Equity, Accessibility & Non-Discrimination Policy

Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs, Inc. (PawPADs)

1. Purpose and Commitment

Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs, Inc. (“PawPADs”) is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment for all individuals who interact with our organization. This includes employees, volunteers, donors, program applicants, clients, partners, and members of the public.

We believe equity, accessibility, and non-discrimination are essential to our mission and to the ethical training, placement, and support of assistance dogs.

2. Non-Discrimination

PawPADs does not discriminate against any individual in employment, volunteer engagement, access to programs, or services on the basis of:

  • Race or color

  • Cultural heritage or national origin

  • Religion or creed

  • Age

  • Sex or gender

  • Sexual orientation

  • Marital status

  • Physical or mental disability

  • Medical condition

  • Veteran status

  • Political affiliation

  • Source of income

  • Any other status protected under local, state, or federal law

This policy applies to all aspects of PawPADs’ operations and decision-making.

3. Equity in Programs and Services

PawPADs strives to provide fair and equitable access to its programs and services. Eligibility determinations are based on program-specific criteria, professional assessments, and the best interests of both the individual and the dog.

Equity does not mean identical outcomes for all applicants; rather, it means consistent, thoughtful, and ethical evaluation of individual needs, circumstances, and program capacity.

4. Accessibility Commitment

PawPADs is committed to making information, services, and communications as accessible as reasonably possible.

Website Accessibility

PawPADs strives to make its website accessible to users with disabilities and works toward substantial conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level A. Ongoing efforts include:

  • Use of semantic HTML for screen reader compatibility

  • Descriptive alternative text for images

  • Keyboard navigation for interactive elements

  • Attention to color contrast and readability

  • Captions and transcripts for multimedia content

  • Testing with assistive technologies

• Accessibility tools and features may be provided to support user needs.

5. Requests for Accessibility Support

Individuals who experience difficulty accessing PawPADs’ website content, communications, or services are encouraged to contact us so we may review the concern and explore reasonable solutions.

Accessibility-related concerns will be reviewed and addressed in accordance with PawPADs’ Complaints Policy and Procedures.

6. Respectful Conduct and Harassment Prevention

PawPADs is committed to maintaining a respectful environment free from harassment, intimidation, or abusive conduct.

Harassment includes behavior that degrades, demeans, humiliates, or embarrasses another person and that a reasonable individual would find unwelcome. This may include actions, comments, or displays occurring in any setting related to PawPADs’ activities.

No individual has the right to harass another in any PawPADs-related context.

7. Accountability and Complaints

Concerns related to equity, accessibility, discrimination, or harassment may be raised through PawPADs’ formal Complaints Policy and Procedures.

Complaints are taken seriously and reviewed in a manner consistent with PawPADs’ governance practices, with appropriate escalation to leadership or the Board of Directors when necessary.

8. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure continued alignment with legal requirements, ethical standards, and best practices in accessibility, equity, and inclusion.

9. Contact Information

Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs (PawPADs)
9877 234th Street East
Lakeville, MN 55044

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (612) 643-5671

Menu