Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Providing Goods and Services to People with Disabilities

Sharpe Farm Supplies always strives to provide its goods, services and opportunities in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people of all abilities. We are committed to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity to benefit from the same services and opportunities, in the same place and in a similar way as others.  We are “Committed to Our Customer’s Needs” by providing timely, top-quality products and services in a safe, controlled manner by a team of professional, dedicated, and well-trained employees.

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.

Customer Service

Sharpe Farm Supplies is committed to implementing and developing strategies to support all employees in providing accessible customer service. We will continue to provide AODA training to all our employees and will be developing training specifically for customer service-based roles. We have been working hard at improving our accessibility to customers. Examples achieved include:

• The new construction of retail locations are up to accessibility standards ie: accessible bathrooms, parking, and retail stores, providing access to all customers.
• We have provided mandatory training in Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) for every employee within the company. This has ensured our employees are trained to work with customers with accessibility needs.
• We have developed a new website with an online store to accommodate those who are not able to physically attend our retail locations. Within this website we also provide access, allowing feedback through telephone or email for any of our customers.
• We offer curbside pickup by calling into stores and requesting products to be collected and brought to their vehicle.

Information and Communication

It has been important to Sharpe Farm Supplies that we provide accessibility via information and communication as this becomes more prevalent throughout the company. Examples of past initiatives include:

• All training provided through our training modules to employees is accessible, through closed captioning.
• Social media and our website to communicate important information in the event of temporary disruption (for example if a store unintentionally must close at an irregular time). Signs on doors of retail locations are also provided to communicate information. The website also has some accessible options.
• Communicating our AODA Policy through our website to ensure it is accessible to the public.
• All retail digital handheld debit machines are fully accessible with talk-back features.

Employment

Sharpe Farm Supplies is an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity in the workplace and provides an accessible recruitment process. We accommodate any individual's needs in keeping with the OHRC and AODA. If anybody does require accommodation to participate in the hiring process, they can contact HR directly to ensure accommodations are made in advance.

Training for Staff

Sharpe Farm Supplies 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. We are committed to providing all employees with the required training, and we will be developing higher standards in our training accessibility. 

Training is essential for all employees hired within the company. Accessible training has been provided and is mandatory for all employees. Examples of our accessibility training are:

• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) Training. Certified version. Is required to be completed by all employees within the onboarding process.
• Training is provided in multiple accessible ways. Closed captioning training modules, or in-person training if required.
• Training has been made more accessible with Sharpe Farm Supplies providing training laptops to employees who do not have access to a computer. Other accommodations can be made available should it be required.

Design of Public Spaces

Sharpe Farm Supplies will meet accessibility laws when building or making major changes to public spaces. All buildings built by Sharpe Farm Supplies in the future will be accessible as required. Any building that needs a major change to eliminate any physical barriers will be reviewed for potential improvements. 

Any new construction of public space buildings is accessibility compliant, including public washrooms, parking areas and the general layout of the establishment itself. Sharpe Farm Supplies has eliminated physical barriers within our new buildings in accordance with area building codes. Such as:

• New bathroom construction includes a fully accessible for anybody with disabilities.
• New retail locations have been outfitted with ramps and accessible entries and exits.

• Accessible Parking has been provided at all Sharpe Farm Supplies locations.

Feedback Process

Customers who wish to provide feedback on the way Sharpe Farm Supplies Ltd. provides goods and services to people with disabilities can do so verbally or by email. All feedback will be directed to our Health & Safety Manager. Customers can expect to hear back within 5 business days. Complaints will be addressed according to our organization’s regular complaint management procedures.

Modifications to This or Other Policies

Any policy of Sharpe Farm Supplies Ltd. that does not respect and promote the dignity and independence of people with disabilities will be modified or removed.

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For further information on this accessibility plan, or a copy of this plan in an accessible format please contact Sharpe Farm Supplies at: info@sharpefarm.ca or by telephone: 1-800-520-7997

Sharpe Farm Supplies will review and update our accessibility plan at least once every five years.