DesignABLE Environments provides educational and training services to architects, interior designers, other design professionals, institutional clients, and developers.

In response to the market demand we have created four (4) unique courses that qualify for education credits that can be delivered in your offices:

• Accessibility and the OBC
• Accessibility and the AODA Design of Public Spaces
• Accessibility and the CSA-B651
• Accessibility Bootcamp Workshop

DesignABLE Environments provides consultation services to architects, interior designers, other design professionals, institutional clients and developers, related to the implementation of barrier free design and universal design concepts into their projects.

We customize our services to match the specific demands of every project. Typical activities might include:

• Determine project-specific accessibility requirements based on input from the client and design team, as well as through the application of current codes, standards and best practices
• Development of project-specific accessibility guidelines for use of the design team
• Review of drawings and other project documentation
• Preparation of detailed accessibility reports
• Participation in design meetings
• Coordination of input from disability user groups
• Product research and specification
• Site visits to assist with problem solving and compliance issues

DesignABLE Environmentshas developed accessibility design standards for many municipal and institutional clients. We are familiar with standards development processes that are efficient, consultative and inclusive of user groups.

We are familiar with existing local, national and international accessibility codes and standards, as well as numerous accessibility design guidelines. Bob Topping, architect and senior partner in charge of codes and standards development, is a member of the technical committee and chair of the technical sub-committee for CSA B651: Accessible design for the built environment. He is also an active member of the ISO/TC 59/SC 16, Accessibility and Usability of the Built Environment.

DesignABLE Environmentshas developed and presented workshops, seminars and training courses on accessibility issues including barrier-free design and universal design.

We customize our education activities to meet the specific needs of our clients and have presented sessions to groups of varying sizes, from one-on-one training sessions to groups of 500 people or more.

The senior partners at DesignABLE Environments are frequent participants and presenters at local, national and international conferences related to accessibility and universal design.

DesignABLE Environments has undertaken many facility audits to determine existing levels of accessibility for persons with disabilities.
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We are also experienced in auditing large building inventories to determine compliance levels across an entire portfolio. Follow-up activities from the facility auditing process includes deficiency reports, accessibility planning and high-level budgeting.

DesignABLE Environments has the tools to measure the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of material samples and can calculate the Luminance Contrast between two or more materials.

Providing a high Luminance Contrast between objects and their surroundings or between adjacent surfaces is important. It helps make objects easier to locate and spaces easier to navigate, especially for people who are blind or have low vision.

Contact us to arrange a test of your materials.