BTRUST Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Statement of Commitment

Btrust Supermarket is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner, as outlined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). This accessibility plan outlines the steps we are taking to meet those requirements and to improve opportunities for people with disabilities. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for our employees, customers, and the community.

Where this Plan specifies that documents, alternative formats or communication supports are available upon request, such requests should be directed to 647-479-2193, or in writing to BTRUST c/o Human Resources, 2291 Winston Park Dr., Oakville, ON L6H 6R7, Canada.

Past Achievements to Remove and Prevent Barriers

Btrust Supermarket has implemented several initiatives in the past to remove barriers and ensure compliance with AODA requirements.

  • Customer Service Accessibility
    1. Btrust Supermarket has trained all staff on accessible customer service practices, ensuring they provide quality services to individuals with disabilities.
    2. Established a feedback process for customers to submit accessibility-related concerns, and actions were taken to address those concerns.
    3. Provided access to assistive devices, service animals, and support persons as required.
    4. Btrust welcomes feedback about how it provides goods or services to persons with disabilities. Members of the public may provide feedback in the manner deemed most convenient to them, including in person, by telephone, in writing, or by email or other electronic format.
  • Emergency Procedures, Public Emergency Safety Information

Emergency procedures and public emergency safety information that is prepared by Btrust and made available to the public is made available in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports, as soon as practicable, upon request.

  • Employment
    1.  Btrust Supermarket has integrated accommodations into the hiring process to support candidates with disabilities.
    2. An individualized workplace accommodation process was implemented for employees requiring specific support.
    3. Established a return-to-work process for employees who have been off due to disability-related absences.
    4. Ensured that all performance management, career development, and redeployment processes consider accessibility needs. 
  • Training
    1.  All new hires have received training on the requirements of Ontario’s accessibility laws and how they apply to our operations.
    2. Provided appropriate training to employees responsible for recruitment, assessment, selection and onboarding to ensure accommodation requests are fulfilled in an effective and timely manner. 
  • Information and Communications
    1.  The public is provided with multiple channels and communication supports. Feedback will be accepted at stores, by the Human Resources Department at 647- 479-2193, or in writing to BTRUST c/o Human Resources, 2291 Winston Park Dr., Oakville, ON L6H 6R7, Canada or Customer Service inquiry on www.btrustsupermarket.com
    2. All communication materials were offered in accessible formats upon request. (e.g., large print, plain language, audio).
    3. Emergency and public safety information was made available in accessible formats upon request.
  •  Design of Public Spaces
    1. Public spaces in Btrust Supermarket were modified to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including automatic doors and waiting areas with space for mobility devices.

 Strategies and Actions

This section outlines the specific projects and programs Btrust Supermarket will implement to meet the accessibility standards under the AODA.

  • Customer Service

 Objective: Provide accessible customer service to individuals with disabilities.

Actions：

  1. Continue training all new staff on accessible customer service practices.
  2. Ensure accessible customer service equipment (assistive devices, support persons) is available.
  3. Update the feedback process to ensure that it remains effective in addressing accessibility concerns.
  4. Develop a procedure to handle temporary service disruptions.

 Timeline: Ongoing, with annual reviews.

  • Employment

Objective: Create an inclusive and accessible workplace that supports employees with disabilities.

Actions：

  1. Consistently notify applicants about the availability of accommodations during the recruitment and hiring process.
  2. Continue developing workplace accommodation plans for employees with disabilities.
  3. Provide training for managers on supporting employees with disabilities in their roles.

 Timeline: Ongoing, with annual reviews.

  • Training

Objective: Provide training to all employees on the AODA requirements and the Ontario Human Rights Code. 4

 Actions:

  1. Continue providing accessible customer service and disability-related training to all employees.
  2. Implement additional training sessions for managers and supervisors to support employees with disabilities.

 Timeline: Ongoing, with new training every year.

  • Information and Communications

Objective: Ensure all information and communications are accessible to people with disabilities.

Actions:

  1. Regularly audit and update the Btrust website to ensure it meets accessibility standards.
  2. Publish updated accessibility standards in a timely manner.

 Timeline: Ongoing, with annual reviews.

  • Design of Public Spaces

Objective: Ensure that all public spaces in the supermarket meet accessibility standards.

Actions：

  1. Maintain accessible features in public spaces (e.g., automatic doors)
  2. Implement procedures to ensure that accessible spaces are maintained regularly, including snow clearing.

Monitoring and Reporting

The plan will be reviewed and updated annually, and adjustments will be made as necessary to ensure Btrust Supermarket meets all accessibility requirements.

  • Review Cycle: Annual review each November.
  • Reporting: Any updates or changes to the accessibility plan will be communicated to employees and made available on our website.

Our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan is publicly posted at www.btrustsupermarket.com

Contact Information

For inquiries about this plan, please contact the HR Department @ HR@Btrust.ca