons to provide their feedback in person, by telephone, in writing, or by delivering an electronic email or otherwise.

The feedback process will specify the actions to be taken by Ashland Construction Group Ltd. A response will be provided to the person providing the feedback within five (5) working days.

Responsibilities

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will review this policy every three (3) years and/or recommended amendments to ensure on-going compliance with regulated accessibility standards and legislated obligations, and to ensure that it reflects current practices of Ashland Construction Group Ltd.

Management personnel will ensure that they and the workers under their supervision are familiar with this policy.

Monitoring and Contraventions

Management personnel will monitor current practices to ensure compliance. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

This policy is subject to amendment and/or revocation at the company’s sole discretion, without prior notice to workers.

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Download our Accessible Customer Service Policy

Accessible Information and Communications Policy (AODA)

Intent 

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. provides accessible information and communications for persons with disabilities, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and its associated regulations. This policy sets out the standards for providing accessible information and communications.

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.

Guidelines

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. strives to provide information and communications to all in a format or manner that meets their needs. The company provides or arranges to provide accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities upon request. This includes but is not limited to our feedback process and all publicly available safety and emergency information, such as evacuation procedures and floor plans. The company also ensures that our website and web content meet the standards required by the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation to enable accessible information and communications online.

The public is informed of the availability of accessible formats and communication supports by the website at www.ashlandconstructionltd.com/about/accessibility.

Requests for accessible formats or communication supports should be submitted to the Human Resource Manager by mail, phone or on the website (information below).

The company consults with the individual making the request to ensure a suitable format or communication support is provided.

Accessible formats and communication supports are provided in a timely manner and at a cost no more than the original format.

Exceptions

These standards do not apply to:

• Products and product labels;
• Unconvertible information or communications; or
• Information that the company does not control through a contractual relationship.

Unconvertible Information or Communications

Information or communications are classified as unconvertible where it is not technically practicable to convert them, or the technology required to make the conversion is not readily available. If ASHLAND CONSTRUCTION GROUP LTD. determines that information or communications are unconvertible, the company provides the individual who made the request with an explanation as to why and a summary of the information or communications.

Feedback

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will conduct a review of all feedback processes across the organization, to ensure that processes are accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging for accessible formats and communications supports upon request.

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will take the following steps to ensure existing feedback processes are accessible to people with disabilities upon request with five (5) business days.

We encourage feedback about our accessibility including customer service, website and employment practices.
Feedback may be made via the website at: www.ashlandconstructionltd.com

Feedback may also be in writing, by telephone, fax or email to:
Human Resource Manager
Address: 340 Bowes Road, Concord, ON L4K1K1
Tel: 905-660-3060
Fax: 905-660-4515
Email: accessibility@ashlandltd.com

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Download our Accessibility Information and Communication Policy

View our Website Accessibility Policy (opens page in a new tab)

Download our Website Accessibility Policy.

Accessible Accommodation Policy (AODA)

Intent

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free environment. The company will provide accommodation up to the point of undue hardship for needs arising from the prohibited grounds listed in the Human Rights Code. This policy outlines the accommodation process and the responsibilities of different parties in that process.

Definitions

Undue hardship: Occurs when providing an accommodation would cause excessive costs for the organization and outside sources of funding are unavailable or insufficient, or where the accommodation would create a health or safety hazard.

Guidelines

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will accommodate individuals up to the point of undue hardship where work must be modified or adjusted based on a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Human Rights Code. These prohibited grounds include:
• Race;
• Ancestry;
• Place of origin;
• Colour;
• Ethnic origin;
• Citizenship;
• Creed;
• Sex (including pregnancy);
• Gender identity;
• Gender expression;
• Age;
• Sexual orientation;
• Record of offences;
• Marital status;
• Family status; and
• Disability (physical or mental).

This policy applies to all employees and workers of Ashland Construction Group Ltd. Accommodations will be made available from the beginning of the recruitment and selection process. Applicants will be informed that accommodations are available upon request. Where an accommodation is requested, the company will consult with the applicant and provide or arrange for a suitable accommodation.

Requesting Accommodation

Individuals who require accommodation must make a written request their manager and/or the Human Resources Manager indicating:
• The prohibited ground the accommodation relates to;
• Their needs arising from that protected ground; and
• If the person requesting the accommodation desires, some suggestions about what accommodation might meet their needs.

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will take all requests for accommodation seriously and respond in a timely manner. Individuals who request accommodation will not be subject to negative repercussions for making such a request. Once an accommodation request is received and reviewed, Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will gather additional information if necessary and then create an accommodation plan.

Where an individual does not identify a need for accommodation but Ashland Construction Group Ltd. suspects an accommodation may be required, the duty to inquire will be engaged. Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will begin to fulfil its duty to inquire by engaging in private discussions with the individual to see whether there are any unmet needs related to a prohibited ground.

Accommodation Plans

An individualized accommodation plan will be created in collaboration with the Human Resource Manager, the employee’s manager/supervisor, the Health & Safety Manager, the individual who requires accommodation, any applicable healthcare professionals, and third-party experts as required. Any costs related to acquiring additional expert advice will be paid for by Ashland Construction Group Ltd. Information beyond what was provided in the initial accommodation request may be required to determine appropriate accommodations; however, only information that is necessary to arrange the accommodation will be requested.

Short-term accommodations may be provided while long-term accommodations are put into place. Accommodations may be temporary or permanent, based on the circumstances and the needs of the individual.

The accommodation plan will be documented in writing and signed by both the individual requesting accommodation and the Human Resource Manager.
All information gathered related to the accommodation process and the final accommodation plan will be kept confidential and will only be shared as necessary to provide the accommodation.

Appropriate Accommodations

The company will examine all options and implement the accommodation that provides the individual with equal opportunity, benefits, and privileges to others and that respects their dignity, inclusion, and individual needs. The accommodation provided may not necessarily be the individual’s preferred accommodation, but their preferences will be taken into consideration.

Accommodations may include:
• Work station adjustments;
• Job redesign;
• Changes to organizational policies and practices;
• Technical aids;
• Human support;
• Providing materials in alternative formats;
• Counselling and referral services;
• Temporary or permanent alternative work;
• Changes to performance standards;
• Leaves of absence;
• Changes to scheduling or hours of work.

Undue Hardship

If Ashland Construction Group Ltd. cannot accommodate an individual’s needs without undue hardship, the individual will be provided with a written explanation outlining why the accommodation cannot be provided. If appropriate, Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will offer the next best accommodation option.

Monitoring

Accommodation plans will be monitored and reviewed regularly. If any changes to the workplace will affect the individual’s accommodation, they will be informed of this promptly and the accommodation will be adjusted as needed.

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. recognizes that accommodation needs may change over time or require adjustment. Individuals on an accommodation plan should inform the company if their needs change or if their accommodation is not working effectively so that adjustments can be made.

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Download our Accessibility Accommodation Policy

Employment Standards Policy (AODA)

Intent

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is dedicated to providing accessible services and work environment for all employees, prospective employees, and clients. This policy outlines the company’s compliance with Parts I and III of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

This policy ensures Ashland Construction Group Ltd. provides services and employment practices that follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.

Definitions

Accessible format: Includes large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille, and other formats usable by persons with disabilities.

Communication supports: Includes captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language, and other supports that facilitate effective communication.

Information: Includes data, facts, and knowledge that exists in any format, including text, audio, digital, or images, and conveys meaning.

Career development and advancement: Additional responsibilities within an employee’s current position and the movement of an employee from one job to another in an organization or any combination of them. Both additional responsibilities and employee movement are usually based on merit, seniority, or a combination of both.

Performance management: Activities related to assessing and improving employee performance, productivity, and effectiveness with the goal of facilitating employee success.

Redeployment: The reassignment of employees to other departments or jobs within the organization as an alternative to layoff, when a particular job or department has been eliminated by the organization.

Support person: In relation to a person with a disability, another person who accompanies a person with a disability in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care, or medical needs, or with access to goods, services, or facilities.

General Principles

Establishment of Accessibility Policies and Plans

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will develop, implement, and maintain policies governing how it will achieve accessibility through these requirements.

The company is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner. This is reflected in policies which upon request will be made publicly available in an accessible format.

The company 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 its website.

The company will review and update its accessibility plan once every five years and will establish, review, and update its accessibility plans in consultation with persons with disabilities or an advisory committee. Annual status reports will be prepared to report on the progress of the steps taken in implementing the companies’ accessibility plan. This status report will be posted on our website. If requested, the report will be created in an accessible format.

Training Requirements

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will provide training for its employees, interns and volunteers regarding the IASR and the Ontario Human Rights Code as they pertain to individuals with disabilities. Training will also be provided to individuals who are responsible for developing the company’s policies, and other persons who provide services on behalf of the company.

Training will be provided as soon as is reasonably practicable, but no later than two weeks following the beginning of employment. Training will be provided regularly to new employees and as changes to the company’s accessibility policies occur.

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will maintain records on the training provided, when it was provided, and the number of employees who were trained.

Recruitment, Assessment and Selection

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will notify employees and the public about the availability of accommodation for job applicants who have disabilities. Applicants will be informed that these accommodations are available, upon request, for the interview process and for other candidate selection methods. Where an accommodation is requested, the company will consult with the applicant and provide or arrange for suitable accommodations in a manner that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs due to disability.

Successful applicants will be made aware of the company’s policies and supports for accommodating people with disabilities.

Accessible Formats and Communication Supports for Employees

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will ensure that employees are aware of policies for employees with disabilities and any changes to these policies as they occur. The company will provide the information required to new employees as soon as practicable after they begin their employment.

If an employee with a disability requests it, the company will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for the following:
• Information needed in order to perform their job; and
• Information that is generally available to all employees in the workplace.

The company will consult with the employee making the request to determine the best way to provide the accessible format or communication support.

Workplace Emergency Response Information

Where required, Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will create individualized workplace emergency response plans for employees with disabilities. This information will be created in consultation with the employee and take into account the unique challenges created by the individual’s disability and the physical nature of the workplace.
This information will be reviewed when:
• The employee moves to a different physical location in the organization;
• The employee’s overall accommodation needs or plans are reviewed; or
• The company reviews general emergency response policies.

Documented Individual Accommodation Plans

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will develop and have in place written processes for documenting individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities. The development process for these plans will include:
• The ways in which the employee can participate in the development of the plan;
• The means by which the employee is assessed individually;
• The ways that an employer can request an evaluation by an outside medical expert, or other experts (at the employer’s expense) to determine whether accommodation can be achieved, or how it can be achieved;
• The ways that an employee can request the participation of a representative from their bargaining agent or other representative from the workplace (if the employee is not represented by a bargaining agent) for the creation of the accommodation plan;
• The steps taken to protect the privacy of the employee’s personal information;
• The frequency with which the individual accommodation plan should be reviewed or updated and how it should be done;
• The way in which the reasons for the denial of an individual accommodation plan will be provided to the employee; and
• The means of providing the accommodation plan in an accessible format, based on the employee’s accessibility needs.

The individual accommodation should also include information regarding accessible formats, communication supports (upon request), individualized workplace emergency response information, and any other accommodation provided.

Return to Work

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will develop and implement return-to-work processes for employees who are absent from work due to a disability and require disability-related accommodations in order to return to work.

This process will outline the steps the company will take to enable a smooth return to work for the employee. All steps and individual accommodation plans will be documented and created in consultation with the employee.

Performance Management and Career Changes

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will consider the accessibility needs, including documented individual accommodation plans, of employees with disabilities during the company’s performance management process. These will also be considered in the event of redeployment, or when offering career development or advancement opportunities.

Review

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure that it reflects current practices of Ashland Construction Group Ltd. as well as legislative requirements.

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Download our Employment Policy

Design of Public Spaces Policy (AODA)

Intent

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. is committed to ensuring that public spaces are accessible to everyone. The company will comply with all applicable requirements under the Design of Public Spaces Standards (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment) of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) when constructing new or redeveloping public spaces.

Definitions

Redeveloped: A planned significant alteration to a public space. It does not include maintenance activities, environmental mitigation, or environmental restoration.

Guidelines

Accessible Parking

Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will ensure that any newly constructed or redeveloped off-street parking facilities provide standard parking spaces and wider parking spaces with signage identifying them as van accessible. Access aisles will be provided for all accessible parking spaces to ensure individuals can enter and exit their vehicles.
Accessible parking spaces will be designated for the use of people with disabilities and will be marked with an accessible permit parking sign. The number of and location of accessible parking spaces will be determined accordance with the Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR).

Obtaining Services

To ensure services are accessible to individuals who use mobility aids or mobility assistive devices, Ashland Construction Group Ltd. will comply with the requirements set out in the IASR when:
• Constructing new service counters (including replacing them) and fixed queuing guides; and
• Constructing new or developing waiting areas.

Maintaining Accessibility

To maintain consistent accessibility, Ashland Construction Group Ltd. ensures that public spaces, exits and entrances, eating areas, parking areas, paths and ramps are maintained to remain accessible to people with disabilities.

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Download our Design of Public Spaces Policy

Download our 2023 Accessibility Compliance Report  (PDF)