Statement of Commitment

Fairweather is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and we are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and meeting our accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Ontario’s accessibility laws and the Accessibility for Manitobans Act as well as meeting current and ongoing obligations under the Ontario and Manitoba Human Rights Code respecting non-discrimination.

Is understood that the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the Accessibility for Manitobans Act (2013) and their accessibility standards do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law.

Fairweather is committed to excellence in serving and providing goods, services or facilities to all customers including people with disabilities. Our accessible customer service policies are consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.

Training

We are committed to training all staff in accessible customer service, other Ontario’s and Manitoba’s accessibility standards and aspects of the Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities. We educate our employees on accessibility and how to assist any person with disabilities, which includes:

• The purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
• Fairweather policies related to the disability and accessibility for customer, employees and candidates.
• How to interact with people with diverse types of disabilities
• How to support people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or companion
• The use of equipment/devices/material available on-site that may help with providing goods, services or facilitates the interaction with people with disabilities.
• How customers and/or employees can provide feedback regarding accessibility

Information and Communication

We communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. Upon request we will work with people with disabilities to assist with whatever method of communication works best for them.

When asked, we will provide information about our organization and its services, including public safety information, in accessible formats or with communication supports; in a timely manner, taking into account the person’s accessibility needs and at a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons.

If Fairweather determines that information or communications are unconvertible, we will provide an explanation as to why the information or communications are unconvertible, and a summary of the unconvertible information or communications.

We have a process for receiving and responding to feedback which is accessible to persons with disabilities upon request.

Ways to Communicate and Feedback

We encourage our customers, employees and anyone participating in the selection process to provide feedback or to request accommodation regarding accessibility for people with disabilities, which will help to identify and ultimately to avoid barriers. We can be contacted by the following means:

• Speaking directly to a store manager
• Calling directly to a store or to the head office ((01) 416-785-1771)
• Emailing to payroll@incgroup.ca

Notice of Temporary Disruption

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for customers and/or employees with disabilities, Fairweather will notify about the disruption by posting a notice at the entrance of the facility and provide alternate access.  Information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available, will be provided.

Assistive Devices

People with disabilities are welcome to use their personal assistive devices when accessing our goods, services or facilities.

Service Animals

We welcome service animals in our premises that assist people with disabilities. When we cannot easily identify that an animal is a service animal, our staff may ask for documentation (template, letter or form) from a regulated health professional that confirms the person needs the service animal for reasons relating to their disability.

A service animal can be easily identified through visual indicators, such as when it wears a harness or a vest, or when it helps the person perform certain tasks.

Support Persons

A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them on our premises.

Employment

We notify employees, job applicants and the public that accommodation can be made during the recruitment and hiring process. We notify job applicants that accommodation is available upon request. We consult with the applicants and provide or arrange suitable accommodation, if requested. We notify successful applicants of accommodations with disabilities when making offers of employment.

We will consult with the person making the request for an accessible format or communication supports specifically for:

1. information that is needed in order to perform the employee’s job
2. information that is generally available to employees in the workplace

With the employee’s consent, we will provide workplace emergency information to a designated person who will be providing assistance to that employee during an emergency.

Notice of Availability of Documents

Fairweather notifies the public that documents related to accessible customer service, are available upon request by:

• Speaking directly to a store manager
• Calling directly to the head office ((01) 416-785-1771)
• Emailing to payroll@incgroup.ca

We will provide these documents in an accessible format or with communication support, on request. We will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of the format or communication support. We will provide the accessible format in a timely manner and at no additional cost.

Manitoba Accessibility Employment Policy

Changes to Existing Policies and Multi-year plan

Any policies of this organization that do not respect and promote the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity for people with disabilities will be modified or removed.

As part of the multi-year plan to prevent and remove barriers, Fairweather is committed to developing company policies that adhere to the current and future requirements of AODA, the Accessibility for Manitobans Act and the Human Rights Act regarding disability. Any policy or practice that is against achieving accessibility for all individuals will be reviewed, modified and/or removed when possible.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at payroll@incgroup.ca for any additional information regarding accessibility.

This document is publicly available. Accessible formats are available upon request.