ACCESSIBILITY PLAN

Introduction

This document constitutes the update of Transport Jacques Auger Inc.’s Accessibility Plan for the 2026–2029 cycle. It builds on the Accessibility Plan 2023–2026 and takes into account the findings, lessons learned, and priorities identified since the publication of the previous plan.

The purpose of this plan is to relaunch and structure the company’s accessibility initiatives for the 2026–2029 cycle within the same areas of focus, with particular emphasis on governance, planning, documentation of measures, and the continued integration of accessibility into day-to-day practices.

General Information

Transport Jacques Auger Inc. recognizes the importance of providing an accessible, inclusive, and respectful work environment and services for employees, applicants, customers, suppliers, visitors, and business partners. We seek to develop more structured and consistent practices to support accessibility across all aspects of our operations. We remain committed to identifying, removing, and preventing barriers that may hinder the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities.

Your feedback

Transport Jacques Auger Inc. values feedback from the public, employees, applicants, customers, suppliers, and business partners regarding accessibility. The comments we receive help us identify barriers, improve our practices, and guide the measures outlined in our Accessibility Plan.

Requests, comments, or feedback may be directed to the person responsible for accessibility:

Contact: Karl-Érik Tremblay, CPHR, Human Resources Advisor
Mailing Address: 860 Archimède Street, Lévis, Quebec, G6V 7M5
Email: karl-erik.tremblay@tja.ca
Telephone: 418-835-9266, extension 2395
Website: www.tja.ca

A copy of the Accessibility Plan, the feedback process, or any accessibility-related document may be requested in an alternate format using the contact information above.

Braille and audio formats may take up to 45 days to produce. Printed, large-print, and electronic formats may take up to 15 days.

Feedback received will be used to support the monitoring of the plan, inform internal discussions, and assist in preparing progress reports and future updates to the Accessibility Plan.

Preparation of the Update

The 2026–2029 Accessibility Plan update was prepared through:

A review of the objectives, barriers, and measures identified in the 2023–2026 Accessibility Plan and the determination of priorities for 2026–2029;
An analysis of the findings presented in the Progress Report;
A review of existing accommodation measures and the identification of measures that remain relevant for the next planning cycle;
Targeted discussions with individuals affected by accessibility issues, including persons with disabilities, taking into account lessons learned from real workplace situations;
Consideration of discussions with professionals involved in the assessment or support of accommodation measures, including an occupational therapist.

In 2026, Transport Jacques Auger Inc. did not conduct a company-wide employee survey. Experience from previous initiatives demonstrated that this method did not always generate sufficient participation to obtain representative feedback.

The update of the plan therefore relied primarily on targeted discussions and concrete workplace situations that provided a better understanding of certain accessibility-related challenges.

Overall Review

The previous Accessibility Plan and Progress Report helped identify several priorities related to employment, accommodations, communications, technology, procurement, facilities, and internal processes.

They also highlighted that certain measures needed to be relaunched, better structured, or more thoroughly documented.

This plan takes these findings into account and focuses, for the 2026–2029 cycle, on a more realistic and structured approach that includes clarification of responsibilities, monitoring of measures, use of existing tools, and documentation of progress achieved.

Objectives of the 2026-2029 Accessibility Plan

For the 2026–2029 cycle, Transport Jacques Auger Inc. has established the following objectives:

Implement a more effective internal monitoring mechanism to document completed, ongoing, and deferred accessibility measures;
Complete the formation of the Accessibility Committee by recruiting additional employees, including employees with disabilities, and develop a simple, user-friendly form to document observations, comments, reported barriers, proposed measures, and required follow-ups during committee meetings;
Prioritize initiatives that can be implemented internally using existing tools, systems, and resources while considering workforce capacity and operational realities;
Integrate accessibility considerations into relevant purchasing decisions when purchases are already required or planned as part of normal business operations;
Consider accessibility when reviewing policies, procedures, and work methods;
Consult persons with disabilities and individuals affected by barriers and use the feedback received to improve planned accessibility measures.

Employment

The Employment area aims to support applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the employment lifecycle, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, accommodations, retention, and return-to-work processes.

Findings from the Previous Plan

The previous plan identified two primary barriers related to employment. The company attracted relatively few candidates from underrepresented groups, including persons with disabilities, and needed a better understanding of the range of accommodation options available, particularly for driver positions.

Since then, the company has determined that accommodation measures must be assessed based on the specific realities of each position. For driver positions, certain legal, medical, operational, and safety requirements must be met, including those related to a Class 1 driver’s licence, the transportation of dangerous goods, and the collective agreement.

As a result, accommodation options are more limited and must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Workplace experience has also provided a better understanding of accommodation opportunities available to administrative employees, particularly where functional limitations affect communication, language, physical movement, or task organization.

Ongoing Priorities and Planned Measures for 2026-2029

Improve the information available to applicants and employees by including a standard statement in job postings indicating that accommodation requests may be considered during the recruitment process and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis;
Continue evaluating possible accommodations for administrative, operational, mechanical, and driver positions whenever the essential requirements of the position, regulatory obligations, collective agreement provisions, and operational safety considerations permit;
Document the essential requirements of key job categories, particularly driver positions, in order to distinguish between requirements that cannot be modified and elements that may be adapted on a case-by-case basis;
Develop a simple and confidential tracking template to document accommodation requests, measures considered, decisions made, and required follow-up actions;
Document lessons learned from workplace accommodation situations, without disclosing personal or medical information, in order to improve future internal practices.

Timeline

Employment-related measures will be implemented progressively beginning in 2026, with priority given to actions that can be integrated into existing practices, such as adding accommodation statements to job postings, documenting accommodation processes, and analyzing the essential requirements of positions.

Built Environment

The Built Environment area seeks to ensure that physical workspaces are accessible, including offices, main entrances, common areas, workspaces, and truck yard facilities where applicable.

Findings from the Previous Plan

The previous plan identified potential barriers related to mobility within office spaces and the truck yard, as well as concerns regarding the accessibility of safety signage for individuals with reduced vision.

Since then, the company has reviewed its main entrances and work areas. No current need requiring the installation of an accessibility ramp has been identified.

However, because the company does not have an elevator, a workspace has been established on the ground floor to accommodate an employee with functional limitations.

Ongoing Priorities and Planned Measures for 2026-2029

Review safety signage and lighting conditions in the truck yard to assess possible improvements for individuals with reduced vision;
Reassess the need for ramps, automatic doors, or other accessibility measures if justified by an accommodation request, changing needs, or future renovation projects.

Timeline

Built environment measures will be addressed based on identified needs, accommodation requests received, and renovation or facility improvement projects planned during the 2026–2029 cycle.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) area covers the tools, software, systems, meeting technologies, and digital platforms used to create, exchange, store, and distribute information.

Findings from the Previous Plan

The previous plan identified barriers related to the use of accessibility technologies. Accessibility features available within certain software applications and commonly used tools were not sufficiently known or utilized, and the IT team required additional resources and knowledge to better support individuals with accessibility-related needs.

The technologies used in meeting rooms, training rooms, and conference facilities also remained to be evaluated from an accessibility perspective.

Ongoing Priorities and Planned Measures for 2026-2029

Identify accessibility features already available within the software and tools used by the company, such as screen magnification, text-to-speech functionality, closed captioning, voice dictation, and accessibility settings;
Develop a simple reference guide to help employees, managers, and the IT department identify accessibility features available in existing tools;
Evaluate technologies used in meeting, training, and conference rooms to identify potential accessibility improvements using existing equipment;
Consider accessibility requirements when replacing, renewing, or acquiring software or equipment already required for normal business operations.

Timeline

ICT-related measures will be implemented progressively between 2026 and 2029, with priority given to identifying and making use of accessibility features already available within existing tools.

Communications Other than ICT

This area focuses on ensuring that internal and external communications are accessible, particularly when alternate formats are requested or when individuals require communication that is clearer, more structured, or adapted to their specific needs.

Constats issus du plan précédent Findings from the Previous Plan

The previous plan identified the absence of a consistent procedure for receiving, processing, and documenting requests for alternate formats. It was also noted that no suppliers or specialized resources had yet been formally identified for certain formats, such as Braille, audio, large print, or accessible electronic formats.

Certain internal communications may also create barriers when information is delivered quickly, verbally, or without written support, particularly for individuals who require instructions that are clearer, more structured, or adapted to their circumstances.

Since the previous plan, the company has begun developing simple visual aids, including PowerPoint presentations, to support instructions provided to drivers. These tools are intended to facilitate understanding of equipment operation and required procedures in addition to standard verbal and written instructions.

Ongoing Priorities and Planned Measures for 2026-2029

Establish a simple internal procedure for receiving, processing, and documenting requests for alternate formats;
Identify the documents and communications most likely to require alternate formats;
Identify the individuals responsible for processing such requests and confirming applicable timelines;
Confirm resources or suppliers capable of providing specialized formats when required, including Braille, audio, large print, and accessible electronic formats;
Continue promoting the use of plain language, written instructions, numbered steps, visual aids, simple PowerPoint presentations, or other adapted communication methods whenever circumstances require;
Encourage managers to adapt their communication methods when an employee has specific needs related to comprehension, language, memory, concentration, or expression.

Timeline

Communication-related measures will be implemented progressively beginning in 2026, notably through the formalization of the alternate-format request process and the continued use of simple and accessible communication tools.

Procurement of Goods, Services and Facilities

This area aims to integrate accessibility considerations at the outset of procurement processes, including the acquisition of goods, services, facilities, furniture, equipment, software, and communication tools.

Findings from the Previous Plan

The previous plan indicated that certain accessibility considerations had already been applied when replacing adjustable workstations and ergonomic chairs. However, it also identified the need to better integrate accessibility into procurement practices, particularly through accessibility reviews during certain purchasing processes.

Ongoing Priorities and Planned Measures for 2026-2029

Consider accessibility requirements when purchasing or planning acquisitions of furniture, information technology equipment, software, communication tools, or facilities;
Incorporate a simple accessibility review into relevant purchasing decisions whenever the nature of the purchase warrants such consideration;
Include accessibility considerations, where appropriate, in requests for proposals and communications with suppliers;
Document purchases made with accessibility considerations in mind, such as adjustable furniture, ergonomic chairs, information technology equipment, software, or communication tools;
Clarify the roles and responsibilities of procurement, finance, managers, human resources, and information technology when an accommodation need results in additional expenditures;
Consider accessibility features when replacing, renewing, or acquiring software or communication tools already required for operational purposes.

Timeline

Accessibility considerations will be integrated into relevant purchasing activities as acquisitions, replacements, or renewals become necessary in the normal course of business operations.

Design and Delivery of Programs and Services

This area aims to ensure that accessibility is considered during the development or revision of the company’s programs, policies, processes, procedures, and internal or external services.

Findings from the Previous Plan

The previous plan identified the absence of a structured approach to ensure that accessibility considerations were incorporated into programs, processes, and services. It also contemplated consultation with a working group composed of representatives from various areas of the company and persons with disabilities.

Since then, the company has established its first internal Accessibility Committee. The committee is intended to support implementation of this plan, monitor progress on planned measures, and promote greater consideration of accessibility in internal decision-making.

The union is now represented on the committee, bringing an important perspective to discussions related to working conditions, accommodations, and the identification of barriers.

Ongoing Priorities and Planned Measures for 2026-2029

Continue the work of the internal Accessibility Committee to support implementation of the plan and monitor progress on planned measures;
Enhance the composition of the committee whenever possible by encouraging participation from individuals who identify as persons with disabilities or by using other targeted and confidential consultation methods;
Develop a simple form to document observations, comments, reported barriers, proposed measures, and required follow-up actions discussed during committee meetings;
Integrate accessibility considerations into the development and review of policies, procedures, processes, and work methods;
Raise awareness among employees responsible for drafting or revising procedures regarding the importance of considering accessibility when appropriate;
Document examples of procedures, programs, or work methods that have been reviewed through an accessibility lens.

Timeline

Measures related to programs, policies, procedures, and work methods will be integrated progressively throughout the 2026–2029 cycle, primarily during their creation, revision, or updating.

Transportation

Transport Jacques Auger Inc. is engaged in the transportation of goods.

As noted in the previous Accessibility Plan, the transportation provisions of the Canadian Accessibility Act primarily apply to passenger transportation services. As a result, transportation standards were not included in this plan.

Consultations

During the development of the 2023–2026 Accessibility Plan, Transport Jacques Auger Inc. consulted employees, including individuals who identified as persons with disabilities, as well as an external organization that supports persons with disabilities.

For the 2026–2029 update, the company did not conduct a company-wide employee survey. Instead, it relied on targeted discussions, practical workplace experiences, and consultations with professionals involved in supporting accommodation measures, including an occupational therapist.

These activities provided a better understanding of barriers related to employment, accommodations, accessible communications, work tools, and the physical environment. Information is presented in a general manner to protect the confidentiality of the individuals involved.

The company intends to continue its efforts to encourage the participation of persons with disabilities whenever possible and to obtain their feedback through targeted, confidential, and accessible consultation methods.

Definitions

Accessibility : Accessibility refers to the need for persons with disabilities to be intentionally and thoughtfully considered when products, services, and facilities are designed or modified so that they can be used and enjoyed by people of all abilities.

Barrier: The Canadian Accessibility Act defines a barrier as :

« Anything – including anything physical, architectural, informational, communicational, attitudinal, technological, or resulting from a policy or practice – that hinders the full and equal participation in society of persons with physical, intellectual, cognitive, mental, or sensory impairments, learning or communication disabilities, or functional limitations ».

Disability: The Canadia Accessibility Act defines a disability as :

« Any impairment, including a physical, intellectual, cognitive, mental, or sensory impairment, a learning or communication disability, or a functional limitation, whether permanent, temporary, or episodic in nature, whether evident or not, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society ».

2023-2026 Accessibility Plan