Garden City Customs Services Inc. Accessibility Plan

10-Year Accessibility Timeline (Subject to Change)

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2025    Accessibility audit (physical and digital), accessible job postings, document conversion

2026    Website redesign, transportation policy, wire management, service animal access

2027    Website retrofit, signage updates, service animal training, job description conversion

2028    Driveway replacement, office layout adjustments finalized

2029    Window replacement, digital content fully converted

2030    Second round of physical audit and updates

2031    Re-training staff on accessibility best practices

2032    Update signage and technology platforms as needed

2033    Evaluate and refresh transportation and service animal policies

2034    Comprehensive review of all initiatives, develop a 5-year plan

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Employment

Barrier Identification:
Current recruitment practices may unintentionally exclude candidates with disabilities due to inaccessible postings, application processes, or limited communication about accommodation options.
Planned Improvements:
•    Year 1-2:
o    Review and revise all job postings using accessible, plain language.
o    Ensure postings are available in multiple formats (digital, audio, large print).
o    Add a standard statement indicating accommodations are available during the hiring process.
o    Engage with disability employment organizations to expand outreach.

Work Environment

Barrier Identification:
Physical barriers in office and warehouse areas may restrict access for individuals with mobility or visual impairments. Examples include narrow walkways and loose cords.
Planned Improvements:
•    Year 1:
o    Conduct a full accessibility audit of the office and warehouse.
o    Tape down or reroute loose wires and cords during weekly Friday deep cleans.
•    Year 2-3:
o    Adjust layout to ensure navigability for individuals using mobility aids.
o    Improve lighting and signage for safer navigation.
•    Year 4:
o    Driveway Replacement: Replace the front driveway to allow smoother, safer access for all visitors, including those using wheelchairs or walkers.
•    Year 5:
o    Window Replacement: New windows will improve natural light and energy efficiency, enhancing visibility and comfort for all employees.

Digital Communication

Barrier Identification:
Current digital content and website structure may not be accessible to individuals using assistive technology or with cognitive impairments.
Planned Improvements:
•    Year 1:
o    Conduct a digital audit to identify accessibility issues.
•    Year 2:
o    Redesign website layout for better screen reader compatibility and keyboard navigation.
o    Add visible links to accessibility pages.
•    Year 3-5:
o    Retrofit all existing content (PDFs, videos, images) to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
o    Train staff in accessible content creation.

Physical Communication

Barrier Identification:
Essential documents and signage may not be accessible for individuals with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities.
Planned Improvements:
•    Year 1-2:
o    Convert key documents into accessible formats (large print, audio, digital).
•    Year 3:
o    Update internal and external signage for better visibility and readability.
•    Ongoing:
o    Provide regular training for staff on accessible document formatting.

Transportation Accommodations

Barrier Identification:
Lack of clear communication around transportation accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Planned Improvements:
•    Year 2:
o    Develop a transportation policy outlining accommodation request procedures.
o    Communicate this policy through staff onboarding, intranet, and printed handouts.

Service Animals

Barrier Identification:
Lack of employee training and unclear signage may result in improper handling of service animals on-site.
Planned Improvements:
•    Year 2:
o    Walk-through to assess physical access for service animals.
•    Year 3:
o    Update internal policy and signage to clarify service animal access.
o    Host an awareness and training session for staff with client-facing roles.

Monitoring & Review

 

Annual:
o    The accessibility plan will be reviewed every 12 months to reflect changes in legislation, feedback received, and progress made.
o    Updates will be communicated to staff and stakeholders through internal memos and meetings.

Budget and Capital Improvements

Most improvements in this plan are procedural and policy-driven, minimizing financial impact. However, the following capital improvements will directly contribute to accessibility:
•    Driveway Replacement (Year 4):
o    Improved surface for safe, accessible access to the building.
•    Window Replacement (Year 5):
o    Increased natural light and energy efficiency, enhancing visibility for all.
Funding for procedural initiatives (like training and policy updates) will be absorbed into existing operational budgets. Capital improvements will be planned and budgeted with long-term infrastructure planning.

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Representative: Solomon Jensen
Title: Director of Operations
Email: Solomon@gcityservices.com
Phone: 888-481-2048 ext. 228
Corporate Address: 6045 Progress Street, Niagara Falls, ON

Solomon Jensen is responsible for receiving and addressing feedback regarding accessibility and for overseeing the continuous improvement of accessibility standards at Garden City Customs Services Inc.