accessibility plan & policy.

accessibility plan & policy.

pflag Peel Region chapter

1. Statement of Commitment

Last updated: Sept 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accessibility

At PFLAG Peel Region, we are committed to ensuring that everyone can access and participate in our services, programs, and community events. We believe that accessibility is fundamental to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals—regardless of ability—can find support, resources, and connection.

Our Commitment to Accessibility is guided by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We are dedicated to removing barriers and providing accommodations, ensuring equitable access to all our services, programs, and opportunities, including:

  • Our website and online resources
  • Peer support groups and workshops
  • Community events and programming
  • Volunteer opportunities

This policy is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect our ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

2. Website Accessibility

2.1 Our Digital Commitment

We comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and strive to meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards across our site, with ongoing efforts to advance toward Level AAA conformance. This includes:

  • Clear navigation with consistent layout and headings
  • Alternative text for images and graphics
  • Keyboard accessibility for all interactive elements
  • Readable fonts and appropriate color contrast
  • Accessible forms with clear labels and instructions
  • Captioned or transcribed multimedia content where available

2.2 Ongoing Improvements

We regularly review and update our website to improve accessibility. If you encounter any barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please let us know using the contact information below.

3. Services and Program Accessibility

3.1 Support Groups and Workshops

PFLAG Peel Region does not own or operate dedicated facilities, but we carefully consider accessibility as a key factor when arranging spaces for programs, events, and workshops. We engage with venue hosts to review existing accessibility policies and features to optimize accommodations for participants with disabilities, and we are committed to making our programs accessible to all participants by:

  • Choosing accessible venues whenever possible: For in-person workshops and events hosted by PFLAG Peel Region, we prioritize physically accessible venues. When workshops are held at locations arranged by external organizations, we collaborate with those hosts to understand their accessibility features and accommodate participants accordingly.
  • Offering multiple communication formats: We provide materials in alternative formats upon request to support diverse communication needs.
  • Supporting flexible participation options: We welcome service animals, support persons, and assistive devices at our events and online meetings.
  • Providing individual accommodations: We work closely with participants to identify and provide needed supports to facilitate full involvement, whether online or in-person.

3.2 Community Events

For public events we host or participate in:

  • We prioritize accessible venues when possible
  • We provide advance notice of accessibility features and any temporary barriers
  • We welcome requests for specific accommodations with advance notice

3.3 Emergency Preparedness

We provide customizable Emergency Preparedness Guides to participants and volunteers with disabilities, reviewed annually, ensuring effective safety planning. For programs hosted at external venues, we consult on the accessibility policies in place to ensure that accommodations meet participant needs.

4. Requesting Accommodations

4.1 How to Request Support

We encourage anyone who needs accommodations to contact us as early as possible. You can:

4.2 What to Expect

When you contact us about accessibility needs:

  • We will discuss your specific requirements confidentially
  • We will work with you to identify suitable accommodations
  • We will implement supports in a timely manner at no cost to you
  • We will follow up to ensure the accommodations are working effectively

4.3 Types of Support We May Be Able to Arrange

Depending on your individual needs, we are committed to consulting with you to arrange reasonable accommodations and supports, which may include:

  • Materials in Accessible Formats (e.g., large print, digital text, audio, as requested). If a requested print format is unconvertible, we will provide a clear explanation and a summary of the information.
  • Communication Supports for various disabilities. This includes employing alternative modes of communication and cooperating with any accompanying interpreters.
  • Physical Accessibility at Events, which involves consulting with facility hosts on their accessibility policies to best meet your needs.
  • Modified Participation Formats to ensure equitable access and participation in our services. We will consult with you to determine the suitability of accessible formats for all information required for your involvement.
  • Support Person Accommodations, including permitting a support person to accompany you and waiving or paying any applicable fees or fares for that individual.

While we strive to fulfill all accommodation requests promptly at no cost, requests are assessed in line with Ontario Human Rights Commission guidelines regarding undue hardship, balancing individual needs and operational feasibility.

5. Assistive Devices and Support

5.1 Personal Assistive Devices

You are welcome to use your personal assistive devices when accessing our services, including:

  • Mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes)
  • Communication devices
  • Hearing aids and listening devices
  • Visual aids
  • Any other assistive technology

5.2 Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at all our programs and events. We understand that service animals are working animals, not pets, and we train our volunteers to:

  • Not distract or interact with service animals without permission
  • Ensure service animals have adequate space to work
  • Address any conflicts with other participants respectfully

Service animals should be clearly identifiable or accompanied by appropriate documentation as required by Ontario regulations. If there are any exceptions required by law, we will provide notice.

5.3 Support Persons

If you are accompanied by a support person, they are welcome to attend our programs and events with you. We:

  • Direct all communication to you, not your support person
  • Welcome support persons at no additional cost
  • Can provide the same accommodations for your support person when needed

Support persons complete confidentiality agreements to respect everyone’s privacy. If a fee is charged for the service or event, we will waive or pay the fee for the support person if their presence is required for health or safety reasons.

5.4 Disruptions of Service

In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to services or facilities (e.g., meeting location change, website maintenance) that may affect persons with disabilities, we will provide notice. This notice will include the reason, the anticipated duration, and a description of any alternative services or facilities available.

6. Volunteer Accessibility

6.1 Inclusive Volunteering

We welcome volunteers of all abilities and are committed to:

  • Accessible recruitment processes
  • Workplace accommodations for volunteers
  • Accessible training materials and methods
  • Ongoing support for volunteers with disabilities

6.2 Emergency Planning

We work with volunteers who have disabilities to develop individualized emergency response plans to ensure safety during any emergency situations.

All volunteers complete comprehensive accessibility training—including AODA and Human Rights Code modules—preferably within two weeks of recruitment. Training records are maintained to ensure compliance and ongoing accountability.

7. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

7.1 We Want to Hear From You

We welcome feedback regarding the manner in which Pflag Peel Region provides its goods and services to persons with disabilities. All feedback will be responded to in a timely manner. Please share your experience, suggestions, or concerns, using any of the Contact Methods listed in Section 9 below:

8. Accessibility Resources

8.1 For More Information

8.2 Alternative Formats

This accessibility policy is available in alternative formats upon request. Contact us using the contact information in Section 9 below to request:

  • Large print version
  • Digital text format
  • Audio version

Our Accessibility Plan is a living document, continuously reviewed and updated to reflect legislative changes, best practices, and community feedback.

9. Contact Information

PFLAG Peel Region

This policy is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect our ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The full Pflag Peel Region Accessibility Plan and Policy document is available upon request in an accessible format that takes into account your disability.