PPR: Provincial Premises Registry. The official registry for obtaining an Ontario Premises Identification Number.

Providing programs and services to people with disabilities

Commitment

Agricorp provides goods and services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. We are committed to offering customers with disabilities easy access to our premises as well as quality and timely access to programs, services and information.

Training

Agricorp employees are aware of the need to accommodate customers with disabilities and are familiar with policies and procedures to do so. To ensure that all customers can fully access Agricorp’s programs and services, employees receive training on how to interact with people with various types of disabilities, including those who use an assistive device, who need alternate formats or communication supports, or who require the assistance of a service animal or support person.

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities customer service training is part of our new employee orientation curriculum. It is updated when changes are made to these policies, practices and procedures and any changes are communicated to all employees.

Communication

We inform customers that they can request information in a format that is accessible to them. We communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability and provide alternate formats and communication supports upon request.

We explore communication options with customers and provide needed information in a suitable alternate format, in a timely manner, and at no additional cost. This may include hard copies, electronic, large print or recorded versions. We can work in person, over e-mail, by phone, fax, or online according to the person’s needs. We also offer communication supports such as reading a document for a customer or providing other suitable assistance.

Telephone services

We provide fully accessible telephone service to our customers. Contact centre staff are trained to use a TTY machine for the hearing impaired. Staff are also trained to communicate with all customers over the telephone in clear and plain language and to speak clearly and slowly. If telephone communication is not possible, we communicate with customers by mail, by e-mail, in person or through an appropriate third-party to meet the customer’s communication needs.

Premises

All Agricorp premises are accessible.

Notice of temporary disruption

Agricorp will provide customers with notice in the event of a planned or unexpected disruption in the facilities or services usually used by people with disabilities. This notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available. The notice will be placed at all public entrances and service counters on our premises.

Use of service animals and support persons

Agricorp is accessible to people with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal.

We also welcome people with disabilities who are accompanied by a support person. Since Agricorp often deals with sensitive personal and business information, the client’s consent to discuss their business dealings with a support person is required before Agricorp can provide access to the client’s information while on our premises.

When personal attendants or support persons are required for sign language interpretation or real-time captioners for Agricorp sponsored meetings, consultants or events, Agricorp will pay travel expenses upon request, in accordance with government travel and hospitality guidelines.