Wattpad Policies

Accessibility Policy

Last Revised: January 19, 2021

Policies, Practices, & Procedures

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 ("the AODA") is a Provincial Act with the purpose of developing, implementing and mandating accessibility standards in order to achieve accessibility for persons with disabilities, with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises.

Statement of Commitment

Wattpad is committed to providing a respectful, welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment for all persons with disabilities in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.

Wattpad aims to become a barrier-free environment, complying with all relevant legislation and its policies to identify, remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities.

All persons in the community are made aware of their rights and responsibilities to foster an accessible and inclusive environment for persons with disabilities.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Wattpad Leadership Team

The governance of the policy.
Supporting and promoting the policy throughout the organization.
Driving the culture to a high level of understanding regarding disability and accommodation.

Wattpad Directors and Managers

Fostering open and constructive communication.
Demonstrating sensitivity to and respect for confidentiality of information.
Raising awareness to facilitate understanding of the policy.
Participating and cooperating to facilitate workplace accommodation.

Wattpad Employees

Participating and cooperating with all parties to facilitate workplace accommodation.

Wattpad Human Resources

Acting as a resource for all parties and participants.
Supporting and educating managers in their obligations.

GENERAL DEFINITIONS

Accessible Formats: Include accessible electronic formats, Braille, text transcripts, large print, recorded audio, and other formats accessible to persons with disabilities.

Assistive Device: A technical aid or communication device used to maintain or improve the functional abilities of people with disabilities, such as wheelchairs or personal oxygen tanks.

Barrier: Anything that prevents a person with a disability from fully participating in all aspects of society due to their disability, including physical, architectural, informational, communications, and attitudinal barriers.

Communication Supports: Include sign language, plain language, and other supports that facilitate effective communication.

Disability: Defined under the AODA, it encompasses various conditions affecting physical, mental, and developmental abilities, including but not limited to diabetes, epilepsy, blindness, and physical reliance on assistive devices.

A. Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation Policy

Purpose and Background

The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (Regulation 191/11) under the AODA provides standards for private sector organizations to increase accessibility for persons with disabilities, specifically in:

Information and Communications
Employment

Accessibility Plan

Wattpad will develop a multi-year Accessibility Plan in consultation with an external AODA auditor and a cross-functional team to identify barriers preventing full participation in society.

The plan will be reviewed every five years, and an annual status report will document the progress and measures taken.

(1) Training

Timely training will be provided to all necessary persons to align with accessibility standards and the Human Rights Code. Records of training will be maintained.

(2) Information and Communication Standards

(a) Feedback Wattpad will provide accessible processes for receiving feedback from persons with disabilities.

(b) Accessible Formats and Communication Supports Information will be provided in accessible formats upon request and in a timely manner.

(3) Employment Standards

(a) Recruitment Applicants will be informed of accommodations for disabilities in the recruitment process.

(b) Notice to Successful Applicants Successful applicants will be informed about accommodating policies.

(c) Informing Employees of Supports Employees will be informed of accessibility policies and updates concerning accommodations.

(d) Workplace Emergency Response Information Individualized emergency response information will be provided when necessary.

(e) Documented Individual Accommodation Plans Employees' accommodation needs will be documented and maintained confidentially.

(f) Return to Work Process A documented process for returning employees will be maintained.

(g) Performance Management Accessibility needs will be considered in performance reviews and training.

B. Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Policy

Statement of Commitment and Accountabilities

Wattpad is committed to providing accessible and inclusive goods and services for customers and employees, ensuring compliance with the AODA and related standards.

Customer Service Policy, Practice, and Procedure

(1) The Provision of Goods and Services to Persons with Disabilities

Wattpad will ensure its policies allow customers with disabilities equal access to services, providing appropriate accommodations.

(6) Training

Training will be provided to employees interacting with the public about accessible service practices.

(7) Notice of Disruptions in Service

Wattpad will notify customers of any temporary service disruptions.

(8) Feedback Process

Customers will have a chance to provide feedback on services for persons with disabilities, with processes made readily available.

(9) Availability and Format of Documents

All documents required by accessibility standards will be available upon request in accessible formats.

Administration

For any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact: accessibility@wattpad.com

Schedule 1 - Wattpad Accessible Customer Service Principles

Dignity: Respect the dignity of persons with disabilities by providing high-quality service.

Independence: Allow individuals to make their own choices regarding accessing services.

Integration: Ensure services are accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity: Provide persons with disabilities equal chances to access and benefit from services.