Accessibility Policy for Consequence Forum

Effective Date: July 26, 2024

Purpose

Consequence Forum is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can fully participate in and benefit from our programs, services, and activities. This policy outlines our commitment to accessibility and the steps we will take to ensure that our organization is accessible to all.

Scope

This policy applies to all aspects of Consequence Forum’s operations, including physical spaces, digital presence, programs, services, events, communications, and interactions with the public, volunteers, and staff.

Definitions

Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities.

Disability: A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Commitments

Consequence Forum is committed to:

Physical Accessibility:

Ensuring that all facilities are accessible to people with disabilities, including entrances, exits, restrooms, meeting rooms, and event spaces.
Providing clear, high-contrast signage with Braille and tactile elements.

Digital Accessibility:

Making our website and digital content accessible in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA.
Providing alternative formats for digital documents and communications.

Program and Service Accessibility:

Holding events in accessible locations and seek to provide necessary accommodations such as sign language interpreters, real-time captioning, and assistive listening devices upon request.
Offering materials in accessible formats and ensuring inclusive practices in program delivery.

Communication Accessibility:

Offering multiple ways to contact the organization, including phone, email, text, and relay services.
Ensuring that all communication materials are available in accessible formats.

Training and Awareness:

Training staff and volunteers on accessibility awareness and inclusive practices.
Providing resources and guidelines for respectful and effective interactions with people with disabilities.

Policy and Governance:

Developing and maintaining an accessibility policy that outlines our commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Assigning a staff member or committee to oversee accessibility efforts and compliance.

Community Engagement:

Collaborating with disability organizations to enhance our accessibility efforts.
Actively engaging with the community to promote awareness and support for accessibility initiatives.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement:

Implementing an accessible feedback system to receive and address accessibility concerns and suggestions.
Regularly reviewing and updating our accessibility practices to ensure ongoing compliance and improvement.

Implementation

Accessibility Coordinator: Board Member Keith Evans is designated as the Accessibility Coordinator, responsible for overseeing the implementation and compliance of this policy.

Training: All staff and volunteers will receive training on this policy and related procedures.

Budget Allocation: Adequate budget will be allocated to support accessibility initiatives and improvements.

Feedback and Complaints

Consequence Forum welcomes feedback on how we can improve our accessibility. Feedback can be submitted in the following ways:

Email: info@consequenceforum.org

All feedback will be reviewed and addressed promptly. Complaints will be investigated, and appropriate actions will be taken to resolve any issues.

Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in laws, regulations, and best practices. The Accessibility Coordinator will be responsible for monitoring compliance and reporting on accessibility efforts.

Approval

This policy has been approved by the Board of Directors of Consequence Forum on July 26, 2024.