Accessibility

Second Harvest believes in equal opportunity and is committed to providing a barrier-free environment that allows all people to maintain their independence and dignity.

Commitment  

Since 1985, Second Harvest has been committed to improving access to healthy food for everyone. This commitment to accessibility extends to continually improving how people access our services. We work to ensure all information, communications, public spaces, goods, and services we provide follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.  

As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) and its associated regulations and strive to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and effective manner.  

Digital Accessibility  

Second Harvest’s commitment includes digital accessibility, and conforming to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, Level A and AA. To accomplish this, we have partnered with eSSENTIAL Accessibility to administer our accessibility program and oversee its governance. Their accessibility program evaluates and audits our digital products on an ongoing basis in accordance with best practices and is supported by a diverse team of accessibility professionals, including users of assistive technologies. The platform, moreover, goes beyond minimum compliance requirements by making an assistive CX technology application available to customers who have trouble typing, gesturing, moving a mouse, or reading. The application is free to download, and it incorporates tools such as mouse and keyboard replacements, voice recognition, speech enablement, hands-free/touch-free navigation, and more.   

Our accessibility policies

Here are our policies regarding accessibility. The complete documents are available to read or download.  

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for Integrated Accessibility Standards 

This 2019 to 2024 accessibility plan outlines the policies and actions that Second Harvest will put in place to improve opportunities for people with disabilities in accordance with the requirements communicated under the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11.  

Second Harvest believes in equal opportunity and is committed to providing a barrier-free environment that allows all people to maintain their independence and dignity. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) and its associated Regulations and strive to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in a timely and effective manner.  

Read the Plan 

Customer Service Policy for Integrated Accessibility Standards

This policy will ensure that all goods and services provided by Second Harvest will follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.  

This policy meets the requirements of the customer service standards included in the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. It applies to the provision of goods and services to the public or other third parties, not to the goods themselves.  

Read the policy 

Information and Communication Policy for Integrated Accessibility Standards

This policy will ensure that all information and communications materials and services provided by Second Harvest shall follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.  

This policy is intended to meet the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11 for the Information and Communications Standard set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This policy applies to the provision of information and communications services and materials for people with disabilities.  

Read the policy 

Employment Policy for Integrated Accessibility Standards

This policy will ensure that all employment services provided by Second Harvest shall follow the principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.  

This policy is intended to meet the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11 for the Employment Standard set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This policy applies to the provision of accessible employment services for persons with disabilities.  

Read the policy 

Design of Public Spaces Policy for Integrated Accessibility Standards

This policy will ensure that Second Harvest’s new public spaces or significant alterations to existing public spaces shall follow the principles or dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.  

This policy is intended to meet the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards, Ontario Regulation 191/11 for the Design of Public Spaces Standard set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This policy applies to removing barriers buildings and public spaces.  

Read the policy

Questions or Feedback 

We want to hear from you if you encounter any accessibility barriers. Please contact us at email@secondharvest.ca. We appreciate your feedback to help us make our services and our offices even more accessible.