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Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for Atria Retirement Canada 2024-2029

Atria Management Canada, ULC, operating business as Atria Retirement Canada (“Atria”) is committed to identifying and meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in an effective, appropriate and timely manner through compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (Ontario) (the “AODA”) and its applicable regulations, as well as the Human Rights Code (Ontario) (the “Code”).

 

Atria’s goal is to foster an inclusive organizational culture that is guided by the principles of the AODA, including dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

 

This Accessibility Plan outlines the commitments and actions that Atria has and will continue to put in place to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities. This Plan applies to the period of 2024-2029, and will be reviewed and updated every five years, with the next scheduled review to occur in 2029.

 

As most compliance deadlines under the AODA have now passed and Atria is, to the best of its knowledge, in compliance with the requirements of the AODA, compliance with the items set out herein is maintained on an ongoing basis, with updates and developments implemented as necessary to continue to meet the requirements of the AODA and the Code.

Statement of Commitment

Atria is committed to treating all persons in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements, especially as they relate to the AODA and the Code.

Accessibility Policy

Atria has implemented an Accessibility Policy that applies to all communities in Ontario to ensure that persons with disabilities are treated with respect and dignity in their experience at Atria, whether as residents, visitors, employees or other members of our Atria community. This Policy, which is available online at www.atriaretirement.ca/accessibility, is also available upon request, including in an alternative accessible format that takes into account the disability-related needs of the requesting party.

Training

Atria has provided training to all of its Ontario associates and those who develop Atria’s accessibility policies on the requirements of the AODA and the Code as it pertains to disabilities, including with respect to (i) customer service-related interactions with guests and visitors and (ii) the performance of their other job duties and responsibilities, to achieve accessibility for persons with disabilities. Atria provides such training as part of its onboarding process for new hires and will ensure that the training remains current on an on-going basis, providing re-training where necessary to address changes in Atria’s policies or practices as they impact accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Kiosks

Atria does and will continue to consider the needs of persons with disabilities when and if it procures or acquires self-service kiosks. Atria will coordinate with its vendors and suppliers to ensure that appropriate accessibility features are included in the design of any future-purchased kiosks.

Information and Communications/Feedback/Accessible Formats

Atria is committed to meeting the communication needs of persons with disabilities.

 

To the extent necessary and required by the AODA, Atria has updated its internet website (www.atriaretirement.ca) and content on that site to conform with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA. Atria will continue to work to ensure that new content added to this website meets this standard.

 

Atria has emergency response procedures, plans and public safety information that it makes available to the public. Upon request, Atria will provide accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities in a timely manner that takes into account each person’s accessibility needs due to disability and (if applicable) at a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons. Requests can be made through accessibility@atriaseniorliving.com or the other feedback mechanisms listed below.

 

Atria continues to take steps to ensure existing feedback processes are accessible to persons with disabilities upon request, including the following: assess current forms of company communication, consider accessibility requirements when creating new forms of communication, make appropriate changes and accommodations, ensure residents and associates are aware of how to participate in providing feedback and receiving a response to feedback.

 

Upon request through accessibility@atriaseniorliving.com or the other feedback mechanisms listed below, Atria will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities in a timely manner that takes into account each person’s accessibility needs due to disability and (if applicable) at a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons. Atria will consult with the person making the request for an accessible format or communication support when determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.

 

Atria accepts feedback on accessibility matters through the following means:

 

Employment

Atria takes reasonable steps to accommodate persons with disabilities during the recruitment, assessment and hiring processes and during employment. Atria reviews current recruitment policies, job descriptions, processes and communications and amends as necessary to reflect required accessibility standards.

 

Atria develops or revises, as required, individual accommodation plans and return-to-work plans for associates who have been absent from work due to a disability.

 

Atria reviews performance management, career development and re-deployment processes and amends as required to ensure the accessibility needs of associates with disabilities are taken into account in connection with these processes.

Design of Public Spaces

To the extent applicable, Atria will work toward meeting the Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces when building or making major modifications to public spaces which can include accessible off-street parking, ramps, sidewalks, entrances and service-related elements like waiting areas and washrooms.

 

Where we experience a planned or unexpected disruption in services or facilities provided by Atria which are usually used by persons with disabilities, we provide notice of the same, for example by posting signage in the applicable facility that includes information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

Provision of Customer Service

Subject to health and safety precautions, persons with disabilities are be permitted to obtain, use or benefit from Atria’s services and facilities through the use of their own assistive devices. It is the responsibility of the person with a disability to ensure that his/her assistive device is operated in a safe and controlled manner at all times.

 

Further, Atria is committed to welcoming persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person and/or service animal on the parts of its Ontario communities that are open to the public and other applicable third parties, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Atria is also dedicated to ensuring that all employees and others who deal with the public and applicable third parties at Atria’s Ontario communities are properly trained in how to interact with persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person and/or service animal.

 

Finally, Atria provides appropriate parties with notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in services or facilities provided by Atria which are usually used by persons with disabilities. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

 

Questions about this Plan can be directed to accessibility@atriaseniorliving.com or by contacting Atria at 502-779-7600.

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