At ICF Houston, it is our vision to be a diversified and inclusive chapter that embodies inclusion. Each day we are working towards this in everything we do.

It is our mission to ensure everyone is treated with respect and experiences equity in our interactions, policies and programs. 

ICF Houston Accessibility and Inclusive Participation Commitment

ICF Houston is committed to creating chapter experiences where members, participants, guests, volunteers, speakers, and community partners have a meaningful opportunity to belong, learn, participate, contribute, and lead.

We recognize that accessibility extends beyond our website. It includes how we communicate, plan and deliver events, select venues and technology, develop resources, and engage the people who take part in our chapter community.

Accessibility is essential to belonging. When barriers are identified and reduced, more people can bring their presence, perspective, talent, and leadership into the coaching community. This strengthens individual participation and the quality, reach, and integrity of our work together.

We will work progressively to identify and reduce barriers across our in-person, virtual, and digital experiences. This includes considering physical, sensory, communication, cognitive, neurological, and technological access when planning chapter activities and events.

This commitment is not a promise that every request can or will be met exactly as presented. Rather, it is a commitment to listen carefully, engage in collaborative dialogue, evaluate needs in good faith, and explore effective ways to align our intentions with our actions.

Creating accessible and inclusive chapter experiences is a shared responsibility. ICF Houston is responsible for how we design, communicate, plan, and respond. Members, participants, guests, speakers, volunteers, and partners also help shape the environment through how they communicate, engage, and participate with care.

ICF Houston will:

• Provide a clear process for accessibility-related questions, requests, or concerns connected to chapter events, activities, and programs through the ICF Houston Accessibility Support Request Form
• Designate the DEIB Director at DEIB@icfhoustoncoaches.org as the point of contact for the accessibility support process.
• Consider accessibility when selecting venues, virtual platforms, event formats, learning materials, and communication methods.
• Communicate access-related information as clearly and early as possible.
• Improve the accessibility of chapter communications and digital content using recognized guidance and available resources.
• Use practical digital accessibility practices where appropriate, such as accessible documents, readable formatting, captions or transcripts when available, descriptive links, and image descriptions for meaningful visual content.
• Listen respectfully when barriers are identified and work in good faith to explore collaborative and effective solutions.
• Use member and participant feedback to inform continuous improvement.
• Review accessibility practices regularly and identify priorities for continued learning and action.

Members, participants, guests, speakers, volunteers, and partners are invited to:

• Communicate accessibility needs, questions, or concerns as early as possible when support may be needed.
• Engage in good-faith dialogue when exploring effective ways to support participation.
• Share feedback when chapter practices, communications, programs, or environments create unintended barriers.
• Respect the access needs, dignity, privacy, and participation of others.
• Use available accessibility supports in ways that strengthen shared participation.
• Help create a chapter culture where belonging, learning, participation, contribution, and leadership are available to more people over time.

Accessibility is an ongoing practice. We acknowledge that we will not address every barrier immediately or perfectly. We nevertheless accept responsibility for listening, learning, taking reasonable action, and improving the ways people experience our chapter.

This work is not about checking boxes or trying to please every preference. It is about building a coaching community where our practices reflect our values and where people can participate with dignity, independence, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Accessibility is a shared responsibility and a continuous learning journey. As our chapter grows, we will continue working together to reduce barriers, strengthen belonging, and align our actions with the inclusive community we seek to build.

Reference Points

The following resources inform ICF Houston’s ongoing learning and continuous improvement related to accessibility and inclusive participation:

• Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA.gov

• ICF Global Accessibility Statement

These resources are provided for reference and context. They are not intended as legal advice or as a statement that every standard, law, or practice applies directly to every ICF Houston activity. Rather, they help ground our commitment in recognized accessibility principles and the broader values of the International Coaching Federation.