Accommodation Policy — full text

This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document. Snapshot 3abacc38290b · verified 2026-06-09 · original document · archived snapshot · unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.

Page 1 of 4 TOWN OF ATIKOKAN Policy Title: Accommodation Policy Intent The Town of Atikokan is committed to providing equal treatment with respect to employment without discrimination because of a prohibited ground as described by Ontario's Human Rights Code (the Code). The Town of Atikokan has adopted this policy to ensure that our staff are provided with meaningful employment that is ethical and fair, and is in compliance with all applicable employment and human rights legislation. All employment services provided by Town of Atikokan shall follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity. Guidelines The approach taken by the Town of Atikokan in the provision of reasonable accommodation shall include: - Personalized plans designed to meet the specific needs of individuals; - Collaborative practices in the creation and implementation of accommodation plans through consultation of all relevant stakeholders, the person to be accommodated, and medical professionals; and - An approach that ensures confidentiality and dignity. Purpose The Town of Atikokan will support the accommodation of employees and job applicants who require workplace accommodation under any of the grounds described in the Code. The Town of Atikokan will work to achieve a workplace free from barriers by providing accommodation for the needs of those individuals covered by the Code, up to the point where it causes undue hardship for the Town of Atikokan. Every effort will be made such that the impact of accommodation will not discriminate against another group protected by the Code. Duty to Accommodate The Town of Atikokan will work to ensure that individuals protected under the Code are able to work effectively by making adjustments or modifications to the work, or the work environment, up to the point of undue hardship. The Town of Atikokan will work with the individual that requests accommodation in an effort to ensure that the measures taken are both effective and mutually agreeable. The Town of Atikokan Page 2 of 4 encourages individuals to make any needs for accommodation known to their immediate supervisor, and to work with them in addressing the issue(s). Accommodation Accommodation shall be provided for individuals where the work must be modified or adjusted to address the needs of the individual based on protected grounds of discrimination under human rights legislation. The Town of Atikokan shall provide accommodation as appropriate using a consultative approach that involves the company, the individual, and as appropriate, any applicable union representatives, healthcare professionals, and other third parties that are required to assist in the accommodation process. Accommodation may be temporary or permanent, based on the requirements of the individual. Responsibility The process of accommodating individuals is a shared obligation of the Town of Atikokan, the employee, and any applicable unions representing employees. Management staff should be the first point of contact for employees when requesting a form of accommodation. Together, in consultation with Human Resources, and, where appropriate, healthcare practitioners and other required third parties, they will work to determine the most appropriate form(s) of accommodation to meet the needs of the individual. Creating the Accommodation Plan Any employee requesting accommodation must make a request to their manager or immediate supervisor. The manager is responsible for ensuring that a written description of the accommodation plan is prepared for the employee. The Town of Atikokan shall create an accommodation plan and attempt to determine methods of achieving the requirements for success in the position in alternative manners. In the creation of an accommodation plan, the Town of Atikokan shall: 1. Identify the need for accommodation. 2. Determine objectives for performance in the role, and potential barriers. 3. Create a plan for achieving the objectives in an alternative manner. 4. Examine the options for accommodation, and select the most appropriate avenue for accommodation. 5. Implement the accommodation process. 6. Provide training as appropriate. 7. Review and revise based on feedback. If an Employee cannot be Accommodated in Their Current Position In some cases, it will be reasonable to accommodate an individual in another position. The CAO, working with the appropriate Town of Atikokan manager, the employee, and the union if applicable, will attempt to place the employee in another available position. This may require the assistance of third parties with specialized expertise. Where an employee is placed in an alternate position, the Town of Atikokan shall ensure that the employee has the requisite qualifications and skillset necessary for success in the position, is Page 3 of 4 capable of performing the tasks associated with the position, and that the employee agrees that the alternate work is acceptable. Appropriate Accommodations Appropriate accommodations may include: - Work station adjustments; - Changes to organizational policies and practices; - Technical aids; - Human support; - Providing materials in alternative formats; - Building modifications; - Counselling and referral services; - Temporary or permanent alternative work; - Changes to performance standards; - Leaves of absence; and - Changes to work uniforms. This list is not exhaustive. Job Redesign In the event that the accommodation requires a substantial change in the position, involving duties or hours, the position may be redesigned. Financing the Accommodation Where the required accommodation necessitates an investment in materials, equipment, or increased budget for the position, requests for financing must be directed to the Treasurer. Accommodating Job Applicants Any applicant to the Town of Atikokan that communicates the need for accommodation shall be considered in a manner that is non-discriminatory, and respectful of our human rights obligations. The Town of Atikokan will notify employees and the public about the availability of accommodation for job applicants who have disabilities in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Applicants will be informed that accommodations are available, upon request, for the interview process, and for other candidate selection methods. Where an accommodation is requested, the Town of Atikokan will consult with the applicant and provide or arrange for suitable accommodation. Undue Hardship The Town of Atikokan shall work to provide workplace accommodation up to the point of undue hardship. Undue hardship may occur where it is established that no forms of appropriate accommodation exist, or where the creation of accommodation would cause excessive costs for the organization, or where the accommodation would create a health and safety hazard. Page 4 of 4 Responsive Dispute Resolution In the event that the employee requesting accommodation feels that their needs have not been met in a reasonable manner, they may file a written complaint through the Human Resources department.