This Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (“Plan”) is prepared in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”).
As outlined in Mercer’s Accessibility Policy, Mercer is fully committed to creating an environment of access and inclusion to everyone, including those with disabilities.
This Plan formalizes existing accessibility efforts and memorializes efforts to optimize accessibility going forward by detailing Mercer’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meet its requirements under the AODA.
This plan will be made available in an accessible format upon request.
If you would like to make a request or have any questions or feedback about this document, you are welcome to contact our accessibility coordinator at:
Email
accessibility@mercer.ca
Telephone
416 868 2000
Accessibility Committee
Mercer
120 Bremner Boulevard, Suite 800
Toronto, ON M5J 0A8
Mercer is committed to treating people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the AODA. Our Accessibility Policy and Multi-Year Accessibility Plan are available on our website at Mercer.ca. This policy applies to all employees and clients of Mercer, and where indicated, to any independent contractors working for Mercer.
Mercer has a digital accessibility committee and an accessibility coordinator to head the committee. On an annual basis, the committee will review this accessibility plan in consultation with persons with disabilities. Further, the committee will meet on a monthly basis to ensure this accessibility plan is being executed properly and discuss ideas and measures to further accessibility.
Mercer.ca is audited for accessibility using the WCAG 2.0 AA standard on an annual basis. All audits are conducted by an independent, third-party company specializing in digital accessibility.
Once an accessibility audit is completed, remediation on Mercer.ca will implement recommended changes as per the audit to ensure Mercer.ca is conformant with WCAG 2.0 AA. A remediation period will take place after each audit.
The Mercer.ca mobile app will be audited for accessibility using the WCAG 2.0 AA standard on an annual basis. All audits will be conducted by an independent, third-party company specializing in digital accessibility.
Once an accessibility audit is completed, remediation on the Mercer.ca mobile app will implement recommended changes as per the audit to ensure the Mercer.ca mobile app is conformant with WCAG 2.1 AA. A remediation period will take place after each audit.
All existing third-party websites, applications, software, technology, digital integrations, and digital products “technology” that Mercer offers, utilizes, and/or relies upon will be evaluated at least annually for accessibility.
All existing third-party technology that Mercer offers, utilizes, and/or relies upon must be formally approved by Mercer’s Accessibility Committee.
Any technology that does not conform to WCAG 2.0 AA must be documented and details provided on the reason for lack of conformance, any potential future conformance, and the reason for selecting that technology despite conformance must be included.
Mercer will, upon request, provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities in a timely manner. Mercer will consult with the person making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.
Mercer will notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communication supports.
Mercer provides customers and clients with publicly available emergency information in an accessible way upon request.
Mercer will conduct mandatory accessibility training on an annual basis on Ontario’s accessibility laws and on the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities . Accessibility training will be required for:
(a) all persons who are an employee of, or a volunteer with, Mercer;
(b) all persons who participate in developing the Mercer’s policies; and
(c) all other persons who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of Mercer.
Training will be provided in a way that best suits the duties of employees.
Mercer will keep a record of the training provided under this section, including the dates on which the training is provided and the number of individuals to whom it is provided.
All training materials must be pre-approved by the Accessibility Committee.
Mercer is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. We will take the following steps to notify the public and our employees that, when requested, Mercer will accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes.
Recruitment
Informing Employees of Supports and General Provision of Accessible Formats and Communications Supports
Emergency Information
Document Individual Accommodation Plans/Return to Work from Disability-Related Leaves
Performance Management, Career Development and Redeployment
Mercer will meet Accessibility Standards for the Design of Public Spaces when building or making a significant modification to our public spaces. In the event of service disruption, we will notify the public of the service disruption and alternatives available.
Mercer has processes in place for receiving and responding to feedback. Mercer will ensure that the processes are accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging for the provision of accessible formats and communications supports, upon request. Upon request, Mercer will notify the public about the availability of accessible formats and communications supports with respect to the feedback process.
Mercer’s accessibility committee will create and publish an annual status report of this plan’s implementation on Mercer.ca.
Date published: June 1, 2021
Last updated: June 1, 2021