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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Norton Arts is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all participants. We believe every learner has the right to access training without discrimination, barriers, or unfair treatment. This policy outlines our commitment to equity, fairness, and anti-discrimination across all A.S.P.I.R.E.™ programs and related training services.

This policy applies to all learners, instructors, organizational clients, and anyone accessing Norton Arts training materials.

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1. OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Norton Arts provides equal access to all training programs regardless of:

  • Age

  • Race or ethnicity

  • Gender or gender identity

  • Sexual orientation

  • Religion or beliefs

  • Nationality or place of origin

  • Disability or accessibility needs

  • Socioeconomic status

  • Family or caregiver responsibilities

  • Trauma history or lived experience

  • Any other characteristic protected under Canadian law

All learners are welcome and will be treated with dignity and respect.

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2. ZERO TOLERANCE FOR DISCRIMINATION

Norton Arts maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward:

  • Discrimination

  • Harassment

  • Bullying

  • Threatening or aggressive behaviour

  • Hate speech

  • Retaliatory actions

  • Humiliation or shaming

  • Behaviour that undermines psychological safety

Discriminatory behaviour may result in removal from training without refund and may impact future access to Norton Arts programs.

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3. CULTURAL RESPECT AND INCLUSION

Norton Arts honours diverse cultural backgrounds and is committed to:

  • Using respectful, inclusive, and non-stigmatizing language

  • Avoiding culturally biased examples or assumptions

  • Providing training that supports diverse communication styles

  • Respecting different approaches to conflict, boundaries, and emotional expression

  • Welcoming feedback on cultural sensitivity and inclusion

We continually strive to improve our cultural competence.

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4. ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATION

Norton Arts supports equitable participation by offering reasonable accommodations for:

  • Disabilities

  • Learning needs

  • Mental health concerns

  • Trauma-sensitive participation

  • Language or communication barriers

  • Personal or workplace limitations

Learners are encouraged to request accommodations at any time by contacting robert@nortonarts.org. We will work collaboratively to identify appropriate solutions whenever feasible.

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5. TRAUMA-AWARE AND PERSON-CENTERED APPROACH

A.S.P.I.R.E.™ programs are designed using a trauma-aware framework. This means:

  • Learners are never pressured to disclose personal experiences

  • Emotional boundaries are respected

  • Participation is self-paced

  • Options are provided to pause, skip, or modify activities

  • Language is chosen to avoid triggering content where possible

  • Support is available for learners who feel overwhelmed

Psychological safety is essential to the learning process.

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6. FAIR AND EQUAL TREATMENT IN TRAINING ADMINISTRATION

All learners receive:

  • Equal access to materials

  • Transparent assessment criteria

  • Fair evaluation of reflective submissions

  • Timely responses to support requests

  • Clear expectations regarding conduct and licensing

  • Equal access to certificates upon successful completion

No learner or organization will receive preferential or unfair treatment.

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7. ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizations that enroll staff in A.S.P.I.R.E.™ training agree to:

  • Ensure their employees follow this policy

  • Provide equitable access and support within their own workplace

  • Avoid discriminatory or punitive responses to course participation

  • Communicate accommodation needs on behalf of staff when appropriate

Norton Arts reserves the right to decline partnerships with organizations that violate anti-discrimination principles.

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8. REPORTING DISCRIMINATION OR CONCERNS

Learners may report discrimination, harassment, or concerns about inclusivity by contacting:

Norton Arts
Email: robert@nortonarts.org

Complaints will be handled confidentially and in accordance with the Complaints & Appeals Procedure.

No learner will face retaliation for raising concerns in good faith.

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9. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Norton Arts is committed to ongoing improvement in equity and inclusion. We will continue to:

  • Review feedback

  • Update training materials

  • Consult with diverse communities

  • Adjust content to reflect best practices

  • Strengthen cultural sensitivity and trauma-awareness principles

Our goal is to ensure that A.S.P.I.R.E.™ remains a supportive and accessible program for all.

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