February 15, 2017

Accessibility Audits for Universal Places

 
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The Rick Hansen Foundation has announced an Accessibility Certification Program providing accessibility audits to ensure barrier-free experiences for people with mobility, vision and hearing disabilities. These standards also make it as easy as possible for people with walkers and young families with strollers to use buildings, public streets, walkways and parks.

The Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) has developed RHF Accessibility Certification, an inclusive design and accessibility rating system. Similar to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), it measures and rates accessibility features. According to a recent survey conducted by Angus Reid Institute, 88% of Canadians consider a LEED-style rating program for universal accessibility to be worthwhile.

Trained RHF Access Assistants are currently conducting free beta accessibility reviews and rating buildings throughout Metro Vancouver and the greater Victoria-Colwood area. The first phase of pilot testing of the new RHF Accessibility Certification is underway until June 2017.

To learn more about this innovative pilot and how you can help make your communities accessible for everyone, contact Karen Marzocco, Project Manager at kmarzocco@rickhansen.com, or visit www.rickhansen.com/Our-Work/Accessibility-Certification-Program.

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Leave a Reply to Alex BottaCancel Reply

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  2. This is great. But no one has yet proposed universal accessibility standards for entire neighbourhoods or cities. This is especially important near accessible high-capacity transit, like SkyTrain stations where multi-use zoning could feasibly place long-term care facilities, day care centres, universities, hundreds of residential units and a plethora of employment and commercial activities just an elevator ride or a short walk from the station platform. Why can’t the city be at your feet no matter who you are, how old you are, or the level of your physical abilities?

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