Utilismart Corporation Accessibility Plan

Progress Report – June 01, 2025

General

Since January 15, 2002, Utilismart Corporation has proudly and successfully provided software solutions, data management and analytic services supporting utilities, municipalities, industrial, commercial, and residential customers in Canada and the USA. With industry direction and growth Utilismart Corporation began offering cellular data services to distribution utilities to enable their metering devices transition to TCP IP communication technologies beginning in January 2016.

Like the world itself, Utilismart has faced much evolution, growth and understanding over the years and with that, the company has embraced learning and demonstrating diversity and inclusion for all, including persons with disabilities.

By striving to remove and prevent barriers to accessibility, Utilismart can better provide services to our customers and facilitate a welcoming work environment. We know that there will always be improvements and new issues to navigate, and this progress report reinforces Utilismart Corporation’s ongoing commitment to doing just that!

Our progress report demonstrates how Utilismart is playing a role in making Ontario an accessible province for all.

Utilismart Corporation has prepared this progress report to meet the organization’s obligations under the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and the Accessible Canada Regulations (ACR)

The following information shows the organizations progress in creating a Canada without barriers by 2040.

How to provide feedback

Please send your feedback to our Office Support Coordinator.

You can send your feedback by email, phone or mail using the contact information listed below.

For more information on how you can send your feedback, see our feedback process description https://www.utilismartcorp.com/accessibility-feedback-process/

How to request alternate formats

You can use the contact information listed below to ask us for a copy of our feedback process description, or our progress report in these alternate formats: print, large print, Braille, audio or an electronic format that is compatible with adaptive technology that is intended to assist persons with disabilities. We will provide the format you ask for as soon as possible. Braille and audio formats may take up to 45 days. Print, large print and electronic formats may take up to 20 days.

Contact us:

• Email: info@utilismartcorp.com– subject line to be labelled as “Accessibility”
• Phone: 1-888-652-0689 ex 1832
• Mail:

Utilismart Corporation
c/o – Office Support Coordinator
555 Southdale Rd E Suite 201
London ON N6E 1A2 

• Social Media:
  • Facebook
  • X
  • LinkedIN

Feedback

Utilismart Corporation welcomes feedback in helping to create a more accessible and forward-thinking company. The Office Support Coordinator is responsible for receiving accessibility-related feedback.

Since publishing the Utilismart Corporation’s Accessibility Plan in June 2024 zero feedback submissions have been received from clients or employees for services provided or internal training and documentation provided. While these results are encouraging the company recognizes that continual improvement is best practice and looks forward to addressing all needs.

Consultations

In 2024, we revisited the individual who provided input during the initial Accessibility Plan process. We discussed topics including transportation, using built in tools that aid in determining document accessibility, request for accommodation timelines, thinking outside the box about solutions and ensuring that all parties feel communication is a two-way street.

Suggestions for Utilismart are as follows:

• If possible, ensure that workspace is on an established bus route. Transportation accessibility is crucial for individuals who may not be able to qualify for a driver’s license. If the employee needs to use public transportation to get to work, either because of visual impairments or physical disability a predictable and reliable route will ensure more success in commuting.
• To simplify document production and to ensure that the initial steps of accessibility are met, employ the use the user-friendly accessibility checks in Word and Excel. They are a great way to start the process and will help meet the needs of many individuals.
• Physical accommodations can mean equipment or installation needs to take place, often meaning that a business owner needs to rely on a third party to complete the job. It is recommended that the manufacturer/installer realizes that the job is being requested as an accommodation and they will better understand the urgency of the request.
• Forward thinking and being open to alternate solutions are nothing an employer should be afraid of, two-way communication is so helpful in ensuring that employers and employees can discuss experiences and needs so that both parties are getting the most from the professional relationship.

Applicable areas of the Accessibility Act

Employment

We have made the following progress in removing the barriers identified in our accessibility plan:

Identified Barriers:

1. Utilismart Corporation currently employs a very small population of individuals with disabilities. It is important to the company to ensure that diversity and inclusivity are recognized and that all hiring practices are equitable.

Progress Update: Utilismart welcomes all qualified applicants to apply for employment with the company, wording supporting this appears on all job ads and is lived during the recruitment process. Applicants invited to interview with the company are offered to share accommodation requests with the organizer and without hesitation the company would be pleased to accommodate.

2. There is a lack of clarity among job applicants, recruiters and hiring managers on the types of accommodations available for persons with disabilities who are applying, interviewing, and qualifying for jobs.

Progress Update: Clarity has been provided on all steps of the recruitment process for all involved. Applicants are aware that the company welcomes any individual to apply for a position with the company. Direct communication is provided during the interview invitation requesting what (if any) accommodations are required to support a successful interview process, and open communication if such needs arise is comfortable.

Staff members involved in the recruitment process have been AODA trained with a focus on best ways to support interviewees through accommodation, communication and the hiring process.

3. Team members could have better awareness of the available accommodations and experienced barriers by persons with disabilities.

Progress Update: Employee AODA training has been implemented – both during the onboarding process and through annual reviews.

Ongoing commitment:  While the Recruitment and Selection process is clear, a few considerations will be made before the next progress report. Attention will be made to ensure that job postings are not unintentionally using language or posting unnecessary physical requirements that may prevent an applicant to avoid applying for employment with the company. Ongoing education regarding best practices will be considered and tips will be implemented as intended.

The built environment

We have made the following progress in removing the barriers identified in our accessibility plan:

Identified Barriers:

Utilismart Corporation is located in an office space that was built before the accessibility standards act, the company is located on the second floor of the two-story building and does not have access to an elevator or wheelchair accessible washroom facilities. Noise levels or lighting in certain spaces may create challenges for persons with disabilities.

1. The unit that Utilismart occupies has recently been upgraded to housing accessible desks, widen aisles and an accessible kitchen space.
2. The company works a hybrid model, however, if space or accessibility requirements are needed for a team gathering collaborative workspaces can be rented.
3. Utilismart offers a variety of in office working locations including plenty of natural light, small quiet spaces, larger collaborative spaces – these options allow employees to have choice in finding a workspace that accommodates their needs best.
4. Refer all employees and leaders to the accommodation process if physical barriers are identified in the workplace.

Progress Update: The company physical environment has remained as is, with employee needs being assessed and the hybrid working model in place. Local hotel boardrooms, private restaurant dining rooms and group working spaces have been identified as possible collaborate workspace/ meeting locations if physical space is necessary. Utilismart utilizes technology based collaborative workspaces such as Teams or Zoom to also create connection.

Regarding the current physical space, in 2024 the company requested an additional handrail be installed on the main staircase to support an employee who could benefit from the additional support. The building property manager arranged the handrail to be manufactured and installed. The employee was able to easily identify their barrier and communicate the need to the Office Support Coordinator, the process is simple and effective.

Ongoing commitment: Continual reassessments are in place to determine the best working environment for Utilismart employees and visitors to the physical space. The organization will continue to assess business needs regarding the physical space upon lease expirations. If determined that company relocation is necessary accessibility of said space will be evaluated.

Information and communication technologies

We have made the following progress in removing the barriers identified in our accessibility plan:

Identified Barrier: Customers, prospects, and employees face accessibility barriers when using some specific features of our publicly accessible websites as well our web-based software tools

2024 Suggestions for overcoming the barrier:

1. Ensure all training and employee learning videos and podcasts have closed captioning capabilities.

Progress update:  Employee training videos are hosted through Atlas Canada, a Human Resource training portal. Training activities have audio and closed captioning options and Atlas Canada also provides alternative training methods that can be obtained as required.

If requested customer training videos can be recorded and uploaded to YouTube if necessary, closed captioning is a service available through this platform. 

2. Conduct an assessment on Utilismart web-based products using WCAG 2.1 guidelines to identify improvements related to accessibility

Progress update: Utilismart Corporation has completed a thorough assessment of the EnerConnect platform to evaluate its compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. This evaluation revealed several accessibility gaps. The company is currently assessing the impact of these findings, developing a remediation plan, and outlining an implementation schedule—with the intention to close the identified gaps over a reasonable timeframe through a phased approach.

3. Ensure that all net new developed Utilismart products are designed as per WCAG 2.1 standards.

Progress update: Utilismart Corporation affirms its commitment to ensuring accessibility across its platforms in alignment with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.

Following the completion of a WCAG 2.1 compliance assessment of the EnerConnect platform, identified accessibility gaps will be addressed through a phased remediation plan. This plan will be executed via pre-scheduled product releases, each targeting specific WCAG 2.1 compliance items in parallel with the deployment of new functional features.

Utilismart remains committed to continuous improvement and to providing an inclusive user experience for all customers.

Ongoing commitment:  While the company eagerly looked forward to redesigning the organizations main website, various budgetary restrictions came into play, delaying the rebuild for 1 -2 years. To prepare for the update, significant research has been made into determining the needs and design requirements that would allow visitors a user friendly and accessible experience in using the site.

Continual assessment of current products has been planned to ensure that all product offerings meet WCAG2.1 standards and accessibility standards are considered during maintenance and upgrades.

Communication about procurement and the design and delivery of programs and services

We have made the following progress in removing the barriers identified in our accessibility plan:

Identified Barrier: Customers may not be aware that they can request certain types of documents in alternate formats to meet their accessibility needs. Additionally, document templates and communication guidelines may not always be accessible and employees have not been trained on how to create accessible documents.

2024 Suggestions for overcoming the barrier:

1. Develop accessibility guidelines for creating documents.

Progress update:  an Accessibility Guideline document has been developed and published, based on Government of Canada recommendations. This document is available as a resource on the company SharePoint site for guidance and outlines how to prepare accessible documentation. This document will be reviewed and updated as needed or as company used technology requires. 

2. Adhere wording on applicable documents (invoices, brochures, training materials) providing customers the ability to request alternative formatting.

Progress update: Appropriate wording has been determined, with variations for circumstances (social media, invoices and physical brochures), Wording guidelines are published on the company SharePoint site for guidance. Invoicing updates are currently a priority, and all outgoing customer invoices will be complete with AODA wording by end of August 2025. 

3. Create official Utilismart Corporation social media posts with accessibility in mind.

Progress Update: Our Marketing representative has prepared a posting schedule, featuring accessibility topics for the year, either directly related to company accessibility upgrades or to recognize AODA topics, these posts will be highlighted on Utilismart’s social media platforms and website. 

Ongoing commitment: Looking forward, the company is dedicated to demonstrating our commitment to AODA support and in turn will be continuing to implement and review materials we develop and distribute, as well as information we share with our employees, customers and the public.

The procurement of goods and services

We have made the following progress in removing the barriers identified in our accessibility plan:

Identified Barrier: Existing procurement practices may not consistently meet accessibility requirements.

2024 Suggestions for overcoming the barrier:

1. Ensure all new accessibility procurement processes are communicated to targeted employee groups. 

Progress update: Accessibility needs are discussed when identifying goods or services that the company requires. The process is being developed and is currently being communicated with decision makers with a formal document to be published on the company website for reference.

The process will provide key points to consider throughout the procurement process and inspires conversation about immediate needs and long-term benefit to those with accessibility needs.

1. Conduct an assessment and identify Certified Accessible Suppliers who provide accessibility solutions for our employees.

Progress update:  The company uses Office 365 for day-to-day work. We have identified the benefits of the suite and its ability to assist our employees for accessibility needs.  (Eg. Teams allows voice and video recording and transcription services). The company currently does not have employees that need these services, but the benefit of availability and ease of use has been identified as a benefit for business operations and individuals who need the resource. 

3. Ensure Utilismart Corporation’s new CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system meets WCAG 2.1 accessibility standard.

Progress update: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales Hub is developed with accessibility in mind and is generally aligned with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, Section 508, and EN 301 549 standards. Microsoft uses the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) to document this compliance. According to Microsoft’s Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs), Dynamics 365 products, including Sales Hub, are assessed for conformance to global accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1, Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, and EN 301 549. These reports, based on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), provide detailed information on how Microsoft’s products meet accessibility criteria.

Ongoing commitment: Continual discussion and assessment will take precedence in conversations regarding procuring new goods and services. With this focus in mind meeting AODA standards will become normal business practice and assessments will provide favourable results.

The design and delivery of programs and services

We have made the following progress in removing the barriers identified in our accessibility plan:

Identified Barrier:

• Team members have different levels of knowledge and awareness related to how Utilismart Corporation’s programs and services impact customers regarding the accessibility standards and requirements.
• Not all services are initially designed with accessibility requirements.
• Alternate options and methods of communications are not consistently made available to persons with disabilities when they try to complete certain transactions, or when requesting support.

2024 Suggestions for overcoming the barrier:

1. Develop a policy that requires an inclusion of the accessibility standards as part of the new services/programs design.

Progress update: As of the time of this report, due to delay, the policy regarding the inclusion of accessibility standards policy regarding new services and program design, as awaiting management approval. Once approved, the policy will be shared and published on the internal company SharePoint site for reference and guidance.

1. Establish a periodic evaluation of the services/programs design processes and identify improvements related to accessibility.

Progress update: Beginning mid-2024, a semi-annual AODA governance meeting has been in place for senior management and interested and involved stakeholders to discuss accessibility improvements. Each meeting has a specific group of employees invited to share insight and suggestions-based drawing from their personal perspective.

Ongoing commitment: Continual conversations regarding accessibility and how to ensure that the organization is organically considering all individual needs will remain in place. Future discussions will involve those providing feedback (if applicable), additional staff members and experts. Policy implementation will provide solid considerations for decision makers.

Training

In 2024, upon implementation of the Accessibility Plan, there were no barriers in place about the employee training process. The intention was to ensure that AODA remains top of mind.

Currently, the organization provides Accessibility training during the onboarding process as well as annual refreshers.

Ongoing commitment: Going forward, employees will receive additional AODA communications and internal emails mirroring those posted on the organization’s social media/website platforms.

Conclusion

Utilismart is committed to monitoring and measuring progress made in meeting the remaining accessibility goals and removing or preventing the remaining barriers that were identified in your accessibility plan – we look ahead to the future of the company and serving the needs of all individuals successfully without barrier.

We encourage communication using the feedback process and can ensure that ongoing feedback will be used to help you to fully implement your accessibility plan and address any future needs!