FlexNetworks Accessibility Plan
1. Introduction and Overview
- Purpose: The purpose of this plan is to outline FlexNetworks’
commitment to identifying, removing, and preventing barriers in line with
the Accessible Canada Act, which aims to make Canada barrier-free by
January 1, 2040. This includes ensuring our services and employment
practices are inclusive and accessible to everyone.
- Company Overview: FlexNetworks is a telecommunications
company providing dedicated fibre-optic internet solutions for businesses
and residential customers across Canada. Our mission is to deliver
reliable, high-speed connectivity through our own fibre-optic
infrastructure, ensuring top-tier service and customer satisfaction. We
are committed to inclusivity and strive to create a barrier-free
environment for all.
2.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Consultation Process: We conducted a comprehensive survey in
Fall 2023, reaching over 2,000 customers to gather feedback on their
experience with our services. We continuously engage with our
stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the broader community,
to identify and address accessibility needs.
- Feedback Mechanism: Feedback can be provided through our
dedicated accessibility feedback page at www.flexnetworks.ca/accessibility/feedback
Feedback will be reviewed regularly and used
to inform ongoing improvements.
3.
Accessibility Policies
- Comprehensive Accessibility Policy: We have established
policies to ensure all aspects of our operations are inclusive. These
policies are reviewed regularly to ensure they meet current accessibility
standards and best practices.
- Employment Policies: We offer accommodations for both visible
and invisible disabilities throughout the employment process and encourage
candidates to disclose their needs so we can provide necessary support.
4. Training
and Awareness
- Employee Training: All employees receive training on
accessibility awareness, inclusive practices, and the use of assistive
technologies.
- Continuous Education: We provide ongoing education and
updates on accessibility standards and regulations to ensure our team
remains informed and proactive in addressing accessibility issues.
5.
Accessible Communication
- Accessible Formats: All public-facing communications,
including website content, customer support materials, and billing
information, are available in accessible formats upon request. Requests
can be made via email at marketing@flexnetworks.com
- Website Accessibility: Our website complies with WCAG 2.1
standards to ensure it is accessible to all users.
6. Customer
Service Accessibility
- Customer Support: Our customer service representatives are
trained to assist customers with disabilities effectively. We ensure all
service channels (phone, email, chat) are accessible.
- Service Channels: Customers can reach out to us through
various accessible channels, including our feedback page, dedicated
support lines, email and text. www.flexnetworks.ca/support
7. Physical
and Digital Infrastructure
- Office Accessibility: Our physical office is fully
accessible, meeting all built environment accessibility standards. We
provide necessary accommodations to employees working in the office.
- Remote Work: We support remote work arrangements, which can
help level the playing field for employees with disabilities by providing
a flexible and accessible work environment.
8.
Technology Accessibility
- Assistive Technologies: We offer assistive technologies to
both employees and customers as needed. Our customer-facing app,
CommandIQ, includes accessibility compliance enhancements and integrates
with Android/iOS accessibility settings to provide more contrast, visible
buttons, increased font size, and compatibility with screen readers.
- Software Accessibility: We ensure all software and tools used
by the company are accessible and compatible with assistive technologies.
9. Employment Accessibility
- Inclusive Hiring Practices: We are committed to creating an
inclusive workplace by ensuring our hiring practices are accessible. This
includes providing accommodations during the application process and
throughout employment.
- Remote Work Accommodations: We recognize that remote work can
help level the playing field for employees with disabilities. We provide
necessary tools and technologies to support accessible remote work
environments.
- Ongoing Support: We encourage employees to disclose any
accessibility needs so we can provide appropriate accommodations. We also
regularly review our employment practices to ensure they remain inclusive
and barrier-free.
10.
Emergency Procedures
- Accessible Emergency Plans: We have developed and
communicated emergency procedures that consider the needs of employees
with disabilities where required.
11.
Monitoring and Reporting
- Regular Assessments: We conduct regular accessibility
assessments of our facilities, services, and digital platforms.
- Progress Reports: We provide annual reports on our progress
in improving accessibility, available at: www.flexnetworks.ca/accessibility/plan
12.
Compliance and Legal Requirements
- Regulatory Compliance: We ensure full compliance with the
Accessible Canada Act and CRTC regulations, continually updating our
practices to meet or exceed these standards.
- Documentation: We maintain comprehensive documentation of all
accessibility initiatives, policies, and procedures.
13. Review
and Update
- Plan Review: Our accessibility plan is reviewed and updated
regularly to reflect changes in regulations, technology, and best
practices, not less than once per year.
- Continuous Improvement: We foster a culture of continuous
improvement in accessibility, always seeking new ways to enhance
inclusivity.
14. Our
Ongoing Commitment
– Short-term Goals:
Immediate actions include enhancing digital accessibility, training staff, and
improving feedback mechanisms.
– Long-term Goals:
Longer-term objectives focus on ongoing accessibility improvements, continuous
stakeholder engagement, and regular