Accessibility Statement

Introduction

R.E.A.C.H.—Real Educational Answers for Community Hope—is committed to ensuring that our programs, facilities, and digital resources are accessible to everyone.
This Accessibility Statement outlines our efforts to meet or exceed accessibility standards for individuals with disabilities, older adults, non-English speakers, and anyone who may face barriers to participation.
Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where every person can learn, recover, and thrive.

Commitment to Accessibility

R.E.A.C.H. believes that equal access is a fundamental right.
We strive to provide services, information, and opportunities without discrimination based on ability, age, language, or economic status.
Accessibility is integrated into our mission to remove obstacles to education, mental health support, job training, and addiction recovery.

Legal and Ethical Standards

R.E.A.C.H. complies with all relevant federal, state, and local accessibility laws, including:

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Ensures equal access to public programs, services, and facilities.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 – Prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs receiving federal funding.
  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 – Provides standards for digital accessibility, including screen reader compatibility, color contrast, and keyboard navigation.
  • Pennsylvania Human Relations Act – Extends protections for individuals with disabilities at the state level.

Our commitment goes beyond legal requirements to embrace best practices in universal design.

Physical Accessibility

Facilities

All R.E.A.C.H. buildings and service locations are designed or modified to meet ADA standards. Features include:

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrances and exits.
  • Elevator or ramp access to all public areas.
  • Accessible restrooms with grab bars and adequate turning space.
  • Reserved parking spaces near entrances.
  • Clearly marked signage in large, high-contrast text.

If you encounter any physical barriers at our locations, staff are available to provide immediate assistance and record needed improvements.

Programs and Events

For workshops, counseling sessions, and public events, R.E.A.C.H. provides:

  • Accessible seating and meeting rooms.
  • Advance planning to accommodate mobility devices, service animals, and assistive technology.
  • Sign language interpreters or real-time captioning upon request.
  • Materials in large print or alternative formats.

Participants are encouraged to request accommodations at least 48 hours before an event to ensure availability.

Digital Accessibility

Website Standards

R.E.A.C.H. aims for compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which covers:

  • Text alternatives for non-text content (images, videos, graphics).
  • Keyboard-only navigation for individuals who cannot use a mouse.
  • Sufficient color contrast for people with low vision or color blindness.
  • Resizable text without loss of content or functionality.
  • Clear headings and logical structure for screen readers.

Ongoing Testing

The letsreachtogether.org website is regularly audited using automated tools and manual checks.
Staff and external specialists test for compatibility with major assistive technologies, including screen readers, voice recognition software, and alternative input devices.

Digital Resources

PDFs, downloadable guides, and online forms are designed to be accessible.
When third-party platforms are used (e.g., donation portals, event registrations), we select providers that meet recognized accessibility standards.

Communication Access

Language Services

R.E.A.C.H. serves a linguistically diverse community.
To ensure equal access, we provide:

  • Free interpretation services for non-English speakers during appointments, workshops, and crisis interventions.
  • Translation of essential documents into the most common languages spoken in Luzerne County.
  • Bilingual staff and volunteers whenever possible.

Alternate Formats

Upon request, R.E.A.C.H. can provide:

  • Large-print materials.
  • Braille documents for key forms and program guides.
  • Audio recordings of critical information.
  • Electronic documents compatible with screen readers.

Requests for alternative formats can be submitted via email to access@letsreachtogether.org or by calling 570-730-6081.

Program Accessibility

All R.E.A.C.H. programs—including education, job training, mental health counseling, and addiction recovery—are designed with accessibility in mind.

  • Education: GED classes offer flexible scheduling, online learning options, and adaptive equipment.
  • Job Training: Instructors provide hands-on demonstrations, captioned videos, and step-by-step written guides.
  • Mental Health Services: Counseling rooms are wheelchair accessible and private. Telehealth options are available for participants who cannot travel.
  • Community Outreach: Clothing drives and resource fairs are held in venues with barrier-free access and multilingual signage.

Transportation Support

R.E.A.C.H. helps participants overcome transportation barriers by:

  • Locating service sites near public transit routes.
  • Providing bus passes or ride-share vouchers for qualifying individuals.
  • Coordinating mobile outreach teams for those unable to travel.

Feedback and Grievance Procedure

R.E.A.C.H. values feedback from participants, employees, and visitors.
If you experience difficulty accessing any program, facility, or digital resource:

  1. Report the Issue: Contact us by email at access@letsreachtogether.org, call 570-730-6081, or complete the Accessibility Feedback Form available at all service sites.
  2. Describe the Problem: Include the date, location, and details of the barrier you encountered.
  3. Resolution: Our Accessibility Coordinator will acknowledge your report within five business days and propose a solution or timeline for correction.

Complaints are handled confidentially and without retaliation.

Staff Training

All employees and volunteers receive training on:

  • ADA compliance and disability etiquette.
  • How to assist individuals with different abilities respectfully and effectively.
  • Procedures for arranging accommodations or reporting barriers.
  • Use of assistive technology and accessible communication methods.

Annual refresher courses keep staff up to date on best practices.

Continuous Improvement

Accessibility is an ongoing process. R.E.A.C.H. commits to:

  • Regular reviews of policies, facilities, and technology.
  • Budget allocations for accessibility upgrades.
  • Community consultations to identify emerging needs.
  • Inclusion of people with disabilities in planning and evaluation efforts.

Responsibilities and Oversight

The Accessibility Coordinator, appointed by the Executive Director, oversees all accessibility initiatives.

  • Monitors compliance with federal and state regulations.
  • Coordinates responses to feedback and complaints.
  • Works with program directors to implement improvements.
  • Reports progress to the Board of Directors and community stakeholders.

Emergency Preparedness

R.E.A.C.H. ensures that emergency procedures include provisions for individuals with disabilities.

  • Evacuation routes are clearly marked and accessible.
  • Staff are trained to assist people with mobility or sensory impairments.
  • Emergency communications include visual and audible alerts.

External Partnerships

R.E.A.C.H. collaborates with local agencies and disability advocacy groups to strengthen accessibility:

  • Luzerne County Aging Office for senior accommodations.
  • Northeast Pennsylvania Center for Independent Living for peer support and accessibility resources.
  • Local transit authorities for transportation planning.

These partnerships expand services and help identify best practices.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Information related to accessibility requests or disability status is kept strictly confidential.
Data is used only to provide accommodations and improve services, in compliance with HIPAA and Pennsylvania privacy regulations.

Your Role in Accessibility

Community members can help maintain an inclusive environment by:

  • Respecting reserved accessible parking spaces and seating areas.
  • Offering assistance respectfully and only when requested.
  • Reporting barriers promptly to R.E.A.C.H. staff.

Contact Information

For accessibility questions, accommodation requests, or feedback:

Accessibility Coordinator
R.E.A.C.H. – Real Educational Answers for Community Hope
Phone: 570-730-6081
Email: access@letsreachtogether.org
Address: [Insert current Luzerne County office address]

Call to Action

Accessibility is everyone’s responsibility.
If you notice an obstacle, need an accommodation, or have ideas for improvement, please reach out.
Your input helps R.E.A.C.H. create programs and environments where all residents of Luzerne County can participate fully and equally.

Conclusion

R.E.A.C.H. is dedicated to continuous improvement in accessibility.
By combining legal compliance, staff training, technological upgrades, and community feedback, we strive to remove barriers and create a welcoming space for all.
Together, we can ensure that every individual—regardless of ability—has access to education, recovery, and opportunity.