Accessible Service Checklist

Ask “How can I help?’

  • Focus on removing the barrier, rather than identifying the disability
  • Avoid acting on stereotypes or making assumptions about what a person can or cannot do
  • Be patient when a person needs time to understand, respond, etc.

Use person-focused language

Include the Active Offer

  • All Publications

    “This publication is available in alternate formats upon request.”

  • Communications

    “This communication is available in alternate formats upon request.”

  • Campus Events

    “To ensure this event is accessible to all interested individuals, please advise of any accessibility needs in advance by contacting <insert contact info>.”

    • Employment/Volunteer Opportunities

      “To ensure this employment opportunity is accessible to all interested individuals, please advise of any accessibility needs by contacting <insert contact info>.”

    Create Accessible Documents

    • Use the Accessibility Checker when creating documents in MS Office
      • Click File
      • Under Info heading, click Check for Issues
      • Select Check Accessibility
    • Provide a description in alternate text for photos, icons, or graphs
      • Right click the image
      • Select Format Picture
      • Click Alt Text
      • Enter a Title and Description for the image
    • Considerations for an easy-to-read document
      • Use 12 pt font size or larger
      • Use sans serif fonts (no lines at the end of the letters) such as Arial, Calibri, Helvetica
    • For regularly used forms or publications, save a plain text version to make responding to requests for alternate formats such as large print or braille copies easier

    Plan Accessible Events

    • Assess the venue before booking an event
      • Check for accessible washrooms, entrance ways, doors, parking, signage, pathways, etc.
      • Ensure the space can accommodate service animals, support persons such as sign language interpreters or waived admission, assistive devices such as wheelchairs or FM systems.
      • Check for any accessible services that may be temporarily unavailable such as an elevator or accessible washroom.
        • Provide notification with an explanation including the reason for disruption, how long the service will be unavailable, and a description of alternate facilities or services if available.
        • Provide advance notice whenever possible.

    Person accompanied by a Service Animal

    • Welcome service animals to the campus. Under the Human Rights Code, service animals have the right to enter any place where the public is allowed.
    • Do not pet, feed, or distract a service animal. They are a working animal.

    Person accompanied by a Support Person

    • Welcome support persons to campus.
    • Speak directly to and make eye contact with the person you are providing service to, not the support person.
    • Avoid charging fees to a support person such as admission. If you must, clearly state the fee and advise in advance.

    Person using an Assistive Device

    • Ask permission before touching or handling any assistive device.
    • Do not move an assistive device out of the users reach.
    • Let the public know what assistive devices you offer such as wheelchairs, elevators, stair lifts, etc.

    Available in print format.