Committed to accessibility

Being an accessible organization and providing services for artists who are Deaf or have a disability is a key priority. 

An access-first approach

With an access-first approach, Toronto Arts Council and Foundation seek to accommodate the diverse needs of our community on an ongoing basis through a disability justice lens. We’re committed to go beyond AODA compliance and work towards creating equal opportunity in accessing our programs and services, including but not limited to:

• providing accessibility accommodation for Deaf, Mad, and disabled audiences at events
• transparency about accessibility practices
• providing clear and simple steps to request accommodation
• remaining flexible in our approach
• encouraging open dialogue and community feedback about our accessibility practices.

We acknowledge that the process of identifying, addressing and removing barriers that grant recipients, applicants, community members and other stakeholders may experience in accessing our programs and services requires ongoing evaluation of our work and culture. 

Services for artists who are Deaf or have a disability 

TAC Accessibility Grants 

Projects involving Deaf artists and artists with disabilities may apply for an additional TAC grant by completing the Accessibility Expenses section of the Project application and including the requisite information in their budget. A TAC Accessibility grant will provide up to a maximum of $5,000 towards accessibility costs for artists incurred during the project. Accessibility costs include but are not limited to: ASL interpretation, audio description, closed captioning, communications assistants, attendant care (including helpers for Elders), support workers and equipment rentals or other supports required to meet artists’ accessibility needs). 

Application Accessibility Support 

Applicants who are Deaf, have a disability, or need support to complete their grant applications can apply for funds to cover the costs of assistance from Application Support Service Providers. Up to $500 is available per eligible applicant in each calendar year. Please contact your Grant Program Manager at least six weeks before the grant program deadline to determine eligibility, request application support funding, and to review the process for payment to be made to your Service Provider. Requests for application support require approval from the Grant Program Manager. 

Additional services for Deaf artists and artists with disabilities 

TAC will provide additional services to Deaf artists and artists with disabilities, such as ASL translation during meetings with Program Managers, if notified one month in advance. 

Access Plans for Grant Applicants

Encouraging accessible practices across the arts sector

Some of our granting programs ask applicants to submit an Access Plan, but what does this mean? An Access Plan details what you’re doing to make your arts event accessible, including promoting your event in an accessible way. Access Plans should consider things like transportation, space, acoustics, seating and more. There are several toolkits available to help you plan an accessible event; this toolkit from Accessibility Canada is one example. 

Office and Events

Accessible Office 

Our office at 26 Grand Trunk Crescent is wheelchair accessible. 

Accessible Events 

TAC Grant Program Managers regularly engage in outreach events to promote our funding programs. When these events are organized by TAC our policy is to ensure that the venue is accessible and that ASL interpretation is made available.  

Online grant information sessions hosted by TAC always include ASL interpretation and/or captions.  

AODA Compliant 

We ensure that our website and digital documents are compliant in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). However, we’re always seeking ways to improve. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact us.  

Responsive and open

We value feedback  

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to offer feedback or tips, please do not hesitate to contact us. You may also submit your feedback through this online form.  

Contact our Senior Manager, Outreach & Access

Do you have questions specific to our accessibility services and policies? Contact our Senior Manager, Outreach & Access.