At Craig McDonald Reddon we are committed to meeting the requirements of the accessibility standards established by Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 2005, Customer Service Standard regulations, by January 1, 2012. 

Accessibility standards for Customer Service applies to every organization and to every person or organization that provides goods or services to members of the public or other third parties and that has at least one employee in Ontario. 

The Workplace Accessibility Barriers Assessment is an organization-wide assessment that aims at ensuring that we meet the legislative requirements as set out in Bill 118, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Customer Service Standard for January 1, 2012 and continue to do so through periodic assessments.

Our mission

To make reasonable efforts to ensure that policies, procedures and practices pertaining to the provision of goods and services to the public and other third parties, align with the independence, dignity, integration and equal opportunity guiding principles, as set out in Bill 118.

Craig McDonald Reddon values excellence in customer service for everyone who may benefit from our goods and services.  This policy supports the principles as it provides respectful services that focus on the unique needs of each individual.  This policy enables Craig McDonald Reddon to ensure that persons  with disabilities have access to accessible and exceptional customer service.

Our commitment

In fulfilling our mission, Craig McDonald Reddon aims at all times to provide its goods and services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.  We are committed to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity to access our goods and services.

Through these policies and procedures Craig McDonald Reddon aims to be respectful to the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities and we are committed to providing accessible integrated programs and services that are designed to meet individual needs.

 A disability includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a)  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;

b)  A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability.

c) A learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;

d)  A mental disorder, or 

e)  An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.

Accessible shall mean capable of being entered or reached, approachable, easy to get at, capable of being influenced, obtainable, able to be understood or appreciated.

Barrier shall mean anything that keeps someone with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of their disability.  Barriers can be visible and invisible.  They can be: architectural, physical, communication, attitudinal, technological and organizational.

 Assistive Device  shall mean a device used to assist persons with disabilities in carrying out activities or in accessing the services of persons or organizations covered by the Customer Service Standard.  Assistive devices help people with a variety of disabilities.  Here are some examples:

 For people who have vision loss: magnifier – makes print and images larger and easier to read.  White cane – helps people find their way around obstacles.

 For people who are deaf, deafened, oral deaf, hard of hearing: hearing aid – makes sound louder and clearer.  Teletypewriter (TTY) – helps people who are unable to speak or hear to communicate by phone.

 For people who have physical disabilities: mobility device (e.g., a wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane, crutches) – helps people who have difficulty walking.

 For people who have learning disabilities: electronic notebook or laptop computer – used to take notes and to communicate.

 For people who have intellectual/developmental disabilities: communication boards that are used to pass on a message by pointing to symbols, words or pictures.

Guide Dog shall mean a dog trained as a guide for a person who is blind and having the qualifications prescribed by the appropriate regulations.

Goods and Services shall mean goods and services provided by Craig McDonald Reddon.

Service Animals shall mean animals that are used as a service animal for a person with a disability.

Support Person shall mean an individual hired or chosen by a person with a disability to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or with access to goods or services.