Accessibility
-
WIRELINE ACCESSIBILITY
IP Relay Service
The IP Relay Service will allow you to communicate via text online using web-capable devices through a chat interface and a third-party operator, where there is Internet access.
The IP Relay Service will enable faster communications with the relay operator and allow you to see more of the conversation on your computer screen than what can be seen on a TTY window.
To start using the IP Relay Service, you must first Sign Up for the Iristel home phone service and log in to Accounts Portal.
Once you have submitted your registration for IP Relay service, a group dedicated to addressing our customers’ accessibility needs will contact you within 1 to 2 business days confirming that your registration has been successful.
Calls placed through the Iristel IP Relay Service are entirely confidential. Iristel IP Relay agents are professionally trained and follow a strict code of ethics. No record of conversation content is retained.
To speak with a registered Iristel IP Relay user, dial Toll-Free 1-844-IRIS-MRS (474-7677) within Canada.
Message Relay Service (7-1-1)
An operator service that allows people who are deaf, hard–of–hearing, speech-disabled, or deaf-blind to place calls to standard telephone users via a keyboard or assistive device. A specialized operator acts as an intermediary for the two parties.
Message Relay Service (MRS) is a confidential relay service. Persons with a hearing or speech impairment call MRS using a Teletypewriter (TTY). Their typed message is received at MRS, the operator places their call and verbally relays their typed message to the other party.
Please provide your feedback
We value your feedback about any accessibility barriers you have encountered during your experience with our organization or our products. You may send that by email at accesibility@iristel.com or you may call us at 1 (833) 474-7835. We will acknowledge receipt of your feedback.
You may provide your feedback anonymously, however, in that case, we will not be able to follow up with you.
Our Customer Care Manager will process your feedback with outmost attention.
We assure you that your personal information remains confidential unless you consent to its disclosure.
-
WIRELESS ACCESSIBILITY
Iristel Commitment To Accessibility
We are committed to ensuring that our services are accessible to all of our customers. We are ready to address the needs and concerns of customers with disabilities by offering accessible handsets, an extended trial period of 30 calendar days, reasonable accommodations and provide information in alternative formats upon request.
Our customers’ feedback is a fundamental part of a continuous process that enables us to develop new practices, products and services to better serve the needs of people with disabilities.
Hearing
There is a variety of accessibility features and services which makes it possible for the hearing impaired to make and receive calls on a mobile phone, extending from basic features like provision of volume adjustment and speakers to provision of IP relay services.
IP Relay Service
The IP Relay Service will allow you to communicate via text online using web-capable devices through a chat interface and a third-party operator, where there is Internet access.
Message Relay Service
An operator service that allows people who are deaf, hard–of–hearing or speech-disabled to place calls to standard telephone users via a keyboard or assistive device. A specialized operator acts as an intermediary for the two parties.
Internet Service and Phones
The “mobile internet flex plan” offers the freedom to pay only for internet connection and not for call minutes.
Messaging Options
An important function that a phone serves for the hearing impaired is to allow them to contact people in the form of text messages, either SMS (short messaging service) or email, thus offering an alternative to verbal communication.
Predictive Text
Helps you write text messages more quickly by predicting words from the first few letters you type.
Call Logs
The display of missed or received calls which may have been missed.
SMS Personalization and Reuse
Allows you to create standard text messages that you can quickly send to anyone without having to retype them each time. For example, “I’m in a meeting”, “I’ll contact you later”.
Email
Feel free to email us! Send us your account, product or service questions and we will respond within 1 to 2 business days.
Visual or Vibrating Alerts
Mobile phones can be set to vibrate or give visual alerts to inform the user about incoming calls, emails, messages, calendar appointments, and wake up alarms.
Adjustable Volume Control
Especially useful for those who are hearing impaired as well as for enhancing functionality of hearing aids.
TTY Compatibility
We will help you choose a phone compatible with the TTY for the deaf.
Customer Services
A group dedicated to addressing our customers’ accessibility needs will be available to honor their requests, and also help them take notice of our services, offers and accessibility options making possible for them to benefit Iristel’s services.
Visual
Iristel accessibility services can help people who are visual impaired and hence cannot use keyboards or access contact lists to call numbers stored in the address book, send and receive messages or navigate the menu, by offering a range of smart phones with gesture-based screen-readers.
Our Service Plans are tailored for the visual impaired so that they can get unlimited possibilities to a better communication. Get the Unlimited Talk or Unlimited Canada long distance service plans to contact your friends and family.
Call Waiting
Alleviates the need to have more than one line for voice communications. With Call Waiting, special beeps indicate that you have an incoming call while you are engaged in a phone conversation.
Call Forwarding
Enables you to send your calls to any number you choose when you can't answer the phone. Automatically forward your incoming calls to any number.
Voice Recognition for Dialing or Accessing Features
Voice Commands can be used for dialing or accessing features on the phone.
Voice Output of SMS
It can read text messages out loud to you.
Voice Output of Caller ID From Contacts List
When you receive a call, it speaks the caller’s name if it is stored in your contact list.
Voiced Menus
Speaks the menu options, allowing you to access functions even if you cannot read the display.
Support Accessibility APIs
API’s allow accessibility software programs to communicate with the device (although there may be some limits).
High Contrast Mode
The phone comes with at least one high contrast mode.
Email
Set your phone to a High contrast mode and feel free to email us! Send us your account, product or service questions and we will contact you within 1 to 2 business days.
Customer Services
A group dedicated to addressing our customers’ accessibility needs will be available to honor their requests, and also help them take notice of our services, offers and accessibility options making possible for them to benefit Iristel’s services.
Mobility and Other Physical Impairments
Iristel service options will help people with mobility/agility limitations communicate better and easier using several handsets disposing of the right accessibility features such as Voice recognition, sensitive touch screen, capability to install third party applications or apps, add External keyboard support or use a stylus or other pen-like device for an easy access to the phone’s options, Headsets and Bluetooth, and Internet capability to benefit from Iristel data services.
Our Service Plans are tailored for people with mobility or agility limitations so that they can get unlimited possibilities to a better communication.
Get any of our Smartphone service plans to contact your friends and family.
Internet Capability
Connect with the Iristel data service plans and use your phone to browse websites and use other internet-based services.
Call Waiting
Alleviates the need to have more than one line for voice communications. With Call Waiting, special beeps indicate that you have an incoming call while you are engaged in a phone conversation.
Call Forwarding
Enables you to send your calls to any number you choose when you can't answer the phone. Automatically forward your incoming calls to any number.
Voice Recognition for Dialing or Accessing Features
Voice Commands can be used for dialing or accessing features on the phone.
Third Party Applications or Apps
You can install third party applications for example from an approved application store.
External Keyboard Support
You can connect an external keyboard to the device.
Stylus Support
You can use a stylus or other pen-like device.
Headset - Plug Connected
You can plug in a headset containing headphones and a microphone. This allows you to answer calls, listen, and talk without holding the phone. This can mean better call quality for some people and is useful if you have trouble holding a phone.
Email
Feel free to email us! Send us your account, product or service questions and we will respond within 1 to 2 business days.
Easy-Access Iristel Support Contact Number
People with mobility/agility limitations can contact us by dialing an easy-access phone number: 611. They may inquire about bills, payments, change rate plans, add features, and find out about the usage, newsletters, service offers and much more, directly from their home, using their Iristel device.
Customer Services
A group dedicated to addressing our customers’ accessibility needs will be available to honor their requests, and also help them take notice of our services, offers and accessibility options making possible for them to benefit Iristel’s services.
Cognitive
For people with cognitive disabilities it’s very important to provide subscribers with a simple and friendly user interface. Iristel’s handsets cover multiple accessibility features such as Audible or tactile feedback, Adjustable font sizes, brightness /contrast controls, text-to-speech functionality and Screen Reader/Voice recognition options, Predictive Texting, ability to associate photos with telephone numbers.
Our Service Plans are tailored for people with cognitive disabilities so that they can get new and unlimited possibilities to a better communication.
Get any of our Smartphone service plans to contact your friends and family.
Internet Capability
Connect with the Iristel data service plans and use your phone to browse websites and use other internet-based services. Using a smart phone with Internet Connection as per Iristel service plans can help people gain literacy skills by accessing multiple games or applications focusing on language and other learning content.
Call Waiting
Alleviates the need to have more than one line for voice communications. With Call Waiting, special beeps indicate that you have an incoming call while you are engaged in a phone conversation.
Call Forwarding
Enables you to send your calls to any number you choose when you can't answer the phone. Automatically forward your incoming calls to any number.
Voice Recognition for Dialing or Accessing Features
Voice Commands can be used for dialing or accessing features on the phone.
Third Party Applications or Apps
You can install third party applications for example from an approved application store.
GPS Capability
The device has Global Positioning System (GPS) capability.
Simplify Display
Allows you to disable or conceal unneeded features/programs or icons.
Voice Notes
Allows you to record, save and play back a short voice reminder.
Email
Feel free to email us! Send us your account, product or service questions and we will respond within 1 to 2 business.
Easy-Access Iristel Support Contact Number
People with mobility/agility limitations can contact us by dialing an easy-access phone number: 6-1-1. They may inquire about bills, payments, change rate plans, add features, and find out about the usage, newsletters, service offers and much more, directly from their home, using their Iristel device.
Customer Services
A group dedicated to addressing our customers’ accessibility needs will be available to honor their requests, and also help them take notice of our services, offers and accessibility options making possible for them to benefit Iristel’s services.
Wireless Enhanced 9-1-1 service
This type of wireless 9-1-1 service is provided in areas that receive Enhanced 9-1-1 service. To improve the safety and security of Canadians, the CRTC required wireless carriers to upgrade their 9-1-1 services to provide an enhanced capability to identify the location of wireless 9-1-1 callers. This is particularly important in emergency situations where the caller is unable to speak or cannot identify his or her location. This improved location capability is enabled by two technologies:
Global Positioning System (GPS) – or – Triangulation Capability
With Enhanced 9-1-1, wireless carriers use Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or Triangulation technology to identify a 9-1-1 caller’s location (generally within 50 to 300 meters of the cellphone). The emergency call and the caller’s location are automatically transmitted to a 9-1-1 call center serving that area.
Not all cellphones have GPS capability. To get more information on a cellphone’s capabilities, check your manual or ask your wireless service provider. GPS capability uses signals from satellites to determine a cellphone’s location.
If your cellphone does not have GPS capability, wireless carriers can also use triangulation technology, which locates the caller by measuring the cellphone signal’s distance from nearby cellphone towers.
The location information, as determined by either GPS and/or triangulation, will be provided to the 9-1-1 operator if you are using either a cellphone with pre-paid minutes or a wireless service plan. If you have a cellphone but are not subscribed to any service, you can still dial 9-1-1 in an emergency and receive basic wireless 9-1-1 service.
Please take into account the following tips when calling 9-1-1 using our service:
- Always provide to the 9-1-1 Operator your phone number including area code in case you are in an area not equipped with wireless E9-1-1.
- If possible, always provide to the 9-1-1 Operator an alternate contact number to ensure you can be called back in case your initial call disconnects.
- Always provide to the 9-1-1 Operator your location or the location of the emergency.
- Always remain on the line as long as advised by the 9-1-1 Operator. If possible, do not disconnect the call unless otherwise advised by the 9-1-1 Operator.
- Avoid as much as possible placing unintended/accidental calls to 9-1-1.
- Update the address registered with us whenever it changes. In case of an emergency where the caller cannot speak or the call disconnects, the 9-1-1 Operator will dispatch assistance at the address registered with us.
Web Accessibility
Our work is incomplete without your feedback!
We trust that our customers’ feedback is a fundamental part of a continuous process that enables us to develop new practices, products and services to better serve the needs of people with disabilities.
Our first commitment is to the customer, that’s why we would like to hear from you! Send us your suggestions on how we can improve our products, services and website to better serve your needs.
Please provide your feedback
We value your feedback about any accessibility barriers you have encountered during your experience with our organization or our products. You may send that by email at accesibility@iristel.com or you may call us at 1 (833) 474-7835. We will acknowledge receipt of your feedback.
You may provide your feedback anonymously, however, in that case, we will not be able to follow up with you.
Our Customer Care Manager will process your feedback with outmost attention.
We assure you that your personal information remains confidential unless you consent to its disclosure.
Accessibility Phone Features
Many smartphones have built-in accessibility features that make them easier to use by people with impaired vision, hearing or motor skills.
If you need any assistance, our support team can help you choose a phone and plan that meets your needs.
-
ICE WIRELESS ACCESSIBILITY
Ice Wireless Commitment To Accessibility
We are committed to ensuring that our services are accessible to all of our customers. We are ready to address the needs and concerns of customers with disabilities by offering accessible handsets, an extended trial period of 30 calendar days, reasonable accommodations and provide information in alternative formats upon request.
Our customers’ feedback is a fundamental part of a continuous process that enables us to develop new practices, products and services to better serve the needs of people with disabilities.
Hearing
There is a variety of accessibility features and services which makes it possible for the hearing impaired to make and receive calls on a mobile phone, extending from basic features like provision of volume adjustment and speakers to provision of IP relay services.
IP Relay Service
The IP Relay Service will allow you to communicate via text online using web-capable devices through a chat interface and a third-party operator, where there is Internet access.
Message Relay Service
An operator service that allows people who are deaf, hard–of–hearing or speech-disabled to place calls to standard telephone users via a keyboard or assistive device. A specialized operator acts as an intermediary for the two parties.
Internet Service and Phones
The “mobile internet flex plan” offers the freedom to pay only for internet connection and not for call minutes.
Messaging Options
An important function that a phone serves for the hearing impaired is to allow them to contact people in the form of text messages, either SMS (short messaging service) or email, thus offering an alternative to verbal communication.
Predictive Text
Helps you write text messages more quickly by predicting words from the first few letters you type.
Call Logs
The display of missed or received calls which may have been missed.
SMS Personalization and Reuse
Allows you to create standard text messages that you can quickly send to anyone without having to retype them each time. For example, “I’m in a meeting”, “I’ll contact you later”.
Email
Feel free to email us! Send us your account, product or service questions and we will respond within 1 to 2 business days.
Visual or Vibrating Alerts
Mobile phones can be set to vibrate or give visual alerts to inform the user about incoming calls, emails, messages, calendar appointments, and wake up alarms.
Adjustable Volume Control
Especially useful for those who are hearing impaired as well as for enhancing functionality of hearing aids.
TTY Compatibility
We will help you choose a phone compatible with the TTY for the deaf.
Customer Services
A group dedicated to addressing our customers’ accessibility needs will be available to honor their requests, and also help them take notice of our services, offers and accessibility options making possible for them to benefit Ice Wireless’ services.
Visual
Ice Wireless accessibility services can help people who are visual impaired and hence cannot use keyboards or access contact lists to call numbers stored in the address book, send and receive messages or navigate the menu, by offering a range of smart phones with gesture-based screen-readers.
Our Service Plans are tailored for the visual impaired so that they can get unlimited possibilities to a better communication. Get the Unlimited Talk or Unlimited Canada long distance service plans to contact your friends and family.
Call Waiting
Alleviates the need to have more than one line for voice communications. With Call Waiting, special beeps indicate that you have an incoming call while you are engaged in a phone conversation.
Call Forwarding
Enables you to send your calls to any number you choose when you can't answer the phone. Automatically forward your incoming calls to any number.
Voice Recognition for Dialing or Accessing Features
Voice Commands can be used for dialing or accessing features on the phone.
Voice Output of SMS
It can read text messages out loud to you.
Voice Output of Caller ID From Contacts List
When you receive a call, it speaks the caller’s name if it is stored in your contact list.
Voiced Menus
Speaks the menu options, allowing you to access functions even if you cannot read the display.
Support Accessibility APIs
API’s allow accessibility software programs to communicate with the device (although there may be some limits).
High Contrast Mode
The phone comes with at least one high contrast mode.
Email
Set your phone to a High contrast mode and feel free to email us! Send us your account, product or service questions and we will contact you within 1 to 2 business days.
Customer Services
A group dedicated to addressing our customers’ accessibility needs will be available to honor their requests, and also help them take notice of our services, offers and accessibility options making possible for them to benefit Ice Wireless’ services.
Mobility and Other Physical Impairments
Ice Wireless service options will help people with mobility/agility limitations communicate better and easier using several handsets disposing of the right accessibility features such as Voice recognition, sensitive touch screen, capability to install third party applications or apps, add External keyboard support or use a stylus or other pen-like device for an easy access to the phone’s options, Headsets and Bluetooth, and Internet capability to benefit from Ice data services.
Our Service Plans are tailored for people with mobility or agility limitations so that they can get unlimited possibilities to a better communication.
Get any of our Smartphone service plans to contact your friends and family.
Internet Capability
Connect with the Ice Wireless data service plans and use your phone to browse websites and use other internet-based services.
Call Waiting
Alleviates the need to have more than one line for voice communications. With Call Waiting, special beeps indicate that you have an incoming call while you are engaged in a phone conversation.
Call Forwarding
Enables you to send your calls to any number you choose when you can't answer the phone. Automatically forward your incoming calls to any number.
Voice Recognition for Dialing or Accessing Features
Voice Commands can be used for dialing or accessing features on the phone.
Third Party Applications or Apps
You can install third party applications for example from an approved application store.
External Keyboard Support
You can connect an external keyboard to the device.
Stylus Support
You can use a stylus or other pen-like device.
Headset - Plug Connected
You can plug in a headset containing headphones and a microphone. This allows you to answer calls, listen, and talk without holding the phone. This can mean better call quality for some people and is useful if you have trouble holding a phone.
Email
Feel free to email us! Send us your account, product or service questions and we will respond within 1 to 2 business days.
Easy-Access Ice Support Contact Number
People with mobility/agility limitations can contact us by dialing an easy-access phone number: 6-1-1. They may inquire about bills, payments, change rate plans, add features, and find out about the usage, newsletters, service offers and much more, directly from their home, using their Ice Wireless device.
Customer Services
A group dedicated to addressing our customers’ accessibility needs will be available to honor their requests, and also help them take notice of our services, offers and accessibility options making possible for them to benefit Ice Wireless’ services.
Cognitive
For people with cognitive disabilities it’s very important to provide subscribers with a simple and friendly user interface. Ice Wireless handsets cover multiple accessibility features such as Audible or tactile feedback, Adjustable font sizes, brightness /contrast controls, text-to-speech functionality and Screen Reader/Voice recognition options, Predictive Texting, ability to associate photos with telephone numbers.
Our Service Plans are tailored for people with cognitive disabilities so that they can get new and unlimited possibilities to a better communication.
Get any of our Smartphone service plans to contact your friends and family.
Internet Capability
Connect with the Ice Wireless data service plans and use your phone to browse websites and use other internet-based services. Using a smart phone with Internet Connection as per Ice service plans can help people gain literacy skills by accessing multiple games or applications focusing on language and other learning content.
Call Waiting
Alleviates the need to have more than one line for voice communications. With Call Waiting, special beeps indicate that you have an incoming call while you are engaged in a phone conversation.
Call Forwarding
Enables you to send your calls to any number you choose when you can't answer the phone. Automatically forward your incoming calls to any number.
Voice Recognition for Dialing or Accessing Features
Voice Commands can be used for dialing or accessing features on the phone.
Third Party Applications or Apps
You can install third party applications for example from an approved application store.
GPS Capability
The device has Global Positioning System (GPS) capability.
Simplify Display
Allows you to disable or conceal unneeded features/programs or icons.
Voice Notes
Allows you to record, save and play back a short voice reminder.
Email
Feel free to email us! Send us your account, product or service questions and we will respond within 1 to 2 business.
Easy-Access Ice Support Contact Number
People with mobility/agility limitations can contact us by dialing an easy-access phone number: 611. They may inquire about bills, payments, change rate plans, add features, and find out about the usage, newsletters, service offers and much more, directly from their home, using their Ice Wireless device.
Customer Services
A group dedicated to addressing our customers’ accessibility needs will be available to honor their requests, and also help them take notice of our services, offers and accessibility options making possible for them to benefit Ice Wireless’ services.
Web Accessibility
Our work is incomplete without your feedback!
We trust that our customers’ feedback is a fundamental part of a continuous process that enables us to develop new practices, products and services to better serve the needs of people with disabilities.
Our first commitment is to the customer, that’s why we would like to hear from you! Send us your suggestions on how we can improve our products, services and website to better serve your needs.
Please provide your feedback
We value your feedback about any accessibility barriers you have encountered during your experience with our organization or our products. You may send that by email at accesibility@iristel.com or accessibility@icewireless.ca or you may call us at 1 (833) 474-7835. We will acknowledge receipt of your feedback.
You may provide your feedback anonymously, however, in that case, we will not be able to follow up with you.
Our Customer Care Manager will process your feedback with outmost attention.
We assure you that your personal information remains confidential, unless you consent to its disclosure.
Mail and Store Locations:
Enter the Locations page on our website and browse through to find our store locations and working hours.
Accessibility Phone Features
Many smartphones have built-in accessibility features that make them easier to use by people with impaired vision, hearing or motor skills.
If you need any assistance, our support team can help you choose a phone and plan that meets your needs.
-
IRISTEL & ICE WIRELESS ACCESSIBILITY PLAN
General
1. Iristel and Ice Wireless overview
Iristel is a leading telecommunications company based in Canada, serving customers across the country and around the world. Founded in 1999 by Samer Bishay, the company has grown to become one of the largest independent providers of voice, data, and IP services in Canada. Iristel's critical infrastructure is General
1. Iristel and Ice Wireless overview
Iristel is a leading telecommunications company based in Canada, serving customers
across the country and around the world. Founded in 1999 by Samer Bishay, the
company has grown to become one of the largest independent providers of voice, data,
and IP services in Canada. Iristel's critical infrastructure is built on a foundation of stateof-the-art technologies, including advanced network and cloud services, high-speed data
connectivity, and cutting-edge voice and data services.
As a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) in Canada, Iristel is committed to
providing affordable, reliable, and innovative telecommunications services to businesses
and consumers across the country. With its cutting-edge technology and advanced
network infrastructure, Iristel is extremely well positioned to meet the changing needs of
its customers, offering them the speed, reliability, security and cost-effectiveness they
need to succeed in today's fast-paced and ever-changing world.
Ice Wireless (“Ice”), a facilities-based regional mobile network operator (MNO) delivering
LTE Advanced and 3G/4G HSPA+/UMTS technology to rural and remote areas of
Northern Canada, was first launched in Inuvik, Northwest Territories in 2005 and is
operating now as an affiliate of Iristel.
Iristel therefore files this joint accessibility plan on its behalf and Ice Wireless.
2. Iristel’s commitment to accessibility
Iristel benefits from a small staff resource, which is yet very dedicated to excellence and
customer oriented. Therefore, taking into utmost account the principles set out in
section 6 of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), we have formed an internal committee
comprised of Regulatory Affairs representatives, HR, and key decision making
personnel in Sales, Marketing, Operations and Product Management in order to create
measures to identify, remove and prevent accessibility barriers.
The principles set out in section 6 of the (ACA) are the following:
a. all persons must be treated with dignity regardless of their disabilities;
b. all persons must have the same opportunity to make for themselves the lives that
they are able and wish to have regardless of their disabilities;
c. all persons must have barrier-free access to full and equal participation in society,
regardless of their disabilities;
d. all persons must have meaningful options and be free to make their own choices,
with support if they desire, regardless of their disabilities;
e. laws, policies, programs, services and structures must take into account the
disabilities of persons, the different ways that persons interact with their
environments and the multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization and
discrimination faced by persons;
f. persons with disabilities must be involved in the development and design of laws,
policies, programs, services and structures; and
g. the development and revision of accessibility standards and the making of
regulations must be done with the objective of achieving the highest level of
accessibility for persons with disabilities.
3. Definitions
accessibility means the design of products, devices, services, environments,
technologies, policies and rules in a manner that allows all people, including people who
experience disabilities, to access them.
barrier means anything — including anything physical, architectural, technological or
attitudinal, anything that is based on information or communications or anything that is
the result of a policy or a practice — that hinders the full and equal participation in society
of persons with an impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive,
learning, communication or sensory impairment or a functional limitation. (obstacle)
disability means any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive,
learning, communication or sensory impairment — or a functional limitation — whether
permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that, in interaction with a
barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society. (handicap)
4. Feedback process
We value your feedback about any accessibility barriers you have encountered during
your experience with our organization or our products. You may send that by email at
accessibility@iristel.com or you may call us at 1 (833) 474-7835. We will acknowledge
receipt of your feedback.
You may provide your feedback anonymously; however, in that case, we will not be able
to follow up with you.
Our Customer Care Manager will process your feedback with utmost attention.
We assure you that your personal information remains confidential unless you consent
to its disclosure.
5. Alternative formats
Iristel is fully committed to working towards creating a barrier-free world for people with
disabilities. If you need this plan, or the feedback process only, provided in an
alternative format, please request that by email at accessibility@iristel.com or by phone
at 1 (833) 474-7835 and we will provide it to you within the following timeframes:
• Braille – within 45 days of request
• Audio (voice reading text out loud) – within 45 days of request
• Any other format – within 20 days of request
Key areas
Recently Iristel has reached out to the representatives of two very well-known non-profit
organizations to consult with them in regard to our policies, programs, practices and
services in relation to the identification and removal of barriers, and the prevention of
new barriers; we have not received any feedback so far.
Iristel has formed an internal committee (“The Committee”) comprised of Regulatory
Affairs representatives, HR, and decision making key personnel in Sales, Marketing,
Operations and Product Management in order to create measures to identify, remove
and prevent accessibility barriers in all the relevant key areas, taking into outmost
account the feedback received from the relevant non-profit organizations.
1. Employment:
Everyone should be able to work equally; employers should treat everyone as
equals, regardless of their disability.
a. Current state: the committee identified the need for creating and implementing
policies, programs, practices and services in relation to the identification and
removal of barriers, and the prevention of new barriers.
One of the first measures we took is that we have trained our staff concerning the
principles set out in section 6 of the (ACA) and the relevant definitions:
“accessibility”, “barrier”, “disability”.
b. Action items and timelines:
- the committee will continue its work on creating and implementing policies,
programs, practices and services in relation to the identification and removal of
barriers, and the prevention of new barriers by our next progress report.
2. The built environment:
Every employee/potential employee, regardless of ability, should have easy and
equitable access within the workplace.
a. Current state: the committee identified the need for creating and implementing
policies, programs, practices and services in relation to the identification and
removal of barriers, and the prevention of new barriers.
b. Action items and timelines:
- the committee will work on creating and implementing policies, programs,
practices and services in relation to the identification and removal of barriers, and
the prevention of new barriers by our next progress report.
3. Information and communication technologies:
Accessibility can be measured by how successfully a person with a disability can
locate, get to, and understand the wanted or needed information. Accessibility
results in benefits like eliminating barriers to information and communications
technology (ICT) and encouraging development of accessible technologies and
techniques. Each user should be able to interact with the technology in ways that
work best for him or her.
a. Current state: Iristel’s website has accessibility features built in, accessible
through a very visible button in the left hand side corner of each page, offering
the possibility to move the widget to the right or to hide it.
This accessibility menu is available in all major languages and offers the option
to choose from 8 accessibility profiles:
1. Motor impaired
2. Blind
3. Color Blind
4. Dyslexia
5. Visually - impaired
6. Cognitive & Learning
7. Seizure & Epileptic
8. ADHD
Each of these profiles, once accessed will personalize the content of the website
according to the profiles’ characteristics.
The accessibility menu itself has the option of an “XL Oversized Widget” which,
once selected, increases the fonts of the menu.
In addition to the accessibility profiles, users can select from a variety of other
features:
1. Screen Reader
2. Contrast
3. Smart Contrast
4. Highlight Links
5. Bigger Text
6. Text Spacing
7. Pause Animations
8. Hide Images
9. Dyslexia Friendly
10. Cursor
11. Tooltips
12. Page Structure
13. Line Height
14. Text Align
15. Dictionary
16. Saturation
However, the committee is committed to continue its work in identifying other
needs for creating and implementing policies, programs, practices and services
in relation to the identification and removal of barriers, and the prevention of new
barriers.
b. Action items and timelines:
- the committee will work on creating and implementing policies, programs,
practices and services in relation to the identification and removal of barriers, and
the prevention of new barriers by our next progress report.
4. Communication, other than information and communication technologies:
Making communications accessible is a step towards inclusivity; to help all
individuals feel welcome and to ensure we are all able to communicate with each
other.
a. Current state: the committee identified the need for creating and implementing
policies, programs, practices and services in relation to the identification and
removal of barriers, and the prevention of new barriers.
b. Action items and timelines:
- the committee will work on creating and implementing policies, programs,
practices and services in relation to the identification and removal of barriers, and
the prevention of new barriers by our next progress report.
5. Procurement of goods, services and facilities:
Accessible procurement applies to all procurements from routine purchases,
such as using an acquisition card to buy office supplies, to using a contract for
multi-year projects. In this case, accessibility focuses on employees involved in
the procurement process and what do they need in order to have equal access to
procuring goods and services for the company.
a. Current state: the committee identified the need for creating and implementing
policies, programs, practices and services in relation to the identification and
removal of barriers, and the prevention of new barriers.
b. Action items and timelines:
- the committee will work on creating and implementing policies, programs,
practices and services in relation to the identification and removal of barriers, and
the prevention of new barriers by our next progress report.
6. The design and delivery of programs and services:
Accessibility, in this case, is the concept of whether a product or service can be
used by everyone—however they encounter it.
a. Current state: the committee identified the need for creating and implementing
policies, programs, practices and services in relation to the identification and
removal of barriers, and the prevention of new barriers.
b. Action items and timelines:
- the committee will work on creating and implementing policies, programs,
practices and services in relation to the identification and removal of barriers, and
the prevention of new barriers by our next progress report.
7. Transportation:
Iristel does not have anything to report under this heading, as we do not offer
transportation servicesbuilt on a foundation of state-of-the-art technologies, including advanced network and cloud services, high-speed data connectivity, and cutting-edge voice and data services.
As a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) in Canada, Iristel is committed to providing affordable, reliable, and innovative telecommunications services to businesses and consumers across the country. With its cutting-edge technology and advanced network infrastructure, Iristel is extremely well positioned to meet the changing needs of its customers, offering them the speed, reliability, security and cost-effectiveness they need to succeed in today's fast-paced and ever-changing world.
Ice Wireless (“Ice”), a facilities-based regional mobile network operator (MNO) delivering LTE Advanced and 3G/4G HSPA+/UMTS technology to rural and remote areas of Northern Canada, was first launched in Inuvik, Northwest Territories in 2005 and is operating now as an affiliate of Iristel.
Iristel therefore files this joint accessibility plan on its behalf and Ice Wireless.
As a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) in Canada, Iristel is committed to providing affordable, reliable, and innovative telecommunications services to businesses and consumers across the country. With its cutting-edge technology and advanced network infrastructure, Iristel is extremely well positioned to meet the changing needs of its customers, offering them the speed, reliability, security and cost-effectiveness they need to succeed in today's fast-paced and ever-changing world.
Ice Wireless ("Ice"), a facilities-based regional mobile network operator (MNO) delivering LTE Advanced and 3G/4G HSPA+/UMTS technology to rural and remote areas of Northern Canada, was first launched in Inuvik, Northwest Territories in 2005 and is operating now as an affiliate of Iristel.
Iristel therefore files this joint accessibility plan on its behalf and Ice Wireless.
2. Iristel’s commitment to accessibility
Iristel benefits from a small staff resource, which is yet very dedicated to excellence and customer oriented. Therefore, taking into utmost account the principles set out in section 6 of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), we have formed an internal committee comprised of Regulatory Affairs representatives, HR, and key decision making personnel in Sales, Marketing, Operations and Product Management in order to create measures to identify, remove and prevent accessibility barriers.
The principles set out in section 6 of the (ACA) are the following:
a. all persons must be treated with dignity regardless of their disabilities;
b. all persons must have the same opportunity to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have regardless of their disabilities;
c. all persons must have barrier-free access to full and equal participation in society, regardless of their disabilities;
d. all persons must have meaningful options and be free to make their own choices, with support if they desire, regardless of their disabilities;
e. laws, policies, programs, services and structures must take into account the disabilities of persons, the different ways that persons interact with their environments and the multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization and discrimination faced by persons;
f. persons with disabilities must be involved in the development and design of laws, policies, programs, services and structures; and
g. the development and revision of accessibility standards and the making of regulations must be done with the objective of achieving the highest level of accessibility for persons with disabilities.
3. Definitions
accessibility means the design of products, devices, services, environments, technologies, policies and rules in a manner that allows all people, including people who experience disabilities, to access them.
barrier means anything — including anything physical, architectural, technological or attitudinal, anything that is based on information or communications or anything that is the result of a policy or a practice — that hinders the full and equal participation in society of persons with an impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive,
disability means any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment — or a functional limitation — whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society. (handicap)
4. Feedback process
We value your feedback about any accessibility barriers you have encountered during your experience with our organization or our products. You may send that by email at accessibility@iristel.com or you may call us at 1 (833) 474-7835. We will acknowledge receipt of your feedback.
You may provide your feedback anonymously; however, in that case, we will not be able to follow up with you.
Our Customer Care Manager will process your feedback with utmost attention.
We assure you that your personal information remains confidential unless you consent to its disclosure.
5. Alternative formats
Iristel is fully committed to working towards creating a barrier-free world for people with
disabilities.
If you need this plan, or the feedback process only, provided in an alternative format, please request that by email at accessibility@iristel.com or by phone at 1 (833) 474-7835 and we will provide it to you within the following timeframes:
- Braille – within 45 days of request
- Audio (voice reading text out loud) – within 45 days of request
- Any other format – within 20 days of request
And have a small box below it maybe with this plan.
Key areas
Recently Iristel has reached out to the representatives of two very well-known non-profit organizations to consult with them in regard to our policies, programs, practices and services in relation to the identification and removal of barriers, and the prevention of new barriers; we have not received any feedback so far.
Iristel has formed an internal committee ("The Committee") comprised of Regulatory Affairs representatives, HR, and decision making key personnel in Sales, Marketing, Operations and Product Management in order to create measures to identify, remove and prevent accessibility barriers in all the relevant key areas, taking into outmost account the feedback received from the relevant non-profit organizations.
1. Employment:
The committee has identified the following opportunities for improvement:
- Regarding our hiring practices we have identified that recruitment processes lack accessibility to all applicants. This includes providing different types of accommodation for people with disabilities in job postings, application forms, and interview processes.
- Regarding our policies and practices we realized that current policies and practices do inadvertently exclude individuals with disabilities.
- Leave policies do not accommodate medical appointments or disability-related needs.
- Current career development and advancement lack of clarity on how to request and receive accommodations
Action items and timelines:
Short-Term:
• Provide trainings for HR personnel, managers, and employees on disability awareness, unconscious bias, and inclusive hiring practices at Iristel
• Ensure job advertisements are available in accessible formats and include a statement encouraging candidates with disabilities to apply.
Medium-Term:
• Review and evaluate the effectiveness of disability awareness training.
• Evaluate and modify existing procedures to enhance the candidate experience. The process should offer clearer information and guidance to recruiters, hiring managers, and candidates, ensuring better support for accessibility and accommodation needs.
• Offer career development programs and support tailored to the needs of employees with disabilities.
Long-Term:
• Develop and implement policies for handling accommodation requests that are clear and accessible.
Creating Comprehensive Leave Policies: Ensure that leave policies are inclusive and provide adequate support for medical needs and disability-related appointments.
Implement Inclusive Career Development: Ensure that career development and advancement opportunities are accessible and that employees with disabilities have equal access to training and promotional processes.
On-going:
• Keep promoting awareness of accessibility to build a more inclusive workplace environment.
• Keep assisting hiring managers and recruitment teams in expanding their understanding and equip them with the necessary information and resources to foster a more inclusive and accessible workplace.
• Keep updating policies and procedures to ensure that do not inadvertently exclude individuals with disabilities.
2. The built environment:
Regarding the physical workspace and facilities, the committee has identified that the current workstations are not designed to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments or other physical disabilities.
a. Current state: the committee identified the need for creating and implementing policies, programs, practices and services in relation to the identification and removal of barriers, and the prevention of new barriers.
Action items and timelines:
Short-Term:
• Examine current workstations to identify the issues of current design that obstruct people with disabilities
• Interview employees and leaders about the accommodation process if physical barriers are identified in the workplace.
Medium-Term:
• Purchase or customize workstations that are designed for people with disabilities.
Long-Term:
• Accessibility Improvements: Create a plan for ongoing accessibility improvements in the physical workspace. This plan should include regular reviews and updates based on employee feedback and accessibility audits.
On-going:
• Scheduled Maintenance: Ensure that accessibility features are always maintained and functional.
3. Information and communication technologies:
The committee ensured that the accessibility menu is maintained and actively available across the site. Also, testing was completed on the main pages for compatibility with assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, keyboard navigation).
Action items and timelines:
• By the end of the second quarter of 2025, the committee will ensure to have reviewed top-level web content for plain language and to add alt text to remaining legacy images/files.
• By the end of the third quarter of 2025, the committee will have conducted a simplified internal audit of 3 core pages for WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance and will have posted contact options (phone, email, TTY) clearly on Contact page.
4. Communication, other than information and communication technologies:,
The committee found that current communication methods and the working environment are not accessible to employees with hearing, visual, or cognitive impairments (e.g., not providing materials in alternative formats or not offering sign language interpreters).
Action items and timelines:
Short-Term:
• Create guidelines for ensuring accessibility when producing documents.
• Providing alternative formats to meet different accessibility needs.
Long-Term:
• Developing Accessibility Standards: Implement standards for accessible communication that comply with ACA requirements. This includes ensuring that all communications are accessible to people with various disabilities.
• Providing an accessible digital technology-enabled work environment, such as the internal employee-facing web pages, would give employees with disabilities a greater sense of control over their work environment, reducing their levels of stress and ultimately lead to reduced rates of employee turnover.
On-going:
• Maintain Feedback Mechanism: Establish a system for receiving feedback from employees and clients regarding communication accessibility and make necessary adjustments.
5. Procurement of goods, services and facilities:
Iristel does not have a standardized process for procurement of goods, services and facilities. The committee has this as an action item for the next progress report.
6. The design and delivery of programs and services:
Existing onboarding and customer support channels include phone, email, and online support.
The committee realized that there might be customers with visual or cognitive impairments which may prevent exclusive use of web or email channels.
The committee has already actioned to ensuring to maintain phone-based customer support to ensure accessibility for visually impaired customers and to simplify the support documentation for greater clarity.
a. Action items and timelines:
- the committee will work on creating and implementing policies, programs, practices and services in relation to the identification and removal of barriers, and the prevention of new barriers by our next progress report.
7. Transportation:
Iristel does not have anything to report under this heading, as we do not offer transportation services.
-
IRISTEL & ICE WIRELESS ACCESSIBLITY PLAN PROGRESS
