Kindred Credit Union Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

This accessibility plan outlines the strategies to prevent and remove barriers to accessibility that Kindred Credit Union (Kindred) has endeavoured to improve upon for persons with disabilities.

1.0 Statement of Commitment

Kindred strives at all times to provide services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities. Kindred is also committed to ensuring that members with disabilities receive accessible services with the same quality and timeliness as others do. Kindred is committed to meeting its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005.

Kindred’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan will be reviewed and updated at least once every five years or as required.

2.0 General Requirements

I. Accessibility Policies and Plans – Compliant

Kindred has developed, implemented, and will maintain policies governing how it achieves, or will achieve, accessibility. This will be conducted through meeting its requirements under the accessibility standards referred to in the AODA.

II. Self-Serve Kiosks – Compliant

Kindred will consider the needs of persons with disabilities and incorporate accessibility features when designing, procuring, or acquiring self-service kiosks.

III. Training – Compliant

Kindred has provided training to all staff members on Ontario’s accessibility laws and on the Human Rights Code as it relates to persons with disabilities. Training is provided as part of Kindred’s annual employee compliance refresher course and as part of onboarding training for new staff members.

3.0 Information and Communication

I. Accessible Formats and Communication Supports – Compliant

Kindred will make its communications available, upon request, in accessible formats for persons with disabilities. Accessible formats and any communication support will be provided in a timely manner, at a cost that is no more than the regular cost charged to others, and in consultation with the person making the request to ensure it aligns with their needs. Kindred will also ensure existing feedback processes are accessible to people with disabilities upon request.

Kindred will ensure all publicly available information is made accessible upon request.

Kindred will make all current and new websites and content on those sites conform to World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, Level A. And Kindred will ensure any websites and content conform to WCAG 2.0, Level AA moving forward.

4.0 Employment Standard – Compliant

In keeping with our values of integrity and compassion, Kindred is committed to fair and accessible employment practices for all staff members. Kindred staff members will be provided information required under AODA during their orientation.

Kindred has developed an accommodation process for the recruitment, assessment, and selection processes for job applicants with disabilities and to notify all successful applicants that suitable accommodations are available upon request.

Kindred has developed and maintains return to work processes for staff members who are absent from work due to a disability and who require disability related accommodations in order to return to work. This return to work process will include an outline of the individual’s accommodation plan that considers staff member’s individual needs.

Kindred will incorporate an individual’s accommodation and accessibility needs when managing staff member performance and when providing career development and advancement to staff members with disabilities.

Kindred has a process in place for Individualized Emergency Response Plans to be created for staff members, as necessary.