Commitment to Accessibility
Rafih Auto Group is committed to providing an accessible environment for all clients, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and comply with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and its associated regulations. We strive to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for everyone by identifying and removing barriers in our workplace and ensuring that new barriers are not created. The company ensures that persons with disabilities are provided with equal opportunities. We are committed to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and integrative manner that respects their dignity and independence.
Providing an accessible environment is a shared effort, and we work with the necessary parties to make accessibility for all a reality. We can arrange for accessible feedback and alternate formats upon request. For more detailed information on our accessibility policies, plans, and training, please contact Human Resources at sholmes@rafihautogroup.com.
Sincerely,
Sherri Holmes
Director of Human Resources
Multi-year Accessibility Plan (AODA) – Ontario
Intent
This accessibility plan outlines the strategy of Rafih Auto Group to prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities and comply with the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
Statement of Commitment
Rafih Auto Group is committed to providing an accessible environment for all clients, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and comply with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and its associated regulations. We strive to provide an accessible and welcoming environment for everyone by identifying and removing barriers in our workplace and ensuring that new barriers are not created. The company ensures that persons with disabilities are provided with equal opportunities. We are committed to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and integrative manner that respects their dignity and independence.
Multi-year Accessibility Plan
This plan is in effect from January 2023 to January 2028.
If you have any questions or concerns about this plan or its initiatives, or if you want to receive a copy of the plan in a different accessible format, please contact Sherri Holmes @ sholmes@rafihautogroup.com or by calling 519.972.6561 ext. 1307.
Standards of Accessibility Under AODA
General Requirements
(i) ACCESSIBLE EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Rafih Auto Group will provide employees with disabilities individualized emergency response information when necessary, and as soon as practically possible. If an employee who receives individualized workplace emergency response information requires assistance, with the employee’s consent, the workplace emergency response information will be given to the designated employee. The Company will continue to review the individualized workplace emergency response plans, when necessary, ie., the location of the employee changes and/or if there are any changes in disability.
(ii) ACCESSIBILITY POLICIES AND PLANS
Rafih Auto Group has developed a statement, policy, program, and multi-year plan that outlines strategies and actions to identify, prevent, and remove barriers for persons with disabilities.
(iii) TRAINING
Accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities is a core value for the Company and for that reason, Rafih Auto Group provides training to employees on Accessibility standards. Training is provided in a way that best suits the duties and needs of employees and every person who deals with the public on behalf of the Company. In addition, employees may require training as it relations to the duties and responsibilities of their position. Rafih Auto Group has taken the following steps to ensure employees are provided with the training needed to meet current standards and legislation:
Provide educational and training resources in an accessible format that takes into account the accessibility needs of a person with a disability
Ensure new employees complete training as a part of the onboarding process.
Track and maintain a database of training records of participant names and dates of completion
Customer Service Standard
Rafih Auto Group uses reasonable efforts to ensure that its policies, practices, and procedures are consistent with the following principles:
Goods or services are provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities
The provision of goods and services to persons with disabilities, and others, is integrated unless an alternate measure is necessary, whether temporarily or on a permanent basis, to enable persons with disabilities to obtain, use, or benefit from the goods or services
Persons with disabilities are given an opportunity equal to that given to others to obtain, use, and benefit from the goods or services
Persons with disabilities may use assistive devices and/or support persons in the access of goods and services
Persons with disabilities and their service animals are accommodated in all aspects of service provision
Company representatives, when communicating with a person with disability, will do so in a manner that takes into account the person’s disability
The following measures have been implemented by the Rafih Auto Group:
The Accessibility Policy Statement has been published on all dealership communication boards
The Accessibility Program has been created and is accessible upon request
The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan has been published on the corporate website for public viewing
Training will be provided to address areas on how to better interact with, and/or accommodate persons with disabilities. Employees will gain understanding of their responsibilities in creating an inclusive and accessible environment, accepting and respectful of the differences between persons
Completion of training of all employees is tracked and recorded
Comments relating to our programs and services with regards to customer service welcomed and appreciated. A process has been established to encourage feedback regarding the way provides goods and services to people with disabilities. This feedback can be made verbally, by email, or in writing. All feedback are directed to the Human Resources department
A process will be put in place to ensure that all feedback received from customers, staff or the general public is reviewed and analyzed to identify potential gaps in customer services, and to ensure appropriate actions are taken
Any persons with a disability who is accompanied by a support person or by a service animal will be allowed to enter all dealership premises with their support person and service animal. At no time will a person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person or service animal be prevented from having access to their support person and/or service animal while on our premises
Customer Service Standard
Rafih Auto Group uses reasonable efforts to ensure that its policies, practices, and procedures are consistent with the following principles:
Goods or services are provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities
The provision of goods and services to persons with disabilities, and others, is integrated unless an alternate measure is necessary, whether temporarily or on a permanent basis, to enable persons with disabilities to obtain, use, or benefit from the goods or services
Persons with disabilities are given an opportunity equal to that given to others to obtain, use, and benefit from the goods or services
Persons with disabilities may use assistive devices and/or support persons in the access of goods and services
Persons with disabilities and their service animals are accommodated in all aspects of service provision
Company representatives, when communicating with a person with disability, will do so in a manner that takes into account the person’s disability
The following measures have been implemented by the Rafih Auto Group:
The Accessibility Policy Statement has been published on all dealership communication boards
The Accessibility Program has been created and is accessible upon request
The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan has been published on the corporate website for public viewing
Training will be provided to address areas on how to better interact with, and/or accommodate persons with disabilities. Employees will gain understanding of their responsibilities in creating an inclusive and accessible environment, accepting and respectful of the differences between persons
Completion of training of all employees is tracked and recorded
Comments relating to our programs and services with regards to customer service welcomed and appreciated. A process has been established to encourage feedback regarding the way provides goods and services to people with disabilities. This feedback can be made verbally, by email, or in writing. All feedback are directed to the Human Resources department
A process will be put in place to ensure that all feedback received from customers, staff or the general public is reviewed and analyzed to identify potential gaps in customer services, and to ensure appropriate actions are taken
Any persons with a disability who is accompanied by a support person or by a service animal will be allowed to enter all dealership premises with their support person and service animal. At no time will a person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person or service animal be prevented from having access to their support person and/or service animal while on our premises
Information and communication standard
Raifh Auto Group is dedicated to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. We will consult with and request feedback from persons with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs. We want to achieve the most effective and efficient access to information and our goods and services for all users.
The Company has undertaken the following plans to ensure compliance with this standard:
A feedback process has been established that is accessible, ensuring alternative formats are also available, such as, telephone inquiries, email, and in-person. These processes will be communicated and available upon request
Our website has been designed to be user friendly for people with a range of needs. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Rafih Auto Group via email or phone if they required additional information
The Rafih Auto Group has ensured all website and content on those sites conform to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Employment Standard
The Rafih Auto Group is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices that attract and retain individuals with disabilities. The Company has taken the following steps to notify the public and employees that, when requested, Rafih Auto Group will accommodate people with disabilities throughout the recruitment and onboarding process.
(i) RECRUITMENT
Rafih Auto Group is committed to ensuring that our recruitment, selection, and assessment processes are fair and accessible. All managers, and employees involved in staffing of any time will be required to complete AODA training.
The Company has taken the following steps to ensure compliance with this standard:
Specify that accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities in recruitment process within job descriptions, job postings, interviews, selection, and assessments
Information employees of policies supporting persons with disabilities. Provide this information to new employees within the onboarding and integration process
Provide updated information on accommodation policies to employees when changes occur
Consult with employees to determine suitability of format or support
(ii) DOCUMENTED INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION PLANS
Rafih Auto Group is dedicated to producing and providing documented individual accommodation that includes the following:
Participation of the employee requiring the individual accommodation plan
Ability to request additional/alternative medical of third party assessments to determine if accommodation can be achieved and how
High level of confidentiality
Regular review and updates
Reason for denial if applicable
Means of providing individual accommodation plans in a format that takes into account the needs of the employee
And if required, include individualized workplace emergency response information
(iii) ACCESSIBLE EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Rafih Auto Group is committed to creating and implementing a process for developing individual accommodation plans and return to work policies for employees that have been absent due to a disability.
When applicable, the Company will develop and maintain a return to work process for employees who have been from work due to a disability and require disability related accommodations in order to return to work. The process will include the steps the Company will undertake to facilitate the return to work process and use documented individual accommodation plans.
(iv) PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Rafih Auto Group is dedicated to ensuring the accessibility requirements of employees with disabilities needs are taking into account with regards to performance management and assessments, career progression plans, and position reassignments.
The Company will continue to review and update policies and procedures to include the following elements:
Accessibility needs of employees with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans are taken into account when using performance management processes
Accessibility needs of employees with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans are taken into account when providing career development and advancement opportunities
Accessibility needs of employees with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans are taken into account when reassigning employees with disabilities
(v) DESIGN OF PUBLIC SPACES
Rafih Auto Group public areas currently meet the required Accessibility Standards for the design of public spaces. The Company will establish plans to continue to meet the Accessibility Standards for the design of public spaces when building or making major modifications to public spaces. The Company will take appropriate measures to prevent service disruptions to public area accessibility. In the event of a service disruption, Rafih Auto Group will notify the public of the service disruption and alternative accessibility available for obtaining goods and services.
The Company multi-year accessibility plan is available in accessible formats upon request.