1 in 4 Canadians has a disability, and creating physically accessible spaces where we live, learn, work and play is critical to creating inclusive communities. Many different industries have a role to play, from architects in the design phase to municipalities in policymaking and community building. Whether you are an architect, building owner, facilities manager or diversity, equity and inclusion professional, an understanding of meaningful physical accessibility will help you create and advocate for accessible spaces.
The Rick Hansen Foundation has collaborated with people with physical disabilities, experts in the built environment, legislation and building code as well as accessibility professionals and education partners to create training courses and resources on accessibility and disability awareness.
RHF Inclusion & Accessibility Training
Do you want to grow your understanding of disability in the community, gain confidence communicating and interacting with people with disabilities, and recognize barriers to accessibility?
This 1-hour introductory online course features leaders in inclusion and accessibility, and people with lived experience and will introduce you to accessibility and disability inclusion concepts. Available anytime, anywhere, this self-directed on-demand course will help you get started on your accessibility journey and begin to break down attitudinal barriers.
RHFAC Fundamentals Training
Do you want to learn more about what makes spaces meaningfully accessible for people with varying disabilities?
This 4-week online course will provide you with increased understanding of the needs of people with disabilities, the barriers to participation and how our physical spaces can be made more accessible. Enhance your knowledge of Universal Design and meaningful access in the built environment through case studies and be introduced to RHFAC methodology.
RHFAC Professional Training
Are you a built environment professional wanting a more in-depth understanding of what makes spaces meaningfully accessible, as well as the knowledge to rate buildings using RHFAC methodology?
This 8-week online course trains professionals to understand the needs of people with varying disabilities, and rate spaces from a human-centered perspective. Through the application of the RHFAC methodology, you will learn the practical skills needed to measure the accessibility of existing sites and incorporate a Universal Design lens to your projects.
How Do I Know Which Course is Right for Me?
RHF Inclusion & Accessibility Training
For individuals who want an introduction to learning more about disability in the community, communicating appropriately and to begin their journey in recognizing attitudinal and physical barriers.
Including but not limited to:
• Anyone who is interested in raising their awareness and knowledge of inclusion and accessibility
Where
Online, self-paced
Length
1 hour
Prerequisites
None. Introductory.
RHFAC Fundamentals Training
For professionals who influence the meaningful accessibility for people with disabilities in spaces. Including, but not limited to:
• Contractors and builders
• Human resources and office managers
• Urban planners
• Disability experts and advocates
• Event and venue managers
This course does not qualify individuals to take the exam to earn their RHFAC Professional designation.
Where
Online with virtual in-person sessions
Length
4 weeks
Prerequisites
None. Introductory.
RHFAC Professional Training
(Updated course coming Fall 2024)
For built environment professionals who design, operate and maintain spaces. For those who want to rate spaces using RHFAC methodology and have the option of earning their RHFAC Professional designation. Including, but not limited to:
• Architects
• Civil engineers
• Building and interior designer
• Property managers
• Facility managers
• Accessibility consultants
Where
Online with virtual in-person sessions
Length
8 weeks
Prerequisites
Yes — access the prerequisites
Interested in Group Bookings? To learn more about Group Bookings or to ask any question about the courses, please email training@rickhansen.com.
Learners speak to the value of Training
Not Sure Where to Start? Let us Help.
If you are not ready to sign up for a course, we can still help get you started. Sign up below to receive invitations to free professional development webinars about accessibility and disability inclusion, the latest in Canadian accessibility news, insights on accessibility legislation and more.
| Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program. |  |