MULTI-YEAR ACCESSIBILITY PLAN

As per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), all organizations in Ontario must develop, implement, and enforce accessibility standards to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodations, employment, buildings, structures, and premises on or before January 1, 2025.

1 INTENT

HARD-LINE is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for our customers, employees, and visitors who enter our premises to use and benefit from the goods, services, or facilities HARD-LINE has to offer. We recognize the legal obligations of the Government of Ontario and respect the dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity of all persons.

2 DEFINITIONS

Accessible format: Includes large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille, and other formats.
Barrier: Anything that could prevent a person from fully participating in all aspects of society because of his or her disability, barriers include:
• Physical and architectural;
• Information and communications;
• Attitudinal;
• Technological; and
• Policy or practice.
Disability:
• Any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation, or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect, or illness;
• A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
• A learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
• A mental disorder; or
• An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.

3 ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE

3.1 HARD-LINE HAS:

• Established a training program for all new employees;
• Remained in compliance with the Customer Service Standard;
• Identified barriers that could prevent accessibility;
• Provided accessible parking to all individuals who may require it;
• Provided a website in an accessible format;
• Posted the accessibility plan in a central and accessible location at all sites;
• Posted the accessibility plan on HARD-LINE’s website;
• Ensured information regarding accessibility is available on HARD-LINE’s website;
• Included accessibility in the Emergency Response Plan and provided it to all employees;
• Updated the customer feedback process through the website, by email, phone, or in-person; and
• Endeavoured to establish and maintain clear passageways at all locations.

4 FUTURE STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS

4.1 HARD-LINE WILL:

• Continue to drive towards full accessibility with all future site development plans;
• Make arrangements to address any barriers that customers may experience accessing our locations;
• Review and update the accessibility plan every 5 years.

5 ADMINISTRATION

If you require an alternative format, or have any questions or concerns about this policy or its related procedures, please contact:

Human Resources
53 Main Street, Dowling ON, P0M 1R0
PO Box # 908
705-855-1310
hr@hard-line.com