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EBD Enterprises Inc. (the “Company”) is dedicated to creating a barrier-free environment that meets the requirements of the Accessible Canada Act and addresses the specific needs of the trucking and logistics industry. This commitment extends to all stakeholders, including customers, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and visitors who engage with the Company’s premises, information, and services.

 

This Accessibility Plan serves as a roadmap for identifying, removing, and preventing barriers within the Company’s operations. It establishes a proactive approach to compliance with the Accessible Canada Act and includes specific, measurable actions to support an inclusive and equitable environment for all.

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 or temporary and can change over time.

• Barrier: Anything that might hinder full and equal participation by people with disabilities. Barriers can be architectural, technological, attitudinal, based on information or communications, or 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.

Accessibility Plan

EBD Enterprises Inc. is committed to fostering an inclusive environment by identifying, removing, and preventing barriers for people with disabilities. This Accessibility Plan outlines our policies, practices, and services to achieve this goal. The plan was prepared and published on October 18, 2024, and will be updated every three years, or sooner if necessary.

In developing this plan, we engaged with people with disabilities to ensure their perspectives and experiences informed our strategies. This has included Peter Tonge Consulting, who offers expertise in disability advocacy and who has reviewed our policies and practices as well as this plan.

 

Feedback Process

The Company welcomes feedback regarding implementing its Accessibility Plan and any barriers encountered by persons with disabilities. Persons who provide formal feedback will receive acknowledgement of their feedback in the same manner in which it was received, unless feedback is submitted anonymously. The Company is committed to reviewing the feedback received in good faith and taking steps to address barriers identified in this feedback.

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Feedback can be submitted in person, by mail, by telephone and by email to:

HR/Safety and Compliance

(204) 633 – 1657

29 Roy Roche Drive Centreport, Manitoba R4B 0A3

safety@ebdenterprises.com

 

Feedback can be provided anonymously, if desired, and will remain 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. Any feedback received will be reviewed with the HR/Safety and Compliance Manager. Consideration will be given to the feedback upon review by the HR/Safety and Compliance Manager and a response or summary will be included in the next progress report.

 

Document Retention

We maintain detailed records of the creation, implementation, and updates of this Accessibility Plan, as well as any feedback received. These records are retained at our administrative office for seven years from the publication date. Personal information is kept confidential in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

 

Alternative Formats

The Accessibility Plan is offered in any of the following formats upon request:

 

• Print

• Large print

• Braille

• Electronic

 

You can request alternative formats of the Accessibility Plan by contacting:

 

HR/Safety and Compliance

(204) 633 – 1657

29 Roy Roche Drive Centreport, Manitoba R4B 0A3

safety@ebdenterprises.com

 

The Accessibility Plan will be made available as soon as feasible. In the instance of a request for the plan in a Braille format, it will be provided 45 days after the day the request was received. Requests for other formats will be provided within 15 days after the day the request was received.

 

I.Employment

EBD Enterprises Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. To ensure a more inclusive and accessible workplace, we will:

• Ensure staff members who interact directly with the public and job applicants complete the "Accessible Customer Service" training available through the Manitoba Accessibility Office.

• Modify job postings to ensure accessibility, such as providing large print or screen reader- compatible formats.

• Offer accommodations during interviews, including alternative formats for interview materials or a quiet interview space.

• Train hiring managers on accessible recruitment practices and methods to accommodate candidates with disabilities.

• Provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, such as modified equipment or flexible work arrangements.

• Inform employees with disabilities about the accommodation process and how to request support.

• Ensure all training materials are accessible by offering captions for online videos and providing materials in plain language.

• Deliver brief training sessions for HR and managers on interviewing candidates with disabilities and addressing potential accessibility issues.

• Review and update recruitment and accommodation policies annually to ensure they remain inclusive and accessible.

• Actively gather feedback from employees with disabilities to identify areas for improvement and adjust policies, ensuring an active offer of accommodation is included in all onboarding materials.

II.Built Environment

EBD Enterprises is committed to improving the accessibility of its publicly accessible facilities to ensure an inclusive environment for all employees, customers, and visitors. The Company will take the following actions to identify and remove physical barriers:

• By the end of 2024, the Company will conduct an assessment of its office and facility to identify any physical barriers to accessibility, including parking, entrances, and restrooms. Necessary improvements will be prioritized.

• The Company will review the assessment of its workspaces, including customer-facing areas, to identify and remove any barriers by the end of 2027.

• The Company will review and update its emergency plans by the end of 2025 to ensure they account for employees and visitors with disabilities, including clear evacuation procedures.

• Emergency alarms will be evaluated to ensure both visual and auditory signals are in place. Any gaps will be addressed by 2026.

 

III.Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

The Company uses software with some accessibility features but acknowledges that there are areas where technology may present barriers for employees with disabilities. The Company is committed to improving accessibility and removing barriers within its ICT systems.

• Ensure that accessibility is a main consideration when acquiring or developing new software or technology. This will include checking that the software is compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers and offers customizable settings for accessibility.

• By the end of 2025, conduct a review of the Company’s website to identify and address any accessibility barriers. This review will include:

  • Ensure that text contrasts with the background to improve readability.

  • Ensure that text can be resized without loss of content or functionality.

  • Test navigation and content compatibility with screen readers to ensure that all website content is accessible.

  • Ensure that the website’s structure is logical and clearly formatted to enhance user experience for people with disabilities.

 

IV.Communication other than ICT

The Company recognizes that both content and delivery play key roles in ensuring accessible communication for all stakeholders, including employees, customers, job applicants, suppliers, and visitors. Barriers in communication may exist in various forms, including online content, in-person interactions, and meetings.

• By 2025, evaluate the accessibility of all virtual and in-person meetings, including:

  • Ensuring real-time captions or transcripts for online meetings when required.

  • Providing alternative communication formats (e.g., sign language interpreters, plain language materials) as necessary by updating our resources and establishing relationships with providers.

• Review and improve the accessibility of orientation resources for new employees by the end of 2025, ensuring that all materials are provided in accessible formats. This includes reviewing the language, delivery method, and any tools used for training and orientation purposes.

 

1. Procurement of Goods, Services and Facilities

The Company acknowledges that procurement practices may unintentionally overlook accessibility needs, leading to systemic barriers. EBD is committed to integrating accessibility considerations into its procurement processes where possible, ensuring that products, services, and facilities are accessible to all.

• By the end of 2025, assess current procurement practices to identify opportunities for integrating accessibility. This includes updating Vendor Forms to allow for the indication of accessibility features when purchasing goods, services, and facility-related items.

• Ensure that accessibility criteria are part of the evaluation process when acquiring new products, services, or facility-related items. This includes reviewing vendors’ accessibility standards and making accessibility a priority when selecting suppliers or service providers.

 

• When upgrading or maintaining the Company’s facilities, evaluate the accessibility features of any new products or services being procured, such as furniture, equipment, or signage, to ensure they meet accessibility standards. The Company may consult with people with disabilities during this process.

VI.Design and Delivery of Programs and Services

The Company primarily serves other businesses, so the design and delivery of programs and services to the general public are not applicable. However, the Company is committed to evaluating and improving the design and delivery of programs and services that directly impact its employees and customers, ensuring they are accessible and inclusive.

VII.Transportation

While the Company does not provide passenger transportation services, it recognizes the importance of considering accessibility in its logistics and specialized services. The Company will focus on identifying and addressing potential barriers for people with disabilities related to the design and adaptability of vehicles and equipment used in operations. This includes evaluating physical barriers such as ramps, curbs, and vehicle accessible parking. The Company is committed to ensuring that all equipment and vehicles meet the requirements of Occupational Health and Safety legislation, as well as other relevant standards.

• Ensure that all transportation-related equipment complies with occupational health and safety regulations and other applicable accessibility standards, making adjustments where needed.

Progress Reports

The Company will prepare and publish an annual progress report on the implementation of the Accessibility Plan for each year, it is not due for an update. The report will follow the same structure as the Accessibility Plan and include:

• Contact information

• The feedback process and any changes from the previous year

• A summary of consultations with people with disabilities conducted during the year

• An explanation of how feedback was considered and integrated into the plan.

 

The progress report will be made available in all accessible formats, just as the Accessibility Plan is. It will be available upon request.

 

Summary of Goals to Be Addressed in the 2025 Progress Report:

• Review and update job application processes to enhance accessibility for candidates with disabilities.

• Implement training for hiring managers on accessibility and accommodation practices.

• Complete an evaluation of the office and facilities for physical accessibility, including emergency procedures and accessibility features.

• Assess website and digital content to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA standards, focusing on high contrast text, navigation, and screen reader compatibility.

• Review virtual meeting practices to ensure accessibility, including the provision of real-time captioning and alternative communication methods.

 

• Evaluate current procurement practices and integrate accessibility criteria into vendor forms for future purchases of goods, services, and facilities.

• Assess accommodations for vehicles and equipment to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety standards.

 

Consultation

The Company recognizes the importance of engaging with persons with disabilities in the development of its Accessibility Plan. EBD Enterprises Inc. engaged Peter Tonge Consulting for consultation services throughout the creation of this plan. Peter Tonge Consulting provided feedback, review, advocacy, and expert insights to help ensure the plan aligns with accessibility goals and best practices.

 

Signed: Bruce Danylchuk      Date:12/2024

B. Danylchuk

President, EBD Enterprises Inc.

 

REFERENCE: Accessible Canada Act (S.C. 2019, c. 10) Accessible Canada Regulations, Canada Labour Code R.S.C., 1985, c. L-2

NOTE: The information in this policy does not take precedence over government regulations.

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