Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Book Depot Inc. (“Book Depot” or “us” or “we” or “our”) owns and operates the bookoutlet.com and bookoutlet.ca, (each a “Site”). Book Depot is committed to providing goods, services and employment in an integrated and accessible manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. This Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines Book Outlet’s strategy to actively prevent and remove barriers to accessibility and describes the approach we’re taking to meeting or exceeding applicable regulatory requirements, including those set out in human rights and accessibility-related legislation. This plan is a continually expanding and fluid document that will be updated at least every five (5) years, as Book Outlet’s accessibility strategy evolves.
Supporting Information
Legislation:
· Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, S.O. 2005, c.11: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/05a11
· Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (O. Reg. 429/07): https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/070429
· Integrated Accessibility Standards (O. Reg. 191/11): https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/110191
Accessibility Standards for Customer Service (O. Reg. 429/07)
Establishment of Policies
2015 and ongoing.
Book Outlet's Accessibility Policy was implemented in 2015. The Policy affirms our commitment to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner and governs the way that Book Outlet will achieve accessibility. The policy is posted on our corporate website (www.bookdepot.ca) and will be provided in alternate formats upon request.
Use of Service Animals and Support Persons
2011 and ongoing
Persons accompanied by a service animal are permitted to enter areas of our premises that are open to the public, except in those areas in which the animal is excluded by law. Where a person with disability is accompanied by a support person, both the person with the disability and the support person are provided equal access to our goods and services.
Notice of temporary disruptions
2011 and ongoing
In the event of any service disruptions, Book Depot provides and posts appropriate notice to the public. Upon request, we will provide a document outlining the steps we will take in connection with a temporary disruption.
Training for team members, etc.
2011 and ongoing
Book Depot ensures appropriate training for all team members, any volunteers and those who provide services on our behalf. This training includes the purpose of standards regarding accessibility set by provincial legislation and related requirements, as well as how to communicate, interact and support persons with disabilities in way that take the person’s disability into account. Training is provided as soon as practicable and whenever Book Depot alters its policies and practices regarding accessibility. We keep a record of training provided, including the dates training was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided. Upon request, Book Depot will provide a copy of its training policy.
Feedback process required
January 1, 2016 and ongoing
Book Depot ensures its processes for receiving and responding to feedback are accessible by providing or arranging for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports upon request – in a timely manner and at no extra cost.
Feedback will be accepted by the Customer Experience Department at Feedback will be accepted by the Customer Experience Department at Feedback will be accepted by the Customer Experience Department at Feedback will be accepted by the Customer Experience Department at 1-888-402-7323, or in writing to Book Depot, Customer Experience, 67 Front Street North, Thorold, Ontario L2V 1X3.
Format of documents
January 1, 2016 and ongoing
Upon request Book Depot will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communications supports for persons with disabilities, in a timely manner and at no extra cost. Book Depot will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of the accessible format or communication support.
Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (O. Reg. 191/11)
Establishment of accessibility policies
2015 and ongoing
Book Depot’s Accessibility Policy was implemented in 2015. The Policy affirms our commitment to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner and governs the way that Book Depot will achieve accessibility. The policy is posted on our corporate website (www.bookdepot.ca) and will be provided in alternate formats upon request.
Accessibility plans
2015 and ongoing
Book Depot created this Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlining the Company’s phased-in strategy for identifying, removing and preventing barriers to accessibility. The plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five (5) years. The plan is posted on our corporate website (www.bookdepot.ca) and will be provided in alternate formats upon request.
Procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities
Book Depot strives to incorporate accessibility design, criteria and features when procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities, where it is practicable to do so. Where it is not practicable to do so and upon request, explanation will be provided.
Self-service kiosks
Book Depot does not currently have self-service kiosks.
Training
2011 and ongoing
Book Depot ensures appropriate training for all team members, any volunteers and those who provide services on our behalf on the standards set by provincial legislation regarding accessibility as well as any aspect of local human rights legislation relating to persons with disabilities. Training is provided as soon as practicable and whenever Book Depot alters its policies and practices regarding accessibility. We keep a record of training provided, including the dates training was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided.
Feedback
January 1, 2016 and ongoing
Book Depot ensures its processes for receiving and responding to feedback are accessible by providing or arranging for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports upon request – in a timely manner and at no extra cost.
Feedback will be accepted by the Customer Experience Department at Feedback will be accepted by the Customer Experience Department at Feedback will be accepted by the Customer Experience Department at Feedback will be accepted by the Customer Experience Department at 1-888-402-7323, or in writing to Book Depot, Customer Experience, 67 Front Street North, Thorold, Ontario L2V 1X3.
Accessible formats and communication supports
January 1, 2016 and ongoing
Upon request Book Depot will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communications supports for persons with disabilities, in a timely manner and at no extra cost. Book Depot will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of the accessible format or communication support.
Emergency procedure, plans or public safety information
January 1, 2012 and ongoing
Emergency procedures and public emergency safety information that is prepared by Book Depot and made available to the public is done so in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports, as soon as practicable, upon request.
Accessible websites and web content
January 1, 2021 and ongoing
Internet websites and web content to conform with WCAG 2.0 at Level AA, except where not practicable.
Recruitment, general and recruitment, assessment or selection process
January 1, 2016 and ongoing
Book Depot’s recruitment, assessment and selection processes have been reviewed and modified to ensure that:
- All job applicants and the public are notified that accommodation is available during the recruitment process on request, as specified in job postings
- Applicants with disabilities are informed during the scheduling of interviews and assessments that accommodation is available
- If an applicant requests accommodation, we will consult with them to arrange for the provision of suitable accommodation that takes into account the applicant’s needs due to disability
- Team members responsible for recruitment, assessment, selection, and onboarding understand the accommodation requirements and process to be able to fulfil accommodation requests in an effective and timely manner
Notice to successful applicants
January 1, 2016 and ongoing
When making offers of employment, Book Depot notifies the successful applicant of our policies for accommodating team members with disabilities.
Notice to successful applicants
January 1, 2016 and ongoing
When making offers of employment, Book Depot notifies the successful applicant of our policies for accommodating team members with disabilities.
Informing team members of supports
January 1, 2016 and ongoing
Book Depot ensures new team members are provided with information about our accessibility policies via our orientation and onboarding processes as soon as practicable after employment begins.
Accessible formats and communication supports for team members
January 1, 2016
Upon request, Book Depot will consult with and provide a team member with a disability with suitable accessible formats and communication supports for information that is needed in order to perform their job and information that is generally available to team members in the workplace.
Workplace emergency response information
January 1, 2012 and ongoing
Where team members are unable to follow the standard emergency plan for their work location as the result of temporary or permanent disability, Book Depot will develop and keep updated alternate emergency preparedness plans. The team member, as well as any designated assistant(s) the team member consents to, are provided with the emergency response information.
Documented individual accommodation plans
January 1, 2016 and ongoing
Book Depot has procedures in place for developing and updating, as required, documented individual accommodation plans, which outline the method(s) by which requesting team members will be assessed and represented, how they can participate in the plan’s development, and the method by which a copy of the plan will be provided to the team member in a format that takes their accessibility needs into account
Book Depot continues to provide appropriate training to team members responsible for supporting the individualized accommodation plan process to ensure the efficacy of the process.
Return to work process
January 1, 2016 and ongoing
Book Depot has a return to work process in place for team members who have been absent from work due to a disability and require accommodation in order to return to work. The return to work process includes documented individual accommodation plans.
Book Depot continues to provide appropriate training to team members responsible for supporting the return to work process for individuals who require accommodation in order to return to work.
Performance management
January 1, 2016 and ongoing
Book Depot ensures the accessibility needs and individual accommodation plans of team members with disabilities are taken into account in the performance management process.
Book Depot continues to provide appropriate training to team members responsible for supporting or impacting performance management.
Career development and advancement
January 1, 2016 and ongoing
Book Depot ensures that the accessibility needs and individual accommodation plans of team members with disabilities are taken into account in our career development and advancement processes.
Book Depot continues to provide appropriate training to team members responsible for supporting career development and advancement.
Redeployment
January 1, 2016 and ongoing
Book Depot ensures that the accessibility needs and individual accommodation plans of team members with disabilities are taken into account in our redeployment process.
Book Depot continues to provide appropriate training to team members responsible for supporting redeployment.
Design of Public Spaces Standards (Accessibility Standards for the Build Environment)
January 1, 2017 and ongoing
Book Depot will ensure that accessibility will be integrated into any new or redeveloped Book Depot public space, in accordance with the criteria established by Ontario’s Integrated Accessibility Standards.
MYAP Review and Update History
- November 2022
- May 2021
- June 2020
- June 2019
- May 2018
- January 2017
- January 2016
Please find our AODA Policy Statement here.