Accessibility Plan 2024 – 2027

General

Introduction

OUTtv Network Inc. (“OUTtv”) is very pleased to publish its first Accessibility Plan for 2024-2027. This inaugural plan outlines our approach to identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility in alignment with the Accessible Canada Act (ACA). At OUTtv, we strive to create an inclusive environment for our employees, stakeholders, clients and audience(s). We view this plan as the beginning of an ongoing journey regarding accessibility within our organization.

OUTtv is a Canadian independent broadcaster serving Canadian audiences across the country. Our mission is to connect, reflect, and enrich the lives of Canadians by delivering a diverse array of compelling, entertaining and high-quality programming. OUTtv is the world’s first LGBTQ+ television and streaming service. Home to a compelling mix of inclusive, queer-focused content from comedy to drama, documentaries, reality, and award-winning movies. OUTtv is dedicated to telling stories by and for the community and is the world’s leading provider of queer content. OUTtv Originals include Sew Fierce, Drag Heals, Sugar Highs, Dating Unlocked, For the Love of DILFs, Womb Envy, Call Me Mother, and the documentary strand OUTspoken.

We are also a member of the Independent Broadcast Group (IBG)/Le groupe de diffiseurs indépendants (GDI). The IBG is an association of independent broadcasters serving Canadian audiences in English, French, Indigenous and a multitude of third languages, reflecting the rich tapestry of Canada’s population. In the winter of 2024, a number of IBG members created an Accessibility Working Group with a view to preparing our respective Accessibility Plans for 2024-2027. We worked in collaboration with other IBG members to prepare and conduct our consultations with stakeholders, persons with disabilities, and experts that were both internal and external to our respective organizations.

The feedback we have received from persons with disabilities, our employees, viewers, stakeholders, and experts was instrumental in completing our Accessibility Plan 2024-2027. We are excited about the journey ahead and committed to ensuring that our organization and services are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible.

OUTtv Contact Information, Feedback Process and Alternative Format Requests

If you would like to provide OUTtv with feedback relating to accessibility and our organization, our Feedback Process, or our Accessibility Plan 2024-2027, please contact our Accessibility Champion who will be pleased to assist:

OUTtv Contact Information:

Katherine Frost, Business Affairs, our Accessibility Champion, is responsible for receiving all accessibility-related feedback, questions and comments. You can reach Katherine through the following methods:

Mailing address: 800 – 525 West 8^th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1C6

Phone: 604 874 4300, ext. 1025

Email: accessibility@outtv.ca

Requesting Alternate Formats: Accessibility Plan and Accessibility Feedback Process

Our Accessibility Plan and Accessibility Feedback Process are available in alternative formats.

To request an alternate format, please contact Katherine Frost using the contact details above.

Anonymous Feedback

If you prefer to remain anonymous, please do not include personal details like your name or contact information in your communications with our organization.

Any personal information you provide will remain confidential unless you explicitly consent to share it with others.

Accessibility Summary

OUTtv’s Accessibility Plan represents an important step towards creating a more accessible and inclusive environment within Canada’s media sector. We are dedicated to ongoing engagement as well as to meeting the objectives of the Accessible Canada Act in the years ahead. As we prepared our Accessibility Plan, we conducted a number of initiatives to gain invaluable input and to work collaboratively with persons with disabilities, our colleagues and stakeholders.

These initiatives include the following:

1. Establishment of Accessibility Working Group by Certain IBG Members: In the winter of 2024, we formed an Accessibility Working Group comprised of accessibility champions from five independent broadcaster organizations, as well as legal counsel with expertise in regulatory compliance and accessibility. This Working Group met weekly to discuss action items, best practices and the requirements of the Accessible Canada Act. This collaborative approach was highly effective for small Canadian businesses seeking to create a more accessible environment for Canadians.
2. Establishment of Accessibility Committee Within our Organization: In the spring of 2024, we formed an Accessibility Committee comprising leaders from various departments within our organization. These include Human Resources, Management, Physical Plant and Legal. Our Accessibility Committee meets regularly to identify, remove, and prevent accessibility barriers within our environment. We also met to provide important input and insights into the preparation of our Accessibility Plan.
3. Conducting an Internal Assessment of our Organization: in the winter/spring 2024, we conducted an overall assessment of our organization regarding accessibility, including a review of our facilities, workstations, employment policies, communications, technology and broadcasting service(s).
4. Internal Employee Consultation: In the spring of 2024, OUTtv conducted an internal consultation process that involved engaging with our employees, to gather critical information in view of preparing our Accessibility Plan. To that end, we conducted an online survey regarding accessibility in our workplace. This optional survey was distributed to all employees, and each was given a week to respond to the questionnaire. Fifty-seven percent of our employees responded to the questionnaire, and seventeen percent of those who responded identified as a person living with a disability. We believe that their firsthand experiences are invaluable in identifying any barriers that might exist, as well as providing insightful suggestions on how to address potential barriers.
5. External Consultations: In 2024, our IBG Accessibility Working Group thoughtfully engaged with disability advocacy groups, experts on accessibility, and persons with disabilities such as SignAble Vi5ion, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), and DeafBlind Ontario Services. Our engagement with these organizations allowed us to consult with persons living with disabilities and to learn more about barriers they may face in the workplace with hiring practices, communications technologies, and in relation to accessibility and broadcasting services.
6. Guiding Principles for Accessibility at OUTtv: At OUTtv, we appreciate the principle of “Nothing Without Us.” We are also mindful of the important principles set out in section 6 of the Accessible Canada Act, which form the basis of our Accessibility Plan and our accessibility decision-making work for the future.

These principles are:

1. All persons must be treated with dignity regardless of their disabilities
2. All persons must have the same opportunity to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have regardless of their disabilities
3. All persons must have barrier-free access to full and equal participation in society, regardless of their disabilities
4. All persons must have meaningful options and be free to make their own choices, with support if they desire, regardless of their disabilities
5. Laws, policies, programs, services and structures must take into account the disabilities of persons, the different ways that persons interact with their Guidance on the Accessible Canada Regulations – Module 1: Accessibility Plans 3 environments and the multiple and intersecting forms of marginalization and discrimination faced by persons
6. Persons with disabilities must be involved in the development and design of laws, policies, programs, services and structures
7. The development and revision of accessibility standards and the making of regulations must be done with the objective of achieving the highest level of accessibility for persons with disabilities.”[1]

[1] Guidance on the Accessible Canada Regulations – Module 1: Accessibility Plans.

Consultations for OUTtv's Accessibility Plan

At OUTtv, engaging with our employees, clients, stakeholders and audiences is a vital part of our daily activities. While preparing our Accessibility Plan, we also conducted several consultation initiatives to obtain invaluable input from our community and persons living with disabilities.

1. Accessibility Feedback Page

   In our efforts to ensure accessibility within our organization, we published an Accessibility Feedback Page in May 2023 as required by the Accessible Canada Act and the related Regulations. Our Accessibility Feedback Page can be found here https://outtvglobal.com/accessibility.

   Our Accessibility Feedback Page was designed to collect information from persons with disabilities, the public, our employees and stakeholders in a range of areas, such as:

   1. Content accessibility (i.e. closed captions, described video)
   2. Digital accessibility (i.e. assistive technology use on the website or app)
   3. Facilities (i.e. facilities access, events accessibility)

   We have not yet received any feedback or issues identified regarding our organization over the last year. We will continue to work to ensure awareness about our Accessibility Feedback Page over the course of the next three years.

2. Accessibility Committee

   In our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive workplace, we also established an Accessibility Committee in the spring of 2024. This committee is composed of designated accessibility champions from various departments within our organization Human Resources, Management, Physical Plant and Legal. Their primary role is to consult with employees and third parties, facilitate discussions, identify potential accessibility barriers, reflect on input from persons with disabilities, assist with the preparation of our Accessibility Plan, and spearhead initiatives to enhance accessibility across our organization.

3. Internal Employee Consultation

   Alongside the creation of our Accessibility Committee, we conducted an optional internal online employee accessibility consultation over the course of one week in April 2024. During this consultation, we asked all employees a series of 14 questions designed to uncover any barriers they may have encountered concerning accessibility within our organization. Our survey also sought input on how to prevent and remove accessibility barrier in the future. 57% of our employees responded to the survey.

   The survey provided us with valuable insights into the experiences of our employees, and by raising awareness, has encouraged some employees to come forward with further suggestions, that while not directly affecting them, would make a difference to the company’s accessibility overall.

   The results from this survey are currently being analyzed by our Accessibility Committee and will be shared with Human Resources. The findings will be instrumental in informing the possible changes and improvements within our organization. We were encouraged to discover that while approximately 17% of the employees who responded identified as living with a disability, none of those employees identified any barriers that prevented them from applying for employment with OUTtv, from asking for and receiving accommodation where necessary, or made their job more difficult to do.

   Moving forward, we will continue to encourage open dialogue about accessibility and invite all employees to contribute their experiences and suggestions. Our goal is to maintain a proactive approach to identifying and addressing accessibility issues within our organization.

4. External Consultations

   As part of our mission to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, members of our Accessibility Committee actively participated in targeted sessions with notable disability advocacy groups throughout April/May 2024. Our engagements involved fruitful interactions and discussions with representatives from SignAble Vi5ion, Access Labs through the CNIB, and DeafBlind Ontario Services. As a broadcaster, we primarily engage with physical mediums consumed through sight and sound. Therefore, while these consultations included discussions on general accessibility awareness, there was a focus on organizations which represent the needs of individuals with physical disabilities, to better address the specific accessibility challenges presented by our broadcasting services.

   1. SignAble Vi5ion is an organization run by founder Leah Riddell who is a consultant, ASL instructor, and deaf woman. Leah is a champion for creating a more equitable world, and champions ASL as a means to not only create inclusion for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind, but also for many other communities, such as new Canadians, autistic people, neurodivergent communities, and seniors.[1] Leah communicated to the IBG participants through using ASL interpreters. Her presentation focused on cultural etiquette on how to interact with deaf, hearing impaired, and deafblind individuals, including learning essential strategies for effective communication and respectful engagement. Leah also discussed accessibility barriers to employment, workplace accommodations, communications technologies, and broadcasting services. Additionally, Leah discussed strategies and best practices for preventing accessibility barriers. She also made a number of important recommendations such as best practices for conducting job interviews with individuals who are deaf of hard of hearing, optimal online platforms to use for accessible virtual meetings and the appropriate inclusive language to use when referring to persons living with disabilities. A Question and Answer period was also held to allow IBG members to allow for a deeper understanding of the needs and interests of persons living with disabilities.
   2. The CNIB is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. The CNIB delivers innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empowers people impacted by blindness.[2] CNIB’s Access Labs is a social enterprise supporting businesses, organizations, and government institutions to ensure all Canadians with disabilities can benefit from barrier-free communities and workplaces.[3] The CNIB’s presentation and engagement with the IBG focused on general accessibility awareness, highlighting how to remove everyday barriers and obstacles in the workplace that help  make an environment more inclusive and safe for everyone. There was a focus on how to approach individuals who are blind and low vision, including steps that organizations can take to ensure the safety, dignity and wellbeing of all employees, particularly those living with disabilities. The CNIB’s presentation also focussed on the duty to accommodate, the importance of accessible web and media platforms as well as approaches for ensuring inclusivity at a range of work-related functions.
   3. One of the presenters, David Greenidge, Director of Operations for Access Labs at the CNIB, is partially sighted and shared examples of his lived experience throughout the presentation. Additionally, there was a member of the community with vision loss present to discuss best practices for digital communications services and television programming, such as the importance of clear and professional audio description.
   4. DeafBlind Ontario Services supports people who are deafblind, as well as people who are deaf, hard of hearing and non-verbal with a developmental disability.  This organization offers specialized services for persons living with a disability, customized to each person’s unique needs, method of communication, and goals to live their best life.[4] Their presentation to the IBG was given by an individual who is deafblind, as well as an individual who is deaf. The presenters were accompanied by an ASL interpreter, as well as another staff person expert in the area. Their presentation focused particularly on technologies for optimal workplace performance and communications with persons with disabilities, how to ensure a more accessible work environment, as well as how to ensure broadcasting services are accessible. Both presenters also provided important input of the importance of technology to create a more inclusive workplace, and how best to work with ASL interpreters for workplace meetings and accommodations.

   This direct feedback was invaluable, as it gave participants firsthand insights into the daily challenges, and technological needs of individuals with auditory and visual disabilities. A Question and Answer period was also held at the end of the presentation to allow for an exchange on how to create a more accessible work environment.

   In addition to what is outlined above, the sessions conducted with these organizations and persons living with disabilities focused on several key areas:

   1. Workplace Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities: We explored strategies to optimize our built environment to better support the needs of employees with disabilities.
   2. Hiring, Retaining, and Promoting Persons with Disabilities: Our discussions centered on enhancing human resources policies to ensure equitable opportunities for all staff members.
   3. Technologies for Optimal Workplace Performance and Communications: We examined current and emerging technologies that can facilitate more effective workplace performance and smoother communication for persons with disabilities.
   4. Best approaches for communicating with potential future employees and colleagues living with disabilities.
   5. Broadcasting Services and Accessibility: We addressed how our broadcasting services can be improved to ensure they are fully accessible to all audience members.

   The discussions we had with the expert representatives from these communities on the above topics allowed participants to delve deeply into critical areas impacting accessibility, both within the workplace and the broadcasting services provided to the public.

   These sessions are part of our ongoing commitment to learning from and collaborating with persons with disabilities, experts in the area, and stakeholders. They were highly insightful, informative, and inspiring.

[1] https://signablevi5ion.com/about/

[2] https://www.cnib.ca/en/about-us?region=on

[3] https://www.cnib.ca/en/access-labs?region=on

[4] https://deafblindontario.com/about/

Accessibility Priorities - Section 5 of the Accessible Canada Act

The purpose of the Accessible Canada Act is to allow all Canadians, especially Canadians with disabilities, live in a country without barriers to accessibility by 1 January 2040.

Section 5 of the Accessible Canada Act identifies the following areas where the identification, removal, and prevention of accessibility barriers must be pursued:

1. Employment
2. The built environment
3. Information and communications technologies
4. Communications other than information and communications technologies
5. The procurement of goods, services, and facilities
6. The design and delivery of programs and services
7. Transportation
8. Other areas designated under regulation, such as conditions of licence for broadcasters.

The following portions of our Accessibility Plan address these priority areas of accessibility.

1. Employment

   OUTtv is dedicated to inclusivity in our hiring, retention, and promotion practices. Currently, we employ 21 employees. Our head office is located Vancouver, BC and we operate 1 television station for Canadian audiences to enjoy, nationwide.

   Our organization’s Human Resources Department also plays an important role of ensuring accessibility within our company. We aim to foster a supportive and equitable workplace that facilitates the recruitment, retention, and career progression of all employees, with attentive consideration to the accessibility needs of those with disabilities.

   While we have made great strides over the last few years, we recognize that there is still more work to be done.

   Action (Planned Completion)

   1. Further develop the mandate and objectives of OUTtv’s Accessibility Committee (Year 1)
   2. Review and update of OUTtv policies, procedures, guidelines, and practices related to accessibility (Years 1 & 2)
   3. Review and revise recruitment processes to ensure that job postings are accessible, interview processes are accommodating, and onboarding materials are available in multiple formats (Year 1)
   4. Conduct a review of workstations at work and at home (for those working remotely) and assess accessibility and accommodation needs (Year 1)
   5. Assess the accessibility training needs of all Departments, particularly those that have a direct impact on accessibility, such as the Human Resources Department (Year 1)
   6. Ensure that HR executives receive accessibility training (Year 2)
   7. Ensure that 50% of staff receive accessibility training (Year 2)
   8. Ensure that all staff receive accessibility training (Years 2 & 3)
   9. Review hybrid and/or work from home accommodations for employees living with disabilities and/or requiring particular accommodations (Year 1)
   10. Conduct further consultations with employees over the next three years (Years 1, 2 & 3)

2. Built Environment

   OUTtv is committed to ensuring equitable access to our building and built facilities for employees, stakeholders, clients, and visitors. Our goal is to create environments that are accessible and that promote safety, comfort, and independence for individuals with varying needs.

   OUTtv recently moved into offices in a co-working space in a building that was completed in September 2023 and follows all federal, provincial guidelines and municipal codes with respect to accessibility. All primary doors are accessible with automatic door openers. While there is no Braille on the touchless elevator operating panel, there is a concierge in the lobby during normal business hours who can help with elevator operation. Our master control is contracted out to a third party in Toronto, which is responsible for ensuring an accessible built environment for its employees and guests. OUTtv does not operate a studio.

   While OUTtv maintains a limited number of offices, most of our employees work remotely most of the time. By providing the flexibility to work remotely, we ensure that all employees can choose the environment that best supports their productivity and well-being. Our goal is to foster a workplace that adapts to the varied needs of our staff, enabling everyone to perform at their best while ensuring accessibility and comfort regardless of location. We plan to continue offering these working options and will continue to check-in with employees to ensure that they are comfortable with their physical working arrangements.

   Action (Planned Completion)

   1. Establish a communications plan to inform employees, clients and visitors of any physical limitations that may exist and any accommodations that can be provided (Year 1)
   2. Ensure that our organization’s events and employee gatherings are hosted at accessible venues (Years 1, 2, 3 and onwards)

3. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

   As a Canadian broadcaster that works within the digital landscape, we place a high priority on ensuring that our Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are accessible.  This commitment is reflected in our proactive measures as well as our commitment to our employees and organization.

   At OUTtv, the technical department is responsible for sourcing and providing OUTtv staff with the ICT products and services they need, including those that are needed to accommodate a disability. The technical department works to accommodate employees’ technical needs as required. This ad hoc approach has not provided OUTtv with the institutional knowledge, processes and resources to make OUTtv barrier free. OUTtv sees an opportunity to develop more resources and knowledge to ensure that the needs of employees with disabilities are met efficiently and effectively.

   Action (Planned Completion)

   1. Conduct an audit of the communications technology options available for persons with disabilities (Year 1)
   2. Conduct an audit of our organization’s policies and procedures for accommodating requests for use of accessible technologies (Year 1)
   3. Conduct an audit of our web sites and web-based applications (Year 1)
   4. Update websites and applications to ensure that they are accessible and comply with WCAG Guidelines (Years 1 & 2)
   5. Provide employees with accessible technology tools and resources, including assistive devices and software that enhance digital accessibility (ie. screen readers, text to speech software, adaptive keyboards, touchscreen assistive technologies, closed captioning and audio descriptions, etc.) (Year 2)
   6. Work with third-party suppliers of communications platforms to encourage the development of accessibility tools within the technology we use. (Years 1, 2 & 3)

4. Communication, Other Than ICT

   Clear and effective communication is crucial to our operations. We are committed to adapting traditional communication methods to better serve all employees and stakeholders, with special attention to the needs of those with disabilities. Our efforts include improving the accessibility of printed materials and ensuring that our in-person interactions and other non-digital forms of communication are designed to promote an inclusive environment.

   Action (Planned Completion)

   1. Conduct an audit of our organization’s communications tools and assess how they may be more accessible (Year 1)
   2. Create a Policy and Style Guide for ensuring that internal and external communications are more inclusive and accessible (consider type and size of font for email messages, message boards, etc.) (Year 2)
   3. Create a Policy for ensuring that virtual conference calls and meetings are conducted on accessible platforms (Year 1)
   4. Create a Policy for creating accessible documents (Year 1)
   5. Train staff in creating accessible documents and presentations to ensure all internal and external materials are inclusive. (Years 1, 2 & 3)

5. Procurement of Goods, Services, and Facilities

   Procurements are conducted mainly on a departmental level, in consultation with finance. Each Department conducts important work in fulfilling OUTtv’s mandate and key priorities. Through our procurement practices, we strive to reflect our commitment to accessibility.

   Action (Planned Completion)

   1. Conduct an audit of current procurement policies, processes and procedures and consider options to improve accessibility within our organization (Year 1)
   2. Incorporate accessibility criteria into procurement policies and procedures (Year 2)
   3. Develop a list of approved suppliers that offer goods, services, and facilities that are accessible for persons living with disabilities (Year 2)

6. Design and Delivery of Programs and Services

   As an independent Canadian broadcaster, providing high quality, entertaining, and engaging media services to Canadian audiences is the primary mandate of our organization.

   We recognize the importance of designing and delivering programs and services that are accessible to our audiences, including those with disabilities.

   OUTtv’s mandate is to provide programming of interest to the LGBTQ2+ community, and in doing that, has actively been working to ensure that LGBTQ2+ persons with disabilities are included both on-screen and behind the camera wherever possible. LGBTQ2+ persons with disabilities have been featured in documentaries commissioned by OUTtv. Another recent commission, the scripted series, Womb Envy, which was a co-production with Accessible Media (“AMI”), featured a Blind person in a lead role, and was produced with in-program described video. A new co-production with AMI, shooting in September 2024 will be presented by Rosie Jones, who has cerebral palsy. We look forward to continuing our relationship with AMI in the future.

   Our commitment is reflected in our continuous efforts to evaluate, adapt, and enhance the accessibility of our programs and services to ensure they are comprehensible, reachable, and usable for everyone, regardless of their abilities.

   Action (Planned Completion)

   1. Conduct a review and assessment of how programming content licensed for our broadcasting service(s) may be more accessible for audiences (Year 1)
   2. Conduct outreach with the Disability Screen Office (DSO) to determine how best to work with content creators and producers that are living with a disability (Year 1)
   3. Conduct a review of the content available on our web-based platforms and determine how accessibility may be enhanced (Year 2)
   4. Review and update our Guidelines for Producers to ensure that accessibility is prioritized throughout the production process (Year 1)

7. Transportation

   This area of accommodation and accessibility is not relevant to OUTtv. We therefore have no comments for this section.

8. Licence Conditions and Requirements Under the Broadcasting Act:

   The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulates and supervises broadcasting in Canada. As such, the CRTC requires broadcasters to comply with certain accessibility requirements, such as closed captioning, described video and audio description of audiovisual content (these obligations can vary depending on a broadcaster’s licensing requirements).

   As required by section 42(1) of the Accessible Canada Act, we have set out a list applicable conditions and requirements that OUTtv adheres to under pursuant to our broadcasting licence(s) that ensure accessibility of our broadcasting services.

   1. Closed Captioning

      The licensee shall caption 100% of the English- and French-language programs broadcast over the broadcast day, consistent with the approach set out in A new policy with respect to closed captioning, Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC 2007-54, 17 May 2007.

   2. Described Video

      1. If the licensee broadcasts four hours or more per broadcast week of English- or French-language programming drawn from any of the program categories listed below, it shall, by the beginning of the fourth year of the first licence term during which this condition of licence applies, provide a minimum of four hours of described video per broadcast week for that programming.
      2. If the licensee broadcasts less than four hours per broadcast week of English- or French-language programming drawn from any of the program categories listed below, it shall, by the beginning of the fourth year of the first licence term during which this condition of licence applies, provide described video for all of that programming.
      3. These requirements apply to programming drawn from the following program categories set out in Item 6 of Schedule 1 to the Discretionary Services Regulations, as amended from time to time: 2(b) Long-form documentary, 7 Drama and comedy, 9 Variety and 11(a) General entertainment and human interest and 11(b) Reality television, and/or to programming targeting preschool children (0-5 years of age) and children (6-12 years of age).

   3. Audio Description

      1. The licensee shall provide audio description for all the key elements of Canadian information programs, including news programming.

    

   Since 2015, OUTtv has met all its obligations with respect to the condition of licence to broadcast 100% of its programming, promos and advertising with closed captions, both during the broadcast day and overnight.

   OUTtv currently broadcasts more than four hours per broadcast week of English-language programming in categories 2(b), 7, 11(a), and 11(b) and is therefore required to broadcast a minimum of 4 hours of such programming with described video. OUTtv’s library of programming with described video is growing, and every program that is delivered with described video is broadcast with it available.

   OUTtv does not broadcast information or news programming, so provision of audio description is not applicable to our service.

   We strive to meet these requirements during each broadcast year. We will continue to do so during the next three years.

   Action (Planned Completion)

   1. Operate in compliance with licensing and regulatory requirements relating to closed captioning, described video and audio description (Years 1, 2 & 3)
   2. Explore best practices within the broadcasting sector to serve persons with disabilities (Year 1, 2 & 3)

Conclusion

As we move forward our Three-Year Accessibility Plan, OUTtv is inspired by a vision of an inclusive community for all Canadians. This plan reflects an important step towards diversity, inclusion, and equality. The insights we gained from our consultations with persons living with disabilities were eye-opening, and will inform the steps OUTtv plans to take to make OUTtv a more accessible company, both for our current and future employees and for all persons who use our broadcast and online services.

We look forward to continuing to work with persons with disabilities, our stakeholders, the broadcast community, and our clients to contribute to achieving the goals and objectives of the Accessible Canada Act.