AODA Policy

Accessibility Policy 

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 

YES Employment Services (Thunder Bay) | Updated July 2026 

Policy Statement 

YES Employment Services (Thunder Bay) is committed to treating all individuals in a manner that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration, equal opportunity, and accessible service delivery for persons with disabilities. 

YES Employment Services is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner and in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), Ontario Regulation 191/11. 

Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that YES Employment Services provides accessible services to clients, employers, community partners, volunteers and members of the public by: 

• Respecting the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities; 
• Providing equal opportunity to access our services; 
• Communicating in a manner that takes into account individual accessibility needs; 
• Identifying, removing and preventing barriers to accessibility wherever possible; 
• Ensuring compliance with applicable accessibility legislation. 

Scope 

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, students, contractors, and other individuals who provide services on behalf of YES Employment Services. 

Accessible Customer Service 

YES Employment Services is committed to excellence in serving all individuals, including persons with disabilities. 

We will: 

• Treat individuals with respect and dignity. 
• Provide services in a manner that promotes independence and equal opportunity. 
• Communicate with people in ways that consider their disability. 
• Make reasonable efforts to ensure that our services are accessible to all. 
• Provide accessible customer service in accordance with applicable legislation. 

Communication 

YES Employment Services will communicate with persons with disabilities in ways that consider their individual needs. 

Upon request, we will provide or arrange for accessible formats and communication supports in a timely manner and at no additional cost, considering the individual’s accessibility needs. 

Telephone Services 

YES Employment Services is committed to providing accessible telephone services. Where telephone communication is not suitable to an individual’s communication needs, alternative methods of communication will be offered whenever possible. 

Assistive Devices 

Persons with disabilities may use their own assistive devices when accessing services provided by YES Employment Services, unless otherwise prohibited by law. Employees and volunteers who interact with the public will receive training regarding how to assist individuals who use assistive devices. 

Service Animals 

YES Employment Services welcomes persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal. Service animals are permitted in areas of our premises that are open to the public unless otherwise excluded by law. 

Where it is not readily apparent that an animal is a service animal, YES Employment Services may request documentation from a regulated health professional confirming that the animal is required for reasons related to the individual’s disability. 

Support Persons 

Persons with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person will be permitted to have that person accompany them while accessing services at YES Employment Services. At no time will a person with a disability be prevented from having access to their support person while on our premises. 

Notice of Temporary Disruptions 

YES Employment Services will provide notice of planned or unexpected disruptions to facilities or services that persons with disabilities rely on. 

Notice will include: 

• The reason for the disruption; 
• The anticipated duration; 
• Alternative facilities or services, where available. 

Notices will be posted at public entrances, service areas, on our website, or through other appropriate communication methods. 

Feedback Process 

YES Employment Services welcomes feedback regarding the accessibility of our services and facilities. 

Feedback may be provided in person, by telephone, by email, in writing, or through any other accessible communication method. 

Feedback will be directed to the Service Delivery Manager or designate. We will acknowledge receipt of feedback and respond within five (5) business days whenever possible. 

Training 

YES Employment Services will provide accessibility training to employees, volunteers, and others who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the organization. 

Training will be provided: 

• As part of orientation for new employees and volunteers; 
• When changes are made to accessibility policies or procedures; 
• On an ongoing basis as required. 

Training will include: 

• The purposes of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005; 
• The requirements of the accessibility standards relevant to an individual’s duties; 
• How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities; 
• How to interact with individuals who use assistive devices, service animals or support persons; 
• How to assist a person who is experiencing difficulty accessing services; 
• YES Employment Services’ accessibility policies and procedures. 

Documentation and Availability of Information 

This policy is publicly available on the YES Employment Services website.

Related accessibility documents will be made available to the public upon request.

Accessible formats and communication supports will be provided upon request and in a manner that takes into account the individual’s accessibility needs.

YES Employment Services will provide notice on its website regarding the availability of accessibility-related documents, policies, and supports.

Privacy 

YES Employment Services will collect, use and disclose personal information in accordance with applicable privacy legislation and organizational policies. 

Review of Policy 

This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as required to ensure compliance with legislation and to support the ongoing accessibility of services. 

Questions Regarding This Policy 

Questions regarding this policy, requests for accessible formats, communication supports, or accessibility-related feedback may be directed through the Contact Us page.

Download Our 2020 Compliance Report: