Achieving Accessibility in Newfoundland and Labrador: Navigating Compliance with the Accessibility Act

This course is designed to guide organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador through the requirements of the Accessibility for Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador 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 provides participants with a thorough understanding of the Accessibility Act of Newfoundland and Labrador (Bill 38, 2023). It equips organizations to identify, remove, and prevent barriers for persons with disabilities in alignment with the Act’s principles and requirements. Participants will explore the legislation’s framework, develop accessibility plans, establish feedback mechanisms, and apply best practices across key areas such as the built environment, employment, and service delivery.

Course Duration

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

Format:

  • Virtual or In-person sessions
  • Workshops, case studies, and practical activities.

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 Newfoundland and Labrador’s Accessibility Act and its legal obligations.
  2. Develop and implement accessibility plans and feedback mechanisms.
  3. Address barriers in key priority areas, including the built environment, employment, and services.
  4. Monitor compliance and prepare for audits or inspections.
  5. Foster a culture of inclusion and accessibility within their organizations.

Materials Provided:

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

This course structure ensures organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador are well-equipped to comply with accessibility standards, fostering inclusive environments for all residents. 

Target Audience

Accessibility Coordinators
HR and Facility Managers
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Compliance Officers
Senior Leadership in Public and Private Sectors

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Course Curriculum

Day 1: Foundations and Accessibility Standards

Module 1: Introduction to the Accessibility Act

Objective: Understand the purpose, principles, and requirements of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Accessibility Act.

Topics Covered:

  1. Overview of the Accessibility Act (Bill 38, 2023):
    • Enacted to prevent and remove barriers for persons with disabilities.
    • Goal: Achieve a fully accessible Newfoundland and Labrador by 2040.
  2. Scope and Applicability:
    • Applies to public sector organizations, municipalities, and businesses designated by regulation.
  3. Principles of Accessibility:
    • Dignity, independence, integration, and equality of opportunity.
  4. Legislative Framework:
    • Authority of the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board and the Minister.
  5. Enforcement and Penalties:
    • Compliance inspections, orders, and penalties for non-compliance.

Activities:

  • Group discussion: How the Accessibility Act impacts organizations and communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Module 2: Accessibility Standards under the Act

Objective: Learn about the Act’s priority areas and the development of accessibility standards.

Topics Covered:

  1. Priority Areas for Accessibility Standards:
    • Built environment
    • Employment
    • Communication and information
    • Transportation
    • Goods and services
  2. Development of Standards:
    • Role of consultation with persons with disabilities.
    • Timeline for implementation and updates.
  3. Proactive Barrier Removal:
    • Addressing physical, systemic, attitudinal, and technological barriers.

Activities:

  • Case study: Successful implementation of accessibility standards in other jurisdictions.

Module 3: Applying Accessibility Standards

Objective: Understand practical strategies for applying accessibility standards in real-world scenarios.

Topics Covered:

  1. Identifying Barriers:
    • Common barriers across the priority areas.
  2. Solutions for Barrier Removal:
    • Best practices and innovative approaches.
  3. Preparing for New Standards:
    • Anticipating future requirements and integrating accessibility into planning processes.

Activities:

  • Workshop: Conducting a mock accessibility audit.

Day 2: Accessibility Planning and Priority Areas

Module 4: Developing Accessibility Plans

Objective: Learn how to create and maintain effective accessibility plans.

Topics Covered:

  1. Requirements for Accessibility Plans:
    • Organizational responsibilities under the Accessibility Act.
    • Setting goals, timelines, and measures for success.
  2. Consultation Process:
    • Engaging persons with disabilities and other stakeholders.
  3. Monitoring and Updating Plans:
    • Ensuring ongoing compliance and adaptability to new standards.

Activities:

  • Hands-on activity: Drafting an outline of an accessibility plan for an organization.

Module 5: Feedback Mechanisms

Objective: Establish accessible systems for collecting and addressing feedback.

Topics Covered:

  1. Feedback Mechanism Requirements:
    • Designing accessible feedback channels (e.g., digital, in-person, alternative formats).
  2. Encouraging Stakeholder Input:
    • Building trust and engagement with persons with disabilities.
  3. Addressing Feedback:
    • Effective processes for documenting, responding to, and implementing feedback.

Activities:

  • Group activity: Designing a feedback system tailored to a specific sector (e.g., education, healthcare).

Module 6: Addressing Barriers in Priority Areas

Objective: Explore practical strategies for removing barriers across the Act’s key areas.

Topics Covered:

  1. Built Environment:
    • Accessible design for buildings and public spaces.
  2. Employment:
    • Inclusive recruitment, hiring, and workplace accommodation practices.
  3. Communication and Information:
    • Ensuring accessible digital content and alternative formats.
  4. Transportation:
    • Accessible vehicles, routes, and service communication.
  5. Goods and Services:
    • Delivering equitable access to products and services.

Activities:

  • Scenario analysis: Developing solutions for accessibility challenges in each priority area.

Day 3: Compliance and Cultural Change

Module 7: Compliance Monitoring and Reporting

Objective: Ensure sustained compliance through monitoring, reporting, and accountability.

Topics Covered:

  1. Monitoring Compliance:
    • Tools and techniques for tracking progress.
  2. Reporting Requirements:
    • Annual reports and updates to the Minister.
  3. Preparing for Inspections:
    • Best practices for responding to compliance checks.

Activities:

  • Workshop: Conducting a mock compliance audit.

Module 8: Fostering an Accessible Organizational Culture

Objective: Build an inclusive culture that prioritizes accessibility.

Topics Covered:

  1. Training and Awareness:
    • Educating staff and leaders on accessibility principles and practices.
  2. Stakeholder Engagement:
    • Collaborating with disability organizations and community members.
  3. Embedding Accessibility:
    • Making accessibility a core value in policies and operations.

Activities:

  • Brainstorming session: Strategies to foster an inclusive culture in participants’ organizations.

This course structure ensures organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador are fully prepared to meet the province’s accessibility requirements, fostering accessible and inclusive environments for everyone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The goal of this training is to help organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador understand and meet the province’s accessibility standards. It provides the knowledge and tools needed to create inclusive, accessible environments that comply with legal requirements.

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).

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