Accessibility Plan

Riviana Foods Canada Corporation. Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

2021–2026

Statement of Commitment

At Riviana Foods Canada Corporation, we are dedicated to fostering an environment that prevents, identifies, and eliminates barriers to accessibility in a timely, integrated, and inclusive manner. Our commitment is rooted in respect for the dignity and independence of individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal access to goods, services, and employment opportunities for all.

This Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines our proactive approach to meeting the accessibility requirements set forth by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). Additionally, we pledge to work towards full compliance with the standards of the and any future applicable accessibility legislation.

In alignment with the AODA’s Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations (IASR), Riviana Foods Canada will:

  • Develop, implement, and maintain policies that guide our organization in achieving accessibility.
  • Create and maintain a Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.
  • Make our corporate policies and Multi-Year Accessibility Plan available to employees and the public upon request.
  • Provide the policies and Multi-Year Accessibility Plan in accessible formats upon request.
  • Review and update the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan at least once every five years.

Four of the five AODA accessibility standards are applicable to Riviana Foods Canada. These standards will guide us in identifying and removing barriers to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities:

  • Customer Service
  • Employment
  • Information and Communications
  • Design of Public Spaces

Through these measures, Riviana Foods Canada reaffirms its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring a progressive approach to meeting current and future accessibility needs.

Accessibility Standards for Customer Service

Commitment

Commitment to Accessible Customer Service

Riviana Foods Canada is dedicated to providing goods and services in a manner that upholds the dignity and independence of individuals with disabilities. In adherence to the Accessible Customer Service Standard, we remain committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to and can fully benefit from our services and facilities, just like all other customers.

Ongoing Initiatives
To deliver an accessible and inclusive customer service experience, we continue to implement the following measures:

  • Offering accessible telephone services for customers with hearing or speech disabilities and exploring various communication channels tailored to their needs.
  • Allowing the use of assistive devices, in compliance with our Food Safety and Health and Safety policies, to enable individuals with disabilities to access and benefit from our goods and services.
  • Accommodating individuals with disabilities who are accompanied by support persons or service animals, ensuring they have equal access to our goods and services in all public areas, while adhering to Food Safety and Health and Safety standards.
  • Maintaining accessibility features to ensure they remain functional and available as intended.
  • Promptly notifying the public of any temporary disruptions to facilities or services relied upon by individuals with disabilities. These notifications will include details on the reason and expected duration of the disruption, as well as information about alternative facilities or services, if available.

Through these efforts, Riviana Foods Canada strives to provide an inclusive customer service experience that meets the needs of all individuals, including those with disabilities.

Training

  • Ensuring every person, who within the organization, interacts with the public on behalf of Riviana Foods Canada is provided with training based on the requirements of the relevant accessibility laws and standards
  • Training is given to all employees, including those who participate in the development of the organization’s policies, and all other people who provide goods, services, and facilities on behalf of the company.
  • Training includes the purpose and importance of the accessibility standards and human rights codes developed by provincial legislation as well as tips on how to communicate, interact, and support people with disabilities.
  • Training is provided as soon practicable within the onboarding process and on a continuous basis in respect to any changes made to the Riviana Foods Canada Accessibility policies
  • Completion of training is tracked and recorded. These records consist of the dates and number of individuals to whom the training was provided.

Planned Action

Riviana Foods Canada welcomes customer feedback to improve the accessibility of products and services. We document actions resulting from feedback on the accessibility of our goods and services We are committed to arrange this documentation, upon request, for the timely provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities to provide us feedback in a manner that is most convenient to them. This will be done through multiple communication channels such as in person, by telephone, in writing, by email, or any other electronic format. We believe that collecting feedback will help us learn about barriers in the workplace so we can work on making them accessible, if possible.

Accessibility Standards for Employment

Commitment

Riviana Foods Canada is dedicated to fostering inclusive and accessible employment practices at every stage of the employment cycle, ensuring the attraction, retention, and accommodation of individuals with disabilities. We are committed to meeting all applicable employment regulations under accessibility legislation, including those related to recruitment and selection, return to work, individual accommodation, workplace emergency response information, performance management, and talent development.

Recruitment, Selection, and Notice to Successful Applicants

Ongoing Initiatives:

  • Throughout the recruitment process, Riviana Foods Canada will continue to inform the public, including job applicants selected for assessments, that accommodations are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.
  • Upon an accommodation request, Riviana Foods Canada will consult with the applicant to arrange accommodations that address their accessibility needs.
  • Successful applicants will be notified of Riviana Foods Canada’s policies on accommodating employees with disabilities as part of the offer process.
  • Information about our accommodation policies will be included in offer letters and provided during onboarding, if requested.
  • Policies will be accessible on the corporate website and available in accessible formats upon request at any time during employment.
  • Employees will be informed of updates to existing policies as they occur.
  • Riviana Foods Canada ensures that employee dignity and privacy are respected, and information related to accommodation needs will not be discussed without the individual’s consent.

Return-to-Work Process

Riviana Foods Canada has developed and documented an early and safe return-to-work process to support employees returning after a disability-related absence, ensuring timely, safe, and productive reintegration. The process includes:

  • Identifying essential job tasks and functions.
  • Determining reasonable accommodations to enable employees to perform essential duties.
  • Maintaining a written return-to-work policy and tracking progress for employees being accommodated.
  • Providing training to managers and professionals responsible for facilitating the return-to-work process.

This process is designed to be meaningful and aligned with the employee’s functional abilities, without overriding any other legislated return-to-work processes.

Individual Accommodation Plans

Riviana Foods Canada continues to develop and document individual accommodation plans to address the needs of employees requiring support due to disabilities. These plans are integral to the return-to-work process, performance management, career development, and redeployment.

Key elements include:

  • Employee participation in creating their accommodation plan.
  • An individualized assessment process.
  • Access to external evaluations by medical professionals or experts, at the company’s expense, to determine appropriate accommodations.
  • The option for employees to involve a representative from their bargaining agent or workplace in developing their accommodation plan.
  • A regular review and update schedule for the plan.
  • Clear steps for providing reasons if an accommodation request is denied.
  • Measures to protect employee privacy and maintain confidentiality.
  • Provision of the accommodation plan in accessible formats based on the employee’s needs.

Workplace Emergency Response Information

Riviana Foods Canada prioritizes health, safety, and security for all employees and recognizes the need for individualized emergency accommodations. For employees unable to follow the standard emergency plan due to accessibility needs, the company will:

  • Develop personalized workplace emergency response plans based on their specific requirements.
  • Continuously improve emergency preparation to ensure safety and inclusivity in all workplace locations.

By embedding these practices into our operations, Riviana Foods Canada affirms its commitment to accessible and inclusive employment for all individuals.

Performance Management and Talent Development

Riviana Foods Canada is committed to fostering the growth and development of all employees, ensuring that accessibility needs are considered at every stage of their career. We will take into account the accessibility requirements of employees with disabilities and reference their individual accommodation plans when:

  • Implementing performance management processes.
  • Offering career development and advancement opportunities.
  • Redeploying employees to new roles.

To ensure compliance with accessibility legislation, Riviana Foods Canada will provide training programs for those responsible for supporting performance management and talent development.

Accessibility Standards for Information and Communication

Commitment

Riviana Foods Canada is dedicated to addressing the communication needs of individuals with disabilities.

Accessible Formats and Communication Supports

To meet accessibility requirements, the company will:

  • Consult with employees to provide or arrange for accessible formats and communication supports tailored to their needs in a timely manner.
  • Ensure accessible information is available for employees to perform their job duties effectively.
  • Arrange accommodations promptly and at no additional cost compared to the standard charges for others.
  • Notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports upon request.

Accessible Websites and Web Content

  • Riviana Foods Canada integrates accessibility compliance into website project management practices.
  • Corporate website owners receive ongoing training on website accessibility requirements and conduct regular audits to maintain compliance.
  • All new web content on Riviana Foods Canada’s public websites conforms to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 at Level A.
  • The company is actively implementing a plan to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA and conducts accessibility reviews before launching new websites.

Accessibility Standards for Design of Public Spaces

Commitment

Riviana Foods Canada incorporates accessibility into the design and renovation of public spaces to meet the criteria established by accessibility standards. These efforts include, but are not limited to:

  • Designing outdoor public eating areas.
  • Developing accessible outdoor paths of travel, such as sidewalks, ramps, stairs, curb ramps, and rest areas.
  • Providing accessible off-street parking.
  • Ensuring service-related elements, such as counters, fixed queuing lines, and waiting areas, are accessible.

For More Information

If you require additional details about this accessibility plan, need this document in an accessible format, or wish to provide feedback, please contact us at: 905-560-6200 ext 316