Accessibility Roadmap

Healing Horizons for FND is building accessibility intentionally, steadily, and in partnership with the FND community. This roadmap outlines where we are, what we are actively working toward, and how our approach will evolve over time.

Accessibility is not a destination, it is a continuous process of learning, adapting, and improving alongside people with lived experience of FND.

Our accessibility planning is shaped by:

  • lived experience with FND
  • trauma-informed practice
  • capacity-respecting design
  • clarity over speed
  • meaningful, not performative, inclusion

We prioritize changes that reduce real barriers for people with FND rather than focusing on appearance alone.

At this stage, our focus is on strong, sustainable foundations rather than rapid expansion.

Current priorities include:

  • clear and readable website structure
  • plain-language content
  • predictable page layouts
  • low-stimulation design choices
  • gentle, capacity-respecting tone in all communications
  • accessible visual resources, including coping menus

We are intentionally building systems that can grow with the organization.

Over the coming months, we are actively working toward:

  • refining website accessibility features
  • improving consistency in colour contrast and readability
  • simplifying navigation and labeling
  • expanding plain-language resources
  • clarifying accessibility expectations for online programs
  • strengthening community feedback pathways

These improvements will happen gradually as our capacity allows.

As Healing Horizons for FND grows, we aim to:

  • deepen alignment with WCAG accessibility guidelines
  • expand accessible resource formats (printable, visual, and other alternatives)
  • improve accessibility supports within online spaces
  • develop clearer accessibility standards for all new programs
  • embed accessibility planning into every new initiative from the outset

These goals will evolve as we learn more from our community.

As programming expands, we are working toward consistent inclusion of:

  • camera-off and listening-only participation options
  • predictable session structures
  • built-in breaks and slower pacing
  • clear expectations in advance
  • flexibility for fluctuating symptoms

Accessibility will remain a core design priority as new programs are developed.

Lived experience with FND guides our roadmap.

We listen carefully to feedback from participants, caregivers, and professionals to understand what is working, what needs adjustment, and where barriers remain.

Your insights directly shape how we set priorities.

Healing Horizons for FND is a growing nonprofit with limited resources. This means:

  • not every accessibility improvement can happen at once
  • some changes will take longer than others
  • we must balance ideal accessibility with practical capacity

We commit to being transparent about what we can and cannot implement at any given time.

If you encounter an accessibility barrier or have suggestions for improvement, we welcome your input.

Email: support@healinghorizonsfnd.ca

While we may not be able to implement every request immediately, all feedback is reviewed carefully and informs our planning.

Our Commitment Going Forward

This roadmap reflects our commitment to build accessibility thoughtfully, ethically, and in partnership with the FND community. Creating calmer, safer, and more usable spaces for people across Canada.