Accessibility Statement

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

NeXt Chapter Recovery is committed to ensuring that our website, facilities, and services are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. We believe that everyone deserves equal access to information, support, and recovery resources, regardless of their abilities.

We are dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for:

• People with visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, or neurological disabilities
• Individuals who use assistive technologies
• People with temporary disabilities or situational limitations
• Older adults who may experience age-related changes in abilities

This commitment extends to all aspects of our organization, including our website at ncrecovery.ca, our physical facilities in Duncan, BC, and the delivery of our addiction recovery and mental health support services.

2. Accessibility Standards and Compliance

NeXt Chapter Recovery strives to meet or exceed accessibility standards established by:

2.1 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

Our website is designed to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, which is the internationally recognized standard for web accessibility developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

2.2 Accessible Canada Act

We align our practices with the requirements of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), which aims to make Canada barrier-free by 2040.

2.3 British Columbia Accessibility Legislation

We comply with the Accessible British Columbia Act (Bill 6), which came into force in 2021, and are committed to meeting the accessibility standards as they are developed and implemented.

2.4 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

We uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination as outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, ensuring equal access to our services for all individuals.

3. Website Accessibility Features

Our website at ncrecovery.ca incorporates numerous accessibility features to ensure an optimal experience for all users:

3.1 Screen Reader Compatibility

• Semantic HTML markup for proper structure and navigation
• ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels and landmarks
• Descriptive alternative text for all meaningful images
• Skip navigation links to bypass repetitive content
• Proper heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3, etc.) for easy navigation
• Form labels and instructions for assistive technology users

3.2 Keyboard Navigation

• All interactive elements accessible via keyboard
• Visible focus indicators for keyboard users
• Logical tab order through page content
• No keyboard traps (users can navigate away from any element)
• Keyboard shortcuts documented where applicable

3.3 Visual Accessibility

• Sufficient color contrast ratios (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text)
• Information not conveyed by color alone
• Resizable text up to 200% without loss of functionality
• Clear, readable fonts (minimum 16px base size)
• Appropriate line spacing and paragraph spacing
• No flashing content that could trigger seizures

3.4 Content Accessibility

• Clear, concise language written at an accessible reading level
• Consistent navigation and layout across all pages
• Descriptive page titles for easy identification
• Meaningful link text (no "click here" links)
• Captions and transcripts for audio/video content
• Documents provided in accessible formats (PDF/A when applicable)

3.5 Mobile Accessibility

• Fully responsive design for all screen sizes
• Touch-friendly interface with appropriately sized tap targets
• Orientation support (portrait and landscape)
• Mobile screen reader compatibility

3.6 Browser Compatibility

Our website is compatible with current versions of major browsers, including:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
• Microsoft Edge
• Mobile browsers (iOS Safari, Chrome Mobile)

4. Assistive Technology Support

Our website has been tested and is compatible with various assistive technologies, including:

4.1 Screen Readers

• JAWS (Job Access With Speech) - Windows
• NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) - Windows (free and open-source)
• VoiceOver - macOS, iOS, iPadOS
• TalkBack - Android
• Narrator - Windows

4.2 Browser Extensions and Tools

• Text-to-speech extensions
• Screen magnification tools (ZoomText, Windows Magnifier)
• High contrast modes
• Browser zoom features (up to 200%)
• Color blindness simulators and filters
• Reading mode and reader view features

4.3 Speech Recognition Software

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking
• Windows Speech Recognition
• Voice Control (macOS/iOS)

5. Physical Facility Accessibility

Our facilities at 123 Recovery Way, Duncan, BC are designed to be accessible to all clients and visitors:

5.1 Building Access

• Wheelchair-accessible entrance with automatic door opener
• Level or ramped access to main entrance
• Wide doorways (minimum 36 inches clear width)
• Accessible parking spaces near the entrance
• Clear, visible signage with Braille where appropriate
• Well-lit pathways and entrances

5.2 Interior Accessibility

• Fully accessible washrooms with grab bars and appropriate fixtures
• Wide hallways and circulation spaces for wheelchair users
• Accessible seating in meeting and group therapy rooms
• Adjustable-height tables and workstations
• Visual and audible fire alarm systems
• Service animals welcome

5.3 Sensory Considerations

• Quiet spaces available for individuals with sensory sensitivities
• Adjustable lighting in counseling rooms
• Minimal use of strong scents or fragrances
• Visual schedules and wayfinding aids

6. Service Delivery Accessibility

6.1 Communication Accessibility

We provide multiple ways to communicate with us:

• Phone: +1-778-557-2154 (voice, standard hours)
• Email: hello@ncrecovery.ca
• In-person: Walk-in visits welcome during office hours
• TTY/Relay Services: Available through BC Relay Service (dial 711)
• Video appointments: Available for remote clients or those with mobility limitations

6.2 Alternative Formats

We can provide information and documents in alternative formats upon request:

• Large print materials
• Braille documents (advance notice required)
• Audio recordings
• Digital/electronic formats compatible with screen readers
• Plain language versions of complex documents
• Visual aids and pictorial supports

Please contact us at least 5 business days in advance if you require materials in an alternative format.

6.3 Language and Cultural Accessibility

• Plain language approach to all communications
• Interpretation services available (advance notice required)
• Culturally safe and responsive care
• Trauma-informed practices
• Respect for Indigenous cultures and traditions

6.4 Support Persons and Service Animals

• Support persons welcome to accompany clients to all appointments
• No additional fees for support persons
• Service animals welcome in all areas of our facilities
• Assistance provided to individuals who use mobility aids or assistive devices

6.5 Flexible Service Delivery

• Extended appointment times available if needed
• Breaks during longer sessions
• Written summaries of verbal information upon request
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate medical appointments and transportation needs
• Home visits available in exceptional circumstances

7. Staff Training and Awareness

All NeXt Chapter Recovery staff, volunteers, and contractors receive training on accessibility and inclusive service delivery, including:

• Understanding of various types of disabilities and barriers
• Effective communication with people with disabilities
• Use of assistive devices and technologies
• How to interact with service animals
• How to provide accessible customer service
• Emergency procedures for people with disabilities
• Dignity, respect, and person-first language
• Trauma-informed and culturally safe practices

Training is provided during onboarding and through regular refresher sessions to ensure all team members maintain current knowledge and best practices.

8. Requesting Accommodations

If you require accommodations to access our services, website, or facilities, please contact us:

We will work with you to understand your needs and provide appropriate accommodations. Please provide as much advance notice as possible (ideally 5-7 business days) to ensure we can meet your needs effectively.

8.1 Accommodation Process

1. Request: Contact us to describe your accessibility needs
2. Consultation: We will discuss options and solutions with you
3. Implementation: We will implement the agreed-upon accommodations
4. Follow-up: We will check in to ensure the accommodations are working effectively
5. Review: Accommodations can be adjusted as needed based on your feedback

9. Ongoing Accessibility Improvements

Accessibility is an ongoing journey, not a destination. We are continuously working to improve accessibility across all areas of our organization.

9.1 Current Initiatives

• Regular accessibility audits of our website and facilities
• User testing with people who have disabilities
• Implementation of feedback from clients and accessibility consultants
• Review and update of policies and procedures
• Investment in accessible technology and equipment
• Partnerships with disability advocacy organizations

9.2 Accessibility Roadmap

We have established an accessibility roadmap with specific goals and timelines:

• 2026 Q1-Q2: Complete WCAG 2.1 AA compliance review and remediation
• 2026 Q2-Q3: Implement automated accessibility testing tools
• 2026 Q3-Q4: Conduct facility accessibility audit and implement improvements
• 2027: Develop accessible client portal and online resources
• Ongoing: Annual accessibility reviews and staff training

10. Known Limitations and Workarounds

While we strive for full accessibility, we acknowledge that some limitations currently exist. We are actively working to address these issues:

10.1 Website Limitations

• Third-party content: Some embedded content from third parties (videos, social media feeds) may not be fully accessible. We are working with providers to improve accessibility.
  Workaround: Contact us for alternative access to this content.
• PDF documents: Some older PDF documents may not be fully accessible.
  Workaround: Request accessible versions or alternative formats.

10.2 Facility Limitations

• Historic building features: Some architectural elements in our heritage building may present accessibility challenges.
  Workaround: We can arrange services in accessible locations within the building or provide alternative service delivery options.

If you encounter an accessibility barrier not listed here, please contact us immediately so we can provide a workaround and add it to our improvement plan.

11. Accessibility Feedback

Your feedback is essential to helping us improve accessibility. We welcome and encourage input from people with disabilities, their families, and advocates.

11.1 How to Provide Feedback

You can provide feedback about accessibility in several ways:

11.2 What to Include in Your Feedback

• Description of the accessibility issue or barrier you encountered
• Where and when you encountered it (website URL, facility location, service area)
• Assistive technology or device you were using (if applicable)
• Suggestions for improvement (if you have any)
• Your contact information (if you would like a response)

11.3 Our Response Commitment

We are committed to responding to accessibility feedback promptly:

• Acknowledgment within 2 business days
• Initial response and action plan within 10 business days
• Regular updates on progress if issue resolution takes longer
• Follow-up to confirm issue has been resolved satisfactorily

All feedback is reviewed by our Accessibility Coordinator and incorporated into our continuous improvement process.

12. Accessibility Complaints Process

If you believe you have experienced discrimination or denial of service due to a disability, or if you are not satisfied with our response to accessibility feedback, you may file a formal complaint.

12.1 Internal Complaint Process

1. Submit complaint: Contact our Accessibility Coordinator (see contact information above)
2. Investigation: We will investigate your complaint thoroughly and impartially
3. Response: You will receive a written response within 30 days, including findings and actions taken
4. Appeal: If unsatisfied, you may appeal to our Executive Director

12.2 External Complaint Options

You also have the right to file complaints with external organizations:

13. Accessibility Resources

For more information about accessibility and disability rights:

13.1 Government Resources

• Accessible British Columbia: gov.bc.ca/accessibility
• Accessible Canada: canada.ca/accessible-canada
• BC Accessibility Secretariat: accessibility@gov.bc.ca

13.2 Advocacy Organizations

• Disability Alliance BC: disabilityalliancebc.org | 604-872-1278
• BC Coalition of People with Disabilities: bccpd.bc.ca | 604-875-0188
• Inclusion BC: inclusionbc.org | 1-844-488-4321

13.3 Technology and Tools

• NVDA Screen Reader (free): nvaccess.org
• WebAIM (accessibility resources): webaim.org
• W3C Web Accessibility Initiative: w3.org/WAI

14. Contact Us

For any questions, concerns, or requests related to accessibility, please contact:

15. Our Commitment Statement

NeXt Chapter Recovery is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under applicable legislation.

This Accessibility Statement will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect our ongoing commitment to accessibility and to incorporate feedback from our community.

We welcome your partnership in making NeXt Chapter Recovery accessible to all.