Accessibility Policy

Table of contents

3. Legislative Background

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005

3.1 The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA” or the “Act”) is a law passed by the Ontario legislature with the goal of creating standards to improve accessibility for people with disabilities across the province. AODA allows the government to develop specific standards of accessibility and to enforce them. The standards are made into laws called regulations, and they provide the details to help meet the goal of the AODA. The standards set requirements in a number of key areas and will be reviewed at least every five years.

The Integrated Accessibility Standards (O. Reg. 191/11)

3.2 The Integrated Accessibility Standards for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 – O. Reg. 191/11 (the “Integrated Standards”) are a set of accessibility standards developed under the AODA to establish accessibility in the following areas: information and communications (the “Information and Communication Standard”), employment (the “Employment Standard”), transportation (the “Transportation Standard”), the design of public spaces (the “Design of Public Spaces Standard”), and customer service (the “Customer Service Standard”). These standards apply to every person or organization that provides goods, services or facilities to the public or other third parties and that has at least one employee in Ontario.

4. Policy Statement

4.1 Toronto Hydro respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. Toronto Hydro is committed to developing, implementing, and maintaining accessibility standards that will achieve accessibility for people with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, employment, and physical premises. Toronto Hydro strives at all times to act in accordance with the principles set out in AODA and the Integrated Standards to create an inclusive environment for people with disabilities so that they may have the same opportunities, in the same places, and the same ways as other individuals.

5. Definitions

Accessibility Report
The report required to be filed pursuant to section 14 of the Act.
Act or AODA
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Integrated Standards made under it.
Affected Person(s)
All persons to whom this Policy applies. See definition in Section 6.1 below.
Assistive Device
Any device used to assist a person in performing a particular task or tasks or to aid that person in activities of daily living.
Disability

Any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes:

  • diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
  • 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, and
  • an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
Employee(s)
Any employee, officer, or director of Toronto Hydro Corporation or one of its subsidiaries.
Service Animal
An animal that is used by a person with a disability for reasons relating to the disability.
Support Person
A person who accompanies a person with a disability to assist with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs, or with access to goods, services or facilities.
Plan
The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan attached as Appendix “A” to this Policy.
Policy
This Accessibility Policy, including the Plan.
Toronto Hydro
Toronto Hydro Corporation and its subsidiaries.
“We”, “Our” and “Staff”
Toronto Hydro and its employees, volunteers, agents, and contractors.

6. Scope

6.1 The Policy applies to all Employees. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Policy also applies to all persons who, on behalf of Toronto Hydro, deal with members of the public or other third parties (collectively, “Affected Persons”). The Policy shall be interpreted and applied in accordance with and to the extent required by the AODA.

6.2 This is a corporate policy which is designed to augment other corporate policies and is not intended to replace or preclude them. Should there be a conflict between the application of this Policy and any other policy, the policy most specific to the situation will apply.

7. Objectives

7.1 Toronto Hydro is committed to creating an inclusive environment to meet the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities. Toronto Hydro endeavours to ensure that the Policy, the Plan, and related practices and procedures are consistent with the following four core principles:

Dignity
Persons with a disability must be treated as valued individuals who are as deserving as any other individual.
Equality of Opportunity
Persons with a disability should be given an opportunity equal to that given to others.
Integration
Wherever possible, persons with a disability should benefit from opportunities, including employment, goods and services, in the same place and in the same or similar manner as any other individual. In circumstances where integration does not serve the needs of the person with a disability, goods and services will, to the extent possible, be provided in another way that takes into account the person’s individual needs.
Independence
Goods and services must be provided in a way that respects the independence of persons with a disability. To this end, we will always be willing to assist a person with a disability but will not do so without the express permission of the person.

7.2 Toronto Hydro is committed to, and strives to ensure that the Act, the Integrated Standards, and all other relevant legislation concerning accessibility are rigorously observed.

8. Accessibility Standards

8.1 The standards described in this Section and the Plan are designed to ensure Toronto Hydro identifies, prevents, and removes barriers with respect to goods, services, facilities, employment, information provided to, and communications with, all individuals who have disabilities.

Communication and Communication Supports

8.2 Toronto Hydro will communicate with people with disabilities in a manner that is accessible and in ways that respectfully take into account their disabilities.

8.3 On request, Toronto Hydro will consult with people with disabilities to provide or arrange for supports for communication to ensure that communications are accessible. Where the person with a disability is an Employee, Toronto Hydro will provide the communication supports and document formats necessary in order to enable them to perform their job meaningfully and effectively, and, on request, will make accessible any information otherwise available to employees in a manner that respectfully takes into account their disability.

8.4 Mediums of accessible communication or document formats Toronto Hydro provides may include, but are not limited to: Teletypewriter (“TTY”) and relay services (via a third party vendor), written communications, captioning, large font, verbal communications, and videos that may be helpful to some people who have certain disabilities.

Format of Documents

8.5 On request, Toronto Hydro will provide documents, or the information contained in documents, to a person with a disability in a format that takes the person’s disability into account. Toronto Hydro will consult with the individual making the request when determining the suitability of the accessible format.

Website and Content

8.6 Toronto Hydro is committed to creating and maintaining web content that is accessible for people with disabilities. In accordance with the AODA, Toronto Hydro will generate and maintain material on the internet in accordance with the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, at Level AA standards.

Inclusive Meetings

8.7 Toronto Hydro will ensure that meetings are inclusive, planned and organized in a manner that integrates products and services that maximize the participation of persons with disabilities.

Use of Assistive Devices

8.8 Persons with a disability are permitted, where possible, to enter premises owned and/or operated by Toronto Hydro with their own Assistive Device for the purpose of having opportunities equal to those of others. Such opportunities may include, but are not limited to, obtaining, using or benefiting from our services, carrying out job duties and participating fully and equally in the workplace.

8.9 If there is a physical, technological or other type of barrier that prevents the use of an Assistive Device on Toronto Hydro’s premises we will first endeavour to remove that barrier. If we are not able to remove the barrier we will ask the person how he/she can be accommodated and what alternative methods of service would be more accessible to him/her. We will make best efforts to provide alternative means of assistance to the person with a disability.

Service Animals

8.10 Persons with a disability may enter premises owned and/or operated by Toronto Hydro accompanied by a Service Animal, and keep the Service Animal with them, if that person would otherwise have had access to such premises and the Service Animal is not otherwise excluded by law.

8.11 If a Service Animal must be excluded, Toronto Hydro will explain why this is the case and explore alternative ways to meet the person’s needs.

8.12 If it is not readily apparent that the animal is a Service Animal, Toronto Hydro may ask the person with a disability for a letter from a regulated health professional confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to his/her disability.

Support Persons

8.13 Persons with a disability may enter premises owned and/or operated by Toronto Hydro accompanied by a Support Person and have access to the Support Person while on the premises.

8.14 Toronto Hydro may require a person with a disability to be accompanied by a Support Person where, in consultation with the person, it is determined that it is necessary to protect the health or safety of the person with a disability or the health or safety of others and there is no other reasonable way to protect either the person or others.

Toronto Hydro Premises and Work Areas

8.15 Toronto Hydro will endeavour to remove barriers found within its facilities to create accessible and inclusive work centres. Where applicable, Toronto Hydro will offer the following facilities, services, and/or assistive devices at each Toronto Hydro work centre to which the Policy applies:

  1. wheel chair accessibility;
  2. accessible parking spaces and exterior paths of travel
  3. paper and pens for hand written notes;
  4. large print and digital audio format (available on the we;
  5. telephone typewriter or teletypewriter (TTY) for individual (employee use;
  6. lowered service counters;
  7. accessible cafeteria spaces.

8.16 While performing work in public or customer-owned spaces which may temporarily disrupt or alter their accessibility, Toronto Hydro employees will take persons with disabilities into consideration, and will endeavour to provide an accessible alternative.

Careers at Toronto Hydro

8.17 Toronto Hydro recognizes the value and importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Equal employment opportunities will be made available to employees and applicants with disabilities in a manner that respects their independence and dignity.

8.18 When recruiting for a position, Toronto Hydro will notify potential and actual applicants (both internal and external) about the availability of accommodation. Where accommodation is requested, Toronto Hydro will consult with the individual requesting it to provide a suitable accommodation.

8.19 Upon request, employees with disabilities will be provided with performance management and career development tools (e.g., performance appraisals, job postings, and job descriptions) that are accessible.

8.20 Where an employee with a disability changes positions within Toronto Hydro, accommodations will be implemented as required for the new position, which will respect the employee’s dignity and independence, and foster an inclusive work environment.

Safety

8.21 Toronto Hydro operates in a safety sensitive industry and its operations affect members of the public and public spaces. Toronto Hydro recognizes its role in supporting accessibility for its own employees and throughout its service area, the City of Toronto.

8.22 On request, Toronto Hydro will provide emergency response information, procedures, plans, and/or safety information to persons with disabilities, in an accessible format or with communication supports (as necessary), in a manner that respects their dignity and independence, provided that the information would otherwise be available to the person. Toronto Hydro, through EH&S in conjunction with Health Services (or such other department as designated by Toronto Hydro), will develop personalized emergency response information in consultation with Employees who have self-identified as having a disability.

8.23 Where an employee is returning to work from an absence due to injury or illness and requires accommodation of a disability, Health Services will be engaged to work with the employee and ensure the employee is accommodated in accordance with applicable legislation, Company practice, and the Early and Safe Return to Work process.

Notice of Temporary Disruptions

8.24 Toronto Hydro will notify customers and other members of the public if there is a planned or unexpected disruption of a facility or service that persons with a disability use to access our services. The notice will be posted at the entrance of the applicable premises and, where practicable, on the home page of the Toronto Hydro website.

8.25 The notice will include the following information:

  1. That a facility or service is unavailable;
  2. The anticipated duration of the disruption;
  3. The reason for the disruption;
  4. Alternative facilities or services, if available.

9. Training and The Accessibility Program

9.1 Toronto Hydro will provide training on this Policy and the Accessibility Program to all Affected Persons, as well as to those persons charged with developing and implementing this Policy and related procedures and practices.

Content of the Accessibility Program

9.2 The Accessibility Program will include:

  1. A review of the purpose of the Act and the requirements of the Integrated Standards;
  2. A review of the Ontario Human Rights Code as it pertains to people with disabilities;
  3. A review of the Policy;
  4. Instruction on the tools and standards Toronto Hydro has available to achieve an inclusive environment;
  5. How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities;
  6. How to communicate over the telephone in clear and plain language;
  7. How to interact with persons with a disability who use an Assistive Device or require the assistance of a Service Animal or Support Person;
  8. How to use equipment or devices made available on our premises to assist persons with a disability to obtain, use or benefit from our goods and services;
  9. What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing our premises and/or services.

Timing of Training

9.3 The Accessibility Program will be provided to all persons to whom this Policy applies as soon as practicable after he or she is assigned the applicable duties. Supplementary training will be provided on an ongoing basis as required and where appropriate.

Documenting Training

9.4 Records of the training provided, including the training protocol, the dates on which the training is provided and the number of individuals to whom the training is provided shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Act.

10. Feedback Procedure

10.1 Toronto Hydro welcomes and appreciates feedback regarding this Policy, any related documents, and the implementation of the Integrated Standards. Feedback can be provided in the following ways:

  1. In person at one of our work centres;
  2. By telephone at 416-542-8000
  3. By fax at 416-542-3429 or 416-542-3452
  4. In writing to “Customer Care” at 500 Commissioners Street, Toronto ON, M4M 3N7
  5. Electronically to contactus@torontohydro.com

10.2 Feedback will be addressed and responded to by Toronto Hydro. Toronto Hydro feedback protocol is available upon request.

10.3 Toronto Hydro will arrange for accessible formats and/or communication supports to provide feedback, upon request.

11. Documentation To Be Made Available

11.1 This Policy and the Accessibility Program, shall be made available to any member of the public upon request.

11.2 Notification of same shall be posted on Toronto Hydro website and at a conspicuous place at all work centres.

12. Policy Administration, Ownership, And Approval

Policy Owner

12.1 This policy is owned by the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources and Safety Officer.

12.2 The Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources and Safety Officer is responsible for:

  1. ensuring that this policy is comprehensive, clear and current;
  2. ensuring that this policy is implemented and communicated to the departments and staff that are impacted;
  3. ensuring ongoing compliance with this policy;
  4. approving any exceptions to this policy, as required;
  5. reviewing this policy as often as necessary, but at least annually;
  6. modifying, amending or rescinding this policy at any time.

Policy Approver

12.3 This policy is approved by the Policy Administration Steering Committee.

Designated Responsible Person (DRP)

12.4 This policy is managed by the Director, Employee Labour Relations, Training and Development.

12.5 The Director, Employee Labour Relations, Training and Development is responsible for:

  1. ensuring this policy is comprehensive, clear and current;
  2. immediately communicating any exceptions or violations of this policy to the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources and Safety Officer for approval upon review;
  3. reviewing this policy annually, or as new external legislation impacting this policy is implemented.

13. Policy Communication

[In progress]

14. Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

See attached Appendix A for Toronto Hydro’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.

Appendix A: Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

1. Statement of Commitment

1.1 Toronto Hydro strives at all times to provide services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. Toronto Hydro is committed to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity to access our services and allowing them to benefit from the same services, in the same place and in a similar way as other customers.

1.2 This Plan outlines the actions that Toronto Hydro has and will put in place to improve opportunities for people with disabilities, and will be implemented in accordance with and subject to the time frames and other requirements set out in the Integrated Standards made under the AODA.

1.3 This Plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five years.

2. Information And Communications

Communication

Deadline: January 1, 2014

2.1 Toronto Hydro will continue to communicate with people with disabilities in a manner that is accessible and in ways that respectfully take into account their disabilities. Mediums of accessible communication may include, but are not limited to: TTY (Teletypewriter) services (via a third party vendor), captioning, and videos that may be helpful to some people who have certain disabilities.

2.2 Approaches for communication are set out in the Accessibility Policy and in the Accessibility Program, as defined in Section 8 of the Accessibility Policy.

Telephone Services

Deadline: January 1, 2014

2.3 Toronto Hydro will continue to provide accessible telephone services, including but not limited to, TTY and relay services and will train all applicable employees, volunteers and others dealing with the public on how to communicate over the telephone in clear and plain language.

Websites

Deadline: January 1, 2014 (2.4) and January 1, 2021 (2.5)

2.4 Toronto Hydro will take reasonable steps to ensure that all new websites controlled by the Company, and the content on those sites published after January 1, 2012 ,conform with WCAG 2.0 Level A, except where meeting the requirement is not practicable:

2.5 Toronto Hydro will take reasonable steps to ensure that all websites and content on those sites published after January 1, 2012 (other than live captions and pre-recorded audio descriptions), conform with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, except where meeting the requirement is not practicable:

Notice of Temporary Disruptions

Deadline: January 1, 2014

2.6 Toronto Hydro will continue to notify customers and other members of the public if there is a planned or unexpected disruption of a facility or service persons with a disability use to access our services. The notice will continue to be posted at the entrance of the applicable premises and, where practicable, on the home page of the Toronto Hydro website.

2.7 The notice will include the following information:

  1. That a facility or service is unavailable;
  2. The anticipated duration of the disruption;
  3. The reason for the disruption;
  4. Alternative facilities or services, if available.

Feedback Procedure: Receiving Feedback

Deadline: January 1, 2015

2.8 Toronto Hydro welcomes and appreciates feedback regarding this Policy, any related documents and its approach towards the accessibility of its services to the public. Feedback can be provided in the following ways:

  1. In person at one of our work centres;
  2. By telephone at 416-542-8000
  3. By fax at 416-542-3429 or 416-542-3452
  4. In writing to “Customer Care” at 5800 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M2M 3T3;
  5. Electronically to contactus@torontohydro.com

Feedback will continue to be addressed and responded to by Toronto Hydro. Toronto Hydro feedback protocol is available upon request.

Documentation to Be Made Available

Deadline: January 1, 2016

2.9 Workplace information, such as training materials, notices/memos, and emergency and public safety information shall be made accessible upon request.

2.10 The Accessibility Policy, and the Accessibility Program, shall be made available to any member of the public upon request.

2.11 Notification of same shall be posted on Toronto Hydro website and at a conspicuous place at all work centres.

Emergency Information

Deadline: January 1, 2012

2.12 Toronto Hydro is committed to providing customers and clients with publicly available emergency information in an accessible way upon request.

2.13 Toronto Hydro provides employees with disabilities with individualized emergency response information when necessary.

Format Documents

Deadline: January 1, 2012

2.14 Toronto Hydro provides documents, or the information contained in documents, required to be provided under the Integrated Standards, to a person with a disability in a format that takes the person’s disability into account.

3. Company Premises And Public Spaces

Accessibility on Company Premises

Deadline: January 1, 2017

3.1 Where possible, Toronto Hydro will offer the following facilities and services at each Toronto Hydro work centre to which the Policy applies to enable persons with a disability to obtain, use or benefit from our services:

  1. wheel chair accessibility at entrances;
  2. paper and pens for hand written notes;
  3. large print and digital audio format (available on the we;
  4. telephone typewriter or teletypewriter (TTY) for individual (employee use;
  5. accessible outdoor eating areas
  6. accessible outdoor travel paths
  7. accessible parking

3.2 Employees will receive training on how to use facilities or services made available on Toronto Hydro’s premises to assist persons with a disability to obtain, use or benefit from our services.

3.3 Toronto Hydro will periodically review the accessibility of its premises to ensure it is properly maintained.

3.4 Toronto Hydro will construct new premises in accordance with the AODA, the Accessibility Policy, and this Plan.

Assistive Devices

3.5 Persons with a disability are permitted, where possible, to use their own Assistive Device when on Toronto Hydro’s premises for the purposes of obtaining, using or benefiting from our services.

3.6 If there is a physical, technological or other type of barrier that prevents the use of an Assistive Device in using Toronto Hydro’s services or on Toronto Hydro’s premises we will first endeavour to remove that barrier. If we are not able to remove the barrier we will ask the person how he/she can be accommodated and what alternative methods of service would be more accessible to him/her. We will make best efforts to provide an alternative means of assistance to the person with a disability.

Service Animals

3.7 Persons with a disability may enter premises owned and/or operated by Toronto Hydro accompanied by a Service Animal, and keep the Service Animal with them, if the public has access to such premises and the Service Animal is not otherwise excluded by law.

3.8 If a Service Animal must be excluded, Toronto Hydro will explain why this is the case and explore alternative ways to meet the person with a disability’s needs.

3.9 If it is not readily apparent that the animal is a Service Animal, Toronto Hydro may ask the person with a disability for a letter from a regulated health professional confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to his/her disability.

3.10 Employees will receive training on how to interact with persons with a disability accompanied by a Service Animal.

Support Persons

3.11 A person with a disability may enter premises owned and/or operated by Toronto Hydro with a Support Person and have access to the Support Person while on the premises.

3.12 Toronto Hydro may require a person with a disability to be accompanied by a Support Person where it is necessary to protect the health or safety of the person with a disability or the health or safety of others on the premises.

3.13 Employees will receive training on how to interact with persons with a disability who are accompanied by a Support Person.

Maintenance

3.14 Toronto Hydro will engage in preventative and emergency maintenance, as is necessary and required under AODA, with respect to its public spaces. In determining appropriate maintenance measures, considerations will include the characteristics of the public space at issue, an assessment of maintenance resources available, and whether any internal or external consultations are required.

4. Service Centres

Procurement

Deadline:

4.1 Where practicable and to the extent required by AODA, Toronto Hydro will have regard to accessibility for persons with disabilities, specifically, by considering accessible design and features, when procuring or acquiring goods, services, or facilities by considering accessible design and features. If not possible, Toronto Hydro will explain why, in an accessible format.

Self Service Kiosks

Deadline: On installation

4.2 To the extent required by AODA, Toronto Hydro will have regard to accessibility for persons with disabilities if designing, procuring, or acquiring self-service kiosks. If not possible, Toronto Hydro will explain why, in an accessible format. On installation of self-service kiosks, Toronto Hydro will endeavour to incorporate tools such as the following:

  1. Written aids or captions
  2. Large format
  3. Audio and/or video aids
  4. Wheelchair accessibility

Service Counters, Queuing Guides, and Waiting Areas

Deadline: January 1, 2017

4.3 Toronto Hydro will have regard to accessibility for persons with disabilities when building new or replacing existing services counters. At least one will be accessible to persons with mobility aids by ensuring it:

  1. Is low enough for someone sitting in a mobility aid; and
  2. Has enough clear space in front for a person in a mobility aid to approach the counter
  3. Is clearly identified with signage

4.4 Toronto Hydro will have regard to accessibility for persons with disabilities when building or making major changes to queuing guides by ensuring it:

  1. Is wide enough for persons with mobility aids
  2. Is navigable for persons with vision loss

4.5 Toronto Hydro will have regard to accessibility for persons with disabilities when building or making major changes to seating areas by ensuring there is an area where persons with mobility aids can wait to receive service.

5. Employment

Inclusive Hiring

Deadline: January 1, 2016

5.1 Recruitment and selection is conducted in an accessible manner, in accordance with the Recruitment and Selection Policy, available at: http://pluggedin.torontohydro.com/policy/Pages/OEEHSPOlicies.aspx.

5.2 Applicants for positions at Toronto Hydro will be notified that Toronto Hydro will accommodate disabilities during the selection process.

5.3 Applicants for positions at Toronto Hydro who request accommodation will be consulted and adjustments will be made where possible in order to meet their needs.

5.4 Successful applicants will be advised of and trained on the Policy and Accessibility Program.

Accommodation Services

Deadline: January 1, 2016

5.5 Toronto Hydro is committed to accommodating employees with disabilities. Upon request or as otherwise needed, employees returning to work from an absence due to a disability and requiring accommodation will be provided with a return to work plan. The following assist in the accommodation and return to work processes, as applicable:

  1. Employee Health Services
  2. Environment, Health and Safety Department
  3. Accommodation Committee(s)
  4. The Early Safe Return to Work Program
  5. The Employee Assistance Program
  6. Health Care and Disability Benefits

5.6 Employees will be provided with individualized accommodation plans. The process for developing these plans will include:

  1. The manner in which an employee requesting accommodation can participate in the development of the individual accommodation plan.
  2. The means by which the employee is assessed on an individual basis.
  3. The manner in which the employer can request an evaluation by an outside medical or other expert, at the employer’s expense, to assist the employer in determining if accommodation can be achieved and, if so, how accommodation can be achieved.
  4. The manner in which the employee can request the participation of a representative from their bargaining agent, where the employee is represented by a bargaining agent, or other representative from the workplace, where the employee is not represented by a bargaining agent, in the development of the accommodation plan.
  5. The steps taken to protect the privacy of the employee’s personal information.
  6. The frequency with which the individual accommodation plan will be reviewed and updated and the manner in which it will be done.
  7. If an individual accommodation plan is denied, the manner in which the reasons for the denial will be provided to the employee.
  8. The means of recording the individual accommodation plan and providing it in a format that takes into account the employee’s accessibility needs due to disability.

5.7 Upon request or as otherwise needed, employees will be provided with accessible performance management and career development tools. These include:

  1. Performance Appraisals
  2. Performance Contracts
  3. Performance development plans
  4. Training tools and materials
  5. Postings, such as those for overtime or job opportunities,

Emergency Response

Deadline: January 1, 2012

5.8 Employees are advised of the availability of individualized emergency response accommodation plans.

5.9 Where an employee requests an individualized emergency response accommodation plan, Toronto Hydro will work with the employee to develop it.

5.10 With the employee’s consent, the individualized emergency response accommodation plan will be shared with those designated to help employees in emergencies.

5.11 Toronto Hydro will review the individualized emergency response accommodation plan with the employee when any of the following three criteria are met:

  1. The employee changes work locations
  2. The employee’s overall accommodation needs are reviewed
  3. Toronto Hydro’s emergency response policies are reviewed

Inclusive Work Stations

Deadline: January 1, 2016

5.12 Toronto Hydro endeavours to ensure that work stations are inclusive, planned and organized in a manner that integrates products and services that maximize the productivity of persons with disabilities.

Inclusive Meetings

Deadline: January 1, 2016

5.13 Toronto Hydro will ensure that meetings are inclusive, planned and are organized in a manner that integrates products and services that maximize the participation of persons with disabilities.

Organizational Development

Deadline: January 1, 2013

5.14 Toronto Hydro ensures that training provided at the Trades School through the Toronto Organizational Development group is accessible by

  1. Making its educational materials and training resources accessible upon request
  2. Training educators about accessibility
  3. Where textbooks or supplementary materials are provided, making them accessible upon request

6. Training

Deadline: January 1, 2015

6.1 As described in Section 9 of the Accessibility Policy, Toronto Hydro will provide the Accessibility Program to all Affected Persons, as well as to those persons charged with developing this Policy and related procedures and practices.

Content of the Accessibility Program

6.2 As described in Section 9 of the Accessibility Policy, the Accessibility Program will include:

  1. A review of the purpose of the Act and requirements of the Integrated Standards;
  2. A review of the Ontario Human Rights Code requirements regarding disabilities
  3. A review of the Policy;
  4. How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities;
  5. How to interact with persons with a disability who use an Assistive Device or require the assistance of a Service Animal or Support Person;
  6. How to use equipment or devices made available on our premises to assist persons with a disability to obtain, use or benefit from our goods and services;
  7. What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing our premises and/or services.

Timing of Training

6.3 The Accessibility Program is provided to all persons to whom the Policy applies as soon as practicable after he or she is assigned the applicable duties. Supplementary training will be provided on an ongoing basis as required and where appropriate.

6.4 New employees of Toronto Hydro will receive this training at the time of hire.

Documenting Training

6.5 Records of the training provided, including the training protocol, the dates on which the training is provided and the number of individuals to whom the training is provided shall be maintained in accordance the requirements of the Act.