Inclusivity in Action: Building an Accessible Brand

Main activities: For over 65 years, Bellwoods has supported adults with physical disabilities to live independently. We offer affordable, wheelchair-accessible housing across Toronto, as well as community-based home services. Bellwoods’ staff support clients with daily living activities, including light chores, hygiene, and meal prep, empowering those with disabilities to live independently. The intern will join Bellwoods’ communications department, which leads strategic internal and external communications.

Challenges: Bellwoods does not have formal brand guidelines to inform inclusive communications and design. Without these guidelines, we do not have templates to help us adhere to the inclusive branding standards set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), such as print sizes, high-contrast colour palettes and screen-reader compatibility. Right now, Bellwoods spends significant time and energy working to create consistent, inclusive communications materials on an ad-hoc basis. We lack brand recognition and struggle to consistently connect with our staff and clients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Paul Zanettos

Student:

Partner:

Bellwoods Centres for Community Living Inc.

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology

Program: