Accessibility Plan - Progress Report 2024 TransX Group of Companies

1. General

1.1 Progress Report Summary

In May 2023, TransX Group of Companies published its first three-year Accessibility Plan in accordance with the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations. This progress report provides an update of the progress made so far and sets out the changes TransX Group of Companies would like to make in improving accessibility.

1.2 Overview of Services

TransX Group of Companies is a provider of transportation and logistics services for businesses of all sizes. We specialize in providing customized solutions tailored to the way our customers do business, which has helped us become the trusted transportation partner of many North America’s largest shippers.

1.3 Statement of Commitment

TransX Group of Companies is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence.

We believe in integration, and we are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and by meeting applicable legislative requirements.

1.4 Feedback Process & Contact Information

TransX Group of Companies is committed to creating an open and transparent feedback process for all. Our feedback process is easy. Simply share your feedback, anonymously or by including your name and contact information, through any of the following channels:

 

TransX Group of Companies

Attention: Accessibility Compliance Officer
Mailing Address: 2595 Inkster Blvd, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2E6
Phone Number: 1-866-631-6161
Fax: 204-633-7603
Email: [email protected]

 

Our Accessibility Compliance Officer will acknowledge receipt of your feedback and follow up with you (if not anonymous).

You can also use these channels to request this plan in a print, large print, Braille, or audio format.

2. Consultations

In March 2023, a survey was sent out to all TransX Group of Companies employees using our Learning Management Software seeking feedback on their experience with the organization. All comments were taken into account and contributed to the creation of this progress report. The majority of respondents identified themselves as not having a disability. Persons who agreed to being contacted for consultations have been contacted in person, by phone or email for further feedback and suggestions for improvement. Both, persons that identified as having a disability and those identified as not having a disability were included in the consultations and ranged from different terminals across Canada.

During consultations, the following recommendations for the improvement of accessibility at TransX have been provided:

  • Improve the accessibility in driver lounges and ensure wheelchair accessibility throughout facilities.
  • Enhance driver ergonomics inside trucks.
  • Improve housekeeping practices at terminals to prevent tripping hazards and accessibility barriers.
  • Enhance lighting, surveillance and security in designated areas.
  • Improve the number and location of accessibility parking.

3. Feedback

In May 2023, TransX Group of Companies launched a mechanism to collect feedback about accessibility. Through that mechanism, feedback can be submitted by mail, phone, fax, or email. So far, TransX Group of Companies has not received any comments through the feedback process. We believe the main reason for the lack of feedback is that the public does not interact directly with TransX on a regular basis.

4. Areas Described Under Section 5 of the ACA

4.1 Employment

Objectives:

  • Develop training for staff on disability and accessibility.


    Progress to date:
    We are still in the process of researching and evaluating potential training options that would best meet our company’s needs. This involves exploring various training providers, programs, and formats to identify the most suitable training solution.

  • Ensure all job postings include a statement affirming our commitment to the principle of equitable employment for all.


    Progress to date:
    Our job postings now include a commitment statement to being an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

  • Start specifying that accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities on the job postings.


    Progress to date:
    Our job postings now include a statement instructing applicants to inform us of any accommodations they require to participate in the process.

  • Consulting with applicants and arranging accommodation upon request.


    Progress to date:
    We have actively engaged with applicants with disabilities to understand their needs and preferences during the interview and hiring process. We have successfully arranged accommodations upon request for applicants with disabilities to facilitate their participation in interview and assessments. We remain committed to continuing our practices of consulting with applicants and arranging accommodations upon request.

4.2 Built Environment

Objectives:

  • Review and update emergency evacuation plans for all terminals for people with disabilities.|


    Progress to date:
    We have conducted a review of all existing emergency evacuation plans across our terminals and have ensured that instructions for the evacuation of persons with disabilities are included.

  • Conduct a review of the built environment of all terminals to assess the current state of accessibility.?


    Progress to date:
    We are still in the process of reviewing the built environment of our terminals. We are actively documenting our findings and observations as part of the review process. This documentation will help us in identifying key areas of focus of our terminals.

  • Incorporate accessibility audits into the monthly Health & Safety inspections and the annual TransX Safety System (TSS) audits.


    Progress to date:
    The monthly Health & Safety inspection reports and the TSS audit tool have been modified to include inspecting and auditing for accessibility barriers. We will continue to monitor and will further update our inspection and audit processes as needed.

  • Include accessibility considerations for upgrades, layout changes or renovations of the built environment.


    Progress to date:
    We are still actively working on including accessibility considerations for upgrades, layout changes, or renovations of the built environment.

  • Continue to consult with employees with disabilities on ways to improve accessibility of the built environment.


    Progress to date:
    We recognize that consultation is an ongoing process, and we are committed to consult with our employees on a continuous basis to enhance the accessibility of the built environment. Employees are consulted in person, through email or phone. Interaction Pulse Surveys are sent out to employees on a regular basis to gauge the experiences and perceptions of employees. To facilitate anonymous feedback and encourage participation from all employees, including those who may prefer not to disclose their identity, suggestion boxes have been installed across our terminals. Employees can submit their suggestions, comments, or concerns in writing, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.

4.3 Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Objectives:

  • Review website content and identify ways to improve accessibility.

    Progress to date:
    We are currently in the process of transitioning to a new contracted service provider for our website, and we will communicate our commitment to accessibility to the provider and ensure accessibility considerations are integrated into the website development process.
  • Determine whether both websites conform to World Wide Web Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0

    Progress to date:
    We have determined that our website transx.com conforms to WCAG 2.0. However, our website drivetransx.ca currently does not conform to WCAG 2.0. We recognize the importance of addressing this discrepancy. We are in the process of transitioning to a new contracted service provider for our website needs and will work with the provider to ensure that the website conforms to WCAG 2.0.
  • Review our Learning Management System (Luma) and identify ways to improve accessibility.

    Progress to date:
    As part of our efforts to enhance accessibility within Luma, we are now including captions on all training videos. Additionally, we have audio options for training modules, providing alternative access to content. We also recognize that ensuring accessibility is an ongoing process, and we will continue to explore ways to enhance accessibility within the platform.

4.4 Communication, other than ICT

Objectives:

  • Develop a process to provide information and communications in alternate formats upon request. In determining an appropriate format, we commit to consulting with the requestor.

    Progress to date:
    We have established several communication channels for employees and public do submit requests for information and communications in alternate formats. We are committed to provide information and communications in alternate formats upon request.
  • Promote our accessibility feedback process to employees.

    Progress to date:
    We will utilize our monthly newsletter to raise awareness of our accessibility feedback process among employees. We will monitor engagement levels and the feedback received to make improvements as needed.
  • Ensure to consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs.

    Progress to date:
    We have engaged with people with disabilities in preparation for this progress report. A feedback process is created where both employees and outside public can share their feedback. During the application process, new applicants can comment on the accommodations they require, allowing us to proactively address accessibility needs from the outset. Suggestions boxes are also set up at all terminals for employees to share their suggestions or concerns. On a regular basis, Interaction Pulse Surveys are also sent to all employees to share their feedback. Moving forward, we are committed to continuing our efforts to consult with people with disabilities to determine their information and communication needs.

4.5 The Procurement of Goods, Services and Facilities

Objectives:

  • Review the current procurement process and identify ways to include accessibility considerations.

    Progress to date:
    We are still in progress of reviewing our current procurement process and identifying ways to include accessibility considerations. We recognize the importance of procurement in driving accessibility improvements across our organization and are dedicated to ensuring that our procurement practices align with our broader accessibility goals.

4.6. The Design and Delivery of Programs and Services

Objectives:

  • Consult with all employees to identify barriers to receiving accessible training that meets their needs.


    Progress to date:
    We have actively engaged employees in person, through email or phone to solicit their feedback. Interaction Pulse Surveys and suggestion boxes are also in place which give employees the opportunity to share their feedback. We have also incorporated a feedback mechanism into our Learning Management System where employees can make suggestions or raise concerns. We will continue to monitor the feedback received and make improvements as needed.

  • Develop specific Job Hazard Analysis for persons with disabilities when required.


    Progress to date:
    We have developed Job Hazard Analyses for every job and workplace, describing known health and safety hazards for each task. In alignment with our commitment to inclusivity, we will develop specific Job Hazard Analysis for persons with disabilities when required.

  • Validate that all training offered to employees have feedback mechanisms and that they are accessible, to allow persons with disability to raise issues.

    Progress to date:
    We have integrated feedback mechanisms into all training offered through our Learning Management System. Specifically, each training module now includes a rating and comment section where employees can provide feedback or raise any issues or concerns they may encounter.
  • Use data collected through feedback mechanisms to make improvements of future programs and services.

    Progress to date:
    We regularly collect, analyze, and evaluate the feedback received through various channels. This involves reviewing feedback submission, identifying common themes and making adjustments as necessary to enhance our programs and services.
  • Continue to provide the Employee and Family Assistance Program to all employees.

    Progress to date:
    We have maintained our commitment to providing the Employee and Family Assistance Program to our employees as outlined in our accessibility plan.

4.7 Transportation

Overview:

It was found that the transportation area did not have any implications for TransX employees, as generally employees are responsible to arrange their own transportation to and from the workplace.

5. Conclusion

TransX Group of Companies remains committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. TransX Group of Companies also understands the importance of ongoing consultations with employees, stakeholders and the public to identify, eliminate and prevent barriers to accessibility in order to pursue its commitment to accessibility. TransX Group of Companies will continue to learn and look for ways to improve.