Programs

Outline

Step 1: Acknowledge. Understand and acknowledge the needs, preferences and barriers of people with disabilities (PWDs). Review of your accessibility mandate or plan: what does it require?

Step 2: Assess. The next step is to gather and assess all current assets in your department – the staff, skills, resources, tools and budget.

Step 3: Assign. The final step is task planning. Some call it “getting the house in order”.

Together with the accessibility strategist, the team documents who’s doing what, when, how, and why to make changes to your process, policy and roles.

Outcomes

• Knowledge about disability needs, laws and standards (WCAG, ADA, ACA, AODA, Section 508, EAA)
• Mapping of roles, priority tasks and actions for each team member
• Daily, monthly and yearly milestones that fit with your schedule and goals
• List of tools and resource kits (free and paid); any required training and service partners
• Capacity, confidence, and ownership of accessibility efforts within your team.

Post-Program Support

For us, it’s key that we check in on your progress. Measure success, celebrate early wins, and re-energize your efforts to reach milestones.

Choose when to check in:

• Within one, three or six months.
• Monthly “ask me anything” expert sessions.
• Milestone dates.
• Recurring annual planning sessions (ATP).

Format

• Choose a method or framework to use when conducting the program sessions, or provide your own
• One Full-day, two Half-Day, or two-hour sessions per week e.g. one for each Step (module)
• Remote or in-person
• Accessible, digital formats are provided for all notes and decisions

The power of in-person: Ideally, program sessions are conducted in-person, in an accessible workspace with a whiteboard, post-it notes and your favourite hot drink to hand. 

Of course, some teams work remotely, in which case we create the same fun and collaborative atmosphere on a remote video call.

Private 1-to-1 sessions, with leaders only, are also available.

“Jennifer’s ability to break down complex accessibility principles into practical and actionable insights made for an engaging and impactful workshop that had a positive impact on our team’s approach and mindset.

She is especially skilled at meeting people where they’re at and providing thoughtful and supportive guidance. If you are looking for someone to help build more accessible and user-centered products, Jenn is your person.”

Alexandria Yeung, Lead, Accessibility, Porter Airlines