Accessibility Statement

Effective Date: 01/06/2024Last Updated: 12/07/2026

Introduction Youthrise for Development (YFD) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to promoting sustainable development, youth empowerment, education, environmental conservation, gender equality, humanitarian assistance, and community resilience. YFD believes that every person has the right to participate fully, access information, receive services, and contribute to society without discrimination or unnecessary barriers. As part of our commitment to inclusion and equality, YFD strives to ensure that our programmes, communications, facilities, and digital platforms are accessible to all individuals, including persons with disabilities, older persons, vulnerable groups, and individuals facing social or economic barriers. This Accessibility Statement outlines YFD’s commitment to improving accessibility across our organization and ensuring that everyone can engage meaningfully with our work. Purpose of this Statement The purpose of this Accessibility Statement is to:

  • Demonstrate YFD’s commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity.
  • Promote accessibility across our programmes, services, and communications.
  • Identify and reduce barriers that prevent participation.
  • Encourage feedback from persons with disabilities and other stakeholders.
  • Support compliance with national and international accessibility principles.
  • Our Commitment to Accessibility
  • Youthrise for Development is committed to ensuring that:
  • All individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
  • No person is excluded because of disability or other barriers.
  • Our information and services are provided in accessible formats where possible.
  • Communities have meaningful opportunities to participate in our programmes.
  • Accessibility considerations are integrated into project planning and implementation. Accessibility is not only a technical requirement but a fundamental aspect of human rights, social inclusion, and sustainable development. Accessibility in Our Programmes YFD aims to design and implement programmes that consider the needs of diverse groups, including:
  • Persons with physical disabilities;
  • Persons with visual or hearing impairments;
  • Children and young people;
  • Women and girls;
  • Elderly persons;
  • Vulnerable and marginalized communities.
  • Where possible, YFD will:
  • Conduct accessibility assessments;
  • Consult persons with disabilities and affected groups;
  • Adapt activities to accommodate different needs;
  • Promote inclusive participation;
  • Remove barriers to accessing services and opportunities.
  • Digital Accessibility YFD is committed to improving the accessibility of its website and digital communications. We aim to ensure that our website is:
  • Easy to navigate;
  • Clear and understandable;
  • Compatible with commonly used assistive technologies where possible;
  • Accessible on different devices;
  • Designed with readable content and appropriate formatting.

We strive to follow recognized accessibility principles, including the principles of:

  • Perceivability;

  • Operability;

  • Understandability;

  • Compatibility.

  • Accessible Communication

  • YFD recognizes that people access information in different ways. Where practical and resources permit, YFD will seek to provide information through accessible formats, including:

  • Clear and simple language;

  • Digital formats;

  • Large-print materials where required;

  • Alternative communication methods;

  • Local languages during community activities where appropriate. YFD will consider communication needs during programme design and community engagement. Physical Accessibility When organizing activities, YFD will consider accessibility requirements relating to physical spaces, including:

  • Meeting locations;

  • Training venues;

  • Community events;

  • Project facilities.

  • Where possible, YFD will encourage:

  • Safe access routes;

  • Appropriate seating arrangements;

  • Accessible facilities;

  • Support mechanisms for participants requiring assistance.

  • Inclusion and Non-Discrimination

  • YFD does not tolerate discrimination based on:

  • Disability;

  • Age;

  • Gender;

  • Ethnicity;

  • Religion;

  • Social background;

  • Economic status;

  • Any other protected characteristic. All individuals engaging with YFD have the right to participate safely and equally. Accessibility and Safeguarding YFD recognizes that persons with disabilities and vulnerable individuals may face increased risks of exclusion, exploitation, or abuse. Accessibility efforts are therefore linked with our:

  • Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy;

  • Gender Equality and Inclusion Policy;

  • Code of Conduct. YFD is committed to ensuring that safeguarding measures are inclusive and accessible to everyone. Working with Partners YFD encourages partners, contractors, and service providers to respect accessibility and inclusion principles. Where appropriate, partnership agreements may include commitments relating to:

  • Non-discrimination;

  • Inclusive participation;

  • Accessible service delivery;

  • Respect for human rights.

  • Feedback and Continuous Improvement YFD welcomes feedback from individuals regarding accessibility challenges or suggestions for improvement. If you experience barriers when accessing our website, programmes, services, or information, please inform us. Feedback may be submitted through:

  • Youthrise for Development (YFD)

  • Email: accessibility@youthrisefordevelopment.org

  • Telephone: +237 674 854 112 We will consider all feedback and use it to improve our accessibility practices. Limitations While YFD is committed to accessibility, we recognize that some barriers may remain due to:

  • Available resources;

  • Technical limitations;

  • Infrastructure challenges;

  • Local operating conditions. We remain committed to continuous improvement and progressive enhancement of accessibility. Monitoring and Review YFD will periodically review accessibility practices through:

  • Programme monitoring;

  • Stakeholder feedback;

  • Website reviews;

  • Staff awareness activities;

  • Organizational learning processes.

  • Commitment Statement Youthrise for Development believes that sustainable development can only be achieved when everyone has the opportunity to participate and benefit. Through this Accessibility Statement, YFD reaffirms its commitment to creating inclusive programmes, accessible communication, and respectful environments where every person can contribute and thrive. Contact Information Youthrise for Development (YFD) Head Office: Buea, South-West Region, Cameroon Telephone: +237 674 854 112 Email: info@youthrisefordevelopment.org Website: www.youthrisefordevelopment.org Approved by:

  • Board of Directors

  • Youthrise for Development (YFD)

  • Date: 01/06/2024