Message from the CEO Sean Jeong
As CEO of JMIR Publications Inc, I affirm that we are committed to meeting the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and its integrated accessibility standards. This commitment is about more than just compliance—it is about ensuring equitable access for all customers, employees, and members of the public we serve.
Our Commitment in Action:
Customer Service: We strive to provide accessible customer service that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities.
Employment: We are dedicated to fair and accessible employment practices, providing accommodations throughout the recruitment, hiring, and tenure process.
Information and Communication: We are actively working to make our public information, including our websites and documents, accessible and easy to use.
Training: All employees will receive training on the requirements of the AODA and how to interact effectively with people with disabilities.
We believe that by removing barriers, we not only fulfill our legal obligations but also create a stronger, more innovative, and more inclusive organization. We will continue to review and improve our policies and practices to ensure they align with the principles of the AODA.
Introduction
Four years ago JMIR Publications Inc (JMIR) launched our Accessibility Menu, located in the top-right corner of our websites, which allows users to directly adjust various features as needed.
Keyboard Navigation: Our websites include features to aid users who rely on keyboard navigation, such as hidden links, which allow users to skip over certain content sections and access desired areas more quickly.
Research Focus on Accessibility
JMIR also advances the field of accessibility by publishing peer-reviewed research on the topic, particularly through its specialized journals:
JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies: This journal specifically focuses on research concerning the development, implementation, and evaluation of assistive technologies and health innovations for rehabilitation, directly addressing the needs of people with disabilities.
JMIR Human Factors: This journal publishes studies that evaluate and improve the usability, human factors, and cognitive accessibility of eHealth services and technologies for various user groups, including vulnerable populations.
Published Studies: JMIR journals feature articles that investigate and promote accessibility, such as usability studies
JMIR strives to meet the needs of its employees and customers with disabilities and is working hard to remove and prevent barriers to accessibility.
JMIR is committed to fulfilling our requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This accessibility plan outlines the steps we are taking to meet those requirements and to improve opportunities for people with disabilities.
Our plan shows how we will play our role in making Ontario an accessible province for all Ontarians.
The plan is reviewed and updated at least once every 5 years. We train every person as soon as practicable after being hired and provide training in respect of any changes to the policies
We maintain records of the training provided including the dates on which the training was provided and the number of individuals to whom it was provided.
Section 1. Past Achievements to Remove and Prevent Barriers | |
Customer Service |
Employment |
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Our organization confirms that we have remained in full compliance with the Customer Service Standards throughout the reporting period. We continue to ensure that all services are accessible and responsive to the needs of our clients, including individuals with disabilities Multi-Channel Feedback CollectionWe provide multiple avenues for customers to provide feedback, including a dedicated support email (support@jmir.org), with a response of 16 hours or less, via phone, operational Monday to Friday, live video chats (where required), and platform messaging system that allows customers to submit feedback directly from their JMIR user accounts. Empathetic and Constructive ResponseAll support inquiries are acknowledged within 16 hours or less, with staff trained to respond empathetically and to provide assistance to author queries. Internal Sharing and ActionFeedback is shared with both management and operational teams on a weekly basis in management meetings and daily on a user experience channel. For instance, recurring suggestions about improving our invoicing portal have been implemented, as well as continuously updating our knowledge base articles and information for authors for clearer understanding and transparency. Continuous ImprovementWe maintain a proactive improvement process. For example, after receiving feedback about our uploading system, we have implemented a new uploading future which is faster and more reliable. All knowledge base articles are updated frequently for clarity. Barrier IdentificationWe do not identify any potential barriers that may prevent customers in providing feedback, however have engaged a 3rd party accessibility consultant who will help with this going forward |
Over the past several years, JMIR Publications has taken proactive steps to create an inclusive and accessible workplace that supports employees of all abilities. Our goal is to remove barriers in recruitment, onboarding, and career development, while fostering a culture that values accessibility and equal opportunity. Key initiatives and actions include:Accessible recruitment practicesJob postings are written in plain language, available in accessible formats upon request, and focus on essential skills and qualifications. Inclusive hiring processesInterview accommodations are consistently offered and provided as needed, including extended time, alternate formats, and virtual or in-person options. Workplace accommodationsEmployees are encouraged to self-identify accommodation needs at any time. Requests are handled confidentially and collaboratively through Human Resources to ensure appropriate support is provided. Training and awarenessManagers and HR staff have received training on accessibility, unconscious bias, and inclusive hiring practices to ensure equitable decision-making. Accessible technology and toolsOur internal systems and platforms are regularly reviewed to ensure compatibility with assistive technologies. Return-to-work supportIndividualized plans are developed for employees returning from leave due to disability, ensuring a smooth transition back to work. Ongoing feedbackEmployees are encouraged to provide input on accessibility barriers through surveys and direct communication with HR, allowing us to identify and address challenges promptly. Our overall approach emphasizes continuous improvement and collaboration. We strive to not only meet but exceed the AODA standards by embedding accessibility considerations into all aspects of our employment practices and workplace culture. |
Information and Communications |
Training |
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Over the past years, JMIR Publications has taken proactive steps to reduce barriers to accessing and receiving information Previously JMIR launched our accessibility menu on our website. |
JMIR Publications is committed to ensuring that all employees understand their rights and responsibilities under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. All new hires and current employees are required to complete the “Working Together: The Code and the AODA” training provided by the Ontario Human Rights Commission. This training helps employees recognize and address accessibility barriers and promotes inclusive practices across the organization. Upon completion, each employee’s certificate of completion is securely stored in their personnel file as part of our compliance and record-keeping process. |
Section 2. Current and Future Plans to Remove and Prevent Barriers | |
| The projects and programs JMIR Publications Inc plans to accomplish to meet the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and to remove and prevent barriers to people with disabilities. | |
Customer Service |
Employment |
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JMIR Publications Inc is committed to providing accessible customer service to people with disabilities. This means that we will provide goods, services and facilities to people with disabilities with the same high quality and timeliness as others. Planned initiatives and timelines:Accessibility & Customer Service Training for StaffProvide annual training to all new and existing staff on accessible customer service, including understanding barriers faced by persons with disabilities, use of assistive technologies, and effective communication techniques. Timeframe: Annually, starting Q1 2026; ongoing each year
RecruitmentRecruitment and onboarding of new customer service staff. New staff; customer service standards help ensure consistent, high-quality interactions across all channels in a timely manner Timeframe: ongoing |
JMIR Publications Inc. is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. We strive to ensure that accessibility is integrated into every stage of the employment life cycle—from recruitment to onboarding, retention, and career development. Planned initiatives and timelines:AODA language on accommodation (2025)Introduce for new job postings Review and enhance recruitment materials (2026)Conduct a review of job postings and hiring processes to ensure language, formats, and platforms are fully accessible and inclusive. Update specific language on disabilities to offer letter and job postings. Develop a standardized accommodation process (2026)Create clear, documented procedures for requesting and implementing workplace accommodations, ensuring timely and confidential handling. Update return-to-work policy (2025)Strengthen our return-to-work procedures to better support employees with disabilities transitioning back to work. Annual accessibility review (ongoing)Continue assessing employment policies and practices each year to identify and remove potential barriers to accessibility and inclusion. |
Information and Communications |
Training |
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JMIR Publications Inc is committed to removing barriers to accessing information and receiving communications. We have embarked on a process of continuous improvement. Planned initiatives and timelines:In 2025 we engaged a partner Accessible Web to assess our websites for accessibility improvements. We have entered into an ongoing arrangement to continue to receive this support and automated monitoring of our websites for WCAG compliance. We are scheduling development resources to implement the changes identified through this partnership, both now and ongoing. Late 2025 into 2026 we also plan to pilot a post support request customer survey and feedback solution to help identify opportunities for improvement. |
JMIR Publications Inc. is committed to providing training on Ontario’s accessibility laws and the Ontario Human Rights Code as they relate to people with disabilities. We recognize that education is key to maintaining an accessible and inclusive workplace culture. Planned initiatives and timelines:Customer Service Training Module (2025 and ongoing)Require new hires and employees to take the Customer Service Training Module provided by Access Forward. Annual refresher training (2026 and ongoing)Introduce an annual refresher course to ensure continued awareness and understanding of accessibility obligations among all employees. Manager and supervisor workshops (2026)Implement role-specific training for managers and supervisors on supporting employees requiring accommodations and fostering inclusive teams. Accessibility resource hub (2027)Develop an internal online resource center with AODA materials, tools, and guidelines to promote ongoing learning and easy access to information. Tracking and compliance monitoring (ongoing)Maintain accurate records of employee training completion and ensure all new hires receive mandatory accessibility training within their first 30 days. |
For more information on this accessibility plan, please contact JMIR at +1 416 583 2040 ext 1001 email: accessible@jmir.org
Our accessibility plan is publicly posted at https://support.jmir.org/hc/en-us/articles/43272877624859-Multi-Year-Accessibility-Plan
Standard and accessible formats of this document are free on request from JMIR at +1 416 583 2040 email accessible@jmir.org
Revised December 2025
Accessibility improvements to formatting, link description and layout July 2026