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Accessibility Statement - MentalConnect.ca

Our Commitment

MentalConnect.ca is committed to providing a website and digital services that are accessible, usable, and inclusive for everyone, including people with disabilities. We aim to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA and are working toward WCAG 2.2 AA where feasible, in accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and comparable provincial standards.

Scope

This statement covers the MentalConnect.ca website and related digital properties we control (e.g., our directory, forum, confidential chat, and marketplace). Some third-party content or integrations (e.g., payment providers, embedded widgets, maps, videos hosted elsewhere) may not be fully under our control; we encourage those providers to meet WCAG 2.1 AA and provide accessible alternatives.

Scope

We apply accessibility by design and continuous improvement, including:

  • Semantic HTML with proper headings, landmarks, labels, and lists
  • Keyboard navigation support, logical focus order, visible focus indicators, and skip links
  • Color contrast meeting AA; no information conveyed by color alone
  • Alt text for meaningful images; decorative images marked appropriately
  • Forms with programmatically associated labels, helpful instructions, and error feedback
  • Language switch (FR/EN) that is keyboard-operable with clear state (e.g., aria-pressed) Captions/transcripts for pre-recorded media we publish; guidance for live events
  • Responsive design that supports zoom/reflow without loss of content or functionality
  • Plain language in critical user flows; consistent navigation and messaging
  • Document accessibility (tagged PDFs where possible) and alternate formats upon request

Compatibility & Assistive Technologies

Our site is intended to be compatible with current versions of:

  • Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • Operating systems: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
  • Screen readers: NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, TalkBack

We avoid known conflicts with major assistive technologies. If you encounter an issue with a specific combination, please tell us (see Feedback & Requests).

Testing & Monitoring

  • We use a combination of:
  • Automated testing (e.g., axe, browser dev tools, Lighthouse)
  • Manual auditing (keyboard-only, screen reader checks)
  • User feedback and periodic usability testing with people with disabilities Accessibility is reviewed during major releases and at least annually.

Known Limitations & Roadmap

  • While we strive for full compliance, some third-party embeds, historical PDFs, or user-generated content may not fully meet WCAG criteria. Our ongoing roadmap includes:
  • Increasing the proportion of fully tagged PDFs or offering HTML alternatives
  • Extending captions/transcripts coverage for media
  • Improving focus management in dynamic components (modals, drawers)
  • Auditing third-party integrations for stronger conformance or providing accessible fallbacks

Feedback & Requests for Accommodation

  • We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of Mental Connect.ca and will respond within 5 business days.
  • Email: accessibility@mentalconnect.ca
  • General support: support@mentalconnect.ca
  • Request alternate formats or communications support (e.g., large print, tagged PDF, plain-text, transcript, or ASL/LSQ interpretation for events) via email. Please describe your needs and the content/page in question. We will work with you to provide a suitable format in a timely manner.

Enforcement, Complaints & Escalation

  • If you believe your accessibility rights are not being met:
  • Contact us first at accessibility@mental connect.ca 7 so we can address the issue promptly.
  • If you remain unsatisfied, you may contact applicable regulators, such as the Canadian Human Rights Commission (federal) or your provincial/territorial human rights body (e.g., the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse in Québec).

Procurement & Training

We strive to procure tools and services that meet WCAG 2.1 AA. Staff involved in content, design, and development receive periodic accessibility training, and internal checklists are used in our release process.

Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing journey. We review this statement regularly and update our practices as standards, technologies, and user needs evolve.

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