Accessibility Plan

Table of Contents

1. General

1.1 Statement of Commitment

WaveDirect Telecommunications Limited (“WaveDirect”) is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for all individuals, including those with disabilities. We recognize the diverse needs of our community and strive to provide services and products that are accessible to all our clients, employees, and stakeholders.

As an organization, we are dedicated 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 the mandate of the Accessible Canada Act.

As outlined in this plan, WaveDirect pledges to continually improve access to all our telecommunications services and environments, and to involve people with disabilities in the development, review, and enhancement of our accessibility plans.

By adhering to these commitments, WaveDirect aims to demonstrate leadership in accessibility, not just as a provider of telecommunications services, but as an employer of choice and a corporate citizen.

1.2 Contact Information and Feedback Process

You can submit feedback about accessibility or this plan by contacting:

Ryan Davidson
Chief Executive Officer
ryan@wavedirect.org
519-737-9283 x 100
158 Erie St. N, Leamington, ON N8H 3A4

Non-anonymous feedback will be acknowledged withing two business days of receipt. WaveDirect ensures that personal information remains confidential unless the individual submitting feedback consents to the disclosure of their personal information.

1.3 Alternative Formats

You can request alternative formats of this plan, including an electronic version that is compatible with assistive technology, and provide feedback on this plan by contacting:

Ryan Davidson
Chief Executive Officer
ryan@wavedirect.org
519-737-9283 x 100
158 Erie St. N, Leamington, ON N8H 3A4

We will provide the following alternative formats within 15 days of the initial request:

  • Print
  • Large print (increased font size)

We will provide the following alternative formats within 45 days of the initial request:

  • Braille (a system of raised dots that people who are blind or who have low vision can read with their fingers)
  • Audio (a recording of someone reading the text out loud)

1.4 Executive Summary

WaveDirect is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Our 2023-2025 Accessibility Plan outlines our dedication to meeting the needs of people with disabilities by preventing and removing barriers and adhering to the Accessible Canada Act. We pledge to continuously improve access to our services and environments, involving people with disabilities in the development and review of our accessibility initiatives. Our plan includes enhancing the built environment by assessing the feasibility of different accessibility features, maintaining accessible pathways, and revising emergency procedures. In employment, we aim to create an inclusive workplace by ensuring accessible recruitment processes, providing reasonable accommodations, and increasing awareness among staff about the needs of employees with disabilities. Our information and communication technologies (ICT) will follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards, with plans for regular audits and enhanced training. We are committed to effective communication by providing printed materials in accessible formats and improving training on communication with individuals with disabilities. Our procurement processes will prioritize accessibility, with revised policies and enhanced education. We will ensure our programs and services are accessible by consulting with individuals with disabilities, reviewing service locations, and standardizing support services. Although we do not provide direct transportation services, we will ensure accessible parking and advocate for improved local public transit. We developed this plan through consultations with individuals with disabilities and surveys among staff and customers. WaveDirect is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, ensuring our services and workplace are barrier-free. Our comprehensive plan reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, proactive engagement, and creating an inclusive culture that supports the needs and rights of people with disabilities.

1.5 Definitions

The following definitions apply throughout this plan:

Disability: Any impairment or difference in physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, or communication ability. Disabilities can be permanent, temporary, or can change over time.

Barrier: Anything that might hinder people with disabilities full and equal participation. Barriers can be architectural, technological, attitudinal, based on information or communications, or can be the result of a policy or procedure.

Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, environments, technologies, policies, and rules in a way that allows all people, including people with a variety of disabilities to access them.

Back to top

2.0 Areas Described Under Section 5 of the ACA

2.1 The Built Environment

WaveDirect recognizes the importance of the built environment in enhancing accessibility for all individuals. Our ongoing commitment is to ensure that our physical spaces are accessible and inclusive, fostering a barrier-free environment for our employees, customers, and visitors.

Current Status:

  1. Office Access:
  • All primary entrances and exits are equipped with automatic doors.
  • Clear signage is provided throughout the building, using high contrast visuals to assist those with visual impairments.
  • Our office layout is designed to accommodate wheelchair users, with wide corridors and doorways.
  1. Parking:
  • Designated accessible parking spaces are available, located closest to the main entrance.
  • Parking areas are well-lit, with clear and visible signage.
  1. Employee Work Areas:
  • Workstations are adjustable and can be modified to meet individual needs.
  • Accessible restrooms are available on each floor of our building.
  1. Public and Common Areas:
  • Meeting rooms, lunchrooms, and other common areas are accessible to all employees and visitors.
  • All areas are equipped with emergency alert systems that include both auditory and visual signals.

 

Challenges Identified:

  • A key challenge identified through employee feedback is the lack of elevator access to the second level of our building, currently accessible only by stairs. This has been noted as a significant barrier for individuals with mobility issues.
  • Insufficient maintenance of accessible pathways, especially during adverse weather conditions, creates temporary but significant accessibility barriers.
  • Emergency procedures may not be fully accessible or clearly communicated to all employees, particularly those with sensory disabilities, which could impede safe evacuation during emergencies.

Future Objectives and Actions:

Elevator Installation:

  • Short-term: By end of 2025, assess the feasibility of installing an elevator or a platform lift to provide full access to the second level.

Pathway Maintenance:

  • Immediate Action: Implement a regular maintenance schedule for all accessible pathways, especially before and during adverse weather conditions, to ensure they are always clear and safe.
  • Monitoring: Install monitoring systems to promptly identify and address any obstructions or damage to pathways that could impede accessibility.

Emergency Procedures:

  • Review and Revise: Conduct a comprehensive review of all current emergency procedures to identify gaps in accessibility for individuals with sensory and mobility disabilities.
  • Implementation: Develop and implement modified emergency response plans by the end of 2025, which include visual alerts, auditory signals, and training sessions tailored to the needs of all employees.

Accessibility Audits:

  • Long-term: Continue to review and improve the accessibility of our built environment by conducting bi-annual accessibility audits, starting in 2025, to identify new barriers and address them promptly.

Employee Engagement:

  • Ongoing: Enhance employee participation in identifying barriers by introducing a quarterly feedback system where employees can report issues and suggest improvements directly related to the built environment.
  • Training: Implement regular training sessions on accessibility awareness and emergency preparedness for all employees, focusing on the diverse needs within our workforce.

Commitment:

WaveDirect is committed to continuous improvement in accessibility and will allocate the necessary resources to enhance the built environment, ensuring it aligns with the standards set out by the Accessible Canada Act.

2.2 Employment

WaveDirect recognizes that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances our organizational performance and are committed to ensuring that our employment practices are free from barriers and promote equal opportunities.

Current Status:

  1. Recruitment and Hiring:
  • Job postings are accessible and available in various formats upon request.
  • Reasonable accommodations are provided during the recruitment process to ensure candidates with disabilities can fully participate.
  • We actively encourage applications from individuals with disabilities (by stating so on our job postings) and ensure our hiring practices are inclusive following guidelines established by the Governments of Canada and Ontario.
  1. Workplace Accommodations:
  • We have a process in place for employees to request accommodations to support their needs.
  • Workstations and office environments can be adjusted to meet individual accessibility requirements.
  • We provide assistive technologies and tools to support employees with disabilities in their daily tasks.
  1. Training and Development:
  • All employees, including those with disabilities, have equal access to training and career development opportunities.
  • Regular training sessions on accessibility awareness and inclusion are conducted to educate staff and foster an inclusive workplace culture.

Challenges Identified:

  • Through employee feedback, a significant challenge identified is the lack of awareness and understanding about the needs of employees with disabilities among some staff members.
  • Some employees with disabilities reported experiencing attitudinal barriers, including unconscious biases, that affect their full participation and inclusion in the workplace.
  • The process for requesting and implementing workplace accommodations may not be well understood by all employees, leading to delays and uncertainties.

Future Objectives and Actions:

  1. Awareness and Education:
  • Short-term: By the end of 2025, implement a comprehensive training program focused on disability awareness, unconscious bias, and inclusive practices for all employees and managers.
  • Ongoing: Regularly update and refresh training content to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.
  1. Enhancing Accommodation Processes:
  • Review and Revise: Conduct a thorough review of the current accommodation request process by the end of 2025 to identify areas for improvement.
  • Implementation: Develop and communicate a clear, streamlined process for requesting and receiving accommodations by the end of 2025, ensuring all employees understand their rights and the available support.
  • Support: Establish a dedicated team or point of contact for managing accommodation requests (perhaps leveraging the pre-existing Joint Health and Safety Committee) and providing support to employees and managers.

 

  1. Fostering an Inclusive Culture:
  • Engagement: Increase employee engagement by introducing a feedback system where employees can share their experiences and suggestions for improving workplace inclusion.
  • Recognition: Recognize and celebrate the contributions of employees with disabilities through internal communication channels and events, promoting a culture of inclusion and respect.

 

  1. Employment Audits:
  • Long-term: Conduct annual audits of our employment practices, starting in 2025, to identify and address any new or ongoing barriers to accessibility and inclusion.

Commitment:

WaveDirect is committed to continuous improvement in employment accessibility and will allocate the necessary resources to enhance our employment practices, ensuring alignment with the standards set out by the Accessible Canada Act. Our goal is to create a workplace where every employee can thrive and contribute to our collective success.

2.3 Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

WaveDirect is committed to ensuring that our information and communication technologies (ICT) are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. We recognize the crucial role that accessible ICT plays in enabling full participation in our services, workplace, and community.

Current Status:

  1. Website and Digital Content:
  • Our website is designed to be accessible, with features such as colour contrast, the use of alternative text, and keyboard navigability.
  • All digital content, including documents and multimedia, is created with accessibility in mind, following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards.
  1. Internal Communication Tools:
  • We use communication platforms like Slack and Google Workspace that support accessibility features, such as screen reader compatibility and customizable interface settings.
  • Employees are provided with accessible formats for internal documents and communications upon request.
  1. Customer Service Technologies:
  • Our customer service platforms are designed to be accessible, ensuring that customers with disabilities can access support through multiple channels, including phone, email, and online chat (coming soon).
  • We provide alternative communication methods for customers with hearing or speech disabilities, such as email and instant messaging.

Challenges Identified:

  • Employee feedback indicates that while our website is generally accessible, there may be occasional issues with certain interactive elements not being fully compliant with accessibility standards.
  • Customers with disabilities have noted difficulties in accessing some of our digital services, particularly those requiring the use of third-party applications that may not be fully accessible.
  • There is a need for ongoing training to ensure that all employees are aware of how to create and maintain accessible digital content and communications.

Future Objectives and Actions:

  1. Website and Digital Content:
  • Review and Update: Conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit of our website and digital content by 2025 to identify and rectify any compliance issues.
  • Enhancements: Implement improvements based on audit findings by 2025, ensuring all interactive elements and multimedia content meet WCAG 2.1 standards.
  • Monitoring: Establish a continuous monitoring process to regularly check and maintain web accessibility.
  1. Internal Communication Tools:
  • Training: Develop and deliver training sessions on creating accessible digital content and communications for all employees by 2025.
  • Support: Provide ongoing support and resources, such as accessibility checklists and guides, to help employees maintain accessibility in their daily communications.
  1. Customer Service Technologies:
  • Evaluation: Evaluate all customer service platforms and third-party applications for accessibility compliance by 2025.
  • Alternative Solutions: Identify and implement alternative solutions for any identified accessibility issues by 2025 ensuring customers with disabilities can access all services effectively.
  1. Employee Engagement:
  • Feedback System: Introduce a feedback system by 2025, allowing employees and customers to report ICT accessibility issues and suggest improvements.
  • Recognition: Recognize and reward departments and individuals who demonstrate excellence in creating and maintaining accessible ICT solutions.

Commitment:

WaveDirect is committed to continuous improvement in the accessibility of our ICT. Our goal is to provide an inclusive digital experience for all users, enabling equal access to our services and information.

2.4 Communication, other than ICT

WaveDirect is committed to ensuring that all forms of communication are accessible to individuals with disabilities. We understand that effective communication is essential for full participation in our workplace and community, and we strive to eliminate barriers in all non-ICT communication methods.

Current Status:

  1. Printed Materials:
  • Printed materials, including brochures, flyers, and official documents, are available in accessible formats upon request, such as large print, braille, and easy-to-read versions.
  • All public-facing printed materials use high-contrast text and clear fonts to enhance readability.
  1. In-person Communication:
  • Employees are trained to communicate clearly and effectively with individuals with various types of disabilities, ensuring an inclusive and respectful interaction.
  1. Meetings and Events:
  • Meetings and events are organized with accessibility in mind ensuring physical accessibility of the venues and producing alternative printed materials as needed. Virtual meetings are organized using tools that have accessibility tools such as captioning services build in.
  • Meeting agendas and materials are distributed in advance in accessible formats to allow all participants to fully engage and contribute.

Challenges Identified:

  • Some employees have noted a lack of awareness and training on how to effectively communicate with individuals with specific disabilities, such as those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • General accessibility feedback from third party consulting data indicates that while we may offer materials in accessible formats, the process for requesting these formats may not be well known or user-friendly.

Future Objectives and Actions:

  1. Training and Awareness:
  • Ongoing: Conduct regular refresher training sessions to ensure continued awareness and competence among employees.
  1. Accessible Materials:
  • Process Improvement: Simplify and streamline the process for requesting accessible formats of printed materials by end of 2025, making it more user-friendly and widely communicated.
  • Monitoring: Regularly review and update the availability of accessible formats to ensure timely provision of materials.
  1. Meetings and Events:
  • Feedback System: Introduce a feedback mechanism by end of 2025 for participants to report any issues or suggest improvements regarding accessibility at meetings and events and make it the mandate of the CEO to ensure feedback items are addressed promptly.
  1. Communication Audits:
  • Long-term: Conduct annual audits of our non-ICT communication practices, starting in 2025, to identify and address any new or ongoing barriers to accessibility.

Commitment:

WaveDirect is committed to continuous improvement in the accessibility of all forms of communication. Our goal is to provide clear, inclusive, and effective communication for all individuals, enabling equal participation in our workplace and community.

2.5 The Procurement of Goods, Services, and Facilities

WaveDirect is dedicated to ensuring that the procurement of goods, services, and facilities is accessible and inclusive. We recognize that our purchasing decisions can significantly impact the accessibility of our workplace and services, and we strive to integrate accessibility criteria into all aspects of our procurement processes.

Current Status:

  1. Procurement Policies:
  • Our procurement policies include provisions that require the consideration of accessibility criteria when purchasing goods, services, and facilities.
  • Vendors and contractors are evaluated based on their ability to provide accessible products and services to both us and our customers (as necessary).
  1. Vendor Engagement:
  • We actively engage with vendors and suppliers to ensure they understand our accessibility requirements and standards.

 

  1. Employee Training:
  • Procurement staff are trained on the importance of accessibility and how to incorporate accessibility criteria into procurement decisions.
  • Regular workshops and training sessions are conducted to keep procurement staff updated on best practices and new accessibility standards.

Challenges Identified:

  • Some employees have noted that not all procurement decisions consistently prioritize accessibility, leading to occasional gaps in the accessibility of procured goods and services.
  • Feedback indicates that there is a need for better integration of accessibility considerations into the early stages of the procurement process.
  • There is limited awareness among some vendors and suppliers about the specific accessibility requirements and expectations of WaveDirect.

Future Objectives and Actions:

  1. Enhancing Procurement Policies:
  • Short-term: By end of 2025, revise procurement policies to strengthen the emphasis on accessibility criteria and ensure these criteria are mandatory for all procurement decisions.
  • Monitoring: Implement a tracking system to monitor compliance with accessibility requirements in procurement processes.
  1. Vendor Education and Collaboration:
  • Engagement: Develop and distribute comprehensive guidelines on accessibility requirements to all current and potential vendors by end of 2025.
  1. Employee Training and Awareness:
  • Training: Expand training programs for procurement staff by the end of 2025 to include more detailed modules on accessibility considerations and inclusive procurement practices.
  • Resources: Create and maintain a central repository of resources and best practices on accessible procurement for all employees involved in the procurement process.
  1. Inclusive Procurement Audits:
  • Long-term: Conduct annual audits of procurement practices, starting in 2025, to evaluate the effectiveness of accessibility integration and identify areas for improvement.

Commitment:

WaveDirect is committed to embedding accessibility into our procurement processes. By prioritizing accessibility in our procurement of goods, services, and facilities, we aim to create an environment that supports and enhances the experience of all employees and customers. We will continue to collaborate with vendors, educate our staff, and refine our policies to uphold high accessibility standards.

2.6 The Design and Delivery of Programs and Services

WaveDirect is committed to ensuring that our programs and services are designed and delivered in a manner that is accessible and inclusive for all individuals. We recognize the importance of consulting with individuals with disabilities to identify and address barriers, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can fully participate and benefit from our offerings.

Current Status:

  1. Program and Service Accessibility:
  • Our programs and services are designed with accessibility through diverse methods of purchasing and communication, including physical accessibility at service locations and the availability of support services for individuals with disabilities.
  • We offer multiple channels for accessing our services, including in-person, phone, and mail options, ensuring that individuals with various disabilities can engage with us effectively.
  1. Consultations and Feedback:
  • We conduct consultations with individuals with disabilities, using surveys and focus groups (both leveraged throughout our accessibility plan), to gather feedback on the accessibility of our programs and services, highlighting specific areas for improvement.
  • Feedback mechanisms are in place to allow customers and employees to report accessibility issues and suggest improvements.
  1. Staff Training:
  • Employees involved in the design and delivery of programs and services receive training on accessibility standards and best practices.
  • Training includes how to interact respectfully and effectively with individuals with various types of disabilities.

Challenges Identified:

  • Customers have reported difficulties in accessing certain services due to physical barriers at our office.
  • Feedback from consultations indicates a need for more proactive engagement with individuals with disabilities to ensure their needs are consistently met in the design and delivery of our services particularly during equipment installation, support calls, and home visits.

Future Objectives and Actions:

  1. Improving Physical Accessibility:
  • Short-term: By end of 2025, conduct a thorough review of our office to identify and address physical barriers, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.
  • Enhancements: Implement necessary modifications by end of 2025 to enhance physical accessibility at our office.
  1. Enhancing Support Services:
  • Standardization: Develop and implement standardized procedures for providing support services, such as accessible documentation, by end of 2025.
  • Availability: Ensure the availability of support services during all program and service delivery, including equipment installation, support calls, and home visits with regular monitoring to maintain consistency.

 

  1. Engaging with Individuals with Disabilities:
  • Consultations: Continuing our regular consultations with people with disabilities by establish a minimal yearly consultation process with individuals with disabilities, using surveys (both of customers and employees), focus groups, and feedback sessions to gather insights and suggestions for improvement. This process will build on the data already gathered.
  • Inclusion: Actively involve individuals with disabilities in the design phase of new programs and services to ensure their needs are considered from the outset.
  1. Staff Training and Development:
  • Training: Expand training programs for employees involved in program and service delivery, focusing on advanced accessibility practices and customer service skills (potentially leveraging tools provided by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business).
  • Awareness: Conduct regular workshops and refresher courses to keep staff updated on the latest accessibility standards and best practices.

Commitment:

WaveDirect is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals, can access and benefit from our programs and services through their preferred methods. We will continue to prioritize accessibility in our design and delivery processes, engage proactively with individuals with disabilities, and invest in training and infrastructure improvements.

2.7 Transportation

WaveDirect Telecommunications understands that accessible transportation is crucial for ensuring that employees and customers with disabilities can fully participate in our workplace and access our services. WaveDirect provides company-issued vehicles for our installation team for business use during business hours. WaveDirect does not provide transportation of any kind to customers but does take steps to ensure that customers who visit our office with accessible transportation can be accommodated.

Current Status:

  1. Employee Transportation:
  • We provide parking spaces designated for individuals with disabilities, located closest to the main entrance of our facilities.
  • We provide company-issued transportation to our installation team for relevant business needs. Currently this transportation is not equipped for accessibility with non-standard features or additions.
  1. Customer Transportation:
  • We offer accessible parking and drop-off zones for customers with disabilities at all service locations.

Challenges Identified:

  • Some employees have reported difficulties with the availability and reliability of accessible transportation options, especially during peak hours.
  • Customers have noted challenges in accessing our services due to limited availability of accessible parking spaces during busy times.
  • Currently, our office is not near any major or reliable transportation relays.

Future Objectives and Actions:

  1. Enhancing Accessible Parking:
  • Assessment: Conduct an assessment of our office to evaluate the availability and adequacy of accessible parking spaces by end of 2025.
  • Expansion: Increase the number of accessible parking spaces locations ensuring they are clearly marked and conveniently located.
  1. Communication and Awareness:
  • Continue advocating for local municipal government to increase public and accessible transit options for customers and employees.

Commitment:

WaveDirect is dedicated to ensuring that transportation to and from our facilities is accessible for all individuals. By expanding accessible parking and continuing our advocacy, we aim to create a seamless and inclusive experience for employees and customers with disabilities.

Back to top

3. Organization Wide Initiatives

WaveDirect is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. Recognizing the diverse needs of our community, we are dedicated to ensuring our services, products, and workplace are accessible to all our clients, employees, and stakeholders. As part of the efforts with this accessibility plan, we have committed to variety of organization wide initiatives outlined below. Our initiatives aim to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility, meeting the requirements under the Accessible Canada Act and promoting a culture of respect and equal opportunity. These organization wide initiatives include: Alternative Formats and Feedback WaveDirect provides this plan in alternative formats such as print, large print, braille, and audio upon request. Requests will be fulfilled within 15 to 45 days depending on the format. WaveDirect has also established a feedback mechanism for collecting feedback and making continuous improvements to our accessibility plan and initiatives. Built Environment WaveDirect ensures that our physical spaces are accessible and inclusive. We have automatic doors, clear signage, accessible parking, and workspaces designed for wheelchair users. However, challenges such as the lack of elevator access to the second level and maintenance of accessible pathways have been identified. Future actions include investigating the installation of an elevator, implementing a regular maintenance schedule, and revising emergency procedures to enhance accessibility. Employment We strive to create an inclusive workplace. Our recruitment process is accessible, and we provide reasonable accommodations and assistive technologies for employees with disabilities. Challenges include the need for better awareness among staff and improving the accommodation request process. We aim to enhance training, streamline accommodation processes, and foster an inclusive culture through feedback and recognition programs. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) WaveDirect is committed to making our ICT accessible. Our website follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards, and we use accessible internal communication tools. Challenges include occasional non-compliant interactive elements and third-party applications. Future plans involve conducting accessibility audits, enhancing training, and ensuring all customer service platforms are accessible. Communication, other than ICT Effective communication is essential for full participation. We provide printed materials in accessible formats and equip our offices with assistive listening devices. However, there is a need for better training on effective communication with individuals with disabilities and more user-friendly processes for requesting accessible formats. Future actions include comprehensive training programs, improving the process for requesting accessible materials, and regular audits of communication practices. Procurement of Goods, Services, and Facilities WaveDirect integrates accessibility criteria into our procurement processes. Our policies require considering accessibility when purchasing goods and services, and we engage with vendors to meet our standards. Challenges include inconsistent prioritization of accessibility in procurement decisions. We aim to revise procurement policies, enhance vendor education, and conduct annual audits to ensure accessibility is embedded in our procurement practices. Design and Delivery of Programs and Services Our programs and services are designed to be accessible, with multiple channels for engagement. We conduct consultations with individuals with disabilities to gather feedback. Challenges include physical barriers at service locations and the need for proactive engagement. Future actions involve reviewing service locations, standardizing support services, and involving individuals with disabilities in the design phase of new programs. Transportation Although WaveDirect does not provide direct transportation services, we ensure accessible parking and drop-off zones. Challenges include limited accessible parking during busy times and the lack of major transportation relays near our office. Future plans include expanding accessible parking spaces and advocating for improved local public transit options. Commitment to Consultation WaveDirect is dedicated to ongoing improvement in accessibility. We will continue to engage with individuals with disabilities, invest in training and infrastructure, and advocate for better accessibility standards. Our goal is to lead by example in providing accessible services, ensuring everyone can thrive in our workplace and community.
Back to top

4. Consultations

In preparing this plan and informing our broader accessibility strategy, WaveDirect led a diverse range of consultations. We consulted a focus group of 10 people with various disabilities. They shared their experiences as customers and employees with disabilities and their feedback has been integrated into this plan. In addition, we conducted anonymous accessibility surveys that were deployed among our entire 23 person staff compliment and our 4278 customer base. These surveys collected our customer and employee perspectives on the accessibility of our operations, allowed individuals to self-identify as a person with a disability, and provide feedback on how we can improve our accessibility offerings based on their lived experience. The feedback from these surveys was also integrated throughout our accessibility plan. We plan to continue these consultations and surveys yearly to evaluate the effectiveness of our plan over time, making improvements and revisions as necessary based on feedback and evidence.
Back to top

5. Conclusion

Recognizing the diverse needs of our community, we strive to ensure that our services and products are accessible to all clients, employees, and stakeholders. To meet the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, we are focused on preventing and removing barriers to accessibility, adhering to the requirements under the Accessible Canada Act. This plan outlines our dedication to continually improving access to our telecommunications services and environments, involving people with disabilities in the development, review, and enhancement of our accessibility strategies. Our goal is to foster an inclusive culture that promotes the rights of people with disabilities, and respects principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity. As part of our organization-wide initiatives, we are undertaking actions across multiple areas to enhance accessibility. We are committed to making our physical spaces more accessible, including assessing the feasibility of installing an elevator, maintaining accessible pathways, and revising emergency procedures to ensure they are fully accessible. In employment, we aim to create an inclusive workplace by ensuring our recruitment processes are accessible, providing reasonable accommodations, and enhancing awareness among staff about the needs of employees with disabilities. This includes streamlining the accommodation request process and fostering an inclusive culture through feedback and recognition programs. We are dedicated to ensuring our information and communication technologies (ICT) are accessible by adhering to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards and providing accessible internal communication tools. Future plans include conducting accessibility audits and enhancing employee training. Effective communication is essential for full participation, so we provide printed materials in accessible formats and equip our offices with assistive listening devices. We aim to improve training on effective communication with individuals with disabilities and streamline the process for requesting accessible formats. We integrate accessibility criteria into our procurement processes, ensuring that goods and services we purchase are accessible. We plan to revise procurement policies, enhance vendor education, and conduct annual audits to ensure accessibility is prioritized in our procurement decisions. Our programs and services are designed to be accessible, and we conduct consultations with individuals with disabilities to gather feedback. We aim to review service locations for physical barriers, standardize support services, and involve individuals with disabilities in the design phase of new programs. While we do not provide direct transportation services, we ensure accessible parking and drop-off zones are available. We plan to expand accessible parking spaces and advocate for improved local public transit options. WaveDirect is committed to ongoing improvement in accessibility by engaging with individuals with disabilities, investing in training and infrastructure, and advocating for better accessibility standards. We will continue to lead by example in providing accessible services, ensuring everyone can thrive in our workplace and community. In developing this plan, we conducted consultations with a focus group of individuals with disabilities and deployed anonymous accessibility surveys among our staff and customer base. The feedback gathered has been integrated into our accessibility plan, and we will continue these consultations and surveys yearly to evaluate and improve our plan based on ongoing feedback. Our comprehensive accessibility plan reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, proactive engagement, and the creation of an inclusive culture that supports the needs and rights of people with disabilities.