Accessibility Checklist

Use this checklist to rate organizations you use and to help them learn ways to improve their communication access for you and others. Tell the organization what they do well and how they could improve.

Respect and Privacy

1. Are people friendly?
2. Do people treat with you in a respectful way?
3. Do people talk directly to you?
4. Do people take you seriously?
5. Are people patient when you communicate?
6. Do people respect your privacy?

Communication

1. Do people respond when you try to get their attention?
2. Do people assume you understand unless you tell them otherwise?
3. Do people ask you what they can do to make communication go smoothly?
4. Do people follow your instructions on what you want them to do when communicating with you?
5. Do people let you use the communication method that you want to use?
6. Do people tell you if they don’t understand your message?
7. Do people give you opportunities to clarify your message if they don’t understand the first time?
8. If you use a communication assistant, do people speak directly to you and allow you to direct your assistant?

Time

1. Do people give you the time you need to communicate?
2. Can you book extra time for an appointment?
3. Do you get service in a timely manner?
4. Do you have to wait longer than other people for service?

Setting

1. Are there quiet places for conversation?
2. Is the area well lit?
3. Are items positioned where you can see them?
4. Are the service desks at a level for someone who uses a wheelchair?

Signs

1. Are the signs easy to see and understand?
2. Is the communication symbol displayed and do people know what it means?

Telephones

1. Does the receptionist know how to communicate with you over the phone?
2. Can you use email or text instead of the phone?
3. Can you use an assistant over the phone?

Reading

1. Are brochures and documents easy to handle and read?
2. Are documents easy to understand?
3. Are the documents available in plain language?
4. Are the materials available in larger font?
5. Can they email the documents to you if you want to use a screen reader?
6. Is there someone available to assist with reading if you require this?

Forms

1. Are forms easy to read and understand?
2. Are the forms easy to fill out?
3. Are the forms available in larger font?
4. Can the forms be emailed to you so you can fill them out on your computer?
5. Can you save the form on your computer if you need to take a break before submitting it?
6. Can you use your typing software (e.g. prediction and spelling checkers) when you fill out the form?
7. Is there someone to assist you filling out forms if needed?
8. Does the organization access the way you sign documents?

Note-taking

1. Can you audio record a session instead of writing notes?
2. Is there someone who can assist you in taking notes or writing down appointment times and instructions?

Meetings

1. Is the agenda sent out a head of time so you can prepare your messages?
2. Are communication assistants provided?
3. Do meeting organizers know how to engage a communication assistant from the database?

Healthcare Settings

1. Has the facility documented who you have authorized to assist you communicating?
2. Have healthcare providers ensured you have your authorized communication assistant with you when giving consent to your treatment?

Police, legal and justice services

1. Have police, legal and justice services provided you with a communication intermediary to assist you communicating in these settings?