Progress Report on the Accessibility Plan

1. Publication date: February 2025

Introduction

Sylvester & Forget Inc. is committed to identifying, removing and preventing barriers to accessibility in accordance with the Accessible Canada Act. This report presents the progress made since the publication of our accessibility plan, as well as the challenges encountered and the next steps to ensure an inclusive and accessible environment for all.

Summary of Progress

Since the implementation of our accessibility plan in January 2025, several actions have been undertaken to improve accessibility in our organization. Here is an overview of the achievements:

  • Employment: Discussions with hiring managers about inclusive practices and updating the “Careers” section of our website to reflect our commitment to accessibility.
  • Built Environment: Assessment of the installation of access ramps and automatic doors in our main buildings. We inspected the existing access ramp to ensure its compliance and good condition.
  • Information and Communications Technologies (ICT): Raising awareness among our IT team about digital accessibility standards and studying an upgrade of our website to improve its compatibility with screen readers.
  • Communication: Study of the implementation of a process for requesting documents in accessible formats.
  • Transport: Mandate given to human resources to analyze the acquisition of adjustable steps and swivel seats, if necessary, in order to facilitate access for drivers with disabilities.

Update by Priority Axis

1. Employment

  • Achievements:
  • Raising awareness and seeking training for managers on accessibility and accommodations. Discussing the creation of a support process for employees with disabilities.
  • Challenges:
  • Difficulty recruiting disabled talent in the transport industry.
  • Next actions:
  • Collaboration with organizations specializing in inclusive recruitment.
  • Adjusting job descriptions to make them more accessible.

2. Built Environment

  • Achievements:
  • Checking the office access ramp and requesting a budget study for the installation of an automatic door.
  • Evaluation of the implementation of Braille signage in certain key areas.
  • Challenges:
  • Adaptation of loading docks to accessibility standards.
  • Next actions:
  • Assessment of improvements to be made to parking and access to offices.

3. Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)

  • Achievements:
  • Evaluating the accessibility of our website and improving navigation for screen readers.
  • Challenges:
  • Full integration of digital accessibility best practices.
  • Next actions:
  • Development of internal training on digital accessibility.

4. Communication

  • Achievements:
  • Analysis of the development of documents accessible on request.
  • Study of the implementation of a procedure for subtitles and transcription of videos.
  • Challenges:
  • Lack of habit of teams to anticipate the need for alternative formats.
  • Next actions:
  • Creation of an internal guide on accessible communication.

5. Acquisition of Goods, Services and Facilities

  • Achievements:
  • Discussion on the integration of accessibility criteria in certain supply contracts.
  • Challenges:
  • Lack of accessible options from some providers.
  • Next actions:
  • Evaluation and selection of suppliers with inclusive practices.

6. Design and Delivery of Programs and Services

  • Achievements:
  • Development of a checklist to ensure accessibility of new services.
  • Challenges:
  • Raising awareness among teams to integrate these criteria from the design stage.
  • Next actions:
  • Organization of training workshops for program managers.

7. Transport

  • Achievements:
  • Adjusting schedules to accommodate the needs of drivers with limitations.
  • Analysis of the acquisition of adjustable steps and swivel seats.
  • Challenges:
  • Cost of adaptations for certain specialized vehicles.
  • Next actions:
  • Looking for grants and support programs to fund improvements.

Consultation and Feedback

We continued to consult with employees and specialist organisations. An internal survey revealed that 85% of employees believe that our accessibility initiatives are having a positive impact. However, some highlighted the need for more individual accommodations and increased communication about available resources.

We continue to encourage feedback and continuous improvement.

Next Steps

  • Finalize the remaining adaptations to our digital infrastructures and tools.
  • Further training employees and managers on accessibility.
  • Strengthen our collaboration with accessibility experts.

Comments and Contact

We welcome anyone with suggestions or concerns regarding accessibility.

Contact :

Taylor Cluett

Phone: 450 377-2535, ext. 244

Address: RTE-201, St-Stanislas-de-Kostka, QC J0S CAN