Rawlco Radio Accessibility Plan 2026
1. SUMMARY
Introduction and Executive Summary
Rawlco Radio Ltd. (Rawlco Radio) is pleased to publish our Accessibility Plan for 2026-2028. This Plan outlines our ongoing processes of identifying, removing and preventing barriers to accessibility within our organization. We support the principles established by the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and this is our plan to achieve the goals set-out in the Act.
Rawlco Radio is a private radio “only” company. We operate 7 radio stations located in Regina, Saskatoon and Calgary. We strive to be the best local broadcasters we can in all areas for the benefit of our local communities. Supporting our local communities in the best possible way is always top of mind of us.
We support many local charities and organizations that provide support to persons with accessibility challenges: we have made significant monetary donations and we provide on-going radio promotional support to these organizations. We also lead many local fundraising initiatives in our communities, supporting many of these local community organizations.
Definitions
Barrier: anything—including anything physical, architectural, technological or attitudinal, anything that is based on information or communications or anything that is the result of a policy or a practice—that hinders the full and equal participation in society of persons with an impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment or a functional limitation.
Disability: any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment—or a functional limitation—whether permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, or evident or not, that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society.
2. GENERAL
2.1 Statement of Commitment
Rawlco Radio is committed to making our workplace, policies, programs and services more accessible for employees, audiences, and members of the general public.
We work to create accessible and inclusive experiences by removing barriers so people with disabilities can fully participate in our programs, access information and receive services independently.
Rawlco Radio recognizes that accessibility is an ongoing responsibility. We remain committed to listening, learning, and improving accessibility wherever barriers exist.
2.2 Contact Information & Feedback
We welcome feedback from our listeners, clients, and members of the community regarding our Accessibility Plan. Individuals may submit feedback anonymously and in the format that best meets their needs. Feedback can be submitted via our feedback form available at Rawlco.com, through postal mail, calling our office or by sending an email:
Human Resources (Attention: Ian Koturbash)
Rawlco Radio Ltd.
715 Saskatchewan Crescent West
Saskatoon, SK.
S7M 5V7
Office telephone: 306-934-2222
Email address: feedback@rawlco.com
Individuals who provide formal feedback receive acknowledgement of their feedback along with any resulting actions.
2.3 Alternative Formats
Our Accessibility Plan is also available in the following formats upon request:
- Large print
- Audio
- Braille
When requested, Rawlco Radio will provide alternative formats available as soon as feasibly possible but within 45 days for Braille or audio format; 15 days for print.
3. CONSULTATIONS
3.1 Consultations with Employees
Through the work of our Employment Equity Committee, we have regular ongoing consultations with our entire staff about identifications of barriers to employment of persons with disabilities. This is an ongoing process and will continue into the future. Our Accessibility Committee will have discussions with our Employment Equity Committee. The feedback and input we get from ongoing consultations play a key role in the ongoing organic growth of both our Employment Equity Plan and our Accessibility Plan.
In our weekly reporting process, we encourage employees to discuss any employment equity issues they identify, we will engage them on accessibility issues as well.
3.2 Consultations with Persons with Disabilities
Rawlco Radio participated in a consultation session led by the Broadcasting Accessibility Fund (BAF), an independent not-for-profit funding body that provides grants for innovative projects to advance accessibility to broadcasting content across multiple platforms for Canadians living with disabilities. The session was led by three individuals living with hearing and sight related disabilities who each provided practical guidance on advancing accessibility in both broadcasting and the workplace. The consultation allowed opportunity to engage directly with the presenters and received feedback on best practices and approaches to improving accessibility for broadcasters.
As an overall takeaway, presenters emphasized that accessibility is most effective when it is embedded from the outset across content development, platforms, and internal practices rather than retrofitted over time. The presenters highlighted the importance of asking individuals what they need, adopting flexible workplace practices, ensuring accessibility features (particularly described video) are delivered consistently across linear and digital platforms. The session also underscored the value of using existing technologies, including captioning and transcription tools as an everyday practice. The overall message of this consultation session emphasized that meaningful accessibility progress requires sustained leadership commitment.
In February 2026, Rawlco Radio participated in a technical briefing session facilitated by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The session discussed phase one of the Digital Technologies Accessibility Regulations (the Regulations) under the Accessible Canada Act that are now in force for all federal public sector organizations. The intent of the Regulations is to make real and meaningful change and a difference for persons with disabilities using a phase-in approach to accessibility of digital technologies. Digital accessibility fundamental training will be key to raising awareness and making meaningful changes.
Rawlco Radio participated in a consultation session in March 2026, led by the Disability Screen Office (DSO), a national, disability-led not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing accessibility and inclusion in Canada’s screen industry. The session was led by Winnie Luk, the inaugural Executive Director of the DSO. Winnie is an individual living with disabilities, in particular Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and mobility-related disabilities. The session provided an overview of systemic barriers faced by individuals living with disability and highlighted practical approaches to embedding accessibility across all stages of production and workplace practices. The consultation further provided us with practical tools and resources to support the identification and removal of barriers, including an overview of the DSO’s Industry Resource Hub and the DSO’s upcoming best practices guide.
A large part of the discussion highlighted accessibility in production environments, which are equally applicable across broadcasting operations, including in-house production, workplace policies, and the acquisition of programming. Broadcasters were encouraged to view accessibility not only as a legal obligation under the Accessible Canada Act, but also as a strategic opportunity to expand workforce participation and audience reach. Overall, the consultation reinforced that meaningful accessibility requires sustained leadership commitment, proactive planning, and ongoing engagement with persons living with disabilities.
We have had discussions with a local community organization that employs people facing accessibility barriers. We are engaging with an organization that supports accessible and inclusive practices to obtain feedback on our accessibility efforts. We are organizing a tour and round table discussion, in the coming months, with Saskatchewan Abilities Council to discuss and identify any barriers or how we can be more accessible.
We participated in a round table discussion with CNIB Access Labs to review our accessibility practices. We have had discussions with CNIB Access Labs about doing a customized awareness presentation for our company managers and intend to do that in the future.
We are trying to do this in a smart way, what reasonable changes can we make to the way we operate that will make a difference to how accessible we are. That includes a number of things:
- Changes we can make now to be more accessible.
- Learning about ways to be more accessible that may not be implemented now, but will be considered in future changes that we make to the way we operate (educate ourselves).
- How we can continue to be supportive to these organizations in the community and get their message out. Our radio stations have a big voice in our local communities and we can be helpful to moving accessibility issues forward in our communities.
We will consider other methods of seeking input on our plan from our listeners, our clients and members of our community, including charitable organizations that we support.
Our Accessibility Plan will be posted on our corporate website www.rawlco.com. It will be accessible from the home page. We will invite feedback on our plan and ask for input on identifying barriers.
We will consider other methods of seeking input on our plan from our listeners, our clients and members of our community, including charitable organizations that we support.
4. AREAS OF ACCESSIBILITY
4.1 Employment
Our goal is to make Rawlco Radio an inclusive workplace where we attract, retain, and support all employees. Accessible employment practices help ensure that all employees are successful in the workplace without unnecessary barriers. Through inclusive hiring, accommodation, and flexible work environment, employees feel welcomed, supported, and valued, in an accessible and barrier-free manner.
Accessibility Goals
Provide training to hiring managers on inclusive interviewing practices and disability awareness.
Ensure managers invite discussion on any accommodation needs and requirements to support employees in their role.
4.2 Built Environment
Rawlco Radio’s broadcast facilities in Saskatoon and Calgary were designed and built for accessibility to persons with physical disabilities. We recognize the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities and actively take steps to create an inclusive and barrier-free space that allows everyone to navigate and engage with ease.
Accessibility Goals
In addition to the work already being done under our Employment Equity Plan, our Accessibility Committee will also seek external input on our built environment from our listeners and our clients. Our Accessibility Committee will make recommendations to management for changes when barriers are identified and suggest changes that can be made to eliminate the barriers. Reasonable timelines will be established for eliminating any barriers identified.
Our Health & Safety committees regularly review and monitor our physical buildings and notify our Accessibility Committee if barriers are present. The Accessibility Committee works to find solutions to make our locations accessible if it is determined there is need to help reduce any possible negative experiences.
We have identified a number of accessibility space planning practices in our built environment that we will consider in any future renovations that we undertake at any of our operations. Our goal is to make our built environment accessible whenever it is reasonable to accommodate. We know there are practices we can implement when planning spaces that will make our spaces more accessible and we are committed to reviewing and planning our spaces with that in mind.
4.3 Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
ICT includes our online platforms, websites, apps, digital documents and internal systems. Having accessible ICT is essential for employees and the widest possible audience to access our information and services.
Accessibility Goals
Our Accessibility Committee will seek external input on our Communication and Information Technologies from our listeners and our clients. This will include a review of our websites for AA conformance in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines established by the World Wide Web Consortium. Our goal is to identify barriers and make recommendations to management on how to eliminate the barriers. Reasonable timelines will be established for eliminating when barriers are identified.
4.4 Communication, other than ICT
We are continually working to stay up to date on information and communication technologies to ensure they are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Our Accessibility Committee will seek external input on our Communication and Information Technologies from our listeners and our clients. We have reviewed all of our websites for compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines established by the World Wide Web Consortium and address any accessibility gaps and we have made changes to comply with the guidelines.
Accessibility Goals
Our goal is to provide accessible formats to anyone who requests it a timely fashion.
Continue to review our websites for compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
Increase use of clear, plain language in written and spoken communications.
Ensure all signage is clear, legible and positioned to support easy navigation.
4.5 Procurement
Rawlco Radio keeps accessibility top of mind when making purchasing decisions for broadcasting equipment, office essentials, software and services.
We switched one service providers to a business that delivers foundational programs for adults with intellectual and related disabilities in Saskatoon and area.
Accessibility Goals
Our Accessibility Committee will seek internal and external input on our procurement process from our suppliers, listeners and our clients. Our goal is to identify barriers and make recommendations to management on how to eliminate the barriers. Reasonable timelines will be established for eliminating when barriers are identified.
4.6 Design & Delivery of Programs & Services
As a media broadcaster, we inform, entertain and represent the communities we serve. We take pride in connecting with our audience through local programming. Delivering accessible programming increases our audience reach, strengthens community engagement and ensures our content is available and enjoyed inclusively.
Accessibility Goals
Our Accessibility Committee will seek internal and external input on how we design and deliver our radio programs and our advertising services with regards to accessibility. Our goal is to identify barriers and make recommendations to management on how to eliminate the barriers. Reasonable timelines will be established for eliminating when barriers are identified.
4.7 Transportation
Rawlco Radio does not provide transportation services to the public.
Station vehicles are available to employees for work-related use such as news reporting, promotions, programming and technical. Employees must have a valid driver’s licence to use station vehicles.
Accessibility Goals
Grant flexibility when an employee with a disability cannot drive or needs to use their own adapted vehicle for work.
Provide accommodation when required. For example, an alternative transportation arrangement or mileage reimbursement for use of employee’s personal vehicle.
5. CONCLUSION
Rawlco Radio is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for our employees and our audiences. We will monitor and measure our progress to help make sure we meet our accessibility goals and remove barriers as they are identified.
We will review the feedback we receive, respond in a timely manner, and use it to help identify new barriers and make future improvements.
interaction with a barrier, hinders a person’s full and equal participation in society.