To celebrate National AccessAbility Week (May 29 – June 4), we are thrilled to announce that five uOttawa buildings, namely: Desmarais Hall, the Social Sciences building, Minto Sports Complex, STEM Complex, and Henderson Residence, have received Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC).
The RHFAC is the first program to rate the level of meaningful access to buildings based on the user experiences of people whose disabilities affect their mobility, vision, and/or hearing. The program also promotes the adoption of Universal Design principles to improve access. To date, the RHFAC program has rated over 1,350 buildings.
Over the years, as integrated accessibility standards and building codes have evolved, the University of Ottawa has sought to improve accessibility and inclusion features and to exceed standards in order to provide the best possible student and staff experience and create a fully inclusive university.
The five certified buildings boast a broad range of accessibility features, including:
- Indoor circulation patterns that are consistent throughout the building
- Accessible indoor services and environments, such as lobbies and reception areas
- Barrier-free and safe indoor circulation
- Push-button doors and motion-controlled lighting systems
- Emergency systems and evacuation instructions that consider all users
Congratulations to the uOttawa community on achieving these certifications. The University is committed to retrofitting its facilities and increasing the number of certified buildings. We aspire to improve our accessibility features as standards and user needs evolve.
About the National AccessAbility Week (NAAW): Every year, starting on the last Sunday in May, Canadians celebrate National AccessAbility Week (NAAW). Founded in 1988 as National Access Awareness Week, it is an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions of Canadians with disabilities and raise awareness of the critical need for accessibility and inclusion in our communities and workplaces. NAAW was inspired by Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour. #NAAW2022
About the Rick Hansen Foundation: The Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) works to create an accessible and inclusive world where people with disabilities can live to their full potential. The RHFAC program was launched in 2017. To learn more, visit www.rickhansen.com.