Overview
Garden City Customs Services Inc. is committed to identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility in our workplace. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment for employees, clients, and visitors by embedding accessibility into our everyday operations and long-term planning.
10-Year Accessibility Timeline (Subject to Change)
- Accessibility audit (physical and digital), accessible job postings, document conversion
- Website redesign, transportation policy, wire management, service animal access
- Website retrofit, signage updates, service animal training, job description conversion
- Driveway replacement, office layout adjustments finalized
- Window replacement, digital content fully converted
- Second round of physical audit and updates
- Re-training staff on accessibility best practices
- Update signage and technology platforms as needed
- Evaluate and refresh transportation and service animal policies
- Comprehensive review of all initiatives, develop a 5-year plan
Employment
Planned improvements
- Review and revise all job postings using accessible, plain language.
- Ensure postings are available in multiple formats (digital, audio, large print).
- Add a standard statement indicating accommodations are available during the hiring process.
- Engage with disability employment organizations to expand outreach.
Work Environment
Planned improvements
- Conduct a full accessibility audit of the office and warehouse.
- Tape down or reroute loose wires and cords during weekly Friday deep cleans.
- Adjust layout to ensure navigability for individuals using mobility aids.
- Improve lighting and signage for safer navigation.
- Driveway Replacement: Replace the front driveway to allow smoother, safer access for all visitors, including those using wheelchairs or walkers.
- Window Replacement: New windows will improve natural light and energy efficiency, enhancing visibility and comfort for all employees.
Digital Communication
Planned improvements
- Conduct a digital audit to identify accessibility issues.
- Redesign website layout for better screen reader compatibility and keyboard navigation.
- Add visible links to accessibility pages.
- Retrofit all existing content (PDFs, videos, images) to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
- Train staff in accessible content creation.
Physical Communication
Planned improvements
- Convert key documents into accessible formats (large print, audio, digital).
- Update internal and external signage for better visibility and readability.
- Provide regular training for staff on accessible document formatting.
Transportation Accommodations
Planned improvements
- Develop a transportation policy outlining accommodation request procedures.
- Communicate this policy through staff onboarding, intranet, and printed handouts.
Service Animals
Planned improvements
- Walk-through to assess physical access for service animals.
- Update internal policy and signage to clarify service animal access.
- Host an awareness and training session for staff with client-facing roles.
Monitoring & Review
- The accessibility plan will be reviewed every 12 months to reflect changes in legislation, feedback received, and progress made.
- Updates will be communicated to staff and stakeholders through internal memos and meetings.
Budget and Capital Improvements
Most improvements in this plan are procedural and policy-driven, minimizing financial impact. However, the following capital improvements will directly contribute to accessibility:
- Improved surface for safe, accessible access to the building.
- Increased natural light and energy efficiency, enhancing visibility for all.
Funding for procedural initiatives (like training and policy updates) will be absorbed into existing operational budgets. Capital improvements will be planned and budgeted with long-term infrastructure planning.
Accessibility Feedback & Contact
- Representative
- Solomon Jensen
- Title
- Director of Operations
- Corporate Address
- 6045 Progress Street, Niagara Falls, ON
Solomon Jensen is responsible for receiving and addressing feedback regarding accessibility and for overseeing the continuous improvement of accessibility standards at Garden City Customs Services Inc.