The Hub PowerED™ by AU launches online Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™
Professional Development with PowerED

PowerED™ by AU launches online Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™

Professionals all across the world can now earn the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) thanks to a partnership with PowerED™ by Athabasca University (AU).

Beginning January 13, the first cohort of learners will take this course, being offered for the first time in at a distance thanks to AU’s expertise in delivering distance learning.

Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ Logo

For PowerED™ Director Jessica Scott, this partnership is a huge step towards fulfilling AU’s commitments to breaking down barriers for our learners.

“Through our partnership, we will provide RHFAC with the digital infrastructure and enriched online learning experience to expand their reach to offer the training across Canada and globally, to help identify physical barriers in public places and spaces, and improve accessibility in our communities,” she said.

RHFAC is a rating system that uses trained professionals to evaluate the meaningful access of commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential buildings and sites. Accessibility is more important than ever in Canada, with nearly 50 per cent of adults having or having experienced a permanent or temporary physical disability or living with someone who has.

This course will provide participants with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to rate a site using the RHFAC, which in turn will help building owners and tenants measure the meaningful accessibility of their sites and promote increased access through the adoption of universal design principles.

“Through our partnership, we will provide RHFAC with the digital infrastructure and enriched online learning experience to expand their reach to offer the training across Canada and globally.”

– Jessica Scott, Director, PowerED™ by Athabasca University

Brad McCannell, VP Access and Inclusion at the Rick Hansen Foundation, said it’s important for organizations to pursue the RHFAC, as it is the only program in Canada to rate the level of meaningful accessibility nationally.

“Being able to offer an online version of RHFAC training ensures we can reach a broader audience, including those for whom commuting to a physical classroom may be a barrier,” he said.

Once participants have completed the program, they will be eligible to be publicly listed on the online RHFAC Registry to showcase their achievement.

RHFAC training course registration is now open for a start date of Jan. 13, 2020, and space is limited! Register today.