TreatyX Accessibility Policy

Last Updated: November, 2025

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility in Canada

TreatyX is founded on the principle of making Indigenous history and knowledge visible and accessible to all Canadians. This commitment extends directly to our digital presence. We are dedicated to ensuring that TreatyX.org is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, in accordance with Canadian accessibility laws and standards. We believe that digital accessibility is a fundamental aspect of our mission of truth and reconciliation, and we strive to provide an inclusive online experience that reflects Canada's commitment to inclusion and equality.

2. Compliance with Canadian Accessibility Standards

We are committed to designing and developing our website to meet or exceed the requirements of the following Canadian legislation and standards:

Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and associated regulations
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA
Canadian Human Rights Act as it pertains to disability accommodation
New Brunswick Accessibility Act (Bill 68) for users in our home province
Relevant provincial accessibility legislation across Canada where applicable

3. Accessibility Features Aligned with Canadian Requirements

3.1 Perceivable Information

Text Alternatives: All meaningful images, icons, and graphics include descriptive alt text in both English and French where appropriate
Captions and Transcripts: All video content includes closed captions, and audio content has bilingual transcripts available
Adaptable Content: Content can be presented in different ways without losing information
Distinguishable Content: Sufficient color contrast (minimum 4.5:1) and text resizable up to 200% without loss of functionality

3.2 Operable Interface

Keyboard Accessible: All functionality available via keyboard navigation without requiring specific timings
Navigation Assistance: Clear headings, labels, and bypass blocks to skip repetitive content
No Seizure Risks: No content that flashes more than three times per second
Clear Navigation: Consistent navigation structure across all pages

3.3 Understandable Information

Bilingual Content: Key accessibility information available in both official languages
Readable Content: Text content is readable and understandable, written in clear language
Predictable Operation: Web pages appear and operate in predictable ways
Input Assistance: Forms include clear labels and error identification with suggestions for correction

3.4 Robust Compatibility

Compatible Design: Maximized compatibility with current and future user tools, including assistive technologies
Valid Code: Standards-compliant HTML and ARIA landmarks where appropriate

4. Specific Measures for Canadian Users

4.1 For Users with Visual Impairments

Screen reader optimization compatible with popular Canadian assistive technologies
Proper heading structure and semantic HTML
Resizable text that doesn't break site layout
High contrast mode availability
Descriptive link text (not "click here")

4.2 For Users with Hearing Impairments

Closed captions for all videos in both official languages
Transcripts for audio content available in multiple formats
Visual alerts as alternatives to audio notifications

4.3 For Users with Mobility Disabilities

Full keyboard navigation support
Large clickable areas and buttons
Enough time to complete tasks
No keyboard traps

4.4 For Users with Cognitive Disabilities

Consistent navigation and layout
Simple language and clear instructions in plain language
Option to extend or remove time limits
Distraction-free reading modes

5. Indigenous Accessibility Considerations in Canadian Context

Recognizing the unique position of Indigenous peoples in Canada and their specific accessibility needs, we are:

Consulting with Indigenous disability organizations such as the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS) and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres
Prioritizing accessibility for Indigenous Elders who may have age-related disabilities, respecting their crucial role as knowledge keepers
Ensuring language accessibility by providing clear, plain language alternatives to complex treaty terminology, with consideration for Indigenous language speakers
Respecting diverse learning styles inherent in Indigenous knowledge transmission traditions
Aligning with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action regarding accessibility and inclusion

6. Areas for Continuous Improvement

We acknowledge that accessibility is an ongoing journey. Current areas we are working to improve include:

Enhanced French language screen reader compatibility
Full compatibility with Canadian-developed assistive technologies
Mobile accessibility optimization for all features
Indigenous language screen reader compatibility
Enhanced support for users in rural and remote Indigenous communities

7. Third-Party Content and Canadian Requirements

While we strive to ensure accessibility across our entire website, some third-party content or integrations may not fully meet Canadian accessibility standards. We are actively working with these providers to improve accessibility and will:

Provide alternative methods of access where possible
Clearly identify third-party content that may have accessibility limitations
Prioritize Canadian-based service providers who share our accessibility commitments

8. Future App Accessibility for Canadian Users

Our commitment extends to the TreatyX mobile application currently in development. We are building the app with Canadian accessibility as a core requirement, including:

VoiceOver and TalkBack compatibility with Canadian French and English settings
Voice control support in both official languages
Customizable text sizes and contrast within the AR interface
Haptic feedback alternatives to visual cues
Compatibility with Canada's emerging accessibility standards for mobile applications

9. Feedback and Assistance for Canadian Users

We welcome feedback from all Canadians on the accessibility of TreatyX.org. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers:

Accessibility Coordinator: [Name or Title]
Email: [accessibility@treatyx.org] (monitored in both English and French)
Phone: [Phone Number with relay service information]
TTY: [TTY Number if available]
Mail: [Your Canadian Address]

We commit to responding to accessibility feedback within 5 business days, in the official language of your choice.

10. Alternative Access Methods

If you encounter barriers on our website, we will work with you to provide the information you need through alternative means, such as:

Plain text email versions of content in your preferred official language
Telephone support for navigation with bilingual staff
Individual assistance with forms or transactions
Mailed printed materials when appropriate
Referral to appropriate Canadian disability service organizations

11. Continuous Improvement Process

We are committed to continuous improvement of our website's accessibility in the Canadian context. This includes:

Regular accessibility audits using Canadian standards (quarterly)
User testing with Canadians with disabilities
Staff training on Canadian accessibility requirements
Annual policy review and updates
Public reporting on accessibility improvements aligned with ACA reporting requirements

12. Training and Responsibility

All TreatyX team members involved in website development, content creation, and design receive training on:

Canadian web accessibility requirements
Creating bilingual accessible content
Indigenous perspectives on accessibility and inclusion
Our legal obligations under Canadian law

13. Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect changes in:

Canadian accessibility legislation
Technological advancements
User feedback from the Canadian community
Indigenous community guidance

Significant changes will be announced on our website in both official languages.

14. Compliance Timeline

We aim to achieve full WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance for all new content by [Date]. Existing content is being remediated with a completion goal of [Date], aligned with the implementation timeline of the Accessible Canada Act.

Accessibility is not just a legal requirement under Canadian law—it's an essential part of our commitment to reconciliation and inclusion. We recognize that in Canada, barriers to access are barriers to meaningful reconciliation, and we are dedicated to removing them in partnership with all Canadians.