O.A.R.C.I.D takes accessibility and people’s access needs to heart. We will always do our best to proactively consider a universal design approach with our services and supports. This is our accessibility commitment and how we are being proactively inclusive of the community:
Website and Social Media
Website Pages
The pages can be accessed two different ways, one way is to click the tabs at the top-right of the page which will link to the main page with all of the subcategories on the page. The other option is to hover over the tabs and select the specific subcategory which will link directly to that page.
The tabs only have one child page under the main tab and does not have multiple child pages to avoid challenges with screen-reader, phone, or tablet navigation.
None of the pages pop out to promote accessibility, and we have no ads or popups that interrupt the pages.
Website Dark Background
It reflects less light which prevents stress and strain on the eyes, the contrast tends to work for people who have migraines, Irlen Syndrome (contrast sensitivity), dyslexia, and vision loss.
We realize that this format may not be accessible for people with astigmatism as it can cause halation which can cause blurriness, headaches, etc. If requested on our contact page we can send people an accessible document with the About, Services, and Transparency Pages.
Plain Text
We use plain text for visual and usability of our content.
Image Descriptions
We can include alt-text that are invisible to the reader, unless people are using a screen-reader. We decided to make image descriptions visible to be more inclusive of those who may need them for context.
We will be including image descriptions for all documents or posters that are not Optical Character Recognition (OCR) compatible.
Hashtags
All hashtags are in camel case format as they are more legible and accessible.
Regular hashtag- #disabilityawareness
Camel case hashtag- #DisabilityAwareness
Transcriptions
We will always transcribe any audio materials and make them available with the video or recording.
Closed Captions
We will never use auto closed captions and we will ensure closed or open captions are verbatim and available with all of our videos.
No Grids, Columns, or Charts
These layout formats are often difficult for screen-readers to read as they will read the material down the column and not horizontally making it difficult and frustrating to understand.
Zero Strobing, Flashing, or Fast Changing Pictures
This is to ensure our content does not cause any harm for people with sensory, seizure, or headache sensitivities.
Trigger and Content Warnings
We will always ensure to include trigger and content warnings with enough space between the warning and the content. This ensures people can make an informed decision to listen or read our material and maintain their emotional autonomy.
Language
Language settings can be changed using Chrome or Firefox under their setting preferences sections.
On this website under the blog section there is a tab named Translate on the right side of the page at the top of the sidebar. Open the drop down menu on this tab and select the language needed.
Our language will always be community informed and strength-based. We will be using identity first language to eradicate the stigma that the word Disabled is dirty, and we will ensure all of our content is anti-oppressive.
We do not use academic language and we try to use plain language so our content can be translated easier by programs, and to be accessible by those who use English as a second language.
Constructive Feedback
We are open-minded and encourage people to contact us if there are any suggestions, concerns, or to call us out on content or material that can be revised.
Accountability
We will always consider feedback and implement it, if we do not implement a suggestion we will send a form with our reasons why we will not make changes. This does not mean that we are closing the discussion, but rethinking the situation to find a solution.
If a solution cannot be reached we will make the reasons public under the transparency tab. The transparency tab also includes meeting minutes, annual reports, and donations.
Training, Workshops, Presentations, Events, and Supports
Timing
All training ,workshops, presentation, and events will be considered or posted three weeks prior to the date to ensure people can plan accordingly.
E-mails will be answered with 72 hours of being received.
An e-mail will be sent 24 hours after the training, workshop, or presentation is confirmed with an access needs form, and our policies.
48 hours prior to a training or workshop materials can be downloaded from the website or e-mailed, and the agenda and the known accessibility features or challenges will be sent out.
Any physical copies of the materials will be brought the day of and we will only have enough copies for those who request this access need.
If we need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances an e-mail or phone call will be made minimally 24 hours prior.
48 hours after the training, workshop, or presentation a feedback form will be sent so that we can improve our services or supports.
Materials
We use Google Survey for scheduling as Doodle Poll, and other scheduling sites are often not screen-reader friendly. Google Survey is also used for all of our other forms as well as it is screen-reader compatible.
- E-mails will be plain-text
- Physical and plain-text documents are available
- Everything will have image descriptions and closed or open captions
- Nothing is printed on glossy paper to prevent glare
Access Needs
- We will be mindful of food allergies and cross contamination
- Scent, noise, and light sensitivities
- After every 2 hours of training there will be a 10 minute break
- Support persons will be considered for their access needs as well
Spaces
- Adequate room for wheelchairs and other assistive devices
- Seating considerations
- Accessible washrooms
- Accessible doors
- Accessible parking
- Accessible transit routes
- Shortest distances to and from the space being used
- Temperature of the space
Training, Workshops, Presentations, and Events
- Land acknowledgement will be read at the beginning
- Physical and emotional autonomy is priority for safety
- Pronouns and access needs will be discussed
- The agenda and breaks will be discussed
- Disclaimers, confidentiality, trigger and content warnings will be announced
- An emotional support person who is trained will be available
- Any photos in the presentation will be vocally described
Unable To Provide
Unfortunately we do not have access to these services or items at this time due to financial barriers:
- Free Services
- Projector
- Microphones
- Speaker
- Braille
- Interpreters
- FM Transmitters (but we will wear them if people have them)
- CART Services (We will use Microsoft’s translator https://translator.microsoft.com/)
- Transportation funding
- Light Refreshments
- Zoom Meeting
Accessible spaces may not always be honoured due to the business/organization’s location and therefore we will do our best to notify people of accessible features and barriers.
If we are booking a space we will do our best to ensure the space chosen is as accessible as possible, and that there are gender neutral washrooms, access to mics, and projectors.
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