Accessibility

The Diocese will provide, to the best of its ability at each location, equitable access to all services, programs, events, meetings and other opportunities to persons with disabilities who use personal assistive devices.

Our Commitment to Accessibility

The Diocese is committed to providing an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment for all individuals. We strive to ensure that our worship services, programs, events, meetings, facilities, and digital resources, including this website, are accessible to people with disabilities, whether visible, invisible, temporary, or permanent.

We are dedicated to identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.

We recognize that disabilities may affect mobility, vision, hearing, speech, learning, mental health, cognition, sensory processing, chronic health conditions, and other aspects of daily life. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations and accessible formats upon request wherever possible.
Individuals who use personal assistive devices are welcome to do so, unless prohibited by law. Where assistive devices, services, or accessibility features are available through the Diocese, information about these supports will be available, and staff will be prepared to assist as appropriate.

Accessibility Across Our Diocese

Membership in The Bishop's Company is open to anyone who wishes to support the mission of the diocese. Participation is entirely voluntary, and members choose the level of involvement that fits their circumstances.

Physical Accessibility

Many of our parishes have wheelchair-accessible entrances, ramps, accessible washrooms, and designated parking. We continue to work with parishes to improve physical access to worship spaces, fellowship halls, and facilities.

Communication Accessibility

We support parishes in providing large print materials, hearing assistance systems, and alternative communication formats to ensure everyone can participate fully in worship and programs.

Contact individual parishes to inquire about specific communication accommodations available for services and events.

Digital Accessibility

This website is designed with accessibility in mind, following Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards). We use semantic HTML, proper heading structure, alt text for images, and keyboard navigation support.

If you encounter barriers accessing our digital content, please contact the communications coordinator so you can get assistance or alternative formats.

Program Accessibility

Diocesan events, training sessions, and synod gatherings are planned with accessibility in mind. We strive to choose accessible venues, provide accommodations upon request, and work to ensure all participants can engage fully.

Request accommodations: Contact us at least 2 weeks before an event to discuss your access needs.

Accessibility Resources & Policies

Access reports, guides, and helpful information about St. Matthew's House and the services we provide.

Accessibility Standard for Customer Service: Employer Handbook

Accessibility Standards for Customer Service – Comprehensive Policy

Accessibility Standards for Customer Service – Summary and Feedback Process