Introducing Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility CertificationTM (RHFAC) v4.0 – building a world for everyone, everywhere!
Effective January 15, 2024, the new RHFAC Rating Survey v4.0 will be available. This new version builds upon the previous rating survey to provide organizations with a snapshot of the overall level of meaningful access of their sites and demonstrate their commitment to accessibility. RHFAC v3.0 will continue to be available as an option for Sites to register until June 30, 2024.
The RHFAC Technical Subcommittee developed RHFAC v4.0 by reviewing each category of the Rating Survey, providing input, and incorporating feedback gathered from:
- People with varying disabilities;
- Disability sector leaders and advocates;
- Built environment professionals;
- Industry experts and leaders;
- Researchers; and
- RHFAC Professionals who have collectively rated almost 2,000 buildings to date.
Major updates include:
- New criteria to evaluate how readily Sites accommodate people with various neurological experiences. These criteria are introduced through a new Rating Survey category, “Category 11: Mind-Friendly Environments.”
- Enhanced criteria for evaluating mobility barriers for users who are ambulatory but who experience limited mobility or flexibility.
- The addition of new elements/features in common building typologies, such as family/nursing rooms, specialized learning spaces, libraries, and respite and sensory rooms.
- New criteria to evaluate the use and impact of technology and innovation on meaningful access at the Site. These criteria are introduced through a new Rating Survey category, “Category 12: Technology & Innovation” to encourage innovation and the use of technology.
- Updated technical specifications arising from updates to building codes, accessibility design standards, such as CSA B651 and CSA B652, and other emerging research and best practice.
The RHFAC Training course will be updated to align with RHFAC v4.0. RHFAC Professionals who have already taken the course will be provided with additional training and must pass a knowledge test before conducting ratings using RHFAC v4.0.
RHFAC is committed to being a leader in accessibility to remove barriers and ensure people with disabilities are living to their full potential. To help achieve this, we plan to update the RHFAC Rating Survey every three to five years to ensure the program remains on the forefront of innovation, and we continually welcome input from industry professionals and the disability community.