ACCESSIBILITY POLICY
Accessible Customer Service Policy and Procedures
Providing Goods and Services to People with Disabilities

Purpose

            The intent of the Accessible Customer Service Policy (the “Policy”) is to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities by identifying, removing and preventing barriers that might interfere with the ability to obtain the goods and services provided by Sing Tao Newspapers (Canada 1988) Limited (“STN”) and  Sing Tao Daily Limited (“STD”).

Commitment

            STN and STD strive at all times to provide its goods and services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.  STN and STD are also committed to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity to access our goods and services and allowing them to benefit from the same services, in the same place and in a similar way as other customers.

Application

            The Policy shall apply to every person who deals with members of the public or other third parties on behalf of STN / STD, whether that person does so as an employee, independent contractor, agent, volunteer, or otherwise.  The Policy shall also apply to every person involved in the development of policies, procedures and practices pertaining to the provision of goods and services by STN / STD.

Procedures for Providing Goods and Services to People with Disabilities

            STN and STD are committed to excellence in serving all customers including people with disabilities by removing barriers that might arise in the course of doing business as follows:

(a)        Communication

We will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.

We are committed to providing fully accessible telephone services to our customers.  We will train employees to communicate with customers over the telephone in clear and plain language and to speak clearly and slowly.

In addition, we will offer to communicate with customers by email if telephone communication is not suitable to their communication needs or is not available.

(b)        Assistive devices

            A person with a disability may provide their own assistive device for the purpose of obtaining, using and benefiting from STN / STD’s goods and services.  Exceptions may occur in situations where STN / STD has determined that the assistive device may pose a risk to the health and safety of a person with a disability or others on the premises.  In such situations, and others, STN / STD may offer a person with a disability other reasonable measures to assist in obtaining, using and benefitting from STN / STD’s goods and services, where other measures are available.

            It is the responsibility of the person with a disability to ensure that the assistive device is operated in a safe and controlled manner at all times.

(c)        Service animals

            A person with a disability may enter premises owned and/or operated by STN / STD accompanied by a service animal and keep the animal with them if the public has access to such premises and the animal is not otherwise excluded by law.  If a service animal is excluded by law, STN and STD will ensure that alternate means are available to enable the person with a disability to obtain, use and benefit from STN / STD’s goods and services.

            It should be noted that it is the responsibility of the person with a disability to ensure that the service animal is kept in control at all times.

(d)        Support persons

            A person with a disability may enter premises owned and/or operated by STN / STD with a support person and have access to the support person while on the premises.

            In addition, STN / STD may require a person with a disability to be accompanied by a support person while on the premises in situations where it is necessary to protect the health and safety of the person with a disability or of others on the premises.

(e)        Notice of temporary disruption

            STN and STD will make reasonable efforts to provide prior notice of disruptions, if possible, recognizing that in some circumstances such as in the situation of unplanned temporary disruptions, advance notice will not be possible.  In all cases, STN and STD will notify customers promptly by posting a notice that includes information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration and a description of alternate facilities or services that may be available.  The notice will be posted in reasonable places.  When possible, disruptions that are known in advance will be posted online. 

Training

STN and STD will provide training to employees, independent contractors, agents, volunteers and others who deal with the public or other third parties on behalf of STN / STD.  In addition, STN and STD will provide training to persons involved in the development of policies, procedures and practices pertaining to the provision of goods and services.

The format of training given will be tailored to suit each person’s interactions with the public or third parties or involvement in the development of policies, procedures and practices, as applicable.

The content of the training will include:

• An overview of the purposes of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005;
• An overview of the requirements of the customer service standard;
• Instruction on STN and STD’s policies, procedures and practices pertaining to the provision of goods and services to persons with disabilities;
• How to communicate with persons with various types of disabilities;
• How to interact with persons with disabilities who use assistive devices or who require the assistance of a service animal or support person;
• How to use equipment or devices that are provided which may help people with disabilities access goods and services provided by STN / STD, such as, TTY calls, elevators, etc.; and
• What to do if a person with a particular type of disability is having difficulty accessing STN / STD’s goods or services.

Training will be provided to each person as soon as practical after being assigned the applicable duties.  Training will also be provided on an ongoing basis in connection with changes to the policies, practices and procedures governing the provision of goods and services to persons with disabilities.

Feedback process

            STN and STD are committed to providing high quality goods and services to all of its customers.  Feedback from customers and/or third parties is welcomed as it may identify areas that require change and encourage continuous service improvements.

            Feedback from a member of the public about the delivery of goods and services to persons with disabilities may be provided by telephone, in person, in writing, in electronic format, or through other methods.  All feedback should be directed to Amy Mui, Administration Senior Manager, at 905-754-1522 or ext. 1522, email amui@singtao.ca.  If they wish to be contacted about their feedback, persons must provide their name and contact information.

            Complaints will be addressed according to the procedure already established in STN and STD’s complaint management procedures.