Title: Accessibility & Multi Year Plan	Date of Issue: December 18, 2024
Policy #6

 

Sawdust City Brewing Company is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for all individuals, including people with disabilities. We strive to create a barrier-free environment where everyone is treated with dignity, independence, and respect. 

This policy outlines how Sawdust City Brewing Company complies with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and its associated standards.

1. Scope

Sawdust City Brewing Company is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for all individuals, including people with disabilities. We strive to create a barrier-free environment where everyone is treated with dignity, independence, and respect. This policy outlines how Sawdust City Brewing Company complies with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and its associated standards.

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, and clients of Sawdust City Brewing Company. It covers the provision of goods, services, and facilities to the public and addresses employee accommodation and workplace accessibility.

2. Our Commitment

Sawdust City Brewing Company is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of people with disabilities in a timely and effective manner. We will do so by:

• Ensuring compliance with the requirements under the AODA and Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR).
• Identifying, preventing, and removing barriers to accessibility.
• Providing training to employees to promote inclusive practices.

3. Accessibility Standards

3.1 Customer Service

Sawdust City Brewing Company will:

• Communicate with individuals with disabilities in a manner that considers their needs.
• Allow assistive devices, service animals, and support people on company premises.
• Inform the public about temporary disruptions to facilities or services affecting accessibility.
• Provide accessible formats and communication supports upon request.

3.2 Information and Communication

We are committed to ensuring that information and communications are accessible to people with disabilities by:

• Providing documents in accessible formats or with communication support when requested from any member of our staff.
• A copy of this Policy is posted in our front vestibule.
• Meeting the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level A for online content. A link to our website can be found here. https://sawdustcitybeer.com/pages/our-accessibility-multi-year-plan-policy.

3.3 Employment

Sawdust City Brewing Company will provide equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities by:

• Accommodating individuals during the recruitment, assessment, and hiring processes.
• Creating individualized accommodation plans and return-to-work processes.
• Providing accessible formats of workplace information as needed.

3.4 Training

Sawdust City Brewing Company will train all employees, volunteers, and contractors on:

• The requirements of the AODA and the Human Rights Code as it pertains to people with disabilities.
• All new employees and volunteers will be required to complete the Accessibility Standards training course which is provided by CFIB via an online learning module. 
• A record of completion is kept on the CFIB website for any future reference. Training is also documented on a Google drive labelled Health and Safety Training Checklists.
• Employees are required to complete this course on a yearly basis alongside WHMIS training
• Most of our staff are trained on Customer Service Standards. Further training for upper management does include Employment standards training, along with Information and Communications Standards training.

4. Feedback Process

Feedback is welcomed on how we provide accessible services. We will ensure that feedback processes are accessible to individuals with disabilities and will respond to feedback within 48 hours. Feedback can be provided through:

• Email: info@sawdustcitybeer.com
• Phone: 705-681-1100
• In Person: 397 Muskoka Road N, Gravenhurst Ontario, P1P1G3
• Mail: 397 Muskoka Road N, Gravenhurst Ontario, P1P1G3
• Website: https://sawdustcitybeer.com/pages/contact-us

5. Notice of Availability

Sawdust City Brewing Company will make this policy available to the public upon request in an accessible format.

6. Multiyear plan review of updates
7. Customer Service

Goal: Ensure all customers, including those with disabilities, receive excellent and equitable service.

Action Item	Timeline	Responsibility	Status
Train all staff on Accessible Customer Service Standards.	Q1 2025	HR/Training Team	In Progress
Provide accessible formats for menus and marketing materials upon request.	Q2 2025	Marketing Team	Planned
Install a feedback system for customers with disabilities to share their experiences.	Q4 2024	HR/Training Team	Complete

1. Information and Communications

Goal: Improve accessibility of company information for employees and customers.

Action Item			Timeline	Responsibility	Status
Ensure our website and digital content meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA accessibility standards.			Q4 2028	Marketing Team	Planned
Offer accessible formats and communication support (e.g., large print, audio) upon request.			Q3 2026	Marketing Team	Planned

1. Employment

Goal: Build an inclusive and accessible work environment for all employees.

Action Item	Timeline	Responsibility	Status
Review and update recruitment processes to accommodate applicants with disabilities.	Q4 2025	HR Team	Annually
Ensure accommodation is provided for employees with disabilities during employment.	Ongoing	HR/Management	Ongoing

1. Design of Public Spaces

Goal: Ensure the physical spaces at Sawdust City Brewing Company are accessible.

Action Item	Timeline	Responsibility	Status
Assess current facilities for barriers (entrances, washrooms, seating areas).	Q1 2025	Facilities Manager	Ongoing
Add ramps and improve accessible entrances where needed.	Q2 2025	Facilities Manager	Planned

 

This plan will be reviewed annually by the HR Manager and Chief of Operations, with a full update every 5 years to ensure compliance and progress. Both parties will sign off on the form.

Next Annual Review: December 2025

Next 5-year Review: December 2029

Effective Date: October 01, 2021

Reviewed Date: December 17, 2024

For more information, please contact:

Mike Lee
Sawdust City Brewing Company
Title: HR & Payroll Manager
Phone: 226-974-5022
Email: mike@sawdustcitybeer.com