ACCESSIBILITY PLAN CANADA
PROGRESS REPORT 1
The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) requires that federally regulated companies prepare and publish their accessibility plans.
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Any feedback on our accessibility plan can be mailed to:
Morrice Transportation
3049 Devon Dr.,
Windsor, ON
N8X 4L3
Attn: Safety & Compliance
Or electronically to:
fax: 519-250-0195
On the website www.morricetransportation.com there is a contact form for any concerns or questions
EMPLOYMENT
In our original plan we identified the requirement to consult with our employees to see who identified as having a disability and what concerns they have that could be addressed. Our HR Department and Safety Department reviewed the hiring policies and procedures to identify more accessible tools and implemented email applications and virtual interviews and meetings.
Managers discussed plans for accessible and barrier-free recruitment.
Company handbooks have been updated to clear language.
We are currently working on a document to add to company policy that documents available accommodations we expect to have it completed by December 2025 to include in onboarding documentation.
The HR Manager and Safety Manager are expecting to take ACA training and have this completed prior to December 2025.
Our intention is to resurvey all employees in 2026 to identify any further areas that require improvement.
THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Morrice Transportation is in the trucking transportation and logistics sector. We transport goods and services rather than passengers and have docking space. Our buildings and yard are designed to efficiently run in a safety sensitive environment. Our most recently built facility is our maintenance building which was built to current accessibility standards. There are additional offices in that space if we have an employee requiring modifications due to mobility issues. The doors are automatic with key cards, there is an accessible washroom, there are no stairs or impediments in the facility.
We have identified the maintenance building as suitable office space for accessibility for any hired employee with mobility issues.
We have modified workspaces to accommodate persons with disabilities as per recommendations received during a WSIB return to work recommendation. This was done by consulting all employees and addressing their concerns with their workspaces whether this was disability related or not. Several new office chairs were purchased with ergonomic features. Two work spaces were reconfigured to provide more comfort while working.
The front door key system was replaced with an automatic door that unlocks at certain times or can be accessed with employee key cards.
Tablets in the trucks were replaced with updated models with larger font, messaging that is to speech vs read only and improved screens for improved ease of reading.
When training is provided inhouse we ensure that we provide notice so that any accommodations can be made. We use in house training and Teams for meetings so everyone has access. Slides and notes are on large screens so everyone can utilize them. Notes can be provided after meetings.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES
Our IT related services and communication are managed by off site companies. If a need for assistive technology is identified (for example text to speech, dictation, closed captioning, ASL interpreter) they would be given the authority to source the required technology.
At this time we have had no requests for any assistive technology.
COMMUNICATION OTHER THAN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES
The company receives feedback through surveys on our website in order to improve access and services. We intend to continue in the future to identify barriers that have not been identified by working with people with disabilities for their recommendations.
Surveys were conducted with some disabled persons to see what they would identify as an obstacle contacting our business or accessing documents. We have added the website contact form for that purpose.
PROCUREMENT OF GOODS, SERVICES AND FACILITIES
We ensure that all of our customers receive the same value and quality. We also allow customers with disabilities to do things in their own way and at their own pace when accessing goods and services. We have provided training and the directive to communicate in a manner that takes into account the customer’s disability.
We have not identified any barriers in our procurement practices that hinder accessibility.
TRANSPORTATION
Our building and docks are located in an industrial park within the city. There is public transportation available to our facility. We do adhere to the respective Municipal Building Codes which ensure there are the appropriate number of accessible parking spots at each building.
For our fleets we only purchase automatic transmissions vs manuals. We have equipped the company fleet with enhanced fleet management systems that include enhanced safety features such as audible lane departure warnings, automated speed limit notifications, etc.
We consulted with drivers regarding what they felt would make their trucks more accessible or improve their workspace. Tablet issues were the most identified and have been addressed. Some of the day cabs had their seats replaced to be more ergonomic and comfortable for extended periods of time.
The option to purchase accessible fold down stairs was identified but no employees have requested them.
CONSULTATIONS
Surveys are conducted with employees to outline their experience in accessing our organization. We also spoke with outside parties on perceived barriers. We plan to continue to find new ways to consult to ensure better outcomes for persons with disabilities in accessing our organization.
TRAINING
Training in diversity and unconscious bias has been provided to managers and staff to assist with communicating with persons with disabilities and identifying barriers to accessibility.
This will be an ongoing training with all new employees as part of the onboarding process.
FEEDBACK
Workplace Modification – Office Space:
After surveying employees some reported difficulties with their desk/office space setups. Some employees had pre-existing medical conditions that needed to be taken into consideration but others did not and just found the setup uncomfortable. We used a previous external ergonomic assessment to conduct a review. The issues with chairs and workspace were addressed.
Difficulty comprehending vocal instruction in training videos. Have included the same instructions in printed format on a large screen so that everyone can fully understand the training.
Temporary Modified Work:
We continue to offer temporary modified work to any employee who was injured while at work. During any of these discussions it is identified with the employee and the union when applicable a suitable identified modification.
We have also enabled VPN’s for work from home scenarios.
