Statement of Equity

This Statement of Equity was developed through a thoughtful discussion with members of the Braille Tone Choir (now recognized as the Better Together Choir) in spring 2024. 

Being equitable in our choir rehearsals means:

• We provide lyric sheets or sheet music

• We use many different methods to teach

• We provide practice tracks

• We use non-gendered language when referring to sections of the choir (ie. ‘sopranos and altos’ instead of ‘women’; and ‘tenors and basses’ instead of ‘men’)

• The space we use is accessible with elevators, ramps, and accessible washrooms

• We hold rehearsals at times which allow for folks to get to rehearsals as easily as possible

• We accept everyone for who they are, no matter their racial or ethnic group, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, country of origin, socioeconomic status, language skill, or age/generation, across the range of neurodiversity.

We strive to make everyone feel welcome and able to participate by: 

• Remembering the importance of making people laugh

• Having help from section leaders and volunteers

• Greeting everyone who enters the space kindly

When we look at the choir, we hope the world will see that: 

• We are a reflection of our diverse world

• We celebrate diversity in all ways

• We believe that representation matters

When we consider disability, we find it important to: 

• Lessen or remove barriers 

• Recognize that we all play a part in inclusion