Accessibility Policy

1. Our Accessibility Commitment

We are working toward conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). WCAG 2.1 AA is the internationally recognized standard for web accessibility and is also the standard referenced in Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which applies to organizations with one or more employees in Ontario.

Our goal is to ensure that all visitors, regardless of disability or the technology they use, can:

• Learn about our services and treatments
• Book appointments and manage bookings
• Purchase products from our online shop
• Contact us with inquiries
• Read and understand all educational and service content on the site

2. What We Are Doing

2.1 Technical Accessibility Features

• Semantic HTML: We use proper HTML heading hierarchy (H1-H6), landmark elements, and ARIA attributes to support screen reader navigation
• Alt text: All meaningful images include descriptive alternative text. Decorative images are marked appropriately
• Colour contrast: We aim to meet a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text, in accordance with WCAG 2.1 AA
• Keyboard navigation: All interactive elements (links, buttons, form fields) are accessible via keyboard without requiring a mouse
• Focus indicators: Visible focus outlines are provided for all interactive elements
• Resizable text: Text can be resized up to 200% without loss of content or functionality
• No seizure-inducing content: We avoid flashing or strobing content that exceeds 3 flashes per second
• Form labels: All form inputs have associated labels and descriptive error messages
• Descriptive link text: Links use descriptive text rather than “click here” or “read more” where possible
• PDF and document accessibility: Documents provided for download (e.g., legal policies) are created with accessibility in mind

2.2 Design Practices

• Colour is not used as the sole means of conveying information
• Line length and spacing support readability for users with cognitive disabilities
• Page layout is consistent and predictable across sections
• Navigation menus are clearly labeled and structured

3. Known Limitations

While we work continuously to improve accessibility, some areas of our website may not fully meet WCAG 2.1 AA at this time. Known limitations include:

• Third-party booking widget (Fresha): Our embedded booking functionality is provided by Fresha. While we encourage Fresha to maintain accessibility, we cannot fully control the accessibility of their widget. If you have difficulty booking online, please contact us directly at [email protected] or 647-239-0231 and we will book your appointment manually
• Third-party payment gateway: Our WooCommerce checkout uses a third-party payment processor. Some checkout elements may have accessibility limitations outside our control
• Older content: Some older blog posts or informational content may not fully comply with current accessibility standards. We are working to review and update this content on an ongoing basis
• Embedded videos: Videos embedded from YouTube may have auto-generated captions that are not always accurate. We encourage creators to provide accurate captions
• Complex images: Some before-and-after images may not have sufficiently detailed alt text to convey the full nature of the results. We are developing more descriptive alternative text for this content

4. AODA Compliance (Ontario Businesses)

As an Ontario-based business with employees, we are subject to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR).

Our obligations and commitments under AODA include:

• Providing accessible customer service to persons with disabilities
• Providing information and communications in accessible formats upon request
• Ensuring our website meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards (as required under the Information and Communications Standards)
• Training staff on accessibility and the AODA requirements
• Welcoming the use of assistive devices, support persons, and service animals at our clinic

4.1 Accessible Customer Service at Our Clinic

• We welcome clients who use assistive devices, communication aids, or support persons
• Service animals are welcome at our clinic
• We are happy to provide information about our treatments in alternative formats upon request
• Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any accessibility needs so we can prepare appropriately

5. Requesting Accessible Formats

If you require any information from our website or business in an accessible format (e.g., large print, audio, Braille, or an accessible electronic document), please contact us. We will provide the information in your requested format within a reasonable timeframe (typically 5 business days).

6. Feedback and Contact

We genuinely welcome feedback on the accessibility of our website and clinic. Your input helps us improve the experience for everyone.

If you:

• Encounter an accessibility barrier on our website
• Need assistance accessing any information or completing any action on the site
• Have a suggestion for how we can improve accessibility
• Have difficulty using our booking platform or online shop due to a disability

Please contact us through any of the following:

Email: [email protected]

Phone/Text: 647-239-0231

In person: 700 Chrislea Rd, Woodbridge, ON L4L 8K9

We aim to acknowledge all accessibility feedback within 2 business days and resolve issues within 10 business days where possible.

7. Escalation and Formal Complaints

If you are not satisfied with our response to an accessibility concern, you may escalate your complaint to:

Accessibility Directorate of Ontario:

Website: ontario.ca/page/accessibility-directorate-ontario

Phone: 1-866-515-2025

TTY: 416-325-3408

For complaints specifically related to AODA, you may also contact the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility.

8. Updates to This Statement

We review this Accessibility Statement annually and update it to reflect improvements made, new known limitations discovered, and changes in applicable accessibility standards. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page reflects the most recent review.