Accessibility

At R3, are committed to superior customer service.

We strive to provide our services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. We are also committed to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity to access our services and allowing them to benefit from the same services in the same place and in a similar way as other customers.

This policy establishes our commitment to accessible customer service under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the customer service standard requirements under Ontario Regulation 191/11 The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations (“IASR”).

Application

The R3 Accessible Customer Service Policy (“the Policy”) applies to all of our employees and managers, and to any third parties (e.g., contractors) who we may arrange to provide our goods and services on our behalf.

Communication

When communicating with people with disabilities, we will do so in ways that take into account their disability. Accordingly, we will train our employees who communicate with customers on how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.

Assistive Devices

People with disabilities are welcome to use their own personal assistive devices (e.g., white cane, wheelchair, hearing and visual aids) in order to access or use our facilities and obtain our services. We will train our employees to become familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by customers with disabilities while accessing our services. We will also ensure that employees know how to use assistive devices that are available for customers on our premises.

Service Animals and Support Persons

People with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal are welcome on all parts of our facilities that are open to the public and other third parties. Customers may keep the animal with him/her unless excluded by law, in which case, we will consider alternative measures to access to our services. Our employees and others dealing with the public on our behalf will be trained on how to interact with people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal.

Any person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to enter our facilities with his or her support person. At no time will a person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person be prevented from having access to his or her support person while on our premises.

Notice of Temporary Disruption

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in facilities or services usually used by people with disabilities, R3 will post a notice about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. The notice will be placed at or near the affected facility or service and/or through other means (e.g., website) where necessary.

Training for Employees

We will provide training to all R3 employees, all persons who are involved in the development and approval of R3 policies, and all other persons who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of R3. This training will be provided shortly after employees commence their duties and/or upon changes to this Policy, practices and procedures.

Training will include the following:

• The purposes of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard
• 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
• How to use various assistive devices available on our premises, if any
• What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing our facilities and services
• R3’s policies, practices and procedures relating to the customer service standard.

Feedback Process

We welcome any feedback on our services from people with disabilities. Please send your comments to the Regional Human Resources Manager.

We will consider your comments carefully. Customers can expect to hear back as soon as possible or within a reasonable period of time.

Further Documentation

If you would like a copy of R3’s AODA Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and Policy please click here. If you require a different format of the document, please contact us and we’d be happy to help.

Note: copies of documents required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 are available upon request. Please notify us in advance if you require such documents in an alternative or accessible format.