TOPS Telecommunications Inc.
Accessibility Plan 2024-2026
Contact Information
TOPS Telecommunications Inc. encourages feedback on its Accessibility Plan. If you require an alternative format of this plan, please contact us at either of the below methods.
Email: dispatch@topsoffice.ca
Phone: 888-778-0990
Mail:
TOPS Telecommunications Inc.
5-1905 Evergreen Court
Kelowna, BC V1Y9L4
Contents
TOPS Telecommunications Inc. 1
Information and communications technologies; 4
Procurement of goods and services; 5
Design and delivery of programs and services; 6
Communications about procurement and the design and delivery of programs and services; and. 7
Employment equity (if your company is not subject to the Employment Equity Act) 8
The principles set out in section 6 of the ACA are the following: 10
All persons must be treated with dignity regardless of their disabilities; 10
- Your company must publish the accessibility plan on its website, either directly on the homepage or by way of a hyperlink on the homepage; 11
- The accessibility plan must be in clear, simple and concise language; 12
- The electronic publication of the accessibility plan must meet the requirements of Level AA conformance as set out in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). 12
Sections 4 (broadcasting) and 20 (telecom) of the CRTC Accessibility Reporting Regulations (the Regulations) specify that the accessibility plan must include a header for each of the following elements:
Subsection 42(1) or 51(1) of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA): policies, programs, practices and services in relation to the identification and removal of barriers, and the prevention of new barriers relating to:
Information and communications technologies;
Policies:
- Ensure all digital platforms and tools comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
- Regular audits of ICT systems to identify and rectify accessibility barriers.
Programs:
- Training programs for employees on creating and maintaining accessible digital content.
- Development of an accessibility feedback tool for continuous improvement.
Practices:
- Incorporate accessibility checks in the development cycle of ICT projects.
- User testing with persons with disabilities for new technologies and updates.
Services:
- Provide alternative formats for all digital communications (e.g., screen reader compatibility, closed captions).
- Offer technical support specifically for accessibility-related inquiries.
Procurement of goods and services;
Policies:
- Include accessibility requirements in all procurement contracts.
- Evaluate vendors based on their compliance with accessibility standards.
Programs:
- Training procurement staff on accessibility criteria and standards.
- Partner with suppliers who prioritize accessibility in their goods and services.
Practices:
- Regular review and update of procurement policies to align with the latest accessibility standards.
- Engage persons with disabilities in the procurement process to ensure their needs are considered.
Services:
- Provide assistance to vendors on meeting accessibility requirements.
Design and delivery of programs and services;
Policies:
- Integrate accessibility considerations into all program and service designs.
- Ensure all physical locations comply with accessible design standards.
Programs:
- Conduct regular accessibility training for program and service designers.
- Develop a mentorship program for employees with disabilities.
Practices:
- Use inclusive design principles in the creation of new programs and services.
- Regularly solicit feedback from persons with disabilities to improve service delivery.
Services:
- Offer services in multiple formats (e.g., online, in-person, phone).
- Provide accommodations for persons with disabilities in all service interactions.
Communications about procurement and the design and delivery of programs and services;
Policies:
- Ensure all communications are accessible and understandable.
- Use plain language in all public-facing documents and communications.
Programs:
- Develop a communication plan that prioritizes accessibility.
- Regular training for staff on accessible communication practices.
Practices:
- Use multiple communication channels to reach diverse audiences.
- Test communications for accessibility with persons with disabilities.
Services:
- Provide communication materials in various formats (e.g., large print, digital).
Employment equity (if your company is not subject to the Employment Equity Act)
Policies:
- Promote equal opportunities for employment and advancement for persons with disabilities.
- Implement accommodations policies to support employees with disabilities.
Programs:
- Develop career development and mentorship programs for employees with disabilities.
Practices:
- Regularly review employment practices to identify and remove barriers.
- Encourage a workplace culture of inclusion and diversity.
Services:
- Provide reasonable accommodation for all stages of employment (e.g., application, interview, employment).
- Create an accessible employee assistance program.
Subsection 42(5) or 51(5) of the ACA: the manner in which your company consulted persons with disabilities in the preparation of the plan;
Method of Consultation:
- Conduct surveys with people with disabilities.
Subsection 42(9) or 51(9) of the ACA: how your company took into account the principles set out in section 6 of the ACA in the preparation of the plan.
The principles set out in section 6 of the ACA are the following:
All persons must be treated with dignity regardless of their disabilities;
- Ensure all interactions respect the dignity of persons with disabilities.
- Provide training on respectful communication and interaction with persons with disabilities.
All persons must have the same opportunity to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have regardless of their disabilities;
- Develop programs and services that provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
- Monitor and report on the progress towards achieving equal opportunities.
All persons must have barrier-free access to full and equal participation in society, regardless of their disabilities;
- Commit to creating and maintaining barrier-free environments.
- Use universal design principles in all projects.
All persons must have meaningful options and be free to make their own choices, with support if they desire, regardless of their disabilities;
- Provide flexible options for participation and service delivery.
- Support persons with disabilities in making informed choices.
Laws, policies, programs, services and structures must take into account the disabilities of persons, the different ways that persons interact with their environments and the multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization and discrimination faced by persons;
- Develop policies that consider the diverse needs of persons with disabilities.
- Engage persons with disabilities in policy development.
Persons with disabilities must be involved in the development and design of laws, policies, programs, services and structures;
- Involve persons with disabilities in the design and implementation of programs and services.
- Ensure their voices are heard and considered.
The development and revision of accessibility standards and the making of regulations must be done with the objective of achieving the highest level of accessibility for persons with disabilities.
- Strive for the highest level of accessibility in all endeavors.
- Regularly review and update standards to reflect best practices.
Sections 5 (broadcasting) and 21 (telecom) of the Regulations set out the publication requirements for the accessibility plan:
• Your company must publish the accessibility plan on its website, either directly on the homepage or by way of a hyperlink on the homepage;
- Website Publication: The accessibility plan will be published on the TOPS Telecommunications homepage or via a prominent hyperlink.
• The accessibility plan must be in clear, simple and concise language;
- Language: The plan will be written in clear, simple, and concise language.
• The electronic publication of the accessibility plan must meet the requirements of Level AA conformance as set out in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
- WCAG Compliance: The electronic publication of the plan will meet Level AA conformance as set out in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Conclusion
TOPS Telecommunications Inc. remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals, including those with disabilities, can fully participate and contribute. This accessibility plan reflects our dedication to promoting accessibility, removing barriers, and upholding the principles of dignity, equality, and autonomy outlined in the Accessible Canada Act.
