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AODA - Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) Customer Service Policy

Home » AODA – IASR Customer Service Policy

This policy is intended to meet the requirements of the Customer Service Standards included in the Integrated Accessibility Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. It applies to the provision of goods and services to the public or other third parties, not to the goods themselves.

All goods and services provided by BOS Innovations shall follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

Guidelines

In accordance with the Customer Service Standards, this policy addresses the following:

  1. The Provision of Goods and Services to Persons with Disabilities
  2. The Use of Assistive Devices
  3. The Use of Guide Dogs, Service Animals and Service Dogs
  4. The Use of Support Persons
  5. Notice of Service Disruptions
  6. Customer Feedback
  7. Training
  8. Notice of Availability and Format of Required Documents
  9. Employment

A. The Provision of Goods and Services to Persons with Disabilities

BOS Innovations will make every reasonable effort to ensure that its policies, practices and procedures are consistent with the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity by:

  • Ensuring that all customers receive the same value and quality;
  • Allowing customers with disabilities to do things in their own ways, at their own pace when accessing goods and services if this does not present a safety risk;
  • Using alternative methods when possible to ensure that customers with disabilities have access to the same services, in the same place and in a similar manner;
  • Considering individual needs when providing goods and services; and
  • Communicating in a manner that considers the customer's disability.

B. The Use of Assistive Devices

Customer's Own Assistive Device(s)

Persons with disabilities may use their own assistive devices as required when accessing goods or services provided by BOS Innovations.

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 the access of goods and services. For example, open flames and oxygen tanks cannot be near one another. Therefore, the accommodation of a customer with an oxygen tank may involve ensuring the customer is in a location that would be considered safe for both the customer and business. Or, where elevators are not present and where an individual requires assistive devices for the purposes of mobility, service will be provided in a location that meets the needs of the customer.

C. Guide Dogs, Service Animals and Service Dogs

A customer with a disability that is accompanied by guide dog, service animal or service dog will be allowed access to premises that are open to the public unless otherwise excluded by law. "No pet" policies do not apply to guide dogs, service animals and/or service dogs.

D. The Use of Support Persons

If a customer with a disability is accompanied by a support person, BOS Innovations will ensure that both persons can enter the premises together and that the customer is not prevented from having access to the support person.

There may be times where seating and availability prevent the customer and support person from sitting beside each other. In these situations, BOS Innovations will make every reasonable attempt to resolve the issue.

In situations where, confidential information might be discussed, consent will be obtained from the customer, prior to any conversation where confidential information might be discussed.

E. Notice of Disruptions in Service

Service disruptions may occur due to reasons that may or may not be within the control or knowledge of BOS Innovations. In the event of any temporary disruptions to facilities or services that customers with disabilities rely on to access or use BOS Innovations’ goods or services, reasonable efforts will be made to provide notice. In some circumstances such as in the situation of unplanned temporary disruptions, notice may not be possible.

Notifications will include:

If a notification needs to be posted the following information will be included unless it is not readily available or known:

  • Goods or services that are disrupted or unavailable;
  • Reason for the disruption;
  • Anticipated duration; and
  • A description of alternative services or options.

Notification Options

When disruptions occur BOS Innovations will provide notice by:

  • posting notices in conspicuous places including at the point of disruption, at the main entrance and the nearest accessible entrance to the service disruption and/or on the BOS Innovations website;
  • contacting customers with appointments;
  • verbally notifying customers when they are making a reservation or appointment; or
  • by any other method that may be reasonable under the circumstances.

F. Customer Feedback

BOS Innovations shall provide customers with the opportunity to provide feedback on the service provided to customers with disabilities. Feedback forms along with alternate methods of providing feedback such as verbally (in person or by telephone) or written (hand written, delivered, website or email), will be available upon request.

Submitting Feedback

Customers can submit feedback to:

Human Resources
519-268-8563
2335 Discovery Drive, London, ON  N6M 0C6
[email protected]

Customers who wish to provide feedback by completing an onsite customer feedback form or verbally can do so to any BOS Innovations employee.

Customers who provide formal feedback will receive acknowledgement of their feedback, along with any resulting actions based on concerns or complaints that were submitted.

G. Training

Training will be provided to:

  • Every person who is an employee of, or a volunteer with, the provider.
  • Every person who participates in developing the provider’s policies.
  • Every other person who provides goods, services or facilities on behalf of the provider.

Training Provisions

Regardless of the format, training will cover the following:

  • A review of the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
  • A review of the requirements of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07.
  • Instructions on how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.
  • Instructions on how to interact with people with disabilities who:
    • use assistive devices;
    • require the assistance of a guide dog, service dog or other service animal; or
    • require the use of a support person (including the handling of admission fees).
  • Instructions on how to use equipment or devices that are available at our premises or that we provide that may help people with disabilities.
  • Instructions on what to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing your services.
  • BOS Innovations’ policies, procedures and practices pertaining to providing accessible customer service to customers with disabilities.

Training Schedule

BOS Innovations will provide training as soon as practicable. Training will be provided to new employees, volunteers, agents and/or contractors. Revised training will be provided in the event of changes to legislation, procedures, policies, and/or practices.

Record of Training

BOS Innovations will keep a record of training that includes the dates training was provided and the number of employees who attended the training.

H. Notice of Availability and Format of Documents

BOS Innovations shall notify customers that the documents related to the Customer Service Standards are available upon request and in a format that considers the customer's disability. Notification will be given by posting the information in a conspicuous place owned and operated by BOS Innovations, the BOS Innovations website and/or any other reasonable method.

I. Employment

BOS is committed to fair and accessible employment practices.

We will notify the public and staff that, when requested, we will accommodate disabilities during recruitment and assessment processes and when people are hired.

If needed, we will create an individual accommodation plan and/or workplace emergency information for any employees who have a disability.

Our performance management, career development, redeployment, and return to work processes will consider the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities.

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