Accessibility at Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown
Multi-year accessibility plan.
October 04 2024,
Introduction
Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown shall follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and
equal opportunity. Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown will remain compliant with the Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements, including a renewal of our Multi-Year Accessibility
Plan every 5 years, or as required.
Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), we welcome the opportunity to
meet all requirements, improve our facilities, and look for areas where we can improve, making
Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown accessible for all.
This plan will be reviewed and updated at a minimum, every 5 years. As a dealership, Mercedes-Benz
Ottawa Downtown will take the necessary steps required to ensure that all accessible elements are in
working order and in the event of a disruption with an accessible element, will ensure that repairs are
made in a timely manner and if required, give notice of the disruption to the public.
All employees are trained in the Human Rights Code, AODA, our Accessibility Policy and when
applicable, will be provided with documentation pertaining to any accessibility barriers they may
encounter in the workplace. This will include personal accommodation requests, health and safety
measures as well as being informed that suggestions for making the workplace more accessible can be
brought to the attention of any manager.
Removing and Preventing Barriers
Past Achievements, New Building
2021 marked the opening of our dedicated Sprinter store. In designing this facility, we relied on decades
of experience learned from operating multiple automotive dealerships to design a modern, state-of-the-
art facility, keeping accessibility in mind during the planning process by including:
- A single-level, platform-free floorplan
- Fully accessible washrooms waiting and lounge
- Elevator access to 2 nd floor which is also fully accessible.
- Power door access.
- Emergency alarms for persons who are visually impaired and/or persons who are deaf or hard of
hearing.
Past Achievements, General
- Reviewed recommendations and requirements under the AODA.
- Developed a multi-year accessibility plan.
- Trained all employees on the AODA.
- Re-developed our Accessibility Policy.
- Introduced new on-line training with a focus on the AODA and the Customer Service Standard.
Our Plan Moving Forward, General
Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown underwent a major expansion and redesign in 2012 and was
renovated in 2018. All municipal and provincial building codes at the time were followed however, we
are constantly looking for ways to improve our facility, making it more accessible including:
- Adding more accessible parking.
- Updating signage and documentation to direct customers with disabilities to accessible
entrances and parking areas. - Expanding the use of hand-held tablets to simplify transactions.
- Making better accommodations in all customer-focussed areas of the dealership including
customer lounge, refreshment center, and staff/client transaction areas.
Our Plan Moving Forward, Corporate Environment:
- Continue to “look for the ability, not the disability”, with the goal of hiring the best candidate for
the position. - Hold regular staff meetings that include an open forum agenda item where opportunities for
health & safety and accessibility concerns or suggestions for improvements can be discussed
and brought to the attention of management. - Create and include an “Individual Accommodation Plan” in our employee handbook so
employees know how best to communicate their needs to management.
Contact, Feedback and Documents
Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown is committed to following the principles of dignity, independence,
integration, and equal opportunity while continually working towards providing better customer service
and accommodation to persons with disabilities. We are fully committed to the Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disabilities Act of 2005, and its goal of making Ontario Accessible for all Ontarians.
If you would like a copy of this multi-year plan, please contact us by email at
accessibility@mercedesbenzottawa.com or by phone at 613-745-9000.
If you would like a copy of our Accessibility Policy, please contact us by email at
accessibility@mercedesbenzottawa.com or by phone at 613-745-9000.
If you would like to submit feedback or make a suggestion regarding accessibility, please contact us by
email at accessibility@mercedesbenzottawa.com or by phone at 613-745-9000.
We can provide printed versions of documents in any size or font type requested, or an Adobe or Word
formatted file that can be listened to using the “Read Aloud” features in either program.
