VSD Accessibility Page

ASL Welcome Video

About the Victim Support Directory

The Victim Support Directory (VSD) is committed to providing accessible information and services for people with disabilities. We strive to ensure our website and service navigation supports are accessible to individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, blind, have low vision, or use assistive technology.

Findhelp | 211 provides Information and Referral Services for the Victim Support Line and through the Victim Support Directory funded by the Government of Ontario.

The Victim Support Directory connects people in Ontario to services for those experiencing violence and abuse, including crisis support, helplines and shelters. This comprehensive resource database includes up-to-date information regarding services available to people in Ontario.

The Victim Support Line connects people to a trained service navigator who will connect clients to services and supports in their area 24/7, 365 days a year, in 200+ languages.

Our accessibility approach aligns with recognized accessibility standards, including:

• the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
• the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA

Accessibility is an ongoing commitment. We regularly review and improve our website and services to reduce barriers and improve access.

Website Accessibility

We work to make this website accessible through features and practices such as:

• ASL and LSQ video translations for key website content
• compatibility with screen readers and assistive technologies
• alternative text (alt text) for images
• clear headings and structured page layouts
• simplified navigation and readable page design
• text resizing and improved colour contrast for users with low vision

We are also working to improve website usability, including enhancements to the search function and the ability to search for services by language, such as American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ).

Accessible Communication

Support services connected to the Victim Support Directory may be accessed through multiple communication channels, including:

• phone
• Video Relay Service (VRS) compatible calls
• text and online chat

Where accessibility needs are identified, service navigators aim to provide more than one contact method for referrals and work with individuals to determine the most accessible communication approach.

Service navigators receive training to support accessible communication, including awareness of Deaf culture and the use of services such as VRS and Bell Relay Service (BRS).

Continuous Improvement

Accessibility improvements to the Victim Support Directory have been informed by an accessibility review conducted by Canadian Hearing Services (CHS), with a focus on improving access for Deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind users.

We are committed to ongoing accessibility improvements and will continue to review our website, services, and communication methods to identify and address barriers over time.

Accessibility Feedback

If you experience difficulty accessing this website or its services, or if you have suggestions for improving accessibility, please contact us at:

[email protected]

Feedback helps us identify barriers and improve accessibility for all users.