AODA
AODA Accessibility Policy
Overview and Statement of Commitment
Ride Automotive Group (the “Company”) is dedicated to creating an inclusive and barrier-free environment for all stakeholders, including employees, job applicants, suppliers, and visitors who may interact with our office. We uphold the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
We uphold the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the related Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), as well as the Ontario Human Rights Code, as they pertain to people with disabilities.
This Accessibility Policy outlines the Company’s strategies and timelines for identifying, preventing, and removing barriers to accessibility. We will review and update this Plan at least every five (5) years and post it on our website. Upon request, we will provide this Plan in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports, in a timely manner.
Accessible Customer Service
Core Principles
We strive at all times to provide goods and services in a way that respects the following principles:
- Dignity: Service is provided in a manner that is respectful of persons with disabilities and does not diminish their importance.
- Independence: Persons with disabilities are supported to do things on their own, with as much independence as possible.
- Integration: Persons with disabilities are able to fully benefit from the same services, in the same place, and in a similar way as other customers, unless an alternate measure is necessary.
- Equal Opportunity: Persons with disabilities have the same opportunity to access our goods and services as others.
Assistive Devices
We welcome the use of personal assistive devices to support individuals with disabilities. Where applicable, the Company will provide reasonable accommodations to facilitate access to office resources, tools, and services.
Service Animals
We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed in the parts of our premises that are open to the public, except where excluded by law.
If it is not readily apparent that the animal is a service animal, we may request documentation from a regulated health professional confirming the need for the service animal.
A regulated health professional is defined as a member of one of the following colleges:
- College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario
- College of Chiropractors of Ontario
- College of Nurses of Ontario
- College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
- College of Optometrists of Ontario
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
- College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
- College of Psychologists of Ontario
- College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario
The care and control of the service animal is the responsibility of the individual.
Support Persons
We welcome people with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person. Any person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be permitted to enter our premises together.
When confidential information must be shared, we will first obtain the individual’s consent to discuss personal matters in the presence of the support person.
In rare circumstances, if a support person’s presence poses a significant health or safety concern, we will explore alternate ways to allow the person with a disability to access goods and services.
Information and Communications
We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take their disability into account. Upon request, we will provide or arrange for accessible formats and communication supports, such as large print, plain language, or assistive technologies, to ensure effective communication.
Notice of Temporary Disruption
While the Company does not have direct control over the physical building, we will work with the landlord to ensure timely communication of disruptions that affect accessibility (e.g., elevator outages). Notices will include:
- The reason for the disruption
- The anticipated duration of the disruption
- A description of any alternative facilities or services, if available
Notices will be posted in visible locations and on our website where applicable. If the disruption is unexpected, we will post the notice as soon as possible.
Training
We are committed to training all employees and others who interact with the public or who participate in developing organizational policies on behalf of the Company. Training content includes:
- An overview of the AODA and the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR)
- The Ontario Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities
- The Company’s policies, practices, and procedures relating to the Customer Service Standard
- How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities, including those who use assistive devices, service animals, or support persons
New employees will receive training as soon as practicable after being hired and on an ongoing basis as changes arise. We maintain a record of all training completed.
Information and Communications Standard
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports
Upon request, we will provide or arrange for accessible formats and communication supports for people with disabilities in a timely manner, taking into account the individual’s accessibility needs. We will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.
We will also notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports.
Websites and Web Content
We are committed to making our website(s) and web content accessible by conforming to the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, at Level AA. Where not practicable to meet these requirements, we will provide an explanation and alternate means of accessing the information.
Employment Standard
Recruitment, Assessment, and Selection
We will notify the public and employees that, when requested, accommodations for disabilities will be provided during the recruitment and selection process.
- Applicants will be informed about the availability of accommodations in recruitment announcements and on our website.
- We will consult with any applicant who requests accommodation to arrange for suitable arrangements that take into account their accessibility needs.
Informing Employees of Supports
We will inform employees of our policies for supporting employees with disabilities, including policies on job accommodations that take into account an employee’s needs. We will provide updated information to employees whenever there is a change to existing policies on the provision of job accommodations.
Documented Individual Accommodation Plans
We will develop written processes for documenting individual accommodation plans (IAPs) for employees with disabilities. These plans will outline the accommodations we will provide, including (where applicable) individualized workplace emergency response information and accessible formats or communication supports.
Return to Work Process
We will maintain a documented return-to-work process for employees who have been absent from work due to a disability and require disability-related accommodations. This process includes steps we will take to facilitate a safe and timely return to work, incorporating individual accommodation plans where necessary.
Performance Management, Career Development, and Advancement
We will take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities and any individual accommodation plans when conducting performance management, providing career development and advancement opportunities, or when redeploying employees.
Availability and Format of Documents
All documents related to our accessibility policies, and notices of service disruptions, will be available upon request. We will work with individuals who require documents in an alternate format or communication support to determine the most suitable format. These documents will be provided in a timely manner and at no additional cost.
Feedback Process
We welcome feedback on our services and accessibility practices. Feedback can be provided by phone, email, or in person.
- Phone: 905-739-2335
- Email: info@ridegroup.com
- Mail or In Person: Unit#200 – 435 North Service Rd. W., Oakville, ON, L6M 4X8, Canada
All feedback will be reviewed by the appropriate department, and we will respond within 10 business days business days. Where needed, we will arrange for accessible formats and communication supports when receiving and responding to feedback.
Last Review/Revision Date: January 21, 2025
Next Review Date: January 21, 2028