OUR STANDARDS
What “verified” actually means
Every provider listed in the Hub has been assessed against a set of clear, consistent criteria. This page explains what we look for, how we check it, and what it means for you.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Finding care shouldn't feel like a gamble
For many spoonies, the process of finding a provider costs as much energy as the appointment itself. You research, email, hope, and then discover the practice isn't actually accessible, or the provider doesn't really understand what chronic illness involves.
We built the Hub to change that.Every listing in our directory has been assessed against our standards before it goes live. Those standards exist to protect your time, your energy, and your trust. They're not a marketing exercise - they're the foundation the whole platform is built on.
This page exists because we believe you deserve to know exactly what "verified" means before you decide whether to trust it.
HOW WE ASSESS PROVIDERS
Three things we assess every provider against
Our verification process is built around three core areas. A provider needs to meet the standard across all three to be listed - not just one.
One.Accessibility
Can someone with a chronic illness, disability, or fluctuating capacity access this service? We look at physical access, telehealth options, booking processes, wait times, communication methods, and whether reasonable adjustments are available and clearly communicated.
TWO.Spoonie awareness
Does this business understand the realities of living with chronic illness, disability, or neurodivergence? We assess whether they demonstrate genuine awareness of energy limits, pacing, fluctuating capacity, and the cumulative impact of navigating systems that aren't built for us.
THREE.Dignity and respect
Is the provider's approach genuinely person-centred and respectful of lived experience? We look for evidence that clients are believed, that communication is clear and non-dismissive, and that the provider reflects a commitment to doing less harm - not just saying the right things.
What we look at during assessment
THE DETAIL
Our assessment draws on a combination of a structured provider questionnaire, publicly available information, and - where relevant - community input. Here's what we review.
Check Practice accessibility information
Whether accessibility details are proactively communicated - not hidden or available only on request.
Check Service flexibility
Whether the business offers flexible booking, telehealth, home visits, or other adaptations that reduce access barriers.
Check Approach to chronic illness and neurodivergence
How the business describes their approach to clients with complex or fluctuating needs - and whether it reflects genuine understanding.
Check Evidence of training or lived experience
Relevant qualifications, additional training, or personal lived experience that supports their work with this community.
Check Community reputation
Where available and appropriate, we take community feedback into account - including concerns raised by spoonies who have used the service.
Check Commitment to our listing standards
Businesses agree to our listing terms, which include keeping their information accurate and notifying us of changes that affect accessibility.
"Being listed here means something. We built these standards so they stay meaningful."
— Laurissa, founder of The Spoonie Support Hub
AFTER LISTING
Verification isn’t a one-time tick box
Being listed in the Hub isn't a permanent badge - it's an ongoing relationship. We review listings periodically and take community feedback seriously.
Check_circle Listings are reviewed regularly
We revisit provider information to make sure it's still current and accurate. Providers are responsible for notifying us if anything changes - including if their accessibility provisions or service model shifts.
List We don't list everyone who applies
Some providers are declined. We'd rather have a smaller directory you can trust than a large one full of question marks. Curation is part of the service.
Contacts_product Your feedback is taken seriously
If you have a concern about a provider - whether that's outdated information, a negative experience, or something that doesn't align with our standards - you can let us know. We investigate and act where needed, up to and including removing a listing.
Policy Standards evolve with the community
Our standards aren't fixed forever. As the spoonie community's needs, language, and expectations evolve, we update our criteria accordingly. We'll always communicate significant changes.
FOR SPOONIES USING THE DIRECTORY
What our standards mean in practice
We want to be transparent about what our verified badge does - and doesn't - mean.
When you see a verified listing, you can expect:
The provider has been assessed against our three core criteria and met the standard at the time of listing.
Their accessibility information is accurate to the best of our knowledge - and they're required to keep it that way.
They've agreed to our listing terms, including a commitment to accessible, respectful practice.
We've reviewed available community information and have no outstanding unresolved concerns.
What it doesn't mean:
That every experience with this provider will be positive - people and practice vary, and we can't guarantee outcomes.
That the provider is a perfect fit for every person's specific needs, diagnosis, or circumstances.
That we have personally attended or audited the service - our assessment is based on the information available to us.
If your experience with a listed provider doesn't match what we've described, we want to know. You can contact us at any time - your feedback helps us maintain a directory that actually works for spoonies.
FOR BUSINESSES & PROVIDERS
Want to be part of this?
If you provide a service that's genuinely accessible and spoonie-aware, we'd love to hear from you. Applications are reviewed individually - and we'll always be honest if we don't think it's the right fit.