Accessibility Plan and Policy

Last updated: January 31, 2024

Purpose and Scope

ODAIA is dedicated to training employees to ensure they are prepared to provide assistance, ensuring all guests, customers, and third parties have equal access to services provided and are treated with dignity and respect.

ODAIA’s Accessibility Plan and Policy are intended to meet the requirements of the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07 (ASCS) and the Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation Ontario Regulation 191/11 (IASR), under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

ODAIA’s Accessibility Plan and Policy applies to the provisions of services to and interactions with customers, guests and other third parties and addresses the following:

  • Our Statement of Commitment
  • The Provision of Services to Persons with Disabilities
  • The Use of Assisted Devices
  • The Use of Guide Dogs, Service Animals and Service Dogs
  • The Use of Support Persons
  • Notice of Service Disruptions
  • Procurement of Goods, Services and Facilities
  • Information and Communication Standard
  • Emergency Procedures, Plans and Safety Information
  • Employment Standard
  • Feedback
  • Training
  • Policy Administration & Modification

Our Statement of Commitment 

ODAIA Intelligence Inc. is committed to respecting the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.  ODAIA is dedicated to offering accommodations  to ensure we can provide the same opportunities, access and services in a similar way as provided to others.  ODAIA respects and upholds the requirements set forth under the AODA, ASCS and IASR and will continue to make efforts to carry out and maintain responsibilities in all required areas.

The Provision of Services to Persons With Disabilities

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

  • Ensuring that all customers, guests and third parties receive the same quality of service
  • Allowing persons with disabilities to do things in their own way, at their own pace, if this does not present a safety risk
  • Using alternative methods when possible, to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to the same services and in a similar manner
  • Considering individual needs when providing services
  • Communicating in a manner that considers and is appropriate to the disability 
  • Training employees who communicate with customers, guests and other third parties as to how to most effectively interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities

Assistive Devices

ODAIA permits and will support the use of assisted devices as required and will make an effort to accommodate requests for changes and modifications to ensure assistive device compatibility. In cases where the assistive device presents a safety concern or where accessibility might be an issue, other reasonable measures will be used to provide access to services.

The Use of Guide Dogs, Service Animals and Service Dogs

Any customer, guest, or third party with a disability that is accompanied by a guide dog, service animal or service dog will be permitted access to the premises with the animal, unless the animal is otherwise excluded by the law. If the animal is excluded by law from the premises, ODAIA will ensure that other measures are available to enable the person with the disability to obtain, use or benefit from services provided.

Those accompanied by a guide dog, service dog or service animal are responsible for maintaining care and control of the animal at all times. If it is not clear that the animal is used by the person for reasons relating to his or her disability, ODAIA may request verification. 

Support Persons

If a customer, guest or third party with a disability is accompanied by a support person, ODAIA will ensure that both persons can enter the premises together and that the member or guest is not prevented from having access to the support persons while on the premises.  In situations where confidential information might be discussed, consent will be obtained prior to any conversation where confidential information might be discussed.

Notice of Service Disruptions

ODAIA will provide clients with notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services usually used by persons with disabilities. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, the anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

The notice will be placed at all public entrances and reception counters on our premises.

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities, ODAIA will promptly notify customers, guests and third parties as appropriate. Notice of facility disruptions will be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises. Disruptions related to facility and or services may be sent via email.  The following information will be included in the notice:

  • The services that are unavailable
  • The reason for the disruption
  • The anticipated duration
  • A description of alternative facilities or services

Procurement of Goods, Services and Facilities

When procuring or acquiring goods or services or facilities, ODAIA will make efforts to incorporate accessibility criteria and features, as applicable. Our procurement practices aim to meet or exceed the minimum standards for accessibility. Suppliers are solely responsible for familiarizing themselves with this legislation to ensure their proposed products, services and facilities meet or exceed the minimum standards for accessibility.

Information and Communication Standard

ODAIA is committed to making information, communication accessible to people with disabilities. The use of accessibility testing tools and accessibility requirements have been considered, incorporated and applied to the design of standardized internal and external company documents and materials, our product and our website. We are dedicated to continuing to evaluate and make improvements to ensure that information and communication is accessible and meets the needs of persons with disabilities.

ODAIA will make efforts to accommodate reasonable requests and provide accessible formats and communication support upon request.  

Emergency Procedures, Plans and Safety Information

The Property Management company at ODAIA’s leased space is accountable to prepare building related emergency procedures, plans or public safety information. The provision of this information in an accessible format or with appropriate communication support is available upon request.

Employment Standard

ODAIA is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees with disabilities. We recognize that by removing barriers across the employment life cycle will create a workplace that is diverse, accessible and enables employees to reach their full potential. 

As an equal opportunity employer, ODAIA is committed to creating an environment that respects diversity, equity and inclusion. ODAIA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. ODAIA also creates an inclusive environment by reasonably accommodating all employees with disabilities upon request.

Feedback 

Feedback on services provided to persons with disabilities are welcomed and appreciated. Feedback can be submitted via email to hr@odaia.ai and individuals can expect to receive a response within 5 business days, 

Training 

ODAIA will ensure that all applicable employees are trained about the provision of goods and services to persons with disabilities. In accordance with the Ontario Regulation 429/07.  

Policy Administration & Modification

ODAIA’s policy and Multi-year Accessibility Plan will be reviewed annually and revised as required, considering feedback received and our own accessibility action and planning processes.  Revisions will be available on our website, and will be provided in

alternate formats upon request.  ODAIA may amend this policy from time to time as it deems necessary or appropriate. This policy will, at all times, be applied in accordance with the applicable employment standards, occupational health and safety, and human rights legislation. Any policy of ODAIA that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.