Legal
Plan and Policies
Intent
PVT is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders, including clients, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who enter the premises, access information provided by the company, or use the company’s goods and services.
The company will work to identify and remove barriers, and prevent new barriers, for persons with disabilities as they relate to employment, communication, the built environment, and transportation at PVT. This policy outlines the company’s accessibility plan and strategy for identifying, removing, and preventing these barriers.
Definitions
Barrier: Anything physical, architectural, technological, or attitudinal, anything that is based on information or communications, or anything that is the result of a policy or a practice that hinders the full and equal participation in society of a person with an impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication, or sensory impairment, or a functional limitation.
Disability: Any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication, and sensory impairment, or functional limitation that is either permanent, temporary, or episodic in nature. It can be evident or not in interaction with a barrier to hinder a person’s full and equal participation in society.
Guidelines
Accessibility Plan
The accessibility plan includes an overview of our policies, programs, practices, and services in relation to the identification and removal of barriers and the prevention of new barriers. The accessibility plan was prepared and published by June 1, 2024, and updated every three years following that, or sooner if necessary.
The accessibility plan was developed in consultation with persons with disabilities and indicate how they were consulted. This process is followed for the creation of and any updates to the plan. PVT adheres to all requirements made by regulation in the development and ongoing maintenance of the accessibility plan.
The accessibility plan is written in simple, clear, and concise language to ensure it can be comprehended. The plan includes a “General” section with information, including the name of the designated individual feedback should be submitted to and their company contact information to ensure anyone can request the plan in accessible formats or provide feedback. It also includes designated sections on accessibility in the areas of employment, the built environment, information and communication technologies, communication, procurement of goods, services, and facilities, the design and delivery of programs and services, and transportation. The plan also includes a “Consultation” section with information on how consultations with persons with disabilities contribute to preparing the accessibility plan.
The accessibility plan is offered in any of the following formats upon request:
• Print;
• Large print;
• Braille;
• Audio; and
• Electronic.
Request for accessible formats of the accessibility plan can be made by phone, e-mail, or social media pages.
The accessibility plan will be made available as soon as feasible. In the instance of a request for the plan in a Braille or audio format, it will be provided 45 days after the day the request was received.
Employment
PVT understands that improving workplace accessibility and ensuring an accessible recruitment and selection process for applicants with disabilities can contribute to a more diverse and welcoming workplace culture. The company makes every effort to identify, remove, and prevent barriers by developing inclusive employment procedures that support persons with disabilities. Where necessary, accommodation are made during the recruitment and selection stages, and throughout the employment lifecycle. All training and development programs provided consider an employee’s barriers and abilities.
Submitting Feedback
PVT welcomes feedback from its employees regarding the accessibility plan and any barriers encountered by persons with disabilities. Employees who provide formal feedback receive acknowledgement of their feedback, along with any resulting actions based the concerns or complaints they submit.
Employees can submit feedback to:
Melissa Copeland, HR Manager
780-830-0045
721071 Range Rd 53 #93, Grande Prairie, AB T8X 0N4
hr@pvtgroup.com
KPA Suggestion Form
Employees can provide feedback anonymously if desired, and feedback remains confidential unless the person consents to the disclosure of their personal information. Feedback is received in whatever format the individual providing the feedback is most comfortable with. The feedback process is published in conformance with all applicable legislation. Any changes to the accessibility plan or the feedback process are published as soon as possible and notice of any changes are reported to the accessibility commissioner. The personal information of anyone who provides feedback remains confidential in accordance with all applicable privacy laws.
Progress Reports
PVT prepares, publishes, and submits a progress report to the accessibility commissioner regarding the implementation of the accessibility plan each year the plan is not required to be published or updated. This report follows a similar structure to the accessibility plan and includes feedback and contact information, information about the consultations completed for the development of the plan, and any feedback received on the accessibility plan. The report addresses how the consultations and feedback were taken into consideration during the process. Progress reports can be made available upon request and are available in all accessible formats the accessibility plan is available in.
Document Retention
The company keeps detailed records of the creation, implementation, and updating of the accessibility plan and progress reports. The accessibility plan and feedback process are retained on the www.pvtgroup.com and in the YDrive for seven years from the publication date. Any feedback provided to the company is retained for seven years from the date it is received. Where necessary, names and personal information of individuals and employees who participated in the feedback process are redacted to ensure confidentiality and privacy.
General
PVT is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders, including clients, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who enter the premises, access information provided by the company, or use the company’s goods and services.
This accessibility plan and progress report contains details of the companies policies, practices, and services in relation to the identification and removal of barriers. This plan is also used to establish prevention measures against new barriers emerging to ensure a barrier-free environment at the company.
This accessibility plan and progress report is offered in any of the following formats upon request:
• Print;
• Large print;
• Braille;
• Audio; and
• Electronic.
The company welcomes any feedback from the general public. Any feedback or questions regarding this plan or requests for copies of the accessibility plan and progress report in an alternative format can be addressed to the following designated company representative:
Melissa Copeland, HR Manager
780-830-0045
721071 Range Rd 53 #93, Grande Prairie, AB T8X 0N4
hr@pvtgroup.com
KPA Suggestion Form
Feedback can be provided anonymously if desired. Feedback can be received in the following formats:
• Telephone;
• E-mail;
• Mail;
• KPA
Employment
PVT understands that improving workplace accessibility and ensuring an accessible recruitment and selection process for applicants with disabilities can contribute to a more diverse and welcoming workplace culture.
The company has implemented the following policies, programs, practices, and services to identify, remove, and prevent new and existing barriers in relation to employment:
• Where necessary, accommodations will be made during the recruitment and selection stages, and throughout the employment lifecycle.
• All training and development programs provided will consider an employee’s barriers and abilities, and are provided in alternative formats, such as print, large print, audio, electronic, and braille.
• Accessibility Plan Policy
The company remains committed to addressing existing barriers and preventing new barriers in employment. After a thorough review of the policies, programs, practices, and services, and through feedback and consultations, the following barriers were identified that continue to exist in employment at the company:
• We are in temporary offices while reno are underway, which are not wheelchair accessible.
The company will take the following actions in the short term to address these identified barriers, to be achieved in 6 months after this plan is published:
• We anticipate the renos to be complete in 6 months, in the meantime, we will ensure we have an office in the main building to use if we need wheelchair accessibility.
The company will take the following actions in the long term to address these identified barriers, that will take 6 months or more to achieve after this plan is published:
• We anticipate the renos to be complete in 6 months, which we will be back in our main building that is wheelchair accessible on the main floor.
The Built Environment
PVT will work to ensure that elements of the built environment, including building interiors and exteriors, are designed to facilitate barrier-free access to goods or services. The company has implemented the following policies, programs, practices, and services to identify, remove, and prevent new and existing barriers in relation to the built environment:
• Entrance ramp located at the front of the building;
• Automatic door openers;
• Accessibility Plan Policy
The company remains committed to addressing existing barriers and preventing new barriers in the built environment. After a thorough review of the policies, programs, practices, and services, and through feedback and consultations, the following barriers were identified that continue to exist in the built environment at the company:
• We are in temporary offices while reno are underway, which are not wheelchair accessible.
The company will take the following actions in the short term to address these identified barriers, to be achieved in 6 months after this plan is published:
• We anticipate the renos to be complete in 6 months, in the meantime, we will ensure we have an office in the main building to use if we need wheelchair accessibility.
The company will take the following actions in the long term to address these identified barriers, that will take 6 months or more to achieve after this plan is published:
• We anticipate the renos to be complete in 6 months, which we will be back in our main building that is wheelchair accessible on the main floor.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Cannot identify any barriers in this section.
PVT understands that communication to and with the company is vital to an individual’s access to the company’s goods or services. The company has implemented the following information and communication technologies to allow individuals to communicate with the company:
• Accessible formats including: print, large print, Braille, audio, and electronic;
To help ensure compliance with these services, the company has implemented the following policies, programs, practices, and services to identify, remove, and prevent new and existing barriers in relation to information and communication technology:
• Upon request, the company will provide or arrange for accessible formats and communication supports for employees, applicants, or persons accessing the company’s goods or services. Such accessible formats and communication supports are conversion-ready and are provided in a timely manner and at no additional cost.
• The company consults with the individual to determine the specific barrier and the best way to provide support.
The company remains committed to addressing existing barriers and preventing new barriers in relation to information and communication technologies. After a thorough review of the policies, programs, practices, and services, and through feedback and consultations, the following barriers were identified that continue to exist in relation to information and communication technologies at the company:
Cannot identify any barriers in this section.
Communication Other Than ICT
Irrelevant to Operations
PVT understands that communication to and with the company can take many forms and requires a variety of options to be inclusive of all individuals.
To help ensure compliance with these services, the company has implemented the following policies, programs, practices, and services to identify, remove, and prevent new and existing barriers in relation to communication other than ICT:
• Accessibility Plan Policy
The company remains committed to addressing existing barriers and preventing new barriers in relation to communication other than ICT.
The Procurement of Goods
Irrelevant to Operations
PVT is committed to ensuring that all individuals can obtain the company’s goods and services. The company has implemented the following methods to allow individuals to obtain our goods and services:
• Online website orders;
• Telephone orders;
To help ensure compliance with these services, the company has implemented the following policies, programs, practices, and services to identify, remove, and prevent new and existing barriers in relation to the procurement of goods:
• Accessibility Plan Policy
The company remains committed to addressing existing barriers and preventing new barriers in relation to the procurement of goods. After a thorough review of the policies, programs, practices, and services, and through feedback and consultations, the following barriers were identified that continue to exist in relation to the procurement of goods at the company:
• Irrelevant to Operations
Services and Facilities
PVT is committed to ensuring that all its services and facilities are accessible to all individuals. The company has implemented the following methods to allow individuals to access our services and facilities:
• Entrance ramp located at the front of the building;
• Automatic door openers;
To help ensure compliance with these services, the company has implemented the following policies, programs, practices, and services to identify, remove, and prevent new and existing barriers in relation to the company’s services and facilities:
• Accessibility Plan Policy
The company remains committed to addressing existing barriers and preventing new barriers in relation to the company’s services and facilities. After a thorough review of the policies, programs, practices, and services, and through feedback and consultations, the following barriers were identified that continue to exist in relation to services and facilities of the company:
• Cannot identify any barriers
The Design and Delivery of Programs and Services
PVT is committed to ensuring that all its programs and services are designed in a manner accessible to all individuals. To help ensure compliance with these methods, the company has implemented the following policies, programs, practices, and services to identify, remove, and prevent new and existing barriers in relation to the design and delivery of its programs and services:
• Accessibility Plan Policy
The company remains committed to addressing existing barriers and preventing new barriers in relation to the design and delivery of the company’s programs and services. After a thorough review of the policies, programs, practices, and services, and through feedback and consultations, the following barriers were identified that continue to exist in relation to the company’s design and delivery of the company’s programs and services:
• Cannon identify any barriers.
Transportation
PVT strives to ensure accessible transportation services are available for persons with a disability. The company has implemented the following methods to ensure accessible transportation:
• Entrance ramp/ground level entrance located at the front of the building;
• Ramp to enter and exit the city transportation vehicle;
• City provides accessible transportation bus to PVT’s office location.
To help ensure compliance with these services, the company has implemented the following policies, programs, practices, and services to identify, remove, and prevent new and existing barriers in relation to the company’s transportation services:
• If an individual cannot use conventional transportation services, the company will provide an alternate accessible method of transportation. Options will take into account the availability of the transportation, the nature of the disability, and any associated safety concerns.
• Accessibility Plan Policy
The company remains committed to addressing existing barriers and preventing new barriers in relation to the company’s transportation services. After a thorough review of the policies, programs, practices, and services, and through feedback and consultations, the following barriers were identified that continue to exist in relation to the company’s transportation services:
• Cannot identify barriers
Consultations
PVT recognizes that persons with disabilities are equal participants in all areas of life. The company is guided by the recognized principles of the Accessible Canada Act:
• All persons must be treated with dignity regardless of their disabilities;
• All persons must have the same opportunity to make for themselves the lives that they can and want to have regardless of their disabilities;
• All persons must have barrier-free access to full and equal participation in society, regardless of their disabilities;
• All persons must have meaningful options and be free to make their own choices, with support if they desire, regardless of their disabilities;
• Policies, programs, services, and structures must take into account the disabilities of persons, the different ways that persons interact with their environments, and the multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization and discrimination persons face;
• Persons with disabilities must be involved in the development and design of policies, programs, services, and structures; and
• The development and revision of accessibility standards and the making of regulations must be done with the objective of achieving the highest level of accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Accordingly, the company is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities are involved in all decision-making regarding its policies, programs, practices, and service delivery. In preparation of this accessibility plan and progress report, the company consulted with 2 persons with disabilities, in the following manner:
• PVT reached out to individual to ask if they would review and assist with the document review and updates.
The range of disabilities represented in consultations included:
• Physical and Cognitive.
These individuals were asked several questions regarding the company’s policies, programs, practices, and service delivery. A summary of these questions and answers received are the following:
• The individuals working at PVT were asked if they had any barriers to working at PVT. If there was anything PVT could do to make those barriers better.
Through this consultation process the company intends to address these issues on a short- and long-term basis, as identified in each respective section of this accessibility plan and progress report.
Industry-Specific Requirements
PVT is regulated under the Canada Transportation Act. In addition to the information outlined in the sections above, the company is committed to ensuring accessibility through the following:
Accessibility Standards: We adhere to accessibility standards outlined in the Canada Transportation Act and other relevant regulations. Our transportation services comply with applicable accessibility requirements to ensure that passengers with disabilities can travel safely and comfortably.
Communication Accessibility: We provide accessible communication options for passengers with visual or hearing impairments. This includes offering information in alternative formats such as braille, large print, or electronic text, as well as ensuring that our staff are trained to assist passengers with diverse communication needs.
Training and Awareness: We provide ongoing training to our staff to raise awareness about accessibility issues and ensure that they are equipped to assist passengers with disabilities effectively. Our staff are trained to provide respectful and dignified assistance to passengers with diverse needs.
Feedback and Improvement: We welcome feedback from passengers, including those with disabilities, regarding the accessibility of our transportation services. We use this feedback to continuously evaluate and improve our accessibility measures, striving to enhance the overall passenger experience for everyone.
The company has implemented the following policies, programs, practices, and services to identify, remove, and prevent new and existing barriers in relation to these areas:
• Accessibility Plan Policy
The company remains committed to addressing existing barriers and preventing new barriers in relation to these specific areas. After a thorough review of the policies, programs, practices, and services, and through feedback and consultations, the following barriers were identified that continue to exist in relation to the company’s specific obligations under the Canada Transportation Act.
• Cannot Identify Barriers
Feedback
PVT received feedback regarding the Accessibility plan, progress report and policy from persons with disabilities, and employees. Feedback included:
Feedback was that we look into training a few individuals with Mental Health First Aid.
The company has taken this feedback into consideration in consultation with persons with disabilities, and has identified short- and long-term goals as identified throughout this progress report.
Training
PVT understands the importance of ensuring all staff are trained to understand, protect, and deliver access to the company’s goods and services to persons with disabilities. Staff receive ongoing training to ensure up-to-date compliance with the laws, regulations, and social expectations regarding accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The company has implemented accessibility training to its employees to address and prevent new and existing barriers throughout the organization. All training and development programs provided will consider an individual’s barriers and abilities. The company remains committed to continually addressing existing barriers and preventing new barriers.
Budget and Resources
PVT will continue to work to identify and remove barriers, and prevent new barriers, for persons with disabilities as they relate to employment, communication, the built environment, and transportation at the company. To achieve this purpose, the company has allocated resources to ensure that ongoing feedback, consultations, improvements, and implementation of short- and long-term goals occur to eliminate barriers for persons with disabilities.
Glossary
Barrier: Anything physical, architectural, technological, or attitudinal, anything that is based on information or communications, or anything that is the result of a policy or a practice that hinders the full and equal participation in society of a person with an impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication, or sensory impairment, or a functional limitation.
Disability: Any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication, and sensory impairment, or functional limitation that is either permanent, temporary, or episodic in nature. It can be evident or not in interaction with a barrier to hinder a person’s full and equal participation in society.
Date: May 1, 2024
Accessibility plan and Progress report completed by: Melissa Copeland