Utilismart Corporation Accessibility Plan

Published: June 1, 2024

1.0  About Utilismart Corporation and intentions for the plan

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 multi-year plan reinforces Utilismart Corporation’s ongoing commitment to doing just that!

Our plan shows how we will play a role in making Ontario an accessible province for all.

The company has determined several short- and long-term goals which will ensure Utilismart Corporation continues down the path of a barrier free organization.

2.0  Purpose of the plan and requirements

Regulation 191/11: Integrated Accessibility Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities Act, 2005 requires organizations to create multi- year accessibility plans, update them at least once every five years and post them on organizations websites. Utilismart is required to adhere to the broadcasting and telecom regulations of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) as well.

With the following principles in mind, found in section 6 of the Accessible Canada Act, Utilismart Corporation has put together the plan.

(a) all persons must be treated with dignity regardless of their disabilities;

(b) all persons must have the same opportunity to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have regardless of their disabilities;

(c) all persons must have barrier-free access to full and equal participation in society, regardless of their disabilities;

(d) all persons must have meaningful options and be free to make their own choices, with support if they desire, regardless of their disabilities;

(e) laws, policies, programs, services and structures must take into account the disabilities of persons, the different ways that persons interact with their environments and the multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization and discrimination faced by persons;

(f) persons with disabilities must be involved in the development and design of laws, policies, programs, services, and structures; and

(g) the development and revision of accessibility standards and the making of regulations must be done with the objective of achieving the highest level of accessibility for persons with disabilities.

The following accessibility plan outlines Utilismart Corporations continual intentions and steps in support of ensuring that the company maintains and adapts to an inclusive environment for all. The company understands that all individuals have different needs and requirements when facing obstacles and overcoming barriers and as a result the company will embrace the suggestions and requests of accommodation without burden.

3.0  Purpose of the plan and requirements

Regulation 191/11: Integrated Accessibility Standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities Act, 2005 requires organizations to create multi- year accessibility plans, update them at least once every five years and post them on organizations websites. Utilismart is required to adhere to the broadcasting and telecom regulations of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) as well.

With the following principles in mind, found in section 6 of the Accessible Canada Act, Utilismart Corporation has put together the plan.

(a) all persons must be treated with dignity regardless of their disabilities;

(b) all persons must have the same opportunity to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have regardless of their disabilities;

(c) all persons must have barrier-free access to full and equal participation in society, regardless of their disabilities;

(d) all persons must have meaningful options and be free to make their own choices, with support if they desire, regardless of their disabilities;

(e) laws, policies, programs, services and structures must take into account the disabilities of persons, the different ways that persons interact with their environments and the multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization and discrimination faced by persons;

(f) persons with disabilities must be involved in the development and design of laws, policies, programs, services, and structures; and

(g) the development and revision of accessibility standards and the making of regulations must be done with the objective of achieving the highest level of accessibility for persons with disabilities.

The following accessibility plan outlines Utilismart Corporations continual intentions and steps in support of ensuring that the company maintains and adapts to an inclusive environment for all. The company understands that all individuals have different needs and requirements when facing obstacles and overcoming barriers and as a result the company will embrace the suggestions and requests of accommodation without burden.

4.0  Accessibility Plan – Current Achievements and Next Steps

4.1  Information and Communication Technologies

Commitment:

As a data management organization Utilismart Corporation recognizes that importance of continually reviewing and recognizing technology standards and ensuring that all tools used to store or share information offered should be accessible to any users.

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

Suggestions for Improvement and timeline:

2024

• Utilismart Public website redesign – Part 1
  • Scope of the redesign process includes: Assessment, planning and design and user feedback
• Ensure all training and employee learning videos and podcasts have closed captioning capabilities.
• Conduct an assessment on Utilismart web-based products using WCAG 2.1 guidelines to identify improvements related to accessibility
• Ensure that all net new developed Utilismart products are designed as per WCAG 2.1 standards.

2025

• Utilismart Public website redesign – Part 2
  • Implementation to all users and final feedback
• Promote and educate the implemented accessibility features that are available to Utilismart tool users.
• Ensure key internal corporate communications are designed with accessibility in mind and tested for accessibility before sharing with employees.
• Based on findings of 2024 WCAG 2.1 assessment implement accessibility improvements starting with EnerConnect and Utilismart public website.

2026

• Based on the recommendations of the 2024 accessibility assessment continue implementing improvements on remaining website/applications .
• Conduct an assessment on Utilismart Corporation website products based on current accessibility guidelines.

4.2  Procurement of goods and services

Commitment:

Utilismart Corporation is committed to ensuring our procurement practices address accessibility barriers and encourage the use of suppliers who meet accessibility solutions.

Barrier:

• Existing procurement practices may not consistently meet accessibility requirements.

Suggestions for Improvement and timeline:

2024

• Ensure all new accessibility procurement processes are communicated to targeted employee groups. 
• Conduct an assessment and identify Certified Accessible Suppliers who provide accessibility solutions for our employees.
• Ensure Utilismart Corporation’s new CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system meets WCAG 2.1 accessibility standard.

2025

• Conduct accessibility assessment on procurement processes and tools with intention of identifying improvements.

2026

• Review and update the list of Certified Accessible Suppliers as required 

4.3  Design and delivery of programs and services

Commitment:

By addressing the design and delivery of programs and service-related barriers, Utilismart Corporation aims to ensure persons with disabilities have options for receiving information and communicating. The company strives to ensure all individuals are free to make their own choices, with support if they desire, regardless of their disabilities. This includes improving the accessibility of our tools and improving our efforts to provide great customer experiences.

Barrier:

• Team members have different levels of knowledge and awareness related to how Utilismart Corporation’s programs and services impact customers in regard to 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.

Suggestions for Improvement and timeline:

2024

• Develop a policy that requires an inclusion of the accessibility standards as part of the new services/programs design.
• Establish a periodic evaluation of the services/programs design processes and identify improvements related to accessibility.

2025

• Conduct evaluation of the service/program design and identify accessibility improvements.
  • Implement accessibility improvements as determined as a result of annual evaluation

2026

• Conduct evaluation of the service/program design and identify accessibility improvements.
  • Implement accessibility improvements as determined as a result of annual evaluation

4.4  Communications about procurement and the design and delivery of programs and services

Commitment:  With a focus on communication-related barriers, Utilismart Corporation will improve the accessibility of the documents offered. Utilismart will continue the focus of creating documents, product brochures and advertising that promote our products and services in a way that meets accessibility requirements.

Barrier:

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

• Some social media posts are missing accessibility features such as alternative text.

Suggestions for Improvement and timeline:

2024

• Develop accessibility guidelines for creating documents.
• Adhere wording on applicable documents (invoices, brochures, training materials) providing customers the ability to request alternative formatting.
• Create official Utilismart Corporation social media posts with accessibility in mind.

2025 and 2026

• Promotion of accessibility products, services, and alternate options and methods of communications to increase awareness and usage.
• Continuous refinement of communication guidelines to create content that is simple, concise, and easy to understand.
• Ensure accessibility needs receive consideration in the development of marketing and advertising materials.

4.5  Training

Commitment: 

Utilismart will provide training to employees on Ontario’s accessibility laws and on the Ontario Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities.

Successfully in place: 

Utilismart has taken the following steps to ensure employees are provided with the training needed to meet Ontario’s accessibility laws:

• Utilismart has researched and determined the appropriate training requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code and the AODA as it relates to people with disabilities.
• The company requires every new employee to complete training (and evaluation based on that education) during onboarding training and all employees receive refresher training anytime policies or requirements dictate the need.
• Utilismart maintains records of training provided including the dates and details of material presented.

Barrier:

While the company is not experiencing barriers in the employee training process regarding accessibility, we would like to ensure that this topic remains top of mind.

Suggestions for improvement and timeline:

2024 and ongoing

• Employees will be provided with AODA information/articles and other relevant media to consume on a regular basis.

4.6  Employment

Commitment: 

Utilismart Corporation’s goal is to develop an environment of accessible and inclusive practices so that all members of staff, including those with disabilities, feel supported and that their contributions to the organization are celebrated.

Barriers:

Hiring and Retention

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

Suggestions for Improvement and timeline:

2024

• Implement hiring targets for persons with disabilities.
• Provide target support to persons with disabilities with respect to career development and leadership.
• Track participation in exit interviews with persons with disabilities, measure progress regarding employee hiring and retention, discuss the topic of accessibility.

2025

• Continue rollout of enhanced accessibility training.
• Review and evaluate the effectiveness of training.
• Review and adjust current processes to support an improved candidate experience. Information should be provided to hiring managers and candidates to support accessibility and accommodation requirements.

2026

• Create a resource directory for accommodation supports – organizations, consultants, suppliers etc.
• Further elevate leaders’ familiarity with accommodation processes and practical ways to increase inclusion and accessibility at Utilismart.
• Continue to create awareness of accessibility to foster a more inclusive workplace.
• Continue to enhance our accommodation processes.
• Continue to evaluate how well our processes for workplace accommodation are performing.

4.7  Built Environment

Commitment:

Provide an accessible built environment to support staff through barrier-free access to workspaces, and to support the employees participating in work at the office location. Utilismart will work with our team members and external partners to better understand, and address barriers experienced by persons with disabilities.

Barriers:

Office Building

Utilismart Corporation is located in an office space that was built previous to 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.

Suggestions for Improvement and timeline:

2024

• The unit that Utilismart occupies has recently been upgraded to housing accessible desks, widen aisles and an accessible kitchen space.
• The company works a hybrid model, however, if space or accessibility requirements are needed for a team gathering collaborative workspaces can be rented.
• 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.
• Refer all employees and leaders to the accommodation process if physical barriers are identified in the workplace.

2025 and 2026

• Utilismart will continually reassess business needed regarding the physical workspace upon lease expirations and future growth.
• Continue to work with employees who have physical accessibility requirements to ensure they are supported.

5.0  Consultants

Input for our accessibility was plan was provided by an individual who lives with Cerebral Palsy and is legally blind. The individual works in an IT field and has advocated for himself and his accessibility needs during his education and since entering the workforce 20 years ago. Our consultation lasted about an hour, and we discussed everything from building and space accessibility, parking needs, finding a good employer/employee fit, acceptance, website development and office culture around employees and customers with special needs. We finished this valuable discussion talking about how far Ontario has come with assisting individuals with accommodation requirements and the hope for the future.

6.0  Feedback Process

Feedback regarding accessibility is welcomed at anytime. Utilismart Corporation staff, as well as the general public, can provide feedback at any time through a number of different channels including: email, mail, and telephone, as well as an online webform. Feedback is also welcomed anonymously.

Details of Utilismart’s Feedback process can be found in our Accessibility Policy.

Once feedback has been received, a receipt will be provided in the same way the feedback was sent, except for anonymous submissions. All feedback will be stored, including scanned versions of any mail received, in a repository with limited access.

Feedback will be integrated into subsequent versions of the plan.