Far West Helping Foundation Corp

1. Purpose and Scope

Far West Helping Foundation Corp (FWHFC) is committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability, language, background, or circumstance, have equal access to FWHFC programs, services, facilities, information, and digital resources.

This Accessibility Statement applies to FWHFC employees, board members, volunteers, clients, applicants, vendors, contractors, partner agencies, public events, websites, digital forms, program materials, and community services.

2. Legal Framework and Compliance

FWHFC supports compliance with applicable federal, state, and local accessibility and civil rights requirements.

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act for digital and technology accessibility
• Fair Housing Act accessibility and non-discrimination requirements
• Architectural Barriers Act, where applicable
• Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction
• Executive Order 13166 for Limited English Proficiency access
• Applicable county, city, grant, and program accessibility requirements

3. Accessibility Commitment Statement

FWHFC is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every person can access, participate in, and benefit from its services with dignity and respect.

• Programs and services are designed to support individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual, developmental, communication, or language-related needs.
• Public information and digital communications are developed with accessibility in mind.
• Staff and volunteers are expected to support accessibility and respond respectfully to accommodation requests.
• Accessibility is included in planning, outreach, partnerships, procurement, technology, and service delivery.

4. Program and Facility Accessibility

FWHFC works to ensure that programs, facilities, outreach events, and services are accessible and barrier-free to the greatest extent possible.

• Accessible entrances, pathways, restrooms, seating, signage, and parking where applicable
• Reasonable modifications to policies, procedures, and practices when needed
• Remote, phone, virtual, or alternative service options when appropriate
• Accessible event locations and accommodation notices in event materials
• Priority review of facility barriers, safety concerns, and accessibility maintenance requests

5. Communication and Language Access

FWHFC provides effective communication support for individuals with disabilities and meaningful access for individuals with limited English proficiency.

• Large print, accessible PDF, audio, or other alternative formats upon request
• Sign language interpretation, captioning, assistive listening, or text-based communication when available and needed
• Translation or interpretation support for essential program communication
• Plain-language public materials whenever possible
• Accessible notices, forms, brochures, website content, and outreach materials

6. Digital and Technology Accessibility

FWHFC works to make digital platforms, websites, online forms, documents, donation pages, and communication systems usable by individuals with disabilities and assistive technologies.

• Website content designed with accessible structure, readable fonts, and clear navigation
• Alternative text for images when possible
• Keyboard-friendly navigation and screen-reader compatibility goals
• Accessible online forms, PDFs, and downloadable documents whenever possible
• Video captions, transcripts, descriptive links, and readable color contrast when practical
• Digital accessibility improvements aligned with WCAG 2.1 Level AA and Section 508 standards

7. Reasonable Accommodations Process

FWHFC provides reasonable accommodations to support equal access to programs, services, employment, volunteer participation, meetings, and public activities.

• Requests may be made verbally, in writing, by email, by phone, or in person.
• FWHFC will review requests promptly and confidentially.
• When a requested accommodation cannot be provided exactly as requested, FWHFC will seek an effective alternative when possible.
• Accommodation records are kept confidential and shared only with those who need to assist with the request.
• Retaliation for requesting accommodation or accessibility assistance is prohibited.

8. Training and Staff Responsibilities

Accessibility is the responsibility of all FWHFC representatives. Training and awareness help ensure respectful, inclusive, and compliant service delivery.

• Staff and volunteers receive accessibility information during onboarding and periodic training.
• Managers and supervisors help enforce accessibility procedures in their departments.
• Staff must respond respectfully to accessibility needs and report barriers promptly.
• Training may include ADA, Section 504, language access, reasonable accommodations, digital accessibility, and inclusive communication.

9. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

FWHFC reviews accessibility practices on an ongoing basis to identify barriers, improve access, and strengthen compliance.

• Facility, website, document, and program accessibility reviews
• Feedback from clients, staff, volunteers, partners, and community members
• Corrective action plans when barriers or gaps are identified
• Annual reporting to leadership and Board review when appropriate
• Ongoing improvements based on law, technology, community needs, and best practices

10. Reporting Accessibility Barriers

Individuals who experience difficulty accessing FWHFC services, facilities, documents, websites, online forms, or communications are encouraged to contact FWHFC.

Email: info@fwhfc.org | fwhfcadmin@fwhfc.org

Mail: Far West Helping Foundation Corp, P.O. Box 695085, Miami, FL 33269-2085

FWHFC will review accessibility concerns promptly and work in good faith to provide access or correct barriers when possible.

11. Adoption and Approval

This Accessibility Statement affirms FWHFC’s commitment to equity, inclusion, disability access, language access, digital accessibility, and respectful service delivery.

Approved By: Clebert Merat, Executive Director

Board Chairperson: ___________________________

Board Approval Date: ___________________________

Effective Date: ___________________________

Review Cycle: Annual, or as required by law, regulation, grant, or organizational need.