Accessibility Plan
LightSpeed Advantage
Light Speed Logistics is a leader in the transportation industry, specializing in the highly regulated, time-sensitive perishable food sector.
The Accessible Canada Act (ACA)
The ACA is a federal law in Canada aimed at creating a barrier-free country. Its primary goal is to ensure greater accessibility and inclusion for all Canadians, especially those with disabilities, by requiring federal entities and industries to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility in areas such as employment, built environments, and service delivery.
Details can be found here: Accessible Canada Regulations (justice.gc.ca)
Accessibility Statement of Commitment
At Light Speed Logistics, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all our stakeholders, including employees, clients, and partners. Our dedication to accessibility is deeply ingrained in every aspect of our organization’s operations and activities.
In alignment with current regulations and our organizational morals, we endeavor to ensure that our facilities, technologies, and communication methods are accessible to individuals with disabilities. We continuously update our practices to comply with the Accessible Canadian Act (ACA), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and other relevant standards, ensuring that our digital platforms are user-friendly for everyone.
Our long-term goals include not only adhering to legal requirements but also pioneering innovative accessibility solutions within the logistics and trucking industry. We recognize that accessibility is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to training our staff, investing in accessible technology, and engaging with our community to understand and address the evolving needs in this domain.
Through these efforts, Light Speed Logistics aims to lead by example, demonstrating that an accessible world is not only a regulatory obligation but a cornerstone of a diverse and thriving business landscape.
Light Speed’s commitment to supply chain security spans all departments and areas of business. As a cross-border long-haul carrier, it is our duty to go above and beyond to safeguard the supply chain industry, to protect our business assets and to provide peace of mind to our valued clients.
Feedback and Contacts
We welcome your feedback to continually improve our accessibility. For any inquiries or assistance regarding our accessibility practices:
- Contact Person: Serah Simard, HR Manager
- Phone: 403-208-5441, EXT: 8386
- Fax: 403-208-5442
- Email: HR@lslinc.com
You can also use these contact methods to request this plan in print, large print, Braille, or audio format. Your feedback is invaluable in our pursuit of an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.
Section 5 of the ACA
Employment
At Light Speed Logistics, our workforce of nearly 500 employees, spread across five locations in Canada, includes a diverse range of roles: 75% of our team members are drivers operating both in Canada and the US and the remaining 25% are office and shop staff. Recognizing this diversity, we have identified several potential barriers related to employment, particularly focusing on ensuring equal opportunity in recruitment, effectively communicating accommodation options, and ensuring that all employees are adequately trained to address accessibility concerns.
In response to these challenges, we have initiated the following actions:
In response to these challenges, we have initiated the following actions:
We are committed to creating job postings that are more informative and readable, ensuring they are accessible to all potential applicants, including those with disabilities. This includes using clear language, accessible formats, and explicitly stating the availability of accommodations during the recruitment process.
Recognizing the importance of awareness and understanding of accessibility issues among our staff, we are updating our training materials for both managers and employees. These updated materials will focus on fostering an inclusive
work environment and educating our team on best practices for accommodating colleagues and clients with disabilities.
work environment and educating our team on best practices for accommodating colleagues and clients with disabilities.
We are inviting feedback from job applicants, particularly those with disabilities, to help us continually adjust and improve our recruitment processes. This feedback will be instrumental in identifying and addressing any unseen barriers, ensuring our hiring practices are inclusive and equitable.
Section 5 of the ACA
Built environment
Light Speed Logistics operates across various locations, including terminals or yards in Calgary (Main Terminal), Mississauga (Eastern Terminal), Montreal (Yard), Winnipeg (Yard), and Surrey (Yard). Additionally, a significant portion of our staff is constantly on the road, which presents a range of accessibility barriers, particularly outside our main terminals. Challenges include ensuring adherence to accessibility standards in rented yards, at customer locations, and within the rolling equipment itself. Furthermore, ensuring that drivers have access to accessible stops en route to their destinations is a key concern.
To address these barriers, Light Speed Logistics is initiating the following steps:
To address these barriers, Light Speed Logistics is initiating the following steps:
We are committed to providing our drivers with a comprehensive database of accessible stops. This resource will not only highlight accessible locations but also caution against stops that may present challenges for individuals with accessibility needs.
Recognizing the importance of partnership, we will actively communicate with our customers to ensure accessible environments at their locations. This collaborative approach will help in creating a more inclusive and accessible chain of operations.
To facilitate movement in and out of equipment, we will provide tools and equipment designed to aid accessibility. This step is crucial in ensuring that our drivers and staff can operate safely and effectively.
We will conduct thorough inspections of all rented yards to identify potential barriers. Upon identifying these barriers, we will work diligently to have them addressed, ensuring that our facilities meet the necessary accessibility standards.
We will study the feasibility of adjusting the environment by providing more nuanced lightning and quiet space for individuals with sensory sensitivity that might require it.
Section 5 of the ACA
Information and communication technologies (ICT)
Light Speed Logistics extensively utilizes various online platforms for both internal and external communication, including chat software, email software, websites, and communication and feedback forms. These systems are often enhanced by automated processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness. While we have received minimal negative feedback in this area, we have identified potential barriers concerning the readability of our online presence.
To address these concerns, we are undertaking the following initiatives:
To address these concerns, we are undertaking the following initiatives:
We are actively working on modifying the format of our website to enhance readability. This includes revising the design to ensure it is more user-friendly, particularly for individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties. Efforts will focus on aspects like font size, color contrast, and the logical organization of information, following WCAG standards.
We are also concentrating on making our feedback systems more prominent and accessible. By improving the visibility and ease of use of these
systems, we aim to encourage more users to provide their input, which is crucial for continuous improvement in our ICT accessibility.
systems, we aim to encourage more users to provide their input, which is crucial for continuous improvement in our ICT accessibility.
Section 5 of the ACA
Communication, other than ICT
At Light Speed Logistics, traditional communication methods such as phone calls and in-person meetings are frequently used for interactions with drivers and customers. While these methods are effective and well-suited for the industry, they can pose challenges for individuals with hearing difficulties. Additionally, electronic communications like emails may not be suitable for individuals who have difficulty reading or seeing.
In response to these challenges, we are exploring less conventional alternatives to enhance our communication accessibility:
In response to these challenges, we are exploring less conventional alternatives to enhance our communication accessibility:
We recognize the importance of making our written communications accessible to those with visual impairments. Therefore, we are preparing to offer alternative versions of important documents upon request, ensuring that information is accessible to everyone.
To assist individuals who may have difficulties with reading or seeing, we are considering providing audio recordings of key communications. This will ensure that all our staff, drivers, and customers can access important information in a format that is convenient and accessible for them.
Section 5 of the ACA
Procurement of goods, services and facilities
At Light Speed Logistics, our frequent procurement of various products for office and shop use, though seemingly straightforward, can inadvertently overlook potential accessibility barriers. We acknowledge that even simple supplies can affect accessibility and inclusivity within our organization.
In response to this realization, we are committed to the following action:
In response to this realization, we are committed to the following action:
We will conduct a thorough review of our existing procurement processes and the products we regularly purchase. This review will aim to identify opportunities where we can incorporate more accessible options. Our focus will extend to various categories of supplies, including but not limited to sanitary supplies and office equipment.
Post-review, we will modify our procurement policies to prioritize the selection of products that enhance accessibility. This could involve choosing ergonomic office equipment, accessible technology tools, or facilities supplies that cater
to a wide range of needs.
to a wide range of needs.
Section 5 of the ACA
Design and delivery of programs and services
In the realm of designing and delivering programs and services, Light Speed Logistics acknowledges the importance of accessibility to ensure inclusivity for all our stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners. This aspect of our operations is crucial, as it directly impacts the experience of those interacting with our company.
Despite no major negative feedback provided to us, we have identified key considerations and actions in this area include:
Despite no major negative feedback provided to us, we have identified key considerations and actions in this area include:
We will reassess the method used to provide training and assure they are in a format accessible to all individuals.
As we develop new programs and policies, or revise existing ones, we will integrate accessibility considerations from the outset. This approach ensures that all our decisions are designed with the needs of individuals with disabilities in mind.
Establishing robust feedback channels for employees and 3rd parties of our systems and services will be a priority. This feedback will be invaluable in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring our services meet the diverse needs of our community.
Section 5 of the ACA
Transportation
While the aspect of transportation in the context of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) primarily pertains to how organizations facilitate transportation for their employees, at Light Speed Logistics, the nature of our business means this area is not directly applicable in the traditional sense. Our employees are generally responsible for their own transportation to and from work locations. However, we acknowledge the importance of accessibility in every facet of our operations, including the transportation aspect related to our drivers.
In recognition of this, we are taking the following initiative:
In recognition of this, we are taking the following initiative:
We are committed to outfitting our driver equipment with tools and features that assist drivers who may have potential limitations. This may include ergonomic adjustments to vehicles, installation of assistive technology within trucks, or providing specialized equipment to facilitate easier access and operation of vehicles.
Consultations
In preparing our accessibility plan, Light Speed Logistics engaged in a comprehensive consultation process with its staff and opened communication with relevant organization to provide further insight. Our approach was guided by a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of those directly affected by accessibility issues were central to our planning.
We conducted surveys to gather input from a broader range of participants, ensuring that those who might not be comfortable in meeting settings had an opportunity to contribute.
For more targeted feedback, we facilitated smaller, in-person discussions.
For more targeted feedback, we facilitated smaller, in-person discussions.
Our consultation process included individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, ensuring diverse perspectives. We engaged with experts in accessibility and inclusive design to provide specialized insights into our practices and policies.
Additionally, ongoing efforts with relevant organizations was a key component of our consultation, allowing us to tap into a wider network of experience and expertise.
Additionally, ongoing efforts with relevant organizations was a key component of our consultation, allowing us to tap into a wider network of experience and expertise.
The feedback we received was instrumental in identifying key areas of improvement. Participants highlighted specific barriers within our current infrastructure and practices, and offered valuable suggestions for enhancing accessibility in our employment processes, physical environments, and communication methods.
We also gathered data on best practices in accessibility across the logistics industry, which informed our approach to developing more inclusive and accessible services.
To respect the privacy of consultation participants, detailed personal information and specific attributions are not disclosed in this plan. More comprehensive details about our consultations, including methodologies and aggregated findings will be reported annually.
As ESDC publishes additional guidance on consulting persons with disabilities, we will review and adapt our consultation processes accordingly, ensuring ongoing alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements.
We also gathered data on best practices in accessibility across the logistics industry, which informed our approach to developing more inclusive and accessible services.
To respect the privacy of consultation participants, detailed personal information and specific attributions are not disclosed in this plan. More comprehensive details about our consultations, including methodologies and aggregated findings will be reported annually.
As ESDC publishes additional guidance on consulting persons with disabilities, we will review and adapt our consultation processes accordingly, ensuring ongoing alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements.
Glossary
To enhance understanding and clarity, we have included a glossary of terms used in our accessibility plan. These definitions are provided in simple, clear, and concise language:
The design of products, devices, services, or environments for people who experience disabilities, ensuring they can access, use, and benefit from them as fully as people without disabilities.
Any obstacle that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society because of their disability. This includes physical, architectural, technological, informational, communicative, attitudinal, or systemic barriers.
The design of products, environments, and services that are accessible to and usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
Adjustments made in a system to accommodate or make fair the same system for an individual based on a proven need. This often refers to modifications to work environments or employment practices to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their job duties.
International standards for making web content more accessible, primarily for people with disabilities but also for all user interfaces.
Any item, piece of equipment, software, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
The process of designing or arranging workplaces, products, and systems so that they fit the people who use them, aiming to optimize human well-being and overall system performance.
A condition where one or more of the body's senses experiences over responsiveness or heightened sensitivity to stimuli. This can include heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or smells, often found in individuals with certain neurological conditions.
A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities. Disabilities can be visible or invisible, permanent or temporary, and can vary greatly in severity and impact. The term encompasses a wide range of physical, sensory, cognitive, learning, mental health, and neurological conditions.