Accessibility Policy

ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMMODATION

Halwell Mutual will comply with the regulations and standards as set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005, specifically under the AODA, Ontario Regulation 191/11, entitled Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation.

The Company is committed to the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity described in the AODA and to meeting the needs of people with disabilities, in a timely manner, through the implementation of this policy.

Management will ensure that all Employees follow the guidelines set out in this policy, that training is provided to all new Employees and that training and communication on AODA is provided throughout an individual’s time with Halwell Mutual.

Disability refers to disabilities of different severity, including visible and non-visible disabilities and those with periodic affects.  Disability is defined, by the Human Rights Code, as:

• 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 dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
• a mental disorder; or
• an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.

ACCESSIBILITY OF SERVICES

Halwell Mutual is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of people with disabilities, in a timely manner, in its practices, processes, policies and procedures and employment-related services.  The commitments in this policy are intended to ensure that accessibility remains a priority in Halwell Mutual’s decision-making process and will serve to assist in ensuring that decisions improve accessibility and do not inadvertently create barriers.

More specifically, Halwell Mutual is committed to:

• Establishing, maintaining and implementing policies as well as associated practices and procedures in the Integrated regulation, specifically in the areas of customer service, information and communications, employment and transportation, and to meet the accessibility needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner.
• Excellence in serving all our clients, including people with disabilities.  When providing information to, or communicating with, a person with a disability, the Company will provide the information and communication in a manner that takes into account the person’s disability.
• The on-going training of all Employees and persons who deal with customers and the public on Halwell Mutual’s behalf, and persons participating in the development and approval of the Company’s policies, practices, and procedures on the requirements under the Integrated Regulation and the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with a disability.
• Ensure that its recruitment, selection and assessment practices are in compliance with the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation and that this is made public to internal and external applicants.
• Provide alternate formats and communication supports to individuals upon request and provide notice that these alternate formats and supports are available

When providing information to, or communicating with, a person with a disability, Halwell Mutual will provide the information and communication in a manner that takes into account the person’s disability as provided in the customer service standards and under the Integrated Regulation within a reasonable period of time.

Halwell Mutual will conform to the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 as outlined in the Information and Communications Standard for accessible websites and web content.

Emergency procedures, plans, or public safety information will be in place and meet the needs of persons with disabilities and all of the above information will be contained within the Company Health and Safety Manual.

Halwell Mutual will notify members of the public about the availability of accessible information and communications. If there is a cost, the Company will not charge more for such formats and supports than it charges other persons.

If you have any accessibility comments or concerns, please click the button below to be taken to our AODA Feedback Form.

Requests can also be made in person at our office:

535 Hanlon Creek Blvd
Guelph, ON   N1C 0A1

Or by calling (toll free) 1-800-267-5706