Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
- Introduction
- Our Commitment
- Accessibility Initiatives and Strategies
- Part I – General Requirements
- Part II – Information and Communications Standards
- Part III – Employment Standards
- Recruitment, Assessment and Selection
- Notice to Successful Applicants
- Informing Employees of Accessibility Supports
- Accessible Formats and Communication Supports for Employees
- Workplace Emergency Response Information
- Individual Accommodation Plans
- Return to Work Process
- Performance Management
- Career Development and Advancement
- Redeployment
- Part IV – Design of Public Spaces Standards
- Part V – Customer Service Standards
Introduction
Farm Boy Company Inc. (“Farm Boy”) is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all customers, employees, applicants, suppliers, and visitors. Farm Boy strives to meet the needs of people with disabilities by identifying, preventing, and removing barriers to accessibility in accordance with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”) and its applicable regulations.
This Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines Farm Boy’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers and describes the actions the organization has taken and will continue to take to improve accessibility across its operations.
Farm Boy is committed to complying with all applicable accessibility legislation and to ensuring that accessibility remains an important consideration in the way we provide goods, services, employment opportunities, information, communications, and facilities.
This plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five years, or more frequently as required, to reflect legislative changes, organizational improvements, and opportunities to enhance accessibility.
Our Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to providing goods, services, and employment opportunities in a manner that respects the dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity of people with disabilities.
We recognize that accessibility is an ongoing responsibility and are committed to:
- Identifying, preventing, and removing barriers that may limit participation for people with disabilities.
- Providing customers and employees with disabilities the same opportunity to access goods, services, information, and employment opportunities as others.
- Communicating with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their individual accessibility needs.
- Providing accessible formats and communication supports upon request.
- Supporting employees and applicants through appropriate workplace accommodations.
- Ensuring accessibility considerations are incorporated into business practices, policies, training, and facility planning.
- Complying with applicable accessibility requirements under Ontario legislation.
Farm Boy is committed to fostering a workplace and shopping environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported.
Where a barrier cannot be removed immediately, Farm Boy will provide alternative methods of access where reasonably possible to ensure people with disabilities can continue to benefit from our products, services, and facilities.
Accessibility Initiatives and Strategies
Farm Boy’s accessibility initiatives are organized according to the requirements of the AODA and focus on preventing and removing barriers in the following areas:
- General Requirements
- Information and Communications
- Employment
- Workplace Emergency Response Information
- Design of Public Spaces
- Customer Service
- Training
- Compliance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Part I – General Requirements
Accessibility Policies
Commitment
Farm Boy has developed and maintains accessibility policies that outline how the organization meets its accessibility obligations under the AODA and applicable accessibility standards.
Achievements
- Accessibility policies have been developed and implemented to support accessible customer service, employment practices, communication, and workplace accommodation.
- Accessibility requirements are considered when developing and updating policies and procedures.
- Accessibility policies are available in accessible formats upon request.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue to review accessibility policies regularly to ensure ongoing compliance with legislative requirements.
- Policies will be updated when accessibility legislation, standards, or organizational practices change.
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Commitment
As a large organization operating in Ontario, Farm Boy maintains a documented Multi-Year Accessibility Plan that outlines the strategies and actions taken to prevent and remove barriers.
Achievements
- A Multi-Year Accessibility Plan has been established and made available to employees, customers, and the public.
- The plan is available in an accessible format upon request.
- Accessibility initiatives and compliance requirements are reviewed regularly.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue to review and update this Multi-Year Accessibility Plan at least once every five years.
- Accessibility progress will continue to be monitored through internal reviews and operational feedback.
Accessibility Training
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to ensuring employees, volunteers, and individuals who provide goods, services, or facilities on behalf of the organization receive appropriate accessibility training.
Achievements
Accessibility training includes:
- The purpose and requirements of the AODA.
- The Ontario Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities.
- How to communicate and interact with people with various types of disabilities.
- How to support individuals who use assistive devices, service animals, or support persons.
- How to use accessibility equipment and services available at Farm Boy locations.
- How to respond when a person with a disability experiences difficulty accessing Farm Boy’s goods, services, or facilities.
Training records are maintained in accordance with organizational practices.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue providing accessibility training to new employees as soon as practicable after joining the organization.
- Refresher training will be provided when accessibility policies or legislative requirements are updated.
- Training materials will be reviewed periodically to ensure they remain current and effective.
Self-Service Kiosks and Technology
Commitment
Farm Boy recognizes the importance of considering accessibility when designing, selecting, or purchasing self-service technology. Currently, this does not apply to the organization.
Achievements
- Accessibility considerations are incorporated when evaluating new technology and customer-facing systems.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue to consider accessibility requirements when introducing or replacing self-service technology.
- Feedback from customers and employees will be considered when improving accessibility of technology solutions.
Part II – Information and Communications Standards
Accessible Feedback Processes
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to ensuring that its feedback processes are accessible to people with disabilities and that individuals are able to provide feedback through methods that accommodate their accessibility needs.
Achievements
- Feedback processes have been established to allow customers, employees, and other stakeholders to provide comments or concerns regarding accessibility.
- Feedback may be provided through available communication channels, including in person, by phone, in writing, or through electronic methods.
- Requests for accessible formats or communication supports are accommodated upon request.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue to review feedback received regarding accessibility and use this information to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Feedback processes will continue to be evaluated to ensure they remain accessible and effective.
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to providing accessible formats and communication supports for people with disabilities in a timely manner and at no additional cost, where required.
Achievements
- Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request.
- Farm Boy consults with individuals requesting accommodation to determine the most suitable format or support based on their accessibility needs.
- Publicly available information can be provided in alternate formats when requested.
Examples of accessible formats and communication supports may include:
- Large print materials
- Electronic documents compatible with accessibility software
- Alternative communication methods
- Other formats identified through consultation with the individual
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue to assess requests for accessible formats on an individual basis.
- Communication practices will continue to be reviewed to improve accessibility and clarity.
Accessible Websites and Digital Content
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to providing accessible digital experiences and will work toward ensuring websites and online content meet applicable accessibility requirements.
Achievements
- Accessibility considerations are incorporated into website design and digital communications.
- Efforts are made to ensure online content is clear, understandable, and easy to navigate.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue working with internal teams and external service providers to improve digital accessibility.
- Website content and digital platforms will be reviewed to identify and address accessibility barriers.
- New digital content will consider accessibility principles, including compatibility with assistive technologies.
Emergency Procedures, Plans and Public Safety Information
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to ensuring that emergency procedures, plans, and public safety information are available in accessible formats when requested.
Achievements
- Emergency procedures are communicated to employees through established workplace processes.
- Employees are trained on emergency response procedures, including assisting individuals who may require additional support during an emergency.
- Emergency information is available in accessible formats upon request.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue reviewing emergency procedures to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Accessibility considerations will continue to be incorporated into emergency planning.
Part III – Employment Standards
Recruitment, Assessment and Selection
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to fair and accessible recruitment practices and will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.
Achievements
- Job applicants are informed that accommodations are available upon request during the recruitment and selection process.
- Recruitment processes are reviewed to ensure accessibility needs are considered.
- Hiring representatives are provided with guidance regarding accessibility and accommodation requirements.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue reviewing recruitment practices to identify and remove accessibility barriers.
- Recruitment communications will continue to include information about available accommodations.
Notice to Successful Applicants
Commitment
Farm Boy will notify successful candidates of available accommodation supports when making offers of employment.
Achievements
- Successful applicants are informed of Farm Boy’s commitment to workplace accessibility and accommodation.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue ensuring employment offers and onboarding processes include accessibility information.
Informing Employees of Accessibility Supports
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to ensuring employees are aware of accessibility policies and workplace accommodation processes.
Achievements
- Employees are informed of accessibility policies through training, communication channels, and workplace resources.
- New employees receive information regarding accessibility supports during onboarding.
- Updates to accessibility policies are communicated when changes occur.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue providing employees with updated accessibility information.
- Accessibility policies and procedures will be reviewed periodically.
Accessible Formats and Communication Supports for Employees
Commitment
Farm Boy will provide accessible workplace information and communication supports to employees with disabilities when required.
Achievements
- Employees may request accessible formats or communication supports for information required to perform their job duties or generally available workplace information.
- Farm Boy consults with employees to determine appropriate accommodation solutions.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue working with employees to identify appropriate accessibility solutions.
- Workplace communication practices will continue to be reviewed for accessibility improvements.
Workplace Emergency Response Information
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to providing individualized workplace emergency response information to employees with disabilities where required.
Achievements
- Individualized emergency response plans are developed when an employee’s disability requires additional support.
- Emergency response information is provided as soon as practicable after Farm Boy becomes aware of the need.
- Information is reviewed when:
- The employee changes work locations.
- Accommodation needs change.
- Emergency procedures are updated.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue maintaining processes to ensure individualized emergency response information remains current.
- Employees requiring assistance will continue to be consulted regarding appropriate emergency support measures.
Individual Accommodation Plans
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to supporting employees with disabilities through individualized accommodation plans that respect employee needs while supporting successful workplace participation.
Achievements
Farm Boy maintains a process for developing individual accommodation plans, including:
- Employee participation in developing the accommodation plan.
- Individual assessment of accommodation needs.
- Consideration of external assessments where required.
- Protection of employee privacy and confidentiality.
- Regular review and updates of accommodation plans.
- Providing accommodation information in accessible formats.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue reviewing accommodation processes to ensure they remain effective and aligned with accessibility legislation.
Return to Work Process
Commitment
Farm Boy supports employees returning to work following disability-related absences by providing appropriate accommodations and support.
Achievements
- A return-to-work process has been established for employees requiring disability-related accommodations.
- Individual accommodation plans are considered as part of the return-to-work process.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue reviewing return-to-work practices to support successful employee reintegration.
Performance Management
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to ensuring that performance management processes take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities and any individual accommodation plans.
Achievements
- Accessibility needs and workplace accommodations are considered when conducting performance reviews, coaching, feedback discussions, and performance improvement processes.
- Managers are provided with guidance to ensure performance management practices are fair, inclusive, and accessible.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue reviewing performance management practices to ensure accessibility considerations are incorporated where required.
- Leaders will continue receiving guidance on supporting employees with disabilities.
Career Development and Advancement
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to providing equal opportunities for career development and advancement while considering the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities.
Achievements
- Career development opportunities are available based on employee qualifications, skills, and performance.
- Individual accommodation plans are considered when supporting employee growth and advancement.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue ensuring accessibility is considered in training, development, promotion, and advancement opportunities.
Redeployment
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to ensuring that redeployment processes consider the accessibility needs and accommodation requirements of employees with disabilities.
Achievements
- When redeployment is required, employee accommodation needs are considered.
- Alternative work arrangements or supports are evaluated where appropriate.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue ensuring accessibility considerations are incorporated into workplace transition processes.
Part IV – Design of Public Spaces Standards
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to incorporating accessibility into the design, construction, and redevelopment of public spaces in accordance with applicable Ontario accessibility requirements.
Accessibility considerations apply to areas such as:
- Exterior paths of travel
- Parking areas
- Service counters
- Customer service areas
- Waiting and queuing areas
- Other public spaces within Farm Boy locations
*Currently, the above doesn’t apply to the organization
Exterior Paths of Travel
Achievements
- New construction and redevelopment projects consider accessibility requirements for exterior paths of travel.
- Accessibility features are incorporated into facility planning where applicable.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue working with construction teams, contractors, and facilities teams to ensure accessibility requirements are considered during new construction and redevelopment projects.
Accessible Parking
Achievements
- Accessible parking spaces are maintained where applicable.
- Parking areas are monitored to ensure accessibility features remain available and usable.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue ensuring accessible parking requirements are considered during construction and redevelopment activities.
Service Counters and Customer Service Areas
Achievements
- Customer service areas are designed and maintained to support individuals using mobility devices.
- Accessibility considerations are incorporated into new construction and renovation projects.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue reviewing customer service areas to identify opportunities to improve accessibility.
- Renovation and redevelopment projects will consider accessible service counter requirements.
Part V – Customer Service Standards
Accessible Customer Service
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to providing excellent customer service to all customers, including individuals with disabilities. Goods and services will be provided in a manner that respects dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.
Achievements
Farm Boy supports accessible customer service by:
- Communicating with customers in ways that consider their accessibility needs.
- Supporting the use of assistive devices.
- Welcoming service animals in areas open to the public, where permitted by law.
- Welcoming support persons accompanying individuals with disabilities.
- Providing alternative methods of service where accessibility barriers cannot be immediately removed.
- Maintaining accessible customer service policies and procedures.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue monitoring customer service practices to identify opportunities for accessibility improvements.
- Accessibility feedback will continue to be reviewed and considered when improving services.
Assistive Devices
Commitment
Farm Boy recognizes the importance of assistive devices in enabling individuals with disabilities to access goods and services.
Achievements
- Customers are permitted to use personal assistive devices while accessing Farm Boy stores and services.
- Employees receive guidance on supporting customers who use assistive devices.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue identifying opportunities to improve accessibility equipment, processes, and customer support.
Service Animals
Commitment
Farm Boy welcomes individuals with disabilities who are accompanied by service animals in areas open to the public, except where otherwise restricted by law.
Achievements
- Employees are provided with guidance on appropriate interactions with customers accompanied by service animals.
- Alternative arrangements are considered where service animals are restricted by applicable legislation.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue ensuring employees understand requirements related to service animals.
Support Persons
Commitment
Farm Boy welcomes individuals with disabilities who are accompanied by support persons.
Achievements
- Customers with disabilities are permitted to access Farm Boy locations with their support person.
- Support persons are not prevented from assisting individuals unless restrictions are required by law or safety considerations.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue ensuring support person requirements are communicated and followed consistently.
Notice of Temporary Disruptions
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to providing notice when accessibility features or services are temporarily unavailable.
Achievements
- Temporary disruptions affecting accessibility features are communicated where required.
- Notices include information regarding:
- The reason for the disruption.
- Expected duration.
- Available alternative arrangements.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue maintaining procedures for identifying, communicating, and resolving temporary accessibility disruptions.
Example:
Date Dear Customers,
Our accessible washroom is out of service due to a broken pipe. A plumber will be here tomorrow to fix it.
In the interim, for your convenience, there is a public accessible washroom located in the__________ store which is located next door to our premises.
We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have questions or concerns, please speak with the Store Manager.
Thank you
Accessibility Training
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to ensuring employees and individuals providing services on behalf of the organization receive appropriate accessibility training.
Achievements
Training includes:
- Requirements of the AODA.
- Ontario Human Rights Code obligations related to disabilities.
- Accessible customer service principles.
- Communication and interaction with people with different types of disabilities.
- Supporting customers using assistive devices.
- Supporting individuals accompanied by service animals or support persons.
- Procedures for responding to accessibility barriers.
Training records are maintained according to Farm Boy’s organizational practices.
Actions Planned
- Farm Boy will continue providing accessibility training to new employees.
- Training materials will be reviewed and updated as accessibility requirements evolve.
Compliance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Commitment
Farm Boy is committed to ongoing accessibility improvement and maintaining compliance with applicable accessibility legislation.
Achievements
- Accessibility policies and procedures have been established.
- Accessibility requirements are incorporated into operational practices.
- Feedback from employees, customers, and stakeholders is considered when identifying improvement opportunities.
Training records are maintained according to Farm Boy’s organizational practices.
Actions Planned
Farm Boy will:
- Continue monitoring accessibility compliance requirements.
- Review and update accessibility policies as needed.
- Continue reviewing this Multi-Year Accessibility Plan at least once every five years.
- Use feedback and operational learnings to improve accessibility across Farm Boy locations.
Review and Update Schedule
This Multi-Year Accessibility Plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five years in accordance with AODA requirements.
Next Scheduled Review:
December 2031
Farm Boy Company Inc. remains committed to creating an accessible, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all employees, customers, and members of the community.
