Accessibility Plan

General Information

Person in charge: Mélissa Girard Poirier, Director of the Institution
Email: Melissa@PassportHelico.com
Phone : (450) 474-4888
Mailing Address:
Passport Hélico
10-3320 avenue de la Gare,
Mascouche (Quebec)
J7K 3C1

Feedback

The feedback process in Passport Hélico’s Accessibility Plan is structured to ensure continuous improvement of accessibility initiatives and to consider the needs of stakeholders. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Means of Providing Feedback

Individuals wishing to provide feedback may use various communication methods:

- Email : Melissa@PassportHelico.com
- Phone : (450) 474-4888
- o By mail: :
  Passport Hélico
  10-3320 avenue de la Gare,
  Mascouche (Quebec)
  J7K 3C1

These diverse methods make it possible to accommodate a wide range of feedback—whether written, verbal, or by physical mail.

Use and Consideration of Feedback
Feedback and suggestions submitted via these channels will be:
Reviewed immediately: Certain comments may lead to rapid and immediate adjustments to accessibility practices.
Integrated into the development of the next accessibility plan: If feedback concerns more significant changes requiring planning, it will be considered during future strategic updates.
Mentioned in progress reports: Transparency is ensured by documenting the nature of received feedback and the measures taken in response.

The objective is to ensure that each piece of feedback contributes to the ongoing improvement of accessibility within the company.

Option for Anonymous Feedback

To ensure equitable access and to allow individuals to express themselves confidentially, an anonymous feedback option is available:

- Anonymous phone call: Dial (450) 474-4888 and leave a voicemail message.
- Anonymous Message Management Process: :

- - These messages are reviewed weekly..
  - They are transcribed and stored electronically for analysis and consideration.

Although the message’s author cannot be contacted for follow-up, their suggestions will be evaluated with the same diligence as other feedback.

Purpose of the Feedback Process
- Encourage participatory accessibility: The involvement of employees, clients, and partners allows for a better understanding of existing barriers.
- Ensure continuous improvement: Suggestions collected help identify needs and adapt initiatives.
- Maintain transparency: By including feedback in progress reports and explaining actions taken.

In summary, Passport Hélico has established an accessible, flexible, and inclusive feedback process to ensure that its accessibility practices evolve in response to the real needs of its stakeholders.

Definitions

The following definitions apply within the scope of this plan:

Accessibility: An approach aimed at designing products, services, environments, technologies, policies, and rules in a way that ensures they are accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities.
Barrier: Any factor that limits the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society. Barriers may be physical, architectural, technological, behavioral, or related to information and communication. They may also arise from policies or procedures.
Disability: A physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, or sensory impairment, including learning or communication disorders, that—when interacting with a barrier—hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society. Disabilities may be permanent, temporary, episodic, visible, or invisible.
Remedy: To resolve or correct an issue. In this context, it involves implementing changes to improve accessibility.
Reasonable accommodation: An adjustment made to meet the needs of persons with disabilities without imposing undue hardship.

Company Description

Founded in 1989, Passport Hélico is a well-established company with approximately twenty employees. Specializing in helicopter operations, it offers a comprehensive range of services, including air transport, specialized missions such as aerial surveys, and tourism-related activities.

In addition, Passport Hélico stands out as one of the largest helicopter flight schools in Quebec. With a team of passionate and qualified experts, the company provides high-level training tailored to the needs of aspiring pilots, whether they are pursuing a professional career or driven by a personal passion for aviation.

Its commitment to safety, excellence, and innovation has made Passport Hélico a respected name in the Canadian aerospace industry.

Plan Summary

This accessibility plan aims to identify and eliminate barriers encountered by persons with disabilities within Passport Hélico. It addresses the key areas required by the Accessible Canada Regulations, including:

Employment: Inclusive recruitment processes and identification of accessible positions.
Built Environment: Improvements to entrances, restrooms, and accessible parking.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): Enhancing the accessibility of the website and digital publications.
Communication: Adopting inclusive communication practices.
Transportation and Services: Staff training and integration of equipment to facilitate boarding.

We aim to implement these measures by 2027, with regular follow-ups to ensure continuous improvement in accessibility.

Accessibility Statement

Passport Hélico is committed to ensuring equal access to its services, facilities, and employment opportunities. We recognize the importance of accessibility and actively work to eliminate barriers, raise staff awareness, and offer inclusive experiences to all. Our efforts align with the requirements of the Accessible Canada Regulations. We remain dedicated to the ongoing enhancement of our practices through feedback and consultation with affected individuals.

Consultations

In the development of this plan, Passport Hélico consulted a variety of stakeholders, including:

Employees with disabilities,
Clients and partners with specific needs,
Accessibility experts.

Consultations were conducted through meetings and one-on-one discussions. The feedback collected helped to identify barriers and develop the solutions presented in this plan. We will continue these consultations and gather feedback to continuously improve our practices.

Staff Training

To ensure an inclusive and accessible approach, Passport Hélico will implement an accessibility training program that includes:

Awareness of different types of disabilities and barriers,
Inclusive communication techniques (e.g., plain language, written support),
Support for clients and employees with specific needs.

This training will be mandatory for all employees and renewed every two years to maintain best practices.

Employment Accessibility

The company is aware of the accessibility challenges posed by roles that require a high level of physical fitness, such as pilots and mechanics. It is committed to making the hiring process accessible and to exploring opportunities for adapting roles.

Passport Hélico employs approximately 20 staff members.

A minority of them hold office-based positions.

The majority hold positions that require piloting or maintaining helicopters. These roles in the aviation industry can be difficult to access for persons with disabilities.

Roles requiring high physical mobility: Pilots, aircraft mechanics, and certain safety management roles may demand strong physical condition, including handling heavy equipment or moving quickly within confined environments.

Strict health requirements:Medical standards for roles such as commercial pilots can restrict access for individuals with certain health conditions.

Identified Barriers::

Predominantly physical job profiles (pilots, mechanics), limiting workforce inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Few positions are currently adapted.

Measures to be Taken:

Make the hiring process accessible: Passport Hélico will ensure that each step of the recruitment process is inclusive and adapted to the needs of candidates with disabilities. This includes clearly written and inclusive job postings, the use of accessible platforms, the provision of reasonable accommodations during interviews, and training recruiters to ensure fair and unbiased evaluations.
Identify and adapt accessible positions (by 2026):The company will conduct an in-depth analysis to identify existing roles that can be made accessible and to discover new opportunities for persons with disabilities. In collaboration with accessibility experts and the employees concerned, necessary adjustments will be implemented—ranging from modifications to tools and work environments to changes in task organization.
Conduct a physical requirement audit for each position (by 2026): To assess potential inclusion barriers, Passport Hélico will carry out a thorough audit of the physical demands of each job. This initiative will help identify possible adjustments, reimagine certain tasks, and design appropriate solutions to reduce employment barriers. The goal is to ensure that, as much as possible, all positions can be accessible to a diverse range of talents.

Built Environment Accessibility

Passport Hélico’s offices are already partially accessible, with a step-free entrance to facilitate access for individuals with reduced mobility. However, further improvements are needed to ensure full accessibility for all types of disabilities.

Access to Buildings and Facilities Our current offices already include some accessibility features, such as a step-free entrance, improving access for persons with reduced mobility. Nonetheless, we are fully aware that additional improvements are necessary to provide complete, unobstructed access to all individuals, regardless of disability.
To this end, we have identified the following objectives to enhance the accessibility of our offices in the coming months:
- Accessible Entrances: Improve alternative access via the hangar doors for individuals using wheelchairs.
- Inclusive Interior Design: Modify interior spaces to facilitate movement for individuals with reduced mobility. Improve the restrooms on the ground floor.
- Accessible Parking Areas: Provide a dedicated parking space near the main entrance.

Identified Barriers:

Absence of fully accessible restrooms.
Accessible parking spaces are not clearly marked.

Objectives:

Improve secondary entrances for wheelchair users (by 2026):
By 2026, Passport Hélico plans to enhance accessibility at its secondary entrances for wheelchair users. Clear and visible signage will be installed to guide users to these entry points. These improvements aim to offer convenient and equitable alternative access, thereby strengthening the inclusiveness of the facility.
Adapt ground-floor restrooms for universal use (by 2027):
Ground-floor restrooms will be upgraded by 2027 to meet the needs of universal access. Adaptations will include the installation of a grab bar. Sinks are already height-adjusted, and sufficient maneuvering space for wheelchairs complies with standards. Additional appropriate equipment will be installed to ensure a comfortable and autonomous experience for all users, regardless of their situation.

Accessibility of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Passport Hélico is committed to enhancing the digital accessibility of its website and social media publications. A training plan to raise staff awareness on these issues will be implemented.

Public Website
Our website already includes several accessibility features. However, we recognize that there is room for improvement.
- Alternative text for images: Ensure that all images, graphics, and other visual elements include descriptive text (ALT attributes) so that visually impaired individuals can access the content through screen readers.
- Sufficient contrast: Ensure that the contrast between text and background is high enough to guarantee readability for individuals with visual impairments.
- Clear and simple navigation: Simplify navigation by using a logical structure (e.g., accessible drop-down menus, clearly hierarchical headings) and ensuring smooth keyboard navigation.
- Screen reader compatibility: Ensure the site is compatible with assistive technologies, including screen readers for blind or visually impaired users.
Social Media Publications
Social media posts can be made by any employee. A training and awareness campaign should be implemented for all staff.
- Image descriptions: When posting photos or videos, ensure they include image descriptions or use the alternative text tools provided by the platform.
- Clear language: Avoid jargon or complex expressions. Use simple and direct language to make information more accessible to a broader audience.
- Video subtitles: As with the website, videos posted on social media should include subtitles for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.
- Inclusive hashtags: Use accessible hashtags that are easy to understand and help the audience find content more easily.
- Color verification: Be mindful of color palettes used, especially accent and text colors, to ensure they are accessible to individuals with color blindness.

Identified Barriers:

Website compatibility with screen readers needs improvement.
Alternative text for images on social media is not always present or meaningful for blind users.
Not all social media videos include subtitles.

Objectives:

Collaborate with web experts to improve screen reader compatibility and overall website accessibility (by 2027):
The company will work with specialists to revise and optimize its website to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. Improvements will include:
- Adding descriptive tags to images (ALT text) for interpretation by screen readers.
- Optimizing keyboard navigation for users unable to use a mouse.
- Enhancing visual contrast for people with low vision.
- Improving HTML structure to ensure logical and fluent reading.
Train staff responsible for social media on inclusive communication techniques (by 2025):
Accessibility training will be provided to all staff, including a module dedicated to social media posts to promote inclusive and accessible practices. The module will cover:
- Use of text descriptions for images and videos.
- Adoption of simple and inclusive language to ensure message clarity.
- Use of tools to verify the readability and accessibility of posts, such as subtitle generators and color contrast checkers.
- Awareness of fair representation of individuals with disabilities.
Add subtitles to existing videos and include them systematically in future posts:
All current video content lacking subtitles will be updated accordingly. Subtitles will make videos accessible to the deaf or hard of hearing, and to those who prefer silent content. For future posts, subtitles will be integrated during production and will accurately reflect spoken content and significant sound elements (e.g., music or sound effects).

Communication Accessibility

We aim to ensure optimal accessibility in all aspects of traditional communication. Efforts are being made to ensure that oral, written, and visual communication is clear and accessible, with legible fonts, high contrast, and simple formatting to facilitate information access for persons with disabilities.

Oral Communication Accessibility We aim to ensure optimal accessibility in all oral communication practices.
- Speech clarity: When communicating verbally, we strive to speak clearly, at a moderate pace, and to use simple and direct language. This is especially important for individuals with hearing impairments, cognitive challenges, or comprehension difficulties.
Written Communication Accessibility
- Legible fonts and appropriate font size: Use clear and readable fonts, such as Arial, Verdana, Aptos, or Tahoma, and ensure the font size is large enough to be easily read (typically at least 12 points). For printed documents, a larger font size (14–16 points) may be used for individuals with low vision.
- High contrast and light background: Select high contrast between text and background, with light-colored backgrounds and dark text to improve readability.
- Clear formatting: Use structured formatting with headings and subheadings to organize information. Short paragraphs and numbered or bulleted lists also improve comprehension.
Visual Communication Accessibility (posters, signage, etc.)
- Universal symbols and pictograms: Use simple and recognizable pictograms alongside text to assist individuals with reading difficulties or those who speak different languages. Universal symbols facilitate information access.
- Contrasting and visible colors: Ensure that signs, posters, and printed materials are designed with clearly distinguishable colors, especially for individuals with color blindness.
- Large fonts and spacing: On visual materials, text should be printed in a large, well-spaced font to ensure it can be easily read, even from a distance.

Identified Barriers:

Verbal communication is generally clear but lacks systematic supporting materials.
Staff awareness of accessible communication practices is limited.
Visual aids are sometimes not optimized for individuals with visual impairments.

Objectives:

Train staff on inclusive communication techniques (by 2025):
Comprehensive training on inclusive communication will be introduced to raise staff awareness of the importance of accessibility in all communication formats.
Develop standard templates for documents: The company will create standardized templates for all internal and external documents to ensure accessibility and consistency. These templates will include:
- Readable fonts (e.g., Arial, Verdana, Aptos) with a minimum font size of 12 points.
- Clear layouts with structured headings, adequate white space, and sufficient margins.
- Accessible versions, such as screen reader–compatible PDFs or alternative formats (Word, HTML).
- ext descriptions for graphics, tables, or visuals included in the documents.
These templates will be designed to be easy to use for all employees and to ensure that all communications comply with accessibility principles from the outset.

Procurement of Goods, Services, and Facilities

The accessibility of goods and services is essential to ensure that all individuals, including those with disabilities, can use products and benefit from services without encountering barriers.

Accessibility of Goods
Goods should be designed to be usable by everyone, including individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations.
- Technologies and Electronic Devices:
  - Phones and computers compatible with screen reader software.
  - Remote controls with tactile buttons and voice feedback.
- Accessible Appliances:
  - Microwaves and machines with tactile controls and audio feedback.
  - Braille labeling on certain devices.
- Everyday Products:
  - Packaging with large-print inscriptions and braille.
Accessibility of Services
Services must be designed to allow for equitable use, regardless of the user’s disability.
- Reception and Information Areas:
  - Lowered counters for individuals using wheelchairs.
Accessibility of Payment Methods
- Adapted Payment Terminals:
  - Keypads with tactile indicators for the visually impaired.
  - Voice feedback functionality for transactions.
- Mobile and Online Payments:
  - Compatibility with screen readers on payment websites.
  - Simplified authentication processes for individuals with motor impairments.

Identified Barriers:

Lack of specialized equipment to meet the needs of passengers with reduced mobility.
Absence of a systematic process to evaluate the accessibility of goods and services before purchase.
Low awareness among suppliers regarding accessibility requirements.

Objectives :

Include specific accessibility criteria in calls for tenders and contracts with suppliers:
The company commits to integrating accessibility criteria into its procurement processes to ensure that goods and services meet accessibility standards and the needs of persons with disabilities. This will include:
- Technical Requirements: Suppliers must demonstrate that their products or services comply with accessibility standards (e.g., screen reader compatibility for software, adapted equipment for physical products).
- Commitment to Inclusion: Suppliers must promote inclusion and diversity in their own practices.
Work with companies offering certified accessible goods and services:
The company will actively seek partnerships with businesses that offer certified accessible products and services. This includes:
- Selection of Certified Suppliers: Prioritize businesses with recognized accessibility certifications (e.g., digital accessibility labels, certifications for products adapted to people with disabilities, or certified accessible services).
- Verification of Accessibility Standards: Collaborate with businesses that demonstrate a commitment to accessibility through compliance with international standards.
- Ongoing Collaboration: Build long-term relationships with suppliers that share inclusive values and are willing to collaborate on improving the accessibility of their products and services as needs and standards evolve.

Design and Delivery of Programs and Services

The company is committed to offering helicopter sightseeing services that combine safety, accessibility, and an exceptional customer experience. The following are the key components of the design and delivery of these services:

Facility Adaptation
Reception areas, waiting lounges, and facilities associated with flights will be adapted to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. This includes:
- Accessible entrances and ramps.
- Comfortable seating and dedicated spaces for individuals with reduced mobility.
- Clear and visual signage to guide all passengers.
Staff Training
The team will be trained to welcome and assist clients with specific needs, whether they are persons with reduced mobility, visual impairments, or hearing impairments. This includes personalized assistance for safe boarding and disembarking.
Rigorous Equipment Verification
All helicopters used for sightseeing tours undergo regular inspections and comply with the highest aviation safety standards.
Safety Briefings
Before each flight, passengers receive clear and comprehensible safety instructions. Visual aids and practical demonstrations are provided to ensure full understanding of all information.
Personalized Assistance
Staff are available to respond to any questions and to assist passengers, particularly those needing special support to be seated comfortably and safely in the aircraft.
Quality Sightseeing Experience
Flight routes are carefully planned to offer spectacular views of local landscapes. Each flight includes live commentary explaining points of interest being flown over.
Customized Services
Special options, such as private flights or custom itineraries, are available to meet the specific needs of clients.
Ongoing Accessibility
As part of its commitment to inclusivity, the company is working to develop more accessible services to ensure the helicopter flight experience is open to all, regardless of physical ability.

Identified Barriers:	Access to helicopters: Helicopters are not designed to accommodate individuals with physical limitations. Boarding can be difficult. Interior space may not be sufficient for certain mobility devices.
Objectives :	Train staff (by 2025): Provide regular training on inclusivity and how to welcome and assist individuals with specific needs.

Transportation

Transportation accessibility is a crucial element to ensure that individuals with disabilities can travel safely, comfortably, and with dignity. Persons with reduced mobility, or those with other disabilities, often encounter barriers in conventional modes of transportation, and this also applies to air transport by helicopter.

Staff Training
Assistance with Boarding and Disembarking
It is essential that staff members (pilots and ground crew) are trained to assist passengers with reduced mobility, including the safe and respectful handling of mobility aids.
Awareness of Accessibility
Staff must be made aware of the challenges faced by passengers with disabilities and be trained to provide respectful and effective assistance.
Adapted Safety and Emergency Protocols
Staff must be trained to manage emergency situations involving passengers with reduced mobility or specific needs.

Identified Barriers:

Many of the barriers to accessible transportation mirror those found in accessible service provision. These may include infrastructure, equipment, procedures, and training-related issues.
Safety protocols not adapted for passengers with reduced mobility.
Insufficient training of staff.

Objectives :

Train staff on adapted procedures (by 2025):
Training is essential to ensure that staff are well-prepared to welcome and assist all passengers, including those with disabilities or specific needs.
- Training Goals:
  - Teach best practices for supporting persons with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, or invisible disabilities.
  - Train staff to use clear, inclusive, and respectful language in all customer interactions.
  - Present specific procedures related to boarding, disembarking, and emergency management for passengers with physical or sensory limitations.
- Methods :
  - In-person training with real-life and practical simulations.
  - Collaboration with associations or accessibility experts to ensure that the training addresses real user needs.
Implement adapted emergency simulations (by 2026):
These simulations are intended to prepare teams to effectively respond to unexpected situations while considering the needs of passengers with disabilities.
- Types of Simulations:
  - Evacuation scenarios: Teach teams how to evacuate passengers with reduced mobility or sensory impairments in emergencies.
  - In-flight technical incidents: Simulate breakdowns or in-flight emergencies to ensure effective coordination, including support for passengers requiring additional assistance.
- Frequency and Follow-Up:
  - Annual drills with performance evaluations.
  - Reports to identify areas for improvement and to adjust procedures accordingly.
Consult accessibility experts in transportation (by 2027):
To ensure that implemented improvements meet the highest accessibility standards, the company will collaborate with accessibility experts in the transportation field.
- Role of Experts:
  - Assess the current accessibility of infrastructure and identify areas for improvement (e.g., boarding areas, helicopters, facilities).
  - Propose innovative and adapted solutions for equipment, services, and procedures.
- Methodology:
  - Regular audits of facilities and procedures.
  - Consultation with associations representing persons with disabilities to directly integrate their feedback into service design.

Summary Table of Objectives

	Barrier	Measures	Deadline	Responsible Party
Built Environment Access	Secondary entrances not accessible.	Install clear signage at secondary entrances	2026	General Manager
	Inadequate restrooms.	Adapt restrooms to meet universal accessibility standards.	2027	General Manager

	Barrier	Measures	Deadline	Responsible Party
Digital Accessibility	Limited website compatibility.	Redesign website to meet WCAG standards (ALT tags, keyboard navigation, contrast optimization).	2027	School Director
	Social media content.	Add subtitles to videos and alternative text to posts.	2026
		Train employees on inclusive digital design.	2026

	Barrier	Measures	Deadline	Responsible Party
Communication	Visual materials not optimized.	Train all staff in accessible communication practices.	2025	School Director
	Lack of staff awareness.	Create standard document templates using inclusive formats and legible fonts.	2025	School Director
	Non-accessible documentation.	Optimize visual materials using pictograms, large fonts, and high contrast.	2025

	Barrier	Measures	Deadline	Responsible Party
Employment	Physically demanding professions.	Make recruitment inclusive (clear job postings, accessible platforms, reasonable accommodations for interviews).	2026	Human Resources Manager
	Strict medical requirements.	Identify and adapt accessible positions.	2026
	Lack of suitable roles.	Conduct physical requirement audits for all positions.	2026

	Barrier	Measures	Deadline	Responsible Party
Program and Service Design/Delivery	Inaccessible helicopter boarding.	Train staff on inclusive service and personalized assistance for boarding/disembarking.	2025	Operations Manager

	Barrier	Measures	Deadline	Responsible Party
Transportation	Limited helicopter access.	Train staff on procedures for assisting passengers with physical or sensory limitations.	2025	Operations Manager
	Inadequate safety protocols.	Organize emergency simulations tailored to specific needs.	2026	Operations Manager

Conclusion

We are committed to ensuring equal access and to fostering an inclusive environment for all. By complying with legal standards and listening to our users, we will continue our efforts to identify and remove accessibility barriers. Annual audits will be conducted to monitor progress and adjust our strategies accordingly.