ESDC Workplace & You - Inclusion & Accessibility

Inclusion and Accessibility

Inclusion & Accessibility are among the seven key pillars of ESDC Workplace. Our department is demonstrating leadership in this area by implementing a modernized work environment offering flexible and dynamic workspaces that can meet every employee’s needs and preferences, including those with visible and invisible disabilities.

Inclusion VS Accessibility in the workplace

Inclusion in the workplace: refers to ensuring that individuals of any race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, ability, etc. feels respected and included in their workplace.

Accessibility in the workplace: refers to a workplace design that allows equitable access to all individuals.

USER-CENTERED ESDC Workplace is a welcoming and inclusive work environment that supports employees by: Encouraging mobility Enabling employees to work from the location that suits their day-to-day activities Helping achieve a healthy work-life balance

WELL-BEING ESDC Workplace promotes well-being by: Encouraging movement throughout the day Maximizing the use of natural light and calming outdoor views Creating spaces that promote social connectivity

ERGONOMICS Ergonomic furnishings and equipment are implemented throughout ESDC Workplace to accommodate a range of ergonomic needs including: Height Width Angle of adjustability

Upcoming Inclusion & Accessibility Features for ESDC Workplaces

Inclusion

Acoustic zones and adjustable lighting Supports neurodiversity with a variety of spaces and acoustic zones that accommodate different sensory needs, including adjustable lighting to accommodate those with light sensitivity or visual impairments

Inclusive signage Tactile signs throughout the workplace, excludes braille

Universal washrooms Large and small universal washrooms with at least one adult change table at each work location

Accessibility

Larger hallways, circulation areas and entrances Reduces congestion and accommodates larger mobility devices

Accessible appliances and fixtures Includes two-height water fountains with bottle filling stations

Tactile flooring Located in client spaces, to provide navigation assistance

Wayfinding beacons For navigation assistance both to and through our spaces

Controlled use of colours Colours of walls, doors, frames, etc. established for higher contrast to assist with wayfinding and other disabilities

Adjustable lighting levels Located in rooms to accommodate those with disabilities affected by lighting levels