Accessibility Policy

Statement of Organizational Commitment

Automotive Financial Services Inc. and affiliates (dba “Holman” or the “Company”) is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration, and we are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and meeting our accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Ontario’s accessibility laws.

Holman is committed to meeting its current and ongoing obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code respecting non-discrimination.

Holman understands that obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its accessibility standards do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law.

Holman is committed to excellence in serving and providing goods, services, or facilities to all customers including people with disabilities.

Scope

The policy is applicable in Canada; however, may be modified and adopted for use in other countries where Holman has business and operations. The policy applies to employees, volunteers, agents and/or contractors who deal with the public or other third parties that act on behalf of Holman.

Training

Holman is committed to training all staff and volunteers in accessible customer service, other Ontario’s accessibility standards, and aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code that relate to persons with disabilities.

In addition, we will train:

  1. all persons who participate in developing the Company’s policies; and
  2. all other persons who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the Company

Training of our employees and volunteers on accessibility relates to their specific roles. Training includes the purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Customer Service Standards

We train every person as soon as practicable after being hired and provide training in respect of any changes to the policies.

We maintain records of the training provided including the dates on which the training was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided.

Assistive Devices

People with disabilities may use their personal assistive devices when accessing our goods, services or facilities.

In cases where the assistive device presents a significant and unavoidable health or safety concern or may not be permitted for other reasons, other measures will be used to ensure the person with a disability can access our goods, services, or facilities.

Communication

We communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. This may include the following:

  • written communications
  • subtitles for trainings and presentations

We will work with the person with disabilities to determine what method of communication works to meet their needs.

Service Animals

We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals.  Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public and third parties.

When we cannot easily identify that an animal is a service animal, our staff may ask for documentation from a regulated health professional that confirms the person needs the service animal for reasons relating to their disability.

A service animal can be easily identified through visual indicators, such as when it wears a harness or a vest, or when it helps the person perform certain tasks.

A regulated health professional is defined as a member of one of the following colleges:

  • College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario
  • College of Chiropractors of Ontario
  • College of Nurses of Ontario
  • College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
  • College of Optometrists of Ontario
  • College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
  • College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
  • College of Psychologists of Ontario
  • College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario

Support Persons

A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them on our premises.

In certain cases, Holman might require a person with a disability to be accompanied by a support person for the health or safety reasons of:

  • the person with a disability
  • others on the premises

Before making a decision, Holman will:

  • consult with the person with a disability to understand their needs
  • consider health or safety reasons based on available evidence
  • determine if there is no other reasonable way to protect the health or safety of the person or others on the premises

Notice of Temporary Disruption

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities for customers with disabilities, Holman will notify customers promptly. This clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated length of time, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

The notice may be made publicly available in the following ways:

  • text message
  • email communication
  • posting on bulletin board

Feedback Process

ARI Financial Services Inc. welcomes feedback on how we provide accessible customer service.  Customer and employee feedback will help us identify barriers and respond to concerns.

Feedback may be provided in the following ways: contact the HR team or email [email protected]

All feedback, including complaints, will be handled in the following manner:

Feedback will be assessed and reviewed by HR, facilities, and office management. Upon completion of review customer will be informed of outcome.

Notice of Availability of Documents

ARI Financial Services Inc. notifies the public that documents related to accessible customer service, are available upon request by emailing [email protected].

ARI Financial Services Inc. will provide these documents in an accessible format or with communication support, on request. We will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of the format or communication support. We will provide the accessible format in a timely manner and, at no additional cost.

Information and Communications

We have a process for receiving and responding to feedback and the process is accessible to persons with disabilities upon request.

We communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability. When asked, we will provide information about our Company and its services, including public safety information, in accessible formats or with communication supports:

  1. in a timely manner, taking into account the person’s accessibility needs due to disability; and
  2. at a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to other persons.

We will consult with the person making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.  If the Company determines that information or communications are unconvertible, the Company shall provide the requestor with:

  1. an explanation as to why the information or communications are unconvertible; and
  2. a summary of the unconvertible information or communications.

We notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports by email and in conversation.

We will also meet internationally-recognized Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA website requirements in accordance with Ontario’s accessibility laws.

Employment

We notify employees, job applicants, and the public that accommodations can be made during recruitment and hiring. We notify job applicants when they are individually selected to participate in an assessment or selection process that accommodations are available upon request. We consult with the applicants and provide or arrange for suitable accommodation.

We notify successful applicants of policies for accommodating employees with disabilities when making offers of employment.

We notify staff that supports are available for those with disabilities as soon as practicable after they begin their employment. We provide updated information to employees whenever there is a change to existing policies on the provision of job accommodation that take into account an employee’s accessibility needs due to a disability.

We will consult with employees when arranging for the provision of suitable accommodation in a manner that takes into account the accessibility needs due to disability. We will consult with the person making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication supports specifically for:

  1. information that is needed in order to perform the employee’s job; and
  2. information that is generally available to employees in the workplace

Where needed, we will also provide customized emergency information to help an employee with a disability during an emergency.  With the employee’s consent, we will provide workplace emergency information to a designated person who is providing assistance to that employee during an emergency.

We will provide the information as soon as practicable after we become aware of the need for accommodation due to the employee’s disability.

We will review the individualized workplace emergency response information:

  1. when the employee moves to a different location in the organization;
  2. when the employee’s overall accommodations needs or plans are reviewed; and
  3. when the employer reviews its general emergency response policies.

We have a written process to develop individual accommodation plans for employees.

We have a written process for employees who have been absent from work due to a disability and require disability-related accommodations in order to return to work.

Our performance management, career development, and redeployment processes take into account the accessibility needs of all employees.

Changes to Existing Policies

Any policies of this Company that do not respect and promote the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity for people with disabilities will be modified or removed.

 

Automotive Financial Services Inc. Multiyear Accessibility Plan 2023-2028

 

Introduction

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation (IASR) was enacted to develop, implement, and enforce Accessibility Standards in order to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to:

  • Information and Communication
  • Employment
  • Design of Public Spaces
  • Customer Service
  • Transportation

In accordance with the requirements set out in the IASR, we will:

  • Provide the plan in an accessible format upon request.
  • Review and update the accessibility plan at least once every five years.
  • Review and update the accessibility plan in consultation with persons with disabilities.
  • Prepare an annual status report and post it on its website.

ARI Financial Services Inc. and affiliates (dba “Holman”) fully supports AODA, we will treat all people in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner and will do by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

This accessibility plan outlines the steps we are taking to meet those requirements and to improve opportunities for people with disabilities. The plan will be posted on the Holman intranet, and it will be provided in an accessible format upon request. The plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every 5 years.

We train every person as soon as practicable after being hired and provide training in respect of any changes to the policies.

We maintain records of the training provided including the dates on which the training was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided.

1. Past Achievements to Remove and Prevent Barriers

Holman has completed the following accessibility initiatives.

1.1 Customer Service

Holman remains in compliance with the Customer Service Standard.

1.2 Information and Communications

Holman will provide goods & services and communicate with people with disabilities in ways that takes into account their disability. Depending upon the need, this may include but is not restricted to use of communication devices and media such as large print, telephony services, or email. Holman website, www.holman.com/ca , is compliant with accessibility design standards.

1.3 Employment

We continue to ensure our hiring practices are compliant with all relevant legislation.

Holman employs people with disabilities. Accessibility notices are attached to each job posting, and accommodations for candidates for employment can be made upon request. Upon hire, new employees requiring accommodations are supported in accordance with the applicable laws.

1.4 Procurement

Not applicable to Holman.

1.5 Self-service kiosks

Not applicable to Holman.

1.6 Training

We continue to train all new hires on AODA and current employees on updates.

1.7 Design of Public Spaces

Not applicable to Holman.

1.8 Transportation

Not applicable to Holman.

2. Strategies and Actions

2.1 Customer Service

Holman continues to provide training to all new hires on AODA and our Accessibility plan and policy.

Timeline: Upon hire and ongoing.

We welcome people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal on our premises. We welcome support persons who accompany a person with a disability. The support persons role will be respected, and they will be included based on the needs or expressed wishes of the person with a disability.

Timeline: Current practice and ongoing as required

2.2 Information and Communications

Holman is committed to making our information and communications accessible to people with disabilities.

Holman website will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure it continues to meet all accessibility standards.

Holman is assessing the addition of subtitles to all customer video trainings.

Timeline: Current practice and ongoing.

2.3 Employment

Holman is committed to fair and accessible employment practices.

Holman will ensure that human resources processes are supportive of people with a disability. These processes include but are not limited to; recruitment, providing accessible information, plans for emergencies, individual accommodation, return to work, performance management, and career development and deployment. Supportive employment related processes and tools will be developed & implemented in accordance with the collective agreement.

Timeline: Current practice and ongoing.

2.4 Procurement

NA

2.5 Self-service kiosks

NA

2.6 Training

Holman is committed to providing training in the requirements of Ontario’s accessibility laws and the Ontario Human Rights Code as it applies to people with disabilities and will continue with programs in place.

2.7 Design of Public Spaces

NA

2.8 Transportation

NA

For More Information

For more information on this accessibility plan, and accessible formats of this document please contact the HR Department at [email protected].

Holman's 2024 Fleet Resource - Download Now