Achieving Accessibility in New Brunswick: Navigating Compliance with the Accessibility Act

This course is designed to guide organizations in New Brunswick through the requirements of the Accessibility for New Brunswick’s Accessibility Act. Participants will learn to develop accessibility plans, comply with accessibility standards, and create inclusive environments by addressing barriers in policies, practices, and infrastructure.

The training will focus on understanding the New Brunswick accessibility standards for customer service, employment, information and communications, transportation, and the built environment. It will also emphasize the importance of proactive planning, consultation with persons with disabilities, and fostering organizational accountability.

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Course Overview

This course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to comply with New Brunswick’s Accessibility Act (2024, c.27). Participants will learn to identify, remove, and prevent barriers, develop and implement accessibility plans, and meet legal requirements under the Act. The training covers the six priority areas identified in the legislation and emphasizes creating inclusive environments that respect the dignity and independence of all individuals.c

Course Duration

  • 2.5 Days (20 hours)
    • Day 1: Introduction, Legislative Framework, and Standards Overview (Modules 1–3)
    • Day 2: Accessibility Plans, Feedback Mechanisms, and Priority Areas (Modules 4–6).
    • Half-Day (Day 3): Compliance Strategies, Monitoring, and Cultural Change (Modules 7–8).

Format:

  • Virtual or In-person sessions
  • Interactive workshops, case studies, and group exercises

Assessment:

  • End-of-course quiz
  • Practical assignment: Drafting an accessibility plan

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand New Brunswick’s Accessibility Act and its legal obligations.
  2. Develop and implement compliant accessibility plans and feedback mechanisms.
  3. Address barriers in the Act’s six priority areas.
  4. Monitor and report on accessibility efforts to ensure sustained compliance.
  5. Foster an inclusive organizational culture that prioritizes accessibility.

Materials Provided:

  • Course slides and handouts
  • Compliance checklists and templates
  • Sample accessibility policies
  • Certificate of completion

This course structure ensures organizations in New Brunswick are well-equipped to comply with the New Brunswick Accessibility Act, promoting accessible and inclusive environments for all residents.

Target Audience

Accessibility Coordinators
HR and Facility Managers
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Compliance Officers
Public Sector Administrators
Senior Leadership

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Course Curriculum

Day 1: Foundations and Legislative Framework

Module 1: Introduction to the Accessibility Act

Objective: Understand the purpose, principles, and requirements of New Brunswick’s Accessibility Act.

Topics Covered:

  1. Overview of the Accessibility Act (2024, c.27):
    • Enacted to promote full and equal participation for persons with disabilities.
    • Aims to remove and prevent barriers by 2040.
  2. Scope and Applicability:
    • Applies to public, private, and non-profit organizations designated by regulation.
  3. Principles of Accessibility:
    • Dignity, independence, integration, and equality.
  4. Enforcement and Penalties:
    • Inspections, compliance mechanisms, and penalties for non-compliance.

Activities:

  • Group discussion: Exploring the current state of accessibility in New Brunswick.

Module 2: Accessibility Standards Overview

Objective: Gain an understanding of the Act’s six priority areas and the development of standards.

Topics Covered:

  1. Six Priority Areas:
    • Built Environment
    • Employment
    • Education
    • Transportation
    • Goods, Services, and Information
    • Communication and Technology
  2. Development and Implementation of Standards:
    • Consultation process involving persons with disabilities and other stakeholders.
    • Timelines for implementing standards.
  3. Proactive Barrier Removal:
    • Strategies for identifying and addressing barriers in each priority area.

Activities:

  • Case study: Reviewing accessibility standards from other provinces and lessons for New Brunswick.

Module 3: Practical Application of Accessibility Standards

Objective: Apply knowledge of the standards to real-world scenarios.

Topics Covered:

  1. Identifying Barriers:
    • Physical, attitudinal, systemic, and technological barriers.
  2. Strategies for Barrier Removal:
    • Best practices and innovative solutions.
  3. Future Standards:
    • Preparing for emerging standards in priority areas.

Activities:

  • Workshop: Conducting a mock barrier identification audit.

Day 2: Accessibility Plans and Priority Areas

Module 4: Developing Accessibility Plans

Objective: Learn to develop, implement, and maintain accessibility plans.

Topics Covered:

  1. Legal Requirements for Accessibility Plans:
    • Components: Policies, timelines, and strategies for barrier removal.
  2. Consultation Requirements:
    • Engaging persons with disabilities in the planning process.
  3. Monitoring and Updating Plans:
    • Regular reviews and reporting.

Workshop:

  • Hands-on exercise: Drafting an accessibility plan tailored to an organization’s needs.

Module 5: Establishing Feedback Mechanisms

Objective: Create accessible and effective feedback systems.

Topics Covered:

  1. Feedback Mechanisms under the Act:
    • Accessible methods for collecting and responding to feedback.
  2. Encouraging Stakeholder Participation:
    • Engaging employees, clients, and community members.
  3. Responding to Feedback:
    • Documenting and addressing concerns.

Group activity:

  • Group activity: Designing a feedback system for a hypothetical organization.

Module 6: Accessibility in Priority Areas

Objective: Explore practical strategies for implementing accessibility standards in each priority area.

Topics Covered:

  1. Built Environment:
    • Accessibility features for buildings and public spaces.
  2. Employment:
    • Recruitment, hiring, and workplace accommodations.
  3. Education:
    • Removing barriers in educational settings.
  4. Transportation:
    • Accessible vehicles, routes, and communication systems.
  5. Goods, Services, and Information:
    • Ensuring equitable access to products and services.
  6. Communication and Technology:
    • Digital accessibility and assistive technologies.

Final workshop:

  • Scenario analysis: Addressing accessibility challenges in priority areas.

Day 3: Compliance and Cultural Change

Module 7: Compliance Monitoring and Reporting

Objective: Develop strategies for sustained compliance and accountability.

Topics Covered:

  1. Monitoring Progress:
    • Tools and techniques for tracking accessibility efforts.
  2. Preparing Reports:
    • Reporting requirements and best practices.
  3. Audits and Inspections:
    • Preparing for compliance checks.

Workshop:

  • Final workshop: Conducting a mock compliance audit.

Module 8: Fostering an Accessible Organizational Culture

Objective: Build a culture of accessibility and inclusion within the organization.

Topics Covered:

  1. Training and Awareness:
    • Educating staff and leadership about accessibility principles.
  2. Engaging Stakeholders:
    • Building partnerships with disability organizations.
  3. Sustaining Accessibility Efforts:
    • Embedding accessibility into organizational policies and practices.

Group activity:

  • Brainstorming session: Strategies for fostering an inclusive culture.

Each module is designed to provide a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application, featuring interactive discussions, real-life examples, and hands-on activities. This approach ensures participants are fully prepared to meet the requirements of the New Brunswick Accessibility Act effectively.

 
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Frequently Asked Questions

The goal of this training is to help organizations meet the requirements of the New Brunswick Accessibility Act, ensuring they create accessible environments and comply with key accessibility standards in areas like customer service, employment, and the built environment.

We offer both online and in-person training options to provide flexibility and convenience for your team. 

Non-compliance can result in significant fines:

  • Up to $50,000 per day for individuals.
  • Up to $100,000 per day for corporations.

Our training program simplifies the process by offering practical insights and step-by-step guidance. It is tailored to meet the needs of different organizations, ensuring employees understand their responsibilities and how to implement accessibility practices effectively.

Small businesses can achieve compliance by:

  1. Training their staff.
  2. Creating an accessibility plan.
  3. Following the customer service standard.
  4. Ensuring communication and websites are accessible.
    Our training program provides tailored solutions for small businesses.