AODA – Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) Customer Service Policy

Intent

This policy is intended to meet the requirements of the Customer Service Standards included in the Integrated Accessibility Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. It applies to the provision of goods and services to the public or other third parties, not to the goods themselves.

All goods and services provided by WildBrain shall follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity.

Definitions

Assistive Device – Is a technical aid, communication device or other instrument that is used to maintain or improve the functional abilities of people with disabilities. Personal assistive devices are typically devices that customers bring with them such as a wheelchair, walker or a personal oxygen tank that might assist in hearing, seeing, communicating, moving, breathing, remembering and/or reading.

Disability – The term disability as defined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Ontario Human Rights Code, refers to:

  • 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 coordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device;
  • A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
  • A learning disability, or dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
  • A mental disorder; or
  • An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.

Guide Dog – Is a highly-trained working dog that has been trained at one of the facilities listed in Ontario Regulation 58 under the Blind Persons’ Rights Act, to provide mobility, safety and increased independence for people who are blind.

Service Animal – an animal is a service animal for a person with a disability if:

  1. the animal can be readily identified as one that is being used by the person for reasons relating to the person’s disability, as a result of visual indicators such as the vest or harness worn by the animal; or
  2. the person provides documentation from a regulated health professional confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to the disability.

Service Dog – As reflected in Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Regulation 562 a dog other than a guide dog for the blind is a service dog if:

  • It is readily apparent to an average person that the dog functions as a service dog for a person with a medical disability; or
  • The person who requires the dog can provide on request a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that the person requires a service dog.

Support Person – a support person means, in relation to a person with a disability, another person who accompanies him or her in order to help with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to goods and services.

Guidelines

In accordance with the Customer Service Standards, this policy addresses the following:

  1. The Provision of Goods and Services to Persons with Disabilities
  2. The Use of Assistive Devices
  3. The Use of Guide Dogs, Service Animals and Service Dogs
  4. The Use of Support Persons
  5. Notice of Service Disruptions
  6. Customer Feedback
  7. Training
  8. Notice of Availability and Format of Required Documents

1. The Provision of Goods and Services to Persons with Disabilities

WildBrain will make every reasonable effort to ensure that its policies, practices and procedures are consistent with the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity by:

  • Ensuring that all customers receive the same value and quality;
  • Allowing customers with disabilities to do things in their own ways, at their own pace when accessing goods and services as long as this does not present a safety risk;
  • Using alternative methods when possible to ensure that customers with disabilities have access to the same services, in the same place and in a similar manner;
  • Taking into account individual needs when providing goods and services; and
  • Communicating in a manner that takes into account the customer’s disability.

2. The Use of Assistive Devices

Customer’s Own Assistive Device(s)

Persons with disabilities may use their own assistive devices as required when accessing goods or services provided by WildBrain.

In cases where the assistive device presents a safety concern or where accessibility might be an issue, other reasonable measures will be used to ensure the access of goods and services.

3. Guide Dogs, Service Animals and Service Dogs

A customer with a disability that is accompanied by a guide dog, service animal or service dog will be allowed access to premises that are open to the public unless otherwise excluded by law. “No pet” policies do not apply to guide dogs, service animals and/or service dogs.

Exclusion Guidelines

If a guide dog, service animal or service dog is excluded by law (see applicable laws below) WildBrain will offer alternative methods to enable the person with a disability to access goods and services, when possible (for example, securing the animal in a safe location and offering the guidance of an employee).

Applicable Laws

Dog Owners’ Liability Act, Ontario: If there is a conflict between a provision of this Act or of a regulation under this or any other Act relating to banned breeds and a provision of a by-law passed by a municipality relating to these breeds, the provision that is more restrictive in relation to controls or bans on these breeds prevails.

Recognizing a Guide Dog, Service Dog and/or Service Animal

If it is not readily apparent that the animal is being used by the customer for reasons relating to his or her disability, WildBrain may request verification from the customer.

Care and Control of the Animal

The customer who is accompanied by a guide dog, service dog and/or service animal is responsible for maintaining care and control of the animal at all times.

Allergies

If a health and safety concern presents itself for example in the form of a severe allergy to the animal, WildBrain will make all reasonable efforts to meet the needs of all individuals.

4. The Use of Support Persons

If a customer with a disability is accompanied by a support person, WildBrain will ensure that both people are allowed to enter the premises together and that the customer is not prevented from having access to the support person.

There may be times where seating and availability prevent the customer and support person from sitting beside each other. In these situations, WildBrain will make every reasonable attempt to resolve the issue.

In situations where confidential information might be discussed, consent will be obtained from the customer, prior to any conversation where confidential information might be discussed.

5. Notice of Disruptions in Service

Service disruptions may occur due to reasons that may or may not be within the control or knowledge of WildBrain. In the event of any temporary disruptions to facilities or services that customers with disabilities rely on to access or use WildBrain’s goods or services, reasonable efforts will be made to provide advance notice. In some circumstances such as in the situation of unplanned temporary disruptions, advance notice may not be possible.

Notifications will include:

If a notification needs to be posted the following information will be included unless it is not readily available or known:

  • Goods or services that are disrupted or unavailable;
  • Reason for the disruption;
  • Anticipated duration; and
  • A description of alternative services or options.

Notification Options

When disruptions occur WildBrain may provide notice by:

  • posting notices in conspicuous places including at the point of disruption, at the main entrance and the nearest accessible entrance to the service disruption and/or on the WildBrain website;
  • contacting customers with appointments;
  • verbally notifying customers when they are making a reservation or appointment; or
  • by any other method that may be reasonable under the circumstances.

6. Customer Feedback

WildBrain shall provide customers with the opportunity to provide feedback on the service provided to customers with disabilities. Information about the feedback process may be requested by phone, email or mail. Feedback forms along with alternate methods of providing feedback such as verbally (in person or by telephone) or written (hand written, delivered, website or email), will be available upon request.

Submitting Feedback

Customers can submit feedback to Talent

By telephone:

1-416-363-8034

By email:

accessibility@wildbrain.com

By regular mail:

Attention: Accessibility – Talent
WildBrain
Queen’s Quay Terminal
207 Queens Quay W., Suite 550
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 1A7 Canada

Customers who provide formal feedback will receive acknowledgement of their feedback, along with any resulting actions based on concerns or complaints that were submitted.

7. Training

Training will be provided to the following parties in Ontario:

  • Every person who is an employee of, or a volunteer with, the provider.
  • Every person who participates in developing the provider’s policies.
  • Every other person who provides goods, services or facilities on behalf of the provider.

Training Provisions

Regardless of the format, training will cover the following:

  • A review of the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
  • A review of the requirements of the Customer Service Standards.
  • Instructions on how to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.
  • Instructions on how to interact with people with disabilities who:
    • use assistive devices;
    • require the assistance of a guide dog, service dog or other service animal; or
    • require the use of a support person (including the handling of admission fees).
  • Instructions on how to use equipment or devices that are available at our premises or that we provide that may help people with disabilities.
  • Instructions on what to do if a person with a disability is having difficulty accessing your services.
  • WildBrain’s policies, procedures and practices pertaining to providing accessible customer service to customers with disabilities.

Training Schedule

WildBrain will provide training to new employees, volunteers, agents and/or contractors as soon as practicable. Revised training will be provided in the event of changes to legislation, procedures, policies, and/or practices.

Record of Training

WildBrain will keep a record of training that includes the dates training was provided and the number of employees who attended the training.

8. Notice of Availability and Format of Documents

WildBrain shall notify customers that the documents related to the Customer Service Standards are available upon request and in a format that considers the customer’s disability. Notification will be given by posting the information in a conspicuous place owned and operated by WildBrain, WildBrain’s website and/or any other reasonable method.

Review and Update

This policy and its related procedures will be reviewed as required in the event of legislative changes, or changes to company procedures. WildBrain will review and update the Accessibility Policies and Plans at least once every five years.

Last updated: June 26, 2020

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