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Quick Summary – Core Expectations

Accessibility is a core organizational responsibility. It is not optional, reactive, or treated as a courtesy.

All individuals who design, deliver, manage, or communicate work on behalf of The Empower Network are expected to:

• Embed accessibility into planning, systems, and decision-making from the outset

• Design programs, communications, and environments with disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent people in mind

• Follow Empower Network accessibility standards for digital content, events, and operations

• Invite, receive, and implement accommodation requests with care, confidentiality, and timeliness

• Avoid placing the burden of access solely on disabled community members

• Complete required accessibility training for their role

The Empower Network is committed to exceeding minimum legal requirements, including ADA standards, wherever reasonably possible. Compliance is considered a baseline, not a ceiling.

This summary is provided for convenience and does not replace the full policy.

1. Purpose

The Empower Network is a disability-led nonprofit serving disabled, chronically ill, and neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Accessibility is foundational to the organization’s mission.

This policy establishes required standards for accessibility across communications, programs, events, technology, and internal operations. Its purpose is to:

• Reduce structural and environmental barriers

• Prevent harm and exclusion

• Support meaningful participation

• Decrease the need for repeated self-advocacy for basic access

This Accessibility Policy is a formal Policies & Procedures document and is governed by The Empower Network’s Document Standards Policy.

2. Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to:

• Board members

• Staff

• Contractors

• Volunteers

• Affiliates and program collaborators

It applies to all:

• Programs, services, and events

• Public and internal communications

• Digital platforms and content

• Organizational systems and processes

This policy establishes required standards. Detailed procedures may be outlined in SOPs, checklists, training materials, or program-specific documentation.

3. Accessibility Principles

• The organization’s approach to accessibility is guided by the following principles:

• Proactive Design

• Accessibility is planned from the beginning of any initiative and not retrofitted after barriers arise.

• Disability Leadership

• Decision-making is informed by disabled and chronically ill perspectives.

• Consent and Autonomy

Access does not require unnecessary disclosure. Individuals determine how and whether to engage.

4. Energy and Capacity Awareness

Systems reduce cognitive, physical, and emotional load wherever possible.

Intersectionality

Accessibility accounts for overlapping identities and structural inequities.

5. Digital Accessibility Standards

All digital content created, shared, or hosted by The Empower Network must meet the following minimum standards:

• Accurate and descriptive alt text for images

• Captions for video content; transcripts for audio-only content

• Screen-reader accessible documents with proper heading structure

• Readable fonts and logical formatting

• Sufficient color contrast and no reliance on color alone to convey meaning

• Descriptive link text

• Avoidance of flashing elements or auto-play features without controls

Accessibility checks are required prior to publishing public-facing materials.

6. Events, Meetings, and Programs

For all programs and events:

• Accessibility information must be shared in advance, including format, platform, and participation expectations

• Accommodation needs must be invited without requiring diagnostic disclosure

• Common accommodations should be anticipated (captions, recordings, breaks, flexible participation, camera-optional attendance, asynchronous access)

• In-person events must address physical access, seating, sensory load, rest needs, and pacing

• When a requested accommodation cannot be fully met, alternatives must be explored and clearly communicated

An Accessibility Request Form shall be maintained to standardize how accommodations are invited and documented. Forms should include structured options (for example, checkboxes for common needs and an open field for additional requests) to reduce the burden of self-advocacy.

7. Accommodation Requests

The Empower Network handles accommodation requests with confidentiality and respect.

• Requests must be acknowledged promptly

• Implementation should prioritize access and safety over convenience

• Information shared for accommodation purposes must be limited to those directly involved in implementation

• Individuals must not be penalized, deprioritized, or excluded for requesting access

Accommodation processes must not rely on informal communication chains or require individuals to repeatedly explain needs.

8. Language and Representation

All communications and interactions must:

• Use disability-affirming language

• Avoid sensationalized, inspirational, or pity-based framing

• Respect stated identities and access preferences

• Avoid assumptions about productivity, capacity, or availability

Accessibility is treated as standard practice and organizational responsibility.

9. Responsibility and Accountability

Accessibility is a shared responsibility across the organization.

• Program leads are responsible for integrating access into planning and delivery

• Communications personnel are responsible for accessible content standards

• Leadership is responsible for resourcing, training, and enforcement

• Identified barriers must be documented and addressed

Concerns may not be dismissed as isolated cases without review.

10. Training and Capacity Building

Individuals in roles that design, deliver, or communicate Empower Network work may be required to complete accessibility training appropriate to their responsibilities.

Training may include:

• Disability-informed accessibility practices

• Trauma-aware and energy-aware communication

• Digital accessibility standards

• Accommodation process protocols

Completion of training may be mandatory prior to assuming certain roles.

Accessibility practices will be reviewed periodically and updated as standards, tools, and community needs evolve.

11. Feedback and Reporting

Community members, staff, contractors, and partners are encouraged to report accessibility barriers or concerns.

Feedback must be received without defensiveness and treated as an opportunity for improvement. Retaliation for raising accessibility concerns is not permitted.

Reports should be directed to the Executive Director or designated accessibility contact.

11. Relationship to Other Policies

This policy operates alongside:

• Community Standards

• Privacy Policy

• Safeguarding Policy

• Technology Acceptable Use Policy

• Website Terms of Use

Where policies intersect, interpretation should prioritize access, dignity, and harm reduction.

12. Contact Information

For accessibility questions, accommodation requests, or concerns:

The Empower Network, Inc.

Email: support@empower-network.org

Website: www.empower-network.org