GAATES Design of Public Spaces – On line Course

This online course provides a comprehensive orientation to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Accessibility Standard for the Design of Public Spaces. It has been specifically developed for design professionals practicing in Ontario. On completion of the course, participants will understand the scope, application criteria and technical requirements of the Accessibility Standard for the Design of Public Spaces, as well as their professional obligations to comply with this regulation.

Course topics include:

• Overview of the regulation
• Definition for Public Spaces
• Compliance obligations – who needs to comply and by when
• Technical design requirements for the Public Spaces that are regulated including:
  • Exterior paths of travel
  • Recreation trails, beach access routes and outdoor public-use eating areas
  • Accessible parking
  • Obtaining service
  • Maintaining accessible public spaces

Professional Association Partners:

GAATES’ is pleased to offer this course in association with the following project partners:
Ontario Association of Architects
Ontario Association of Landscape Architects
Association of Registered Interior Designer of Ontario
Ontario Professional Planners Institute
Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario
Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists

Professional Development Credits

On completion of this course, participants are eligible to receive 6 hours of professional development credit from their professional association/institute.

How much does it cost?

The course fee is $100, not including taxes.

How much time do I need to complete the course?

It is anticipated that the average learner will take approximately 6 hours to complete the course.

How do I register for the course?

Registration can be completed online or by mail. Details can be found in the Registration Instructions.

Download the Illustrated Registration Instructions (PDF Document)

Download the Registration Instructions (Word Document)

The Illustrated Technical Guide to the Accessibility Standard for the Design of Public Spaces

This resource guide is provided to assist course participants to better understand and apply accessibility standards to the built environment and public spaces.

Although this resource specifically addresses the obligations of businesses in Ontario (Canada) to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), the concepts, strategies, and resources presented can be applied to any organization in any location.

Download the Illustrated Guide (PDF format, 75.6 MB) Download PDF

Course interface and technical requirements

The course has been developed using the ATutor learning management system. Participants will login to the course through their preferred web browser and will complete all course activities online. The course incorporates all necessary reading materials and learning is evaluated through online quizzes. The online quizzes can be completed as many times as is necessary to pass. Upon the successful completion of the four course quizzes, a course completion certificate will be awarded.

If further assistance is required to register or navigate within the ATutor site please contact the course administrators are course@gaates.org

Funding for the development of this course was provided by the Government of Ontario