AODA Accessibility Policy

1. Statement of Commitment

At NRI, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all employees, clients, and visitors. We strive to meet or exceed the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

NRI will use every reasonable effort to integrate accessibility into our policies, workplace practices, communications, and services. We are committed to identifying, preventing, and removing barriers wherever possible.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All employees of NRI
  • Contractors, consultants, and individuals acting on behalf of the organization
  • Clients, visitors, and other individuals who interact with our organization

3. Definitions

BarrierAs defined under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, “barrier” means anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of their disability, including a physical barrier, architectural barrier, information or communications barrier, attitudinal barrier, technological barrier, policy, or practice.

Disability: As defined under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, “disability” includes any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation, disfigurement, mental impairment, developmental disability, learning disability, mental disorder, or injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.

Service Animal: For the purpose of this policy, an animal is a service animal for a person with a disability if it is apparent that the animal is used for reasons relating to the person’s disability, or if the person provides a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that the animal is required for reasons relating to the disability.

Support Person: A support person is someone who accompanies a person with a disability to assist with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs, or access to goods or services. This may include a paid support worker, volunteer, friend, or family member.

4. Commitment of the Company

NRI is committed to excellence in serving everyone, including people with disabilities. This commitment is demonstrated through accessible service, workplace practices, communication, technology, training, and feedback processes.

5. Accessibility at Our Office

Our office is located in a professionally managed building operated by Crown Property Management Inc. The building provides several accessibility features designed to support tenants and visitors, including:

  • Elevator access to all floors with auditory announcements
  • Automated building entrance doors
  • Accessible corridors and hallways that allow wheelchair access
  • Questions regarding building accessibility features may also be directed to building management

6. Communication and Technology

We are committed to ensuring our information and communications are accessible. Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. This includes:

  • Training employees on how to interact and communicate with people with different types of disabilities
  • Creating digital documents that are compatible with screen readers when possible
  • Providing captioned video content where appropriate
  • Ensuring files, forms, and materials are accessible whenever possible

7. Service Animals and Support Persons

NRI welcomes individuals who are accompanied by service animals or support persons when visiting our office. We will ensure visitors are able to access our services while accompanied by the support they require.

We will also ensure that employees are properly trained on how to interact with people accompanied by a service animal.

8. Employee Training

At NRI, employees receive training related to accessibility and the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Training is provided during onboarding and updated when accessibility policies or standards change. Training includes:

  • Understanding the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and its requirements
  • Disability awareness and inclusive communication
  • How to interact with individuals using assistive devices, service animals, or support persons
  • How to provide accessible service to clients and visitors
  • Emergency procedures, plans, or public safety information
  • Accessible websites and web content

9. Feedback Process

Under the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service, NRI has established a feedback process for receiving and responding to feedback about how goods or services are provided to people with disabilities.

NRI’s goal is to meet and exceed expectations while serving individuals with disabilities. Individuals are welcome to provide their feedback by completing the AODA Customer Feedback Form or in person by arranging an appointment. Feedback will be directed to the CEO of NRI, reviewed, and addressed in a timely manner. Accessible formats will be provided upon request.