Accessibility Policy

AODA Integrated Accessibility Standards — Purpose

CTG Brands established this policy to align with Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. The regulation addresses barriers in four areas: information and communication; employment; built environment; and transportation. The company is committed to compliance with Government of Ontario standards.

Application and Scope

This policy applies to all GC Ontario employees who interact with clients or third parties on the company’s behalf.

Statement of Commitment

GC aims to create an inclusive organizational culture by removing accessibility barriers where feasible. When removal isn’t possible, the company will accommodate persons with disabilities in a timely, effective and suitable manner. GC supports AODA principles and strives to provide consistent experiences for employees and clients, including those with disabilities.

Definitions

• Accessible Formats: large print, recorded audio and electronic formats, braille and other formats usable by persons with disabilities.
• Barrier: anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating.
• Communication Supports: captioning, alternative and augmentative communication supports, plain language, sign language and other supports.
• Disability: covers physical disabilities, mental impairment, learning disabilities, mental disorders, and workplace-related injuries.

Individualized Emergency Response Plans

GC provides customized workplace emergency response plans to employees with disabilities when necessary. Plans receive regular reviews to maintain relevance and appropriateness.

Confidentiality, Policies & Plan

Disability information receives protected handling consistent with Giftcraft’s confidentiality policies. Giftcraft commits to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities through this policy, the Customer Service Standard Policy, and a Multi-Year Plan, reviewed annually and updated every five years. Documents are publicly available on ctgbrands.com and provided in accessible formats upon request.

Customer Service Standard — Commitment & Principles

GC commits to excellence in serving all individuals, including those with disabilities, per the AODA and Ontario Regulation 429/07. Accessible customer service is guided by three principles: respecting dignity and independence; providing integrated services with alternative measures when necessary; and ensuring equal opportunity to access goods and services.

Assistive Devices, Service Animals & Support Persons

Persons with disabilities may use their own assistive devices; where access is hindered, GC will use its best efforts to accommodate the person. GC welcomes service animals in client-accessible areas such as showrooms, and persons with disabilities may bring a support person onto the premises.

Notice of Temporary Disruption & Staff Training

When service or facility disruptions occur, affected persons are notified promptly with information about duration and alternatives. Staff are trained on the AODA, communicating with people with various disabilities, assistive devices, service animals, and support persons; training records are maintained.

Feedback Process

Persons providing feedback on disability service delivery may contact customerservice@ctgbrands.com. Responses occur within five (5) business days. Documents are available upon request in a format that takes into account the disability of the person submitting the request. The AODA does not replace or supersede the Human Rights Code.