Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

Intent

This 2021 to 2026 accessibility plan outlines the policies and actions that EventConnect will put in place to improve opportunities for people with disabilities in accordance with the requirements communicated under the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11 .

Statement of Commitment

EventConnect believes in equal opportunity and is committed to providing a barrier-free environment that allows all people to maintain their independence and dignity. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) and its associated Regulations and strive to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and effective manner.

EventConnect will make written information and other forms of communication including the opportunity to give feedback, accessible upon request. Please contact 1-888-723-2064 or email support@eventconnect.io for assistance.

General Requirements
Accessibility Requirement	Current and Future Barriers	Action Plan	Compliance Deadline	Responsibility	Status
Establishment of accessibility policies	No current barriers	N/A – policies in place and available to view in our office	August 2018	Human Resources	Completed
Training on IASR and the Human Rights Code	No current barriers	Employees are provided with access to online training on their first day of employment and are given time to complete the training during work hours within one month of starting their position. We will ensure to provide any new training that is required in the future, and all employees will be expected to complete it.	January 2018	Human Resources	Completed / Ongoing for any new training requirements

Information and Communications Standard
Accessibility Requirement	Current and Future Barriers	Action Plan	Compliance Deadline	Responsibility	Status
Feedback Process	No current barriers There will be unknown accessibility needs based on individual accommodation plans, and our future barriers will be to implement them There is a need to add accessibility options on our website for clients to access.	Currently we use a Performance Management System to provide feedback to our employees, and they are able to access it through their personal account. The same feedback is also given to employees verbally through a one-on-one meeting. Any employee who requests larger print will be provided with that during the one-on-one meeting. Feedback can be enlarged on any employee’s computer if they require it. Every employee also has the option to print in a larger format by changing the scale size under print options. To address future accessibility requirements that come up based on individual needs, we will look into software and options for those employees to provide feedback in the manner that is best for them to succeed and meet their needs. EventConnect has added the option of an accessibility page for clients to be notified of accessible formats and communication support with respect to the feedback process.	January 2018	Department Manager	Completed/Ongoing
Accessible formats and communication supports	Currently there are no barriers In the future our barriers will be based on the different requests made through individual accommodation plans and needs that need to be met	Currently, formats and communication support are in compliance and EventConnect will provide the necessary formats based on requests.	January 2018	Human Resources	Completed/Ongoing
Emergency procedures, plans or public safety information	Currently there are no barriers Future barriers will be to ensure documents are provided based on individual employee requirements	Currently we have made all emergency procedures, plans, and public safety information easily accessible to our employees All employees have the capabilities to view documents on their personal computers, which allows the option for enlargement. EventConnect is also willing to print out documents in a larger print based on requests. Other software and programs will be used to meet any requests that may be needed in the future	January 2018	Human Resources	Completed/Ongoing
Accessible websites and web content	Must conform to WCAG 2.0 Level AA	Currently EventConnect has conformed to Level AA of WCAG 2.0 on its website	January 2021	Chief Technology Office / Human Resources	Completed / Ongoing

Employment Standard
Accessibility Requirement	Current and Future Barriers	Action Plan	Compliance Deadline	Responsibility	Status
Recruitment, assessment and selection processes	Currently no barriers	When posting job ads, we have ensured to make candidates aware that if they have any accessibility needs, we will provide full support to them, and meet their requests When reaching out to potential candidates we make them aware that if they have any accessibility requests, we will meet them	January 2018	Human Resources & Hiring Manager	Completed
Informing employees of supports	Currently no barriers New policies that are put in place will need to be relayed to employees	Employees are provided with all accessibility supports in place through our EventConnect Policy Manual, which is updated based on employee needs and the IASR Regulations New employees are expected to sign the employee policy manual agreement to indicate they have read through and understand the policies Any employee in need of specific needs based on their individual accommodation plans are informed to speak to their manager and Human Resources to provide them with the support they require	January 2018	Department Manager	Completed / Ongoing
Accessible formats and communication supports for employees	Currently no barriers	EventConnect will ensure to consult any employee with a disability who requests specific formats and forms of communication that meets their needs, and will provide them with the support Employees are able to ask for any information in an accessible format, currently we can provide employees with enlarged printed documents. Employees are also able to enlarge their personal computer screens to enlarge documents if there are any visual impairments EventConnect is also able to provide information to employees verbally if necessary, and fits an employees accommodation plan	January 2018	Department Manager & Human Resources	Completed / Ongoing
Workplace emergency response information	Currently no barriers Future barriers will be to meet individualized plans to assist employees with disabilities during an emergency, which are currently unknown	Currently employees are provided with a printed plan, which can be provided in larger print to employees Employees can be given the emergency response information verbally through a one-on-one meeting in person with a department manager Individualized accommodation plans will be created based on employee needs Employees in need of assistance during an emergency will be addressed and provided with someone to assist them in emergency situations EventConnect will ensure to review individualized workplace emergency response information with employees on a regular basis	January 2018	Department Manager & Human Resources	Completed / Ongoing
Documented individual accommodation plans	Currently no barriers	Individual accommodation plan template is in our policy manual	August 2018	Human Resources	Completed
Return to work process	Currently no barriers	Return to work template included in our policy manual Individual return to work plans will be maintained and reviewed annually as needed	August 2018	Department Manager & Human Resources	Completed
Performance management process, Career development and and advancement	Currently no barriers In the future, there may be employees who have accessibility needs, and their individual accommodation plans will need to be met Any changes to job duties or job position will need to comply with individual accommodation plans and request	Currently EventConnect ensures all employees have equal opportunities to assess and improve performance, productivity and effectiveness, with the goal to facilitate our employees success In the future EventConnect will ensure that employees with accessibility needs have equal opportunities in succeeding, based on their individualized accommodation plans Accommodations will be taken into account when providing performance evaluations and feedback When providing employees with career advancement and development opportunities, EventConnect will take into account the accessibility needs of an individual with a disability, and their individual accommodation plan	January 2018	Department Manager	Completed / Ongoing
Redeployment	Currently no barriers In the future, if EventConnect eliminates a department, or moves employees to different roles within the organization, there will be a need to address individual accessibility needs	Currently all employees that are moved within the organization are aware that they can speak to their department manager about any accessibility needs they may have during a transition In the future, if there is an employee with a disability, EventConnect will ensure that their accommodation plan is taken into account before transitioning the individual to a new department or role	January 2018	Department Manager	Completed / Ongoing

Design of Public Spaces (Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment)
Accessibility Requirement	Current and Future Barriers	Action Plan	Compliance Deadline	Responsibility	Status
Make service counters, queuing guides and waiting areas accessible	Currently no barriers	Currently EventConnect provides a waiting area that is big enough to fit an individual using a mobility aid There is an elevator that is provided for any employees or clients that have any physical disabilities There is a accessibility activation button to open the front doors into to the building for any person with a disability that would require it	January 2018	York Development & EventConnect	Completed
Maintain the accessible parts of your public spaces	Currently no barriers	EventConnect ensures that all walkways within the office are clear All accessible areas are maintained, such as the washrooms, kitchen and waiting areas	January 2108	Health and Safety Committee	Completed / Ongoing

Customer Service Standards
Accessibility Requirement	Current and Future Barriers	Action Plan	Compliance Deadline	Responsibility	Status
Establishment of policies	Currently no barriers	EventConnect consistently develops, implements and maintains policies in regards to provisions of goods, services, or facilities to persons with disabilities Our policy manual indicates our commitment to make every reasonable effort to ensure that the policies, practice and procedures are consistent with the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity It is important to us that all customers receive the same value and quality Our policies indicate that based on needs, documents will be created and made available to anyone requesting them	January 2018	Human Resources	Completed / Ongoing
Use of service animals and support persons	Currently no barriers	Any person with a disability who needs a service animal will be permitted to keep their animal with them when they enter EventConnect Any person with a disability who needs a support person to accompany them, will be permitted to enter the premises together and will stay together	January 2018	Human Resources & Department Manager	Completed / Ongoing
Notice of temporary disruptions	Currently no barriers	Policies at EventConnect indicates that a notice will be provided if any service disruptions occur which will affect persons with disabilities Service disruptions will include the reason for the disruption, duration, and description of alternative options Notices will be made available to the public through our website, by calling our support line or contacting us by email	August 2018	Department Manager	Completed / Ongoing
Training for Staff	Currently no barriers	EventConnect provides all employees and volunteers with accessible customer service training	January 2018	Human Resources	Completed / Ongoing
Feedback Process	Currently no barriers	Currently have a feedback process in place for reservations made for clients The public has access to the support email and support phone number for any inquiries or complaints	January 2018	Human Resources	Completed / Ongoing
Format of Documents	Currently no barriers. It is unknown what formats may be requested in the future	EventConnect will provide any documents in an accessible format that is requested Requests will be met in a timely manner	January 2018	Human Resources	Completed / Ongoing