About the RHFAC Training Course

Whether you’re an architect, general contractor, engineer, urban planner, or passionate about accessibility in the built environment, the RHFAC Training course will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to rate a building for its overall accessibility under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification^TM program. 

NEW! Tuition grants are currently available for residents of B.C. and Ontario as well as all Canadians with a disability.

RHFAC Training participants will learn: 

• The impact of the social and physical environment on people with disabilities;
• Relevant legislation, regulations, and standards needed when planning and executing a rating;
• Universal Design principles and standards when planning and executing a rating;
• How to interpret and navigate a set of construction drawings; and
• How to communicate and support rating findings to clients, and prepare a recommendation report, reflecting compliance and gaps related to relevant human rights and accessibility legislation, regulations, and Universal Design standards.

Ready to register? 

Taking the RHFAC Training course is the first step to becoming a designated RHFAC Professional. If you meet the course pre-requisites (see below), you can register with one of our post-secondary partners listed below. If you intend to apply for a tuition grant, you must apply at least two weeks before the start date of your intended course. 

Upcoming Courses 

Winter 2023

• Athabasca University, Online: January 30 - April 9, 2023
  • Register here
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Online: February 21 - March 30, 2023
  • Register here
• Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), Online: March 14 - May 11, 2023
  • Register here
• George Brown College Continuing Education, Online:  March 13 - April 24, 2023
  • Register here
  • Tuition grants for this course are available for eligible Ontario residents. Apply for funding before February 26, 2023.

Spring 2023

• Athabasca University, Online: May 1 – June 25, 2023
  • Register here
• Vancouver Community College (VCC), Online and in Vancouver, BC: May 8 - July 19, 2023
  • Register here or by phone, 604.443.8484
  • Tuition grants for this course are available for eligible BC residents. Apply for funding before April 24, 2023. 

Summer 2023

• Carleton University, Online: June 12 - June 22, 2023
  • Register here
  • Tuition grants for this course are available for eligible Ontario residents. Apply for funding before May 28, 2023. 

Fall 2023

• Carleton University, Online: October 23 - November 22, 2023
  • Register here
  • Tuition grants for this course are available for eligible Ontario residents. Apply for funding before October 8, 2023. 

RHFAC Training Course Prerequisites 

• You have a diploma or at least two years of completed post-secondary studies in architecture, engineering, urban planning, interior design or a related program; or 
• You have a Journeyperson Certificate of Qualification in a designated trade related to building construction; or 
• You are an engineer (or eligible for registration as an engineer); or 
• You are an architect (or eligible for registration as an architect); or 
• You have a minimum of five years of construction experience; or 
• You have an equivalent combination of lived experience and built environment knowledge. 
• Education and credentials awarded outside of Canada will be considered. 

Do you feel strongly that you would be a good candidate but do not meet the above requirements? Please contact us – we will be pleased to discuss your options at training@rickhansen.com.

Accessible Spaces 101 

If you don’t meet the above prerequisites and are looking for an introductory course, Accessible Spaces 101 is an online offering brought to you by RHF and PowerED™ by Athabasca University. Learn to identify barriers and create accessible spaces that are inclusive of all people, including those with varying disabilities affecting their mobility, vision, and hearing. This course can be completed at your own pace and is especially relevant for those working in human resources, diversity, inclusion, physical and occupational therapy, or property management.  

Next Steps: Becoming an RHFAC Professional

After you pass the RHFAC Training Course, you will need to complete the following steps to earn your RHFAC Professional Designation, if you wish to pursue it. 

• Pass the RHFAC Professional Exam, administered be the CSA Group. You must pass the exam within 12 months of completing the course. 
• Apply to RHF for your designation by emailing both your official transcript and letter from CSA Group demonstrating you have passed the exam to access@rickhansen.com.
• Maintain your designation by following the Code of Ethics, mainting your Accessibility Professional Network membership, and meeting continuing education requirements. 
• For more information on the above, read the Guide to RHFAC Professional Designation. 

RHFAC Professional Profiles and Testimonials

Discover the ways these RHFAC Professionals are using their designations in their work as architects, building industry professionals, accessibility consultants and more. 
 

Additional Information

Have a question about the RHFAC Training Course, Tuition Grants or becoming an RHFAC Professional?

Please email training@rickhansen.com.