Mercato Fresh is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of customers and employees with disabilities in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone can shop, work, and interact with dignity and independence.
Accessibility Policies
Our policies are designed to ensure compliance with AODA standards, focusing on accessible customer service, employment practices, information and communication, and the built environment. These policies are available on our website and in accessible formats upon request.
General Requirements
Maintain and update accessibility policies and this multi-year plan.
Timeline: Ongoing; reviewed every five years.
Responsibility: Human Resources Department.
Status: Current plan published; next review scheduled for February 2030.
Ensure all employees complete mandatory AODA training within their first week of employment.
Timeline: Ongoing.
Responsibility: Training Team.
Status: Training records maintained for compliance.
Publish annual status reports on progress toward achieving accessibility goals.
Timeline: Annually, starting December 2025.
Responsibility: HR Department.
Status: First report scheduled for December 2025.
Customer Service Standard
Train staff on how to interact with customers with disabilities, including those using assistive devices or accompanied by service animals.
Timeline: By June 2025.
Responsibility: Store Operations Team.
Status: Training integrated into onboarding program.
Information and Communications Standard
Ensure all public-facing documents and communications are available in accessible formats upon request, including flyers and signage.
Timeline: By March 2026.
Responsibility: Marketing Team.
Status: Accessible format policy implemented.
Ensure the store website complies with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standards to improve digital accessibility for all users.
Timeline: By December 2026.
Responsibility: IT Department.
Status: Website redesign ongoing.
Employment Standard
Notify job applicants about the availability of accommodations during recruitment and hiring processes.
Timeline: By September 2025.
Responsibility: HR Department.
Status: Job postings updated.
Develop individualized accommodation plans for employees with disabilities as needed.
Timeline: Ongoing.
Responsibility: HR Department.
Status: Accommodation process formalized.
Provide return-to-work processes for employees who require disability-related accommodations after an absence due to injury or illness.
Timeline: Ongoing.
Responsibility: HR Department.
Status: Return-to-work policy implemented.
Maintenance of Accessible Elements
Mercato Fresh is committed to maintaining the accessibility of public spaces. The following procedures will be implemented:
Preventative Maintenance
Conduct regular checks on all accessible elements such as automatic doors, ramps, parking spaces, checkout counters, and restrooms.
Schedule routine servicing of mechanical accessibility features to ensure they remain operational at all times.
Ensure all signage is legible and properly positioned.
Emergency Maintenance
Report any issues with accessible elements immediately to facilities management for timely remediation or repair.
Provide alternative solutions during disruptions, including temporary ramps or staff assistance.
Public Notification
Inform customers of any disruptions through in-store signage at entrances and affected areas.
Share updates on the store website or social media platforms.
Include the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and available alternatives.
Employee Training
Train staff on identifying maintenance issues related to accessibility features and assisting customers during disruptions.
Consultation and Feedback
Mercato Fresh is committed to consulting people with disabilities during the development and review of this plan. We encourage feedback from customers, employees, and stakeholders with disabilities to improve accessibility initiatives. Feedback can be submitted via email, phone, or in person at our stores. All feedback will be reviewed by our Accessibility Committee to inform future updates.
Review Schedule
This plan will be reviewed every five years or as required by changes in legislation or organizational practices. The next review is scheduled for February 2030.
Stakeholders with disabilities will be consulted to identify new barriers or opportunities for improvement.
Progress will be evaluated based on annual status reports.
