Accessible Employers Rebrand
Through a collaborative design process rooted in accessibility and strategic clarity, we helped Accessible Employers step into a bold new chapter that honours a decade of impact while paving the way for national growth.
Communication design challenge
Accessible Employers (AE) has spent years building a credible presence in BC, guiding businesses to become more inclusive, diverse, and equitable employers. The program went through a significant governance shift, moving from its origins as an initiative of the Presidents Group to operating as part of Open Door Group’s (ODG) Integrated Employment Services portfolio.
As a result, AE needed a refreshed brand identity that acknowledged its origins and history while clearly communicating its future direction as it expands its services across Canada.
We worked closely with the AE and ODG teams through the creative process to develop a new brand identity and visual system grounded in clarity and connection. Inspired by the idea of bridges and pathways forward, we introduced modern typography, vibrant and accessible colour palettes, and graphic elements that visually reinforce AE’s connection to ODG and its role in helping employers move toward more inclusive workplaces.
The project also helped to inform Open Door Group’s “house of brands” brand architecture. As a subbrand of ODG, the AE brand showcased foundational design principles and approaches to help ODG build a scalable brand framework for any future subbrands.
Alongside the design work, we also rewrote AE’s brand story. ODG operates several programs that compete for audience attention. We helped tell a more cohesive story about the AE program and how it fits within the full range of ODG’s integrated services, and provided language for consistent storytelling.
Accessibility informed the work from the beginning. The project incorporated plain language principles, accessible design considerations, and feedback from a disabled accessibility consultant to help ensure the brand experience reflected AE and ODG’s commitment to accessibility in practice.
Outcomes
By combining strategic brand clarity with accessible, human-centred design, we helped AE to establish a stronger, more cohesive identity, which helped to:
- Strengthen alignment between Accessible Employers and Open Door Group
- Improve clarity for internal and external audiences to understand AE’s services
- Modernize the organization’s visual presence while maintaining credibility and professionalism
- Create more consistency across digital, print, and event communications
The refreshed brand story and visual identity helped AE to expand its impact as it works to become a trusted partner for employers across Canada.
Our impact
“I really appreciated the blend of receptiveness and patience married with professionalism to support our mission. Navigating in the grey is not easy, and I thought you and your team managed this with grace and professionalism. While the outcome is the goal, sometimes it’s the process that’s important. You made us feel heard while we were navigating our own journey.”
