Accessible Employment Policy

This policy explains how Germiphene meets its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”) specifically with respect to the accessible employment standards under AODA’s Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations (the “IASR”).  

Statement of Organizational Commitment: 

Germiphene is committed to maintaining equal access and participation for persons with disabilities in accordance with Ontario’s Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”). As such, we work to actively remove and prevent barriers to accessibility in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of individuals with disabilities with a focus on integration.  

 Germiphene is committed to excellence in service to all customers/employees inclusive of people with disabilities. 
 Definitions: 
“Accessibility” means giving people of all abilities opportunities to participate fully in everyday life. It is used to describe how widely a service, product, device or environment is available to as many people as possible. Accessibility can be seen as the ability to access and benefit from a system, service, product or environment.  

“Disability” includes:

1. 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 coordination, 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,
2. a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
3. a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
4. a mental disorder; or
5. an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (Ontario).

“Service animal” means an animal accompanying a person with disabilities if (a) it is readily apparent that the animal is used by the person for reasons relating to their disability; or (b) the person provides a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that they require the animal for reasons relating to the disability.  

“Support Person” is a person who accompanies a person with disabilities in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs, or with access to goods and services.  

1. Recruitment & Employment 
   Germiphene is committed to fair and accessible employment practices, and to ensuring that all employees are treated with dignity and respect.   Accommodations can be made upon request for job applicants during the recruitment & selection process.   Where accommodation is requested, Germiphene will consult with the individual making the request to arrange for suitable accommodation that considers the individual’s needs.  Successful applicants will be notified of policies for accommodating employees with disabilities when making offers of employment. 
2. Individual Accommodation Plans  Germiphene has in place a written process to develop individual accommodation plans for employees to ensure they have all the required information and resources to perform their required duties. The written process for developing individual accommodation plans is available in our employee handbook.  
3.  Return to Work Process  Germiphene has in place a written process for employees returning to work following an absence due to a disability and who require disability-related accommodations.  Germiphene will consult with the employee to ensure the process takes into account their disability. The written return to work process is available in our employee handbook.  
4. Accessible Emergency Information  If necessary, individualized workplace emergency response information will be provided to employees who have a disability. With the employee’s consent, we will provide workplace emergency information to a designated support person who is providing assistance to that employee. If the employee moves to a different location in the organization, if the employee’s overall accommodation needs or plans are reviewed, or if Germiphene reviews its emergency response policies, we will review and revise the individualized workplace emergency response information accordingly.   
5. Performance Management, Career Development, Advancement and Redeployment   Germiphene will ensure that our performance management, career development, advancement, and redeployment processes take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities, and individual accommodation plans. Germiphene ensures that those involved in the decision-making during these processes are trained on how to properly manage and assess performance with regard to individual accommodation plans.   
6. Training  Germiphene employees, volunteers and all individuals who provide services to the public on Germiphene’s behalf or participate in developing its policies, are required to complete accessibility training.   In accordance with the AODA accessibility training includes the following topics:   
   • The purpose of the AODA and the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (the “IASR”) pertaining to customer service; 
   • The Human Rights Code (Ontario) as it pertains to persons with disabilities; 
   • How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities; 
   • How to interact with persons with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a guide dog or other service animal or the assistance of  a support person; 
   • What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing our organization’s goods, services or facilities; 
   • How to use the equipment or devices available on-site or otherwise that may help with; providing goods, services or facilities to people with disabilities; 
   • This Accessible Employment Policy and Germiphene’s Accessible Customer Service Policy, which is available on the Germiphene website, and in its Handbook.  

    Any modifications to Germiphene’s policies, practices and procedures in terms of the provision of services to persons with disabilities, will be communicated and re-trained as necessary.  

    Germiphene will maintain a record of training that has been completed, including the name of the employee and the completion date.  

   Notice of Availability of Documents  

   Documents related to accessibility are available upon request, and will be posted on our public website.  

    Germiphene will consult with the person making the request to ensure the format suits the needs of the individual’s disabilities. The requested accessible format/communication support will be provided in a timely manner, and at no additional cost to the requesting individual.  

7. Modifications to this Policy  Modifications to this or other policies will not be made without considering accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any Germiphene policy that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities will be modified or removed.   
   1. Feedback Process  

    Germiphene’s ultimate goal is to meet and surpass customer and employee expectations while serving customers with disabilities. As such, Germiphene welcomes feedback to help identify any barriers to accessing its goods and services. If an individual requires an alternative accessible format or communication support to participate in the feedback process, such formats or supports will be made reasonably available upon request.  

   Feedback regarding the way Germiphene Corporation provides goods and services to people with disabilities can be made in writing, in person, by email, or telephone, addressed to:  

   Human Resources, P.O Box 1748 

   Brantford, ON N3T 5V7  

   Phone: 519-720-5672 

   Email: hr@germiphene.com   

   All feedback will be directed to management. Customers and employees can expect a response within five business days. 

Accessibile Customer Service Policy 

This policy explains how Germiphene meets its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”) specifically with respect to the customer service standards under AODA’s Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations (the “IASR”). 

A. Application of this Policy  

This policy applies to the goods and services that Germiphene provides to the public and to all Germiphene staff, visitors, and any individual receiving goods or services from Germiphene.  

B.  Germiphene’s Statement of Commitment  

Germiphene is committed to maintaining equal access and participation for persons with disabilities in accordance with Ontario’s Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”). As such, we work to actively remove and prevent barriers to accessibility in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of individuals with disabilities with a focus on integration.  

Germiphene is committed to excellence in service to all customers/employees inclusive of people with disabilities.  

C. Definitions  

“Accessibility” means giving people of all abilities opportunities to participate fully in everyday life. It is used to describe how widely a service, product, device or environment is available to as many people as possible. Accessibility can be seen as the ability to access and benefit from a system, service, product or environment.  

“Disability” includes: 

1. 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 coordination, 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, 
2. a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability; 
3. a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language; 
4. a mental disorder; or 
5. an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (Ontario). 

“Service animal” means an animal accompanying a person with disabilities if (a) it is readily apparent that the animal is used by the person for reasons relating to their disability; or (b) the person provides a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that they require the animal for reasons relating to the disability.  

“Support Person” is a person who accompanies a person with disabilities in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs, or with access to goods and services.  

A. Provision of Goods and Services  
Germiphene is committed to excellence when serving all visitors, including persons with disabilities, and will ensure that its policies are consistent with equal opportunity by: 

• Communicating with individuals in a manner that take into account their disability;  
• Allowing individuals with disabilities to do things their own ways and at their own pace, when accessing our goods and services, if this does not pose a safety risk; 
• Considering individual needs when providing goods and services;  
• Providing alternative formats where possible, to ensure all members/clients have equal access to Germiphene’s goods and services. 

B. Assistive Devices  
Persons with disabilities can use their own assistive devices as required when accessing goods or services provided by Germiphene.  
Individuals providing services on Germiphene’s behalf must complete training to ensure they are familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by customers with disabilities while accessing our goods and services.  

C. Guide Dogs, Service Animals, and Service Dogs 
Germiphene welcomes people with disabilities that are accompanied by a guide dog, service animal or service dog, when accessing our goods and services. Individuals providing services on Germiphene’s behalf must complete training on how to interact with people with disabilities accompanied by service animals. If the animal is excluded by the law, Germiphene will ensure that other measures are available to enable the person with disabilities to access our goods and services.  

D. Support Persons 
Germiphene welcomes people with disabilities that are accompanied by a support person, when accessing our goods and services. If circumstances arise where confidential information may be discussed, we will advise an individual who is accompanied by a support person in advance and obtain consent prior to sharing any personal information in the company of their support person.  

E. Notice of Temporary Disruption 

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to Germiphene’s goods and services that will impact how individuals with disabilities use or access such goods and services, Germiphene will post a notice of the disruptions on the public Germiphene website, or communicate such notice by such a method as is reasonable in the circumstances.  This notice will include the following information: 

• The reason for the disruption and it’s anticipated length of time;  
• The good and services that are unavailable; and  
• A description of alternative services, if available 

F. Accessible Emergency Information 
To the extent Germiphene has any publically available emergency response information, Germiphene is committed to providing individuals with accessible emergency information, upon request. Germiphene will consult with the individual making the request to ensure the format suits their disabilities.  
 
G. Modifications to this Policy 
Modifications to this or other policies will not be made without considering accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any Germiphene policy that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities will be modified or removed.  

H. Notice of Availability of Documents 
Documents related to accessibility are available upon request, and will be posted on our public website.  
Germiphene will consult with the person making the request to ensure the format suits the needs of the individual’s disabilities. The requested accessible format/communication support will be provided in a timely manner, and at no additional cost to the requesting individual. 

I. Information and Communications 

Germiphene is committed to treating all individuals with dignity and respect, and to meeting the communication needs of individuals with disabilities.  

Germiphene is committed to communicating with individuals with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability, and the accessibility of information.  

Upon request, we will provide information about our organization and its services, including public safety information, in accessible formats or with communication supports:  

1. In a timely manner, taking into account the person’s accessibility needs due to disability; and  
2. At a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons. 

 Germiphene has taken the necessary steps to ensure that its Ontario internet websites and web content conform with the World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level A and Level AA (except for the exclusions set out in the IASR) as required by the AODA. 

J. Training 

Germiphene employees, volunteers and all individuals who provide services to the public on Germiphene’s behalf or participate in developing its policies are required to complete accessibility training, which includes the following topics:  

• The purpose of the AODA and the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (the “IASR”) pertaining to customer service; 
• The Human Rights Code (Ontario) as it pertains to persons with disabilities; 
• How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities; 
• How to interact with persons with disabilities who use an assistive device or require the assistance of a guide dog or other service animal or the assistance of  a support person; 
• What to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty in accessing our organization’s goods, services or facilities; 
• How to use the equipment or devices available on-site or otherwise that may help with; providing goods, services or facilities to people with disabilities; 
• Germiphene’s accessibility policies and procedures. 

Germiphene maintains a record of training that has been completed, including the number of employees and completion date of their training.  

K. Feedback Process  

Germiphene’s ultimate goal is to meet and surpass customer and employee expectations while serving customers with disabilities. As such, Germiphene welcomes feedback to help identify any barriers to accessing its goods and services. If an individual requires an alternative accessible format or communication support to participate in the feedback process, such formats or supports will be made reasonably available upon request. 

 Feedback regarding the way Germiphene Corporation provides goods and services to people with disabilities can be made in writing, in person, by email, or telephone, addressed to:  

 Human Resources, P.O Box 1748 

 Brantford, ON N3T 5V7 

 Phone: 519-720-5672 

 Email: hr@germiphene.com  

 All feedback will be directed to management. Customers and employees can expect a response within five business days. 

AODA Multi Year Accessibility Plan for Germiphene 

 Statement of Commitment  

Germiphene is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals have equal access to our products and services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.   

A. Accessible Emergency Information  

Germiphene is committed to providing the customers and clients with publicly available emergency information in an accessible way upon request. We will also provide employees with disabilities with individualized emergency response information when necessary. 

B. Training  

Germiphene will provide training to employees on Ontario’s accessibility laws and on the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities. Training will be provided in a way that best suits the duties of employees.  

Germiphene has trained applicable employees on the AODA approach during the communication process of the publication of the new approach and will take the following steps to ensure employees are provided with the training needed to meet Ontario’s accessible laws by January 1, 2015. 

• Employees will be trained when changes are made to the accessibility policy as soon as practicable 
• New employees will be trained during Orientation

C. Information and Communications  

Germiphene is committed to meeting the communication needs of people with disabilities. We will consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs. 

Germiphene will continue to take the following steps to ensure all new websites and content on our websites conforms with WCAG 2.0, Level A: 

• Review new content and ensure it is up to date with WCAG 2.0., Level A 
• Make any amendments as necessary 

Germiphene has taken the following steps to make sure existing feedback processes are accessible to people with disabilities upon request: 

• List feedback process in Accessibility Policy 
• Encourage people with feedback to contact Human Resources at hr@germiphene.com or 519-720-5672

Germiphene will take the following steps to make sure all publicly available information is made accessible upon request by January 1, 2016: 

• Upon request, provide publicly available information in different ways (ex: Large print, read aloud etc.) 

Germiphene will take the following steps to ensure all websites and content conform with WCAG 2.0, Level AA by January 1, 2021: 

• Review new website content and ensure it is up to date with WCAG 2.0., Level AA 
• Make any amendments as necessary 

D. Employment 

Germiphene is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Germiphene recognizes the unique talents and experiences of each individual. That’s why we value diversity and commit to providing equal opportunity to all candidates throughout the recruitment process. Accommodations may be available on request for candidates with disabilities. 

We will take the following steps to notify the public and staff that, when requested Germiphene will accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes and when people are hired: 

• Include our commitment to accessibility in all job postings 
• Notify talent acquisition staff that upon request we will make accommodations for public and staff with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes and when people are hired. 

 
Germiphene develops and puts in place individual accommodation plans and return to work plans for employees that have been absent due to a disability.
To prevent and remove other identified accessibility barriers Germiphene will provide an open forum for reporting any accessibility barriers and needed accommodation.  
 
E. Performance Management, Career Development and Advancement & Redeployment  
Germiphene will take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities, as well as individual accommodation plans, when conducting performance management, providing career development and advancement to employees, or when redeploying employees. 
Phone: (519) 720-5672 
Email: hr@germiphene.com  
Accessible formats of this document are available free upon request, please contact Human Resources at:  
Phone: (519) 720-5672 
Email: hr@germiphene.com