Wesbell’s Customer Accessibility Policy

Wesbell is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. 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 meeting our accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Ontario’s accessibility laws.

Assistive Devices

Wesbell will ensure that our employees are trained and familiar with various assistive devices we have on-site or that we provide that may be used by customers with disabilities while accessing our goods or services.

Communication

Wesbell will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.

Service animals

Wesbell welcomes people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public.

Support persons

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

Notice of temporary disruption

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for customers with disabilities, Wesbell will notify customers promptly. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

The notice will be placed at Wesbell reception areas. 

Training

We are committed to training staff and volunteers in Ontario’s accessibility laws and aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities.

We will train our employees and volunteers on accessibility as it relates to their specific roles. This training will be provided to staff upon hire. 

Training will include:

  1. An overview of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the requirements of the customer service standard
  2. Wesbell’s plan related to the customer service standard.
  3. How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities
  4. How to interact with people with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a service animal or a support person
  5. How to use any equipment that may help with providing goods and services to people with disabilities.
  6. What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing Wesbell’s goods and services

Employees will also be trained when changes are made to the accessible customer service plan.

Information and communications

We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disabilities. When asked, we will provide information about our organization and its services, including public safety information, in accessible formats or with communication supports.

We will also meet internationally recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA website requirements in accordance with Ontario’s accessibility laws.

Employment

We will notify employees, potential hires and the public that accommodations can be made during recruitment and hiring.

We will notify staff that supports are available for those with disabilities. We will put in place a process to develop individual accommodation plans for employees.

Where needed, we will also provide customized emergency information to help an employee with a disability during an emergency.

Feedback process

Customers who wish to provide feedback on the way Wesbell provides goods and services to people with disabilities can email Human Resources at hr@wesbell.com , fax comments directed to Human Resources at 905-564-0620 , or call our toll free number 1-888-WESBELL (1-888-937-2355) and speak with Human Resources at Extension 222.

All feedback, including complaints, will be reviewed and where requested, a person from our Human Resources department will contact the Customer.

Notice of availability

Wesbell will notify the public of our policy by posting them on our website at www.wesbell.com.

Modifications to this or other policies

Any policy of Wesbell that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.