Policy on Accommodation Requests

Table of Contents

1. Effective Date
2. Who to Contact at the Tribunal to make a request for accommodation
3. Making a Request for Accommodation
4. Next Steps
5. Other Important Information
   • Privacy considerations
   • Disability
   • Use of support services and related arrangements
   • Service animals and assistive devices
   • Scented products
   • Unavailability of accommodation measure
6. Inquiries

The Tribunal is committed to ensuring that its processes are accessible. It addresses requests for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act.

1. Effective Date

This policy is effective immediately.

2. Who to Contact at the Tribunal to make a request for accommodation

Requests for accommodation must be made as soon as possible, once the need for accommodation becomes known.

Requests for accommodation should normally be sent directly to the Registry by telephone at 613-949-6516, Teletypewriter at 1-866-389-6901 or by e-mail: director.directeur@psst-tdfp.gc.ca.

The Tribunal recognizes that accommodation needs may arise during any stage of the complaint process. During Tribunal proceedings, such as hearings or mediation sessions, the person making the request can speak directly to the member presiding at the hearing or the mediator. In those cases, the member or mediator may directly address a request for accommodation or refer the request to the Registry, as appropriate.

3. Making a Request for Accommodation

A request for accommodation must be as specific as possible. The provision of sufficient information is important in reviewing a request for accommodation. Otherwise, it may not be possible to assess the request or to properly address it.

At the same time, the person making the request should include only the information that is necessary to address it.  Details of a medical condition are not required at this stage.

The request for accommodation should include information such as

• A description of the specific accommodation requirements.
• Information as to the reasons for these requirements.
• Workplace or other accommodation used by the person making the request and to which the individual is accustomed.

4. Next Steps

The Tribunal will review the information on the request for accommodation as soon as possible, and inform the person of the result of that review. In certain circumstances, the Tribunal will ask for additional information or may organize a conference call to discuss the matter.

5. Other Important Information

Privacy considerations

To the extent possible, the Tribunal will respect the privacy of the individual making the request for accommodation. However in some situations, particularly in the context of a hearing, the Tribunal may ask that a copy of the request be sent to the other parties for procedural fairness or that information be provided to the other parties in order to respond to the accommodation request. If this is necessary, the Tribunal may consider submissions from the parties in order to maintain sensitivity to privacy issues.

Disability

Where the request for accommodation relates to disability, this includes:

• Physical disabilities
• Sensory disabilities
• Mental health disabilities
• Alcohol or drug dependence
• Invisible disabilities such as learning disabilities or environmental sensitivities.

Use of support services and related arrangements

The Tribunal recognizes that some individuals require the use of support services to assist with daily needs including communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs. The Tribunal strives to support such accommodation services but will not generally arrange for them.

Service animals and assistive devices

Some individuals may require the use of a service animal or assistive device to participate in the Tribunal's proceedings. The Registrar should be contacted in advance of the proceedings if any special arrangements are required for the animal or device.

Scented products

Please note that the Tribunal asks people who are attending meetings in person – such as mediation meetings, pre-hearing and settlement conferences and hearings – to refrain from using scented products.

Unavailability of accommodation measure

Where an accessibility or accommodation measure provided by the Tribunal becomes unavailable, the Tribunal will provide notice as soon as practicable.

6. Inquiries

Inquiries concerning these guidelines may be directed to:

Director, Registry of the Tribunal
Public Service Staffing Tribunal
240 Sparks Street, 6^th Floor West
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A5

Telephone: 613-949-6516
Fax: 613-949-6551