Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA) DOCUMENT CONTROL Managed by: M. Johnston

Responsible position: EVP Policy

Version: R01

Contact person: D. Kellar

Approved by: Society Council

Policy number: Int-Admin-2012Oct29-SC-R01-AODA

Contact position: Policy Staff Advisor

Date approved: October 29, 2012

Status: Approved Final

Contact number: 416-979-2709 x3005

Next review date: October 29, 2015

REVISION RECORD Date

Version

Revision description

Oct 29, 2014

R01

Initial policy developed, reviewed and approved

7/16/2014

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Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA)

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES (AODA) Policy Number: Int-Admin-2012Oct29-SC-R01-AODA Responsible Office: EVP Policy Responsible Executive:

Date Established: October 29, 2012 Date Last Revised: Date Posted to Library: -

POLICY The Society of Energy Professionals is committed to upholding the principles of independence, dignity, integration & equality of opportunity when engaging with all Society members, staff and members of the public, including those with disabilities. The Society believes that it is employers who have the primary responsibility for ensuring that workers are provided with working environments that are accessible (comply with the requirements regulations and other requirements inherent in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005) and uphold the principles of independence, dignity, integration & equality of opportunity for all workers. The Society will remain continuously engaged with monitoring and assessing employer compliance. As an employer and member-based trade union, The Society of Energy Professionals remains committed to complying with the regulations and requirements inherent in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Assistive devices The Society will ensure that our staff and elected representatives are trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by members with disabilities or the public in their interactions with The Society. Communication The Society will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. Service Animals The Society welcomes people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public and to our meetings.

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Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA) 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 and to our meetings. Notice of Temporary Disruption In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to our services or facilities, The Society will clearly post notification promptly. This notification will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. The notice will be placed at the site of the disruption and on The Society’s web site. This should also be considered with respect to employer sites where our members require access to their elected representatives. Training The Society of Energy Professionals will provide training to employees, Society elected representatives and any others who represent the Society. This training will be provided to staff, normally within 6 months of hiring date This training will be provided to elected representatives including Delegates, Unit Directors & Board Members. Training will include:    

An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of this policy 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 their interactions with The Society

Training will also be provided if required when changes are made to this policy and/or the legislation. Feedback Society members who wish to provide feedback on the way The Society interacts with people with disabilities should speak with their elected representative. Members of the public who wish to provide feedback on the way The Society interacts with people with disabilities can e-mail or call the Society office at 416-979-2709. Such feedback will be directed to the Society Staff Director who will respond in a timely manner (normally within two weeks).

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Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA)

Modifications to this or other policies Society policies and practices will be reviewed in light of the Compliance Policies & Procedures for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). Any policy or practice that is found to be non-compliant will be modified.

BACKGROUND Rationale / Background: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, (AODA) 2005 was passed after the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2001). The AODA was passed specifically to deal with accessibility issues. Related regulations have been introduced subsequent to the legislation. This policy has been developed and approved to bring The Society into compliance with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07. The Society’s responsibilities in this area are three-fold: 

The Society is a democratic, member-based organization. One of the many responsibilities that The Society sustains is the provision of services to our members. The service provision role of The Society means that we are captured under the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07

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As a democratic, member-based organization, The Society retains responsibility to train and support staff and elected representatives in their efforts to provide accessible services to all members.

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The Society is an employer. As an employer (or more than 20 workers), The Society is responsible for the provision of training and support to staff that work in an accessible workplace.

APPLICABILITY This applies to all Society elected representatives and Society staff. RESPONSIBILITY EVP Policy

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Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA)

Contact Information EVP Policy – Michelle Johnston 2239 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario 416-979-2709 x5001 Related Information Governing laws: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and related regulations Constitutional Source: 3.1.1. Rewarding, Nurturing & Safe Environment 3.3.1. Strength in Solidarity 3.3.3. Integrity, Respect, Dignity 3.3.6 Equity, Equality, Diversity 3.3.8 Respect for Others 3.6 Social Objectives 3.7 Career Objectives