Algonquin College Achieves Top Accessibility Rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification TM Program

Posted on Monday, April 11th, 2022

Ottawa, Ontario, April 11, 2022 – Today, Algonquin College announced it has secured a Gold rating for accessibility for two of its buildings and certification for a third, under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) program.

“This rating is a significant milestone in Algonquin College‘s journey toward accessibility, demonstrating its commitment to removing barriers to further accommodate all learners and employees,” said Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President and CEO. “As we move forward constructing new buildings and retrofitting existing structures, we appreciate the expertise and support from the RHFAC program and aspire to have more of our buildings certified.”

Brad McCannell, Vice President of Access and Inclusion at the Rick Hansen Foundation, said “We’re excited to see that Algonquin College has earned an RHFAC Gold rating. By prioritizing accessibility, Algonquin will improve the user experience of everyone, not just people with disabilities. Understanding the opportunities created and the substantial return on investment generated by delivering meaningful access are important steps in Canada’s journey towards a more inclusive future.”

The two Certified Gold buildings and the Certified building have a broad range of accessibility features that led to its rating including:

The Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre fully meets RHFAC Gold Certification requirements. The final rating score for the Gold Certification Level is 85% and includes the following Key Areas of Success:

  • Enhanced Path of Travel & Interior Circulation
  • Elevator technology provides an audible announcement of floor level and emergency hearing technology.
  • Universal washrooms and change rooms throughout the facility
  • A second-floor fitness area highlighted by a state-of-the- art accessible equipment area

 

The Robert C. Gillett Student Commons fully meets the requirement for RHFAC Gold Certification. RHF Accessibility Certified Gold achieving 85%. The facility highlights include:

  • Universal washrooms are equipped with adult change tables on two of the three levels.
  • Truncated domes at the top of all staircases
  • Hearing technology is available to all students, staff and visitors upon request.

The Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence, ACCE

The Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence ACCE building achieved a rating of 81%. Algonquin College is scheduling a major capital project which will include an upgrade to the ACCE building, bringing it to the Gold standard by end of 22-23 FY. The facility highlights include:

  • Universal washroom equipped with adult change table on the main floor
  • Accessible showers on several levels
  • Hearing technology available to all learners, employees and visitors upon request.

The RHFAC program works with organizations to rate the level of access of the built environment, based on the holistic user experience of people with varying disabilities affecting their mobility, vision and/or hearing. To-date, over 1,300 sites across Canada have been rated through the program.

The RHFAC program serves as a tool for industry leaders to raise the standard for accessible design and ensure people of all abilities can fully contribute and participate in the spaces where we live, work, learn and play.

For more on the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification program or to book your rating, visit www.rickhansen.com/RHFAC

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About the Rick Hansen Foundation

The Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) was established in 1988, following the completion of Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour. For nearly 30 years, RHF has worked to raise awareness, change attitudes, and remove barriers for people with disabilities. Visit www.rickhansen.com to learn more.

About Algonquin College

The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario public sector community college, does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in more than 185 programs. Based in the Ottawa Valley, Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario.

 

RHF Media Contact:

rhf@yulupr.com
604.558.1656

Algonquin College
Sara-Lynne Levine
Communications Officer
levines2@algonquincollege.com


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