Accessibility Policy

Sage & Cinder Fine Dining Restaurant 100-1100 Canada Place Way, Vancouver BC, V6C 3E2 Phone: (604) 555-3473 Email: accessibility@sage&cinder.dine (Dedicated Accessibility Inbox)

1. Our Commitment

Sage & Cinder is committed to providing an inclusive & accessible environment for all our guests, including those with disabilities, in compliance with the Accessible British Columbia Act (ABC Act) & all applicable municipal & provincial regulations, including the BC Building Code & Vancouver bylaws. We strive to proactively identify, remove, & prevent barriers to ensure full & equal participation for everyone interacting with our restaurant, whether as a guest, employee, vendor, or applicant.

2. Scope & Application

This policy applies to all aspects of Sage & Cinder’s operations in Vancouver, BC, including:

• The provision of goods & services (the dining experience).
• Information & communication (menus, website, signage).
• The built environment (physical access to the premises).
• Employment practices.
• Procurement of goods & services.

3. General Principles of Accessibility

Our approach to accessibility is guided by the following principles, as recommended by the ABC Act:

• Dignity & Independence: Respecting the rights & abilities of persons with disabilities.
• Universal Design: Designing our space & services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible.
• Inclusion & Full Participation: Ensuring all people can engage fully with our services.
• Collaboration: Consulting with people with disabilities & disability-serving organizations.

4. Provision of Goods & Services

A. Customer Service

1. Communication: Staff will communicate with persons with disabilities in a manner that takes into account their disability. We are happy to offer to read menu items, confirm reservations in preferred formats, or provide written communication tools if requested.
2. Reservations: Guests are strongly encouraged to notify us of any accessibility requirements (e.g., need for a specific table, space for a mobility device, or dietary restrictions) at the time of booking so we can prepare the best possible accommodation.
3. Service Animals: Service animals are welcomed onto the parts of our premises that are open to the public, in accordance with the BC Guide Dog & Service Dog Act. Staff are trained on proper interactions & guidelines regarding service animals.
4. Support Persons: Any person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person is welcome to have that person accompany them on the premises.
5. Dietary Needs: Our culinary team is prepared to accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions, allergies, & needs. Please notify your server of any requirements.

B. Information & Communication

1. Menus & Documentation:
   • Menus will be readily available in a high-contrast, large-print format upon request.
   • Staff will be trained to clearly & descriptively read the menu aloud.
   • Our website & digital content (including online booking & digital menus) are designed to meet or exceed WCAG 2.1 AA standards for compatibility with screen readers & other assistive technology.
2. Signage: All permanent facility signage (e.g., directional, restrooms) will feature clear, high-contrast text & where possible, tactile (Braille) & pictorial elements.

5. The Built Environment (Physical Accessibility)

Sage & Cinder is committed to maintaining a physical space that meets or exceeds the most current BC Building Code standards for accessibility.

A. Entrance & Path of Travel

1. Entrance: The entrance is designed to be accessible. Any secondary accessible entrance, if required by the building’s design, will be clearly marked with signage pointing the way.
2. Doors: Entrance & exit doors meet the accessible clear width & force requirements. Automatic door openers are the preferred standard for high-traffic areas.
3. Interior Paths: We maintain clear paths of travel of at least 915 mm (36 inches) wide between all tables & leading to all essential areas, including server stations & washrooms, allowing easy navigation for mobility device users.

B. Dining Area & Seating

1. Accessible Seating: A designated portion of our dining tables is reserved for accessible seating, providing the minimum 685 mm (27 inches) of knee clearance & sufficient space for wheelchair users.
2. Table Configuration: Staff are trained to promptly & discreetly reconfigure tables or move chairs to create additional maneuvering space for larger mobility devices upon request.
3. Lighting & Acoustics: We employ sufficient, glare-minimized lighting. Background music & ambient noise levels are carefully managed to facilitate clear conversation & accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities.

C. Washrooms

1. Accessible Washroom: At least one washroom will be fully accessible, meeting the BC Building Code requirements for space, turning radius (1500 mm / 60-inch diameter clear floor space), & grab bars.
2. Fixtures: Sinks, soap dispensers, & hand dryers are mounted at accessible heights & are operable with minimal force (e.g., lever or automatic faucets).

6. Training & Staff Education

1. Mandatory Training: All Sage & Cinder staff (front-of-house, back-of-house, management) will receive comprehensive, mandatory training on:
   • The requirements of the Accessible British Columbia Act & this Policy.
   • Effective interaction & communication with people of various disabilities.
   • Proper procedures for assisting guests using mobility devices & handling service animals.
   • The process for receiving & properly responding to accessibility feedback.
2. Refresher Training: Training will be reviewed & updated at minimum on an annual basis or whenever this Policy or relevant legislation is revised.

7. Feedback Process & Accessibility Plan

A. Feedback Mechanism

Sage & Cinder maintains a dedicated process for receiving & responding to feedback regarding accessibility barriers or successes.

• Methods: Feedback can be provided verbally (in person or by phone at (604) 555-3473), in writing via the dedicated email address (accessibility@sage&cinder.dine), or by completing a physical form at the host stand.
• Response: All feedback will be acknowledged by the Accessibility Lead within 7 business days. We are committed to addressing & resolving concerns promptly & will provide a follow-up response in the method preferred by the person submitting the feedback.

B. Accessibility Plan

The restaurant’s Accessibility Lead oversees an internal Accessibility Plan, which identifies specific, measurable actions & timelines for continually improving accessibility. This plan is reviewed & updated at least once every three years, in line with the principles of the ABC Act.

8. Employment

Sage & Cinder is an equal opportunity employer & is committed to an accessible recruitment & employment process.

1. Recruitment: Job applicants will be notified that accommodations are available upon request for the interview process.
2. Accommodation: Individualized accommodation plans will be developed in consultation with employees with disabilities to ensure they can perform their duties effectively & to foster an inclusive workplace environment.
3. Emergency Procedures: Customized workplace emergency response information will be provided to employees with disabilities, if required.