​This Accessibility Statement explains the standards, commitments, and practical steps the Campaign takes to ensure full and equal access for all people. It applies to every aspect of the Campaign’s work, including leadership training, youth mentoring, advocacy trips, conferences, community service projects, publications, websites, applications, and any other online or in‑person activity that we organize, sponsor, or endorse. Accessibility is a core expression of our mission to honor human dignity, advance opportunities, and amplify the voices of those who have been historically marginalized. It is a continuous process of planning, resourcing, training, testing, and improving, rather than a set of one‑time tasks.

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Scope and Governance

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Accessibility covers spaces, programs, technologies, communications, and organizational culture. It includes the design of our venues and routes, the format and readability of our materials, the language and timing of our communications, the availability of support services, the interoperability of our digital content with assistive technologies, and the affordability of participation for people facing financial and logistical barriers. The Campaign assigns overall responsibility to an Accessibility Lead who coordinates with event planning, technology, safeguarding, communications, partnerships, and finance. The Accessibility Lead maintains procedures, trains staff and volunteers, oversees procurement standards, and ensures that accessibility is integrated from the earliest stages of planning through execution and evaluation. An internal review committee meets regularly to assess performance data, prioritize improvements, and document the status of actions taken.

 

Guiding Principles

 

The Campaign treats accessibility as a non‑negotiable standard linked to safety, equity, and excellence. We commit to inclusive design, plain language, cultural and linguistic respect, non‑discrimination, confidentiality, and non‑retaliation. We recognize the diversity of disabilities, including mobility, vision, hearing, speech, cognitive, neurodivergent, mental health, chronic illness, and environmental sensitivities, and we acknowledge intersecting identities such as refugee and immigrant experiences, language differences, faith practices, and economic hardship. We work to prevent new barriers while removing existing ones, and we understand that accommodation is an interactive process that honors the dignity and autonomy of each person.

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Legal and Standards Framework

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The Campaign aims to meet or exceed the requirements of applicable disability and civil rights laws in the jurisdictions where we operate. In the United States context, we align our physical, programmatic, and digital practices with the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and 508 principles, and for web and mobile content, we design toward conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, targeting WCAG 2.2 Level AA criteria. When our activities involve other countries or international partners, we review local accessibility laws and standards and apply the most protective approach that is feasible. Our procurement and contracting practices require vendors and venues to observe equivalent standards and to cooperate with our review and testing processes.

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Digital Accessibility

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Our websites, registration portals, learning platforms, and communication tools are designed and maintained to be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for all users. We structure content with proper headings and landmarks, provide text alternatives for non‑text content, ensure sufficient color contrast, and maintain keyboard operability for all critical functions. We provide captions for time‑based media and strive to offer transcripts for recorded programming. We avoid reliance on sensory characteristics alone to convey information, and we minimize content that may trigger photosensitive responses by issuing warnings and providing alternatives. New features are tested with screen readers and other assistive technologies before deployment, and defects are tracked until resolved. When a third‑party platform is necessary for program delivery, we select the most accessible option available and publish known limitations with a plan for reasonable alternatives.

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Virtual Meetings and Remote Events

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Virtual events are planned with accessibility in mind from the start. We select platforms that support real‑time captioning and keyboard navigation, and we provide clear dial‑in options for participants with limited bandwidth. Slide decks are distributed ahead of time when possible so that participants can review materials using their preferred tools. Speakers are briefed to describe essential visuals, to speak at a measured pace, and to leave time for questions. Recordings are processed with captions and, where feasible, transcripts are provided. Chat and Q&A functions are moderated to ensure that questions submitted by participants using assistive technologies are recognized and addressed without disadvantage.

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Physical Accessibility for In‑Person Events

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Event venues are chosen and prepared to provide step‑free access to entrances, registration areas, meeting rooms, stages, platforms, dining areas, restrooms, and evacuation routes. Seating plans consider wheelchair spaces, companion seating, and unobstructed lines of sight. Aisles and stages are kept clear and are equipped with ramps or lifts where necessary. Restrooms with accessible features are identified and signposted clearly. Signage uses high‑contrast lettering and is placed at readable heights. Lighting is designed to balance visibility with sensory comfort, and acoustics are managed to reduce echo and background noise. Quiet rooms are designated for participants who need a low‑stimulus environment, and lactation rooms and prayer or reflection spaces are provided where possible. Service animal relief areas are identified and kept clean. When a venue presents a barrier that cannot be removed immediately, we provide an equivalent alternative that preserves program quality and dignity.

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Transportation, Travel, and Lodging

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When the Campaign coordinates travel, we plan routes and schedules that accommodate mobility devices and variable walking speeds. Transportation vendors are selected for accessible vehicles and trained drivers, and transfer times are planned to avoid unnecessary stress. Hotels and lodging are screened for accessible rooms with appropriate doorway widths, roll‑in showers or accessible tubs, grab bars, visual and vibrating alerts, and step‑free paths to common areas. Room assignments, roommate pairings, and chaperone plans take into account privacy, safety, and accommodation needs. Dietary requirements, food allergies, and cultural preferences are collected in advance and communicated to catering teams, and meals are labeled so that participants can make informed choices. Emergency contact and medical information are kept confidential and accessible to trained leaders who may need to coordinate assistance.

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Communication and Language Access

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All essential information about programs, schedules, safety rules, and participation requirements is communicated in clear, concise, and respectful language. We provide multiple formats and channels, including email, SMS, web postings, and printed notices, recognizing that not all participants engage digitally in the same way. For communities that speak languages other than English, we provide translations and interpretation in collaboration with trusted partners. For participants who are Deaf or hard of hearing, we arrange qualified interpreters or real‑time captioning with advance notice, and we ensure that seating and lighting support effective communication. For participants who are blind or have low vision, we provide materials in accessible digital formats compatible with screen readers, and we make large‑print copies available on request. We respect preferred communication methods and strive to avoid last‑minute changes that would undermine accessibility.

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Assistive Technology and Personal Aids

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Participants are welcome and encouraged to use personal assistive technologies and supports, including wheelchairs, mobility devices, hearing aids, cochlear implant processors, augmentative and alternative communication devices, screen readers, magnification software, note‑taking tools, and portable oxygen or medical devices as prescribed. Charging access is planned so that devices can be powered safely during Events. The Campaign recognizes the role of service animals that are trained to perform tasks related to a disability and welcomes them in all areas where participants are allowed. Staff and volunteers are trained to interact with service animals appropriately and to request removal only if the animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action. Emotional support animals are considered in accordance with applicable law and venue policies, and alternative accommodations are explored when necessary.

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Health, Sensory, and Environmental Considerations

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The Campaign strives to create environments that respect people with asthma, allergies, migraines, PTSD, autistic sensory profiles, and other conditions that are affected by environmental triggers. Fragrance‑minimizing practices are encouraged, and cleaning products and materials are selected with sensitivity in mind where feasible. Strobe effects or rapidly flashing content are avoided, and when they cannot be avoided, appropriate warnings are provided. Sound levels are monitored to prevent unnecessary exposure, and quiet spaces are maintained to allow decompression. Staff and volunteers are trained to recognize signs of sensory overload or distress and to offer assistance without drawing unwanted attention.

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Program and Curriculum Accessibility

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Training content is developed with inclusive pedagogy and multiple means of engagement. Materials use plain language, consistent structure, and clear learning goals. Visual information is paired with text explanations, and essential content is not dependent on color or imagery alone. Activities are designed with options for verbal, written, and hands‑on participation so that diverse learning styles are supported. Assessment methods are flexible and focus on demonstrating understanding rather than on a single mode of expression. When time limits are necessary, they are set reasonably, and adjustments are made where disability‑related needs require additional processing time.

Financial Accessibility and Participation Costs

The Campaign recognizes that financial barriers can exclude people from opportunities. We work to offer scholarships, fee waivers, and sliding‑scale options funded through philanthropy and responsible budgeting. Where travel or specialized supports increase costs, we seek sponsors and partners to defray expenses so that participants are not penalized for their accommodation needs. We communicate the availability of financial assistance transparently and protect the privacy of applicants. Decisions are made through fair criteria and are not conditioned on any form of exploitative recognition.

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Safeguarding, Dignity, and Non‑Discrimination

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Accessibility and safeguarding are deeply connected. The Campaign rejects discrimination on the basis of disability and will not tolerate harassment, bullying, or exclusionary behavior. Complaints are handled promptly and respectfully, and individuals who raise concerns in good faith are protected from retaliation. Staff, volunteers, and mentors receive training that covers disability awareness, respectful language, boundaries, confidentiality, and the interactive process for accommodations. Youth protection standards apply equally to participants with disabilities, and additional safeguards are implemented where individualized supports are needed.

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The Accommodation Request and Interactive Process

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The Campaign encourages participants, speakers, staff, and volunteers to inform us of accessibility needs as early as possible so that we can plan effectively. Requests may be submitted through our registration forms, by email, by phone, or in writing at our offices. Upon receiving a request, we begin an interactive process that focuses on the person’s goals, the functional barriers presented by the program or environment, and the range of effective solutions. We may request limited documentation when the need is not obvious and the documentation is necessary to identify appropriate supports, and any documentation received is protected as confidential. We implement the agreed accommodations in a timely manner and confirm that they are working as intended. If a requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the program or impose an undue hardship as defined by law, we explain the reasons and propose an effective alternative that preserves access as fully as possible.

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Emergency Planning and Incident Response

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Emergency procedures are designed to account for mobility, sensory, cognitive, and mental health needs. Evacuation routes include areas of rescue assistance and clear signage. Staff and volunteers are briefed on the location of accessible exits, the operation of evacuation chairs where available, and the method for guiding people who are blind or have low vision. Communication during emergencies uses multiple modes, including visual displays, audible alerts, and direct assistance. After any incident, we review the response with an accessibility lens and incorporate lessons learned into future planning.

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Data Privacy and Confidentiality

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Information about disabilities, health, dietary needs, and accommodation requests is treated as confidential and sensitive. Access is limited to personnel who need the information to plan and deliver support, and records are stored securely for the minimum period necessary. Public storytelling and media are conducted with explicit informed consent that respects privacy and safety. When program evaluation requires analysis, we use de‑identified information wherever possible. Our privacy practices are described in our Privacy Policy and are applied rigorously to accessibility‑related data.

 

Procurement, Contracts, and Partner Responsibilities

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Vendors, venues, and partners are expected to meet the Campaign’s accessibility standards. Contracts include requirements for physical access, assistive listening support, captioning capabilities, accessible room blocks, compliant digital interfaces, and cooperation with our testing and verification. Partners who co-host programs agree to an alignment meeting to review roles and responsibilities, share information about barriers that cannot be corrected immediately, and implement workable alternatives that maintain equal participation.

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Staff and Volunteer Training

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Accessibility awareness and competency are strengthened through regular training and refreshers. Orientation covers disability rights principles, respectful engagement, service animal etiquette, communication with interpreters and captioners, emergency roles and procedures, and guidelines for receiving and escalating accommodation requests. Event‑specific briefings address venue layouts, accessible transportation, and any known limitations alongside the measures in place to mitigate them. Supervisors monitor field practices and provide coaching to reinforce established standards.

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Monitoring, Testing, and Continuous Improvement

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The Campaign evaluates accessibility through pre‑event checklists, day‑of walk‑throughs, participant surveys, and after‑action reviews. Digital properties are scanned and manually tested on a regular schedule, with prioritized remediation of critical issues. Feedback from people with disabilities is actively sought and given special weight in our improvement plans. Findings are documented, timelines are set, and progress is tracked until closure. Each year, we prepare an internal summary of achievements and outstanding needs to guide budgeting and strategy for the next cycle.

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Feedback, Concerns, and Grievances

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We welcome feedback about accessibility, and we provide multiple ways to reach us, including email, phone, web forms, and postal mail. We acknowledge receipt of concerns promptly and aim to provide a substantive response within a reasonable period. Suppose a person is dissatisfied with the outcome of an accommodation request or with our response to a barrier. In that case, they may request an independent review by a senior leader who was not involved in the initial decision. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises accessibility concerns in good faith or who participates in a review or investigation.

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Public Information and Alternative Formats

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Key documents, including this Accessibility Statement, our Terms and Conditions, and our Privacy Policy, are available in accessible digital formats. Upon request and with reasonable notice, we provide large‑print versions, audio recordings, and Braille or embossed materials for essential documents. We work with qualified vendors to produce alternative formats when in‑house capacity is insufficient, and we communicate realistic timelines so that participants can plan accordingly.

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Updates, Effectiveness Date, and Contact

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This Accessibility Statement is reviewed regularly and updated to reflect new standards, technologies, venues, and program models. The effective date appears at the end of the document. Questions, requests for accommodation, or feedback about barriers may be submitted to the contact details listed on our website and program materials. When contacting us, please describe the context of the barrier, the desired outcome, and any timelines that affect your participation so that we can respond efficiently and respectfully.

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Effective Date and Commitment

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This statement takes effect upon publication. By organizing, sponsoring, or attending Campaign activities, all stakeholders agree to uphold the standards and responsibilities described here. The Campaign recognizes that real accessibility is achieved through partnership, humility, and consistent action, and we hold ourselves accountable to learn from feedback, to invest in solutions, and to make strong progress toward a world where every person can participate fully and lead with dignity.