Accessibility policy

“Accessible formats” – means formats that are an alternative to standard print and are accessible to persons with disabilities. Accessible formats may include, but are not limited to, large print, braille, recorded audio and electronic formats.

“Accommodation” – means an arrangement made with, or assistance provided to, persons with disabilities, to ensure their equal access to Loblaw’s goods, services, employment and programs. Accommodation will vary depending on the person’s unique needs.

“Barrier” – means anything that prevents a person with a disability from accessing Loblaw’s goods, services, employment or programs, including physical, attitudinal and technological barriers, and inadequate information or communication.

“Communication” - means the interaction between two or more persons where information is provided, sent or received.

“Communication supports” – means supports that facilitate effective communication, and may include plain language formats, sign language and captioning.

“Disability” – means any degree of physical, mental, emotional, developmental or learning impairment, and includes temporary and permanent disabilities, visible and invisible disabilities (e.g. visual, hearing or mental impairment, or learning or developmental disabilities).

“Information” – means data, facts and knowledge that exists in any format, including text, audio, digital or images.

"Mobility Aid" - means a device used to facilitate the transport, in a seated posture, of a person with a disability.

“Mobility Assistive Device” – means a cane, walker or similar aid.

Accessible Websites and Web Content Loblaw’s websites and web content will conform to level A and Level AA of the Worldwide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.

Accessibility is integrated into Loblaw’s communication methods as follows: A. Feedback Loblaw ensures its process for receiving and addressing feedback is accessible by providing or arranging for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports, upon request. B. Accessible Formats and Communication Supports Loblaw recognizes that persons with disabilities may use alternative methods to access information or services and will upon request provide, or arrange for the provision of, information and communication in an alternative format. The Company will consult with the person making the request in determining the suitability of an accessible format or communication support.

If Loblaw determines that information or communications are unconvertible, the organization shall provide the person requesting the information or communication with: A. an explanation as to why the information or communications are unconvertible and  B. a summary of the unconvertible information or communications.

Emergency Response Plans — Loblaw provides workplace emergency response information to its colleagues. An alternative emergency preparedness plan will be completed, and updated as required, for each colleague with a disability for whom the Company is aware an individualized plan is necessary.

Accessibility is integrated into Loblaw’s employment-related practices as follows:

1. Recruitment

   • Loblaw notifies all internal and external job applicants, in job postings and when inviting an applicant to an interview or assessment, that accommodation is available upon request. When arranging accommodation, the Company will consult with the job applicant to determine their specific accessibility needs.

   • When an offer of employment is made, Loblaw notifies the successful applicant of its policies for accommodating employees with disabilities.

2. Workplace

   • Loblaw informs its colleagues of its policies relating to accessibility for colleagues with disabilities, including during orientation and onboarding.

   • In response to a colleague request, the Company will, in consultation with the colleague, provide or arrange for the provision of accessible formats and communication support for information that is required in order for the colleague to perform their job and access information that is generally available to colleagues in the workplace.

   • Loblaw is committed to accommodating colleagues’ disabilities. Colleagues requiring accommodation should advise their manager and/or Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP). Colleagues may be required to support their request with medical documentation. The Form for colleagues to take to their physician in this regard will be provided by the manager or HRBP. In Ontario, the Company will develop written individual accommodation plans for colleagues with disabilities.

3. Return to Work from Disability-Related Leave

   • Loblaw maintains a documented return to work process outlining how the Company facilitates the return to work of colleagues who have been absent from work due to a disability and require accommodation in order to return. In Ontario, the process includes the use of a written individual accommodation plan.

   • Colleagues should notify their manager and/or HRBP of an impending return to work as far in advance of the return to work as possible.

4. Performance Management and Career Development

   • In the interest of the individual, Loblaw will take the accessibility needs of colleagues with disabilities and individual accommodation plans into account in all performance management and career development processes.

5. Redeployment

   • Where Loblaw redeploys a colleague with a disability, the colleague’s accessibility needs and individual accommodation plan will be taken into account, so that the colleague’s accommodation needs are met.

Self-Service Kiosks — Loblaw will have regard to accessibility for persons with disabilities when designing, procuring or acquiring self-service kiosks e.g. self-service check-outs.

Accessibility will be integrated into Loblaw premises as follows:

1. Outdoor Public Use Eating Areas

   • Where Loblaw constructs or redevelops outdoor public use eating areas, at least 20% of the tables (minimum one table) will have knee and toe clearance, have clear ground space around them, and be approachable by a surface that is level, firm and stable.

2. Exterior Paths of Travel

   • Any new or redeveloped sidewalks and walkways, including associated ramps, stairs, curb ramps, depressed curbs, pedestrian signals and rest areas will comply with the requirements set by provincial legislation relating to accessibility.

3. Parking

   • Any new or redeveloped off-street parking, accessible parking spaces, access aisles and signage will comply with the requirements set by provincial legislation relating to accessibility.

4. Service Counters, Queue Guides and Waiting Areas

   • Where Loblaw constructs or redevelops service counters, at least one will accommodate mobility aids in respect of countertop height, knee clearance and clear floor space. All such service counters will be clearly identified with signage.

   • Any new or redeveloped queuing guides will provide sufficient width to allow for the passage of mobility aids and mobility assistive devices, will have sufficiently clear floor area to permit mobility aids to turn where queues change direction, and be cane detectable.

   • Any new or redeveloped waiting areas in which seating is fixed will include at least one seating space in which an individual using a mobility aid can wait.

Accessibility is integrated into Loblaw’s training programs in Ontario as follows:

1. Loblaw ensures training is provided to colleagues, volunteers and those who provide services on the Company’s behalf on the standards set by provincial legislation regarding accessibility as well as any aspect of local human rights legislation relating to persons with disabilities. Training is:

   • appropriate to the duties of the person undergoing training;

   • provided before or as soon as possible after the person commences job duties and whenever Loblaw alters its policies or practices regarding accessibility.