WCG is committed to conform to all aspects of accessibility for persons served, personnel and stakeholders, and strives to ensure that all locations owned or operated by WCG provide barrier-free services, supports, environments and employment. WCG recognizes that the key principles of accessibility are independence, dignity, integration, and equality.
The Accessibility policy applies to all employees, contractors, and partners of WCG. The Accessibility policy identifies and addresses barriers at WCG owned or operated locations and services and encourages awareness of any barriers so that they may be brought to the attention of Management. Accessible formats of this policy will be made available if required. The Accessibility Plan is available on The Water Cooler and is available to employees, partner agencies, persons served and stakeholders.
Barriers deny dignity and independence, and WCG strives to offer barrier-free services. Identified barriers may be brought to the attention of a site manager or a member of the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) committee at any time.
In instances where an individual would like to report a possible barrier, they should contact their manager or a member of the Human Resources department. The Manager or Human Resources team member will record the details of the event, conduct an investigation if required and provide a recommendation for rectification to the senior leadership team. This will ensure that the individuals we support, employees, volunteers, families and friends, etc. have an opportunity to identify any barriers they may encounter while working or visiting any WCG owned or operated location. Additionally, the reports are reviewed annually by the Performance Excellence Manager, and barriers are discussed, and plans are made to address or remove them as deemed applicable and feasible.
An assistive device is defined as a technical aid, communication device or other instrument that is used to maintain or improve the functional abilities of a person with disabilities. Persons with disabilities may use their own assistive devices as required when accessing WCG services. In cases where the assistive device presents a safety concern or where accessibility might be an issue, other reasonable measures will be used to ensure access.
WCG will make every reasonable effort to provide clients with notice in the event of a disruption in the facilities or services usually used by people with disabilities. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, and its anticipated duration and a description of alternative facilities or services if available. We may not be able to give advance notice in case of an emergency disruption.
WCG will provide or arrange to provide accessible formats and communication supports for information needed to perform their jobs and information that is generally available to other employees. Emergency evacuation procedures and other safety plans will be made available in accessible formats upon request. In determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support, WCG shall consult with the employee making the request. Any information regarding a disruption of services will also be made available in an accessible format.
Persons with disabilities may bring their service animal on the parts of our premises that are open to the public but may be restricted in areas that are otherwise governed by other laws. Care and control of the service animal is the responsibility of the person who is being accompanied. In the event an employee or client is allergic to animals, alternative arrangements will be negotiated.
Persons with a disability can be accompanied by their Support Person when visiting WCG locations and may always have access to that support person. Consent from the person with a disability is required when communicating confidential issues related to the person with a disability, in the presence of a support person.
Training will be provided as part of the employee’s orientation to the company or prior to the commencement of job duties that involve interacting with clients and whenever the Company alters its policies or practices regarding accessible customer service.