1.0 Purpose
London Hospital Linen Service Inc. (LHLS) is committed to providing accessible services, facilities, employment, and communications for all people, including those with disabilities, in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
We aim to remove and prevent barriers, promote dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity, and respond to accessibility needs in a timely manner.
2.0 Scope
This policy applies to:
- All LHLS employees and contractors.
- All LHLS facilities, services, programs, communications, and public interactions in Ontario.
- All policies, procedures and programs developed by LHLS.
3.0 Guiding Principles
LHLS is committed to:
- Treating everyone with respect and dignity.
- Ensuring equal access to services, employment, and communications.
- Preventing and removing accessibility barriers.
- Meeting or exceeding AODA requirements and Ontario accessibility laws.
4.0 Accessible Customer Service
Service Animals & Support Persons
- Service animals are welcome in all areas where employees normally work, unless restricted for health or safety reasons.
- Individuals with disabilities may be accompanied by a support person at no charge.
- Staff are trained to interact respectfully with service animals, support persons, and individuals with disabilities.
Assistive Devices
- LHLS supports the use of personal assistive devices by customers, visitors, and employees.
- LHLS does not provide assistive devices but ensures staff can accommodate their use.
4.1 Feedback & Communication
- Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request.
- Feedback can be submitted by phone, email, or mail and will be addressed promptly.
Contact Information for Accessibility Requests:
- Phone: 519-438-2925
- Email: info@lhls.on.ca
- Mail: London Hospital Linen Service Inc., Human Resources, 11 Maitland Street, London, ON, N6B 3K7
4.2 Employment Accessibility
Recruitment & Hiring
- Applicants are informed that accommodations are available upon request.
- Accommodations are provided during recruitment, interviews, and assessments.
Workplace Accommodations
- Individual Accommodation Plans (IAPs) are developed for employees who need them.
- Workplace emergency information and return-to-work processes are included in accommodation plans.
Performance & Career Development
- Accessibility needs are considered in training, performance reviews, promotions, and career development opportunities.
- Employees are informed about policies that support accessibility and inclusion.
4.3 Information & Communications
- Public documents, internal communications, and other materials are available in accessible formats upon request.
- LHLS consults with the individuals to determine the most suitable format.
- Website content complies with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, except where exemptions apply under Ontario regulation.
4.4 Design of Public Spaces
- Accessibility will be incorporated into any new construction, renovations, and redeveloped public spaces, in accordance with the Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces.
- AODA requirements.
- Ontario Human Rights Code as it relates to persons with disabilities.
- LHLS accessibility policies and procedures.
- Interacting with individuals using assistive devices.
4.5 Training
All employees and contractors, and policy developers receive training on:
Training records are maintained and updated as policies or regulations change.
4.6 Monitoring & Accountability
- The Accessibility Policy is reviewed at least annually and updated as needed.
- The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is updated every five years and outlines strategies to remove and prevent barriers.
- Human Resources, in collaboration with department managers, is responsible for ensuring compliance.
5.0 Policy Availability
This Accessibility Policy is posted on the LHLS website: www.lhls.on.ca/accessibility-policies
Available in accessible formats upon request via phone, email, or mail (see contact information above).