Accessibility Statement and Practices for Tierney Stauffer LLP

1. Statement of Commitment to Accessibility

Tierney Stauffer LLP is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for our clients, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

We are dedicated to treating all individuals with dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity, and we are committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility.

2. Accessible Customer Service

Tierney Stauffer LLP  is committed to excellence in serving all clients, including people with disabilities.

• Assistive Devices: We ensure that our staff are trained and familiar with various assistive devices that may be used by clients with disabilities while accessing our legal services.
• Service Animals: We welcome people with disabilities and their service animals. Service animals are allowed on the parts of our premises that are open to the public.
• Support Persons: A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them on our premises.
  > Note regarding confidentiality: Due to the nature of our legal work and to maintain solicitor-client privilege, if confidential matters are to be discussed in the presence of a support person, we may require the support person to sign a confidentiality agreement.
• Notice of Temporary Disruption: In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities that clients with disabilities rely on (such as elevators or accessible washrooms), Tierney Stauffer LLP will provide prompt notification. A clearly posted notice will include information about the reason for the disruption, its anticipated duration, and a description of alternative facilities or services, if available.

3. Information and Communications

We are committed to making our information and communications accessible to people with disabilities.

• Digital Accessibility: We strive to make our website and digital content as accessible as possible to all users, and we continually work to improve the user experience for everyone.
• Accessible Formats and Communication Supports: Upon request, Tierney Stauffer LLP will provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities. We will provide these in a timely manner, at no additional cost, and will consult with the person making the request to determine the suitability of the format.
• Public Emergency Information: If we prepare emergency procedures, plans, or public safety information and make them available to the public, we will provide the information in an accessible format or with appropriate communication supports, as soon as practicable, upon request.

4. Employment Practices

Tierney Stauffer LLP is committed to fair and accessible employment practices across all stages of the employment cycle.

• Recruitment: We will notify employees and the public about the availability of accommodations for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment, assessment, and selection processes.
• Workplace Accommodations: We will notify successful applicants and existing employees of our policies for accommodating employees with disabilities. We will work with employees to develop individual accommodation plans and return-to-work policies for those who have been absent due to a disability.

5. Training of Employees

Tierney Stauffer LLP provides training to all employees, volunteers, individuals who participate in developing our policies, and anyone who provides goods, services, or facilities on our behalf.

Our training covers:

• The requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR).
• The Ontario Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities.
• Our organization’s specific accessibility policies and procedures.
• How to interact and communicate with people with various types of disabilities.

Training is provided to new staff as soon as practicable after they are hired. Ongoing training is provided whenever our accessibility policies change.

6. Feedback Process

We welcome your feedback on how Tierney Stauffer LLP provides services to persons with disabilities. Your feedback is crucial in helping us identify barriers and improve our accessibility standards.

If you encounter any accessibility barriers, wish to request an accommodation, or would like a copy of our accessibility policies in an alternate format, please contact us using any of the following methods:

• Email: jhergert@tslawyers.ca
• Phone: 613-288-3225
• Mailing Address: Tierney Stauffer LLP

Attn: Jason Hegert, CFO/COO

1600 Carling Ave. #510

Ottawa, ON  K1Z 0A1

We strive to respond to all accessibility inquiries and feedback within five (5) business days. Complaints will be addressed in accordance with our organization’s regular complaint management procedures.