The Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) rates how meaningfully a site can be used by people with a range of disabilities. RHFAC certification readiness is mostly about preparation: the sites that score well tend to have sorted out documents, known gaps and quick fixes before the rater arrives. This guide covers what to do and in what order.

What RHFAC Measures

RHFAC looks at meaningful access, not only code compliance. A trained RHFAC Professional rates a site across areas such as entrances, circulation, washrooms, signage and wayfinding, considering mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive needs. The result is a percentage score.

A score of 60% or above earns RHFAC Certified status, and 80% or above earns Gold. Knowing those thresholds early helps you set a realistic target for the building.

Documentation matters too. Raters rely on what they can see and verify, so a feature that exists but is blocked, locked or poorly maintained will not earn credit. Treat the rating as a snapshot of how the building works on an ordinary day.

RHFAC also differs from a building code review. A building can meet code and still score modestly, because the rating asks whether features such as tactile signs, contrast, seating and clear sightlines work for real users.

Gather Your Documents First

Raters work faster and more accurately when the basics are on hand. Pull together the following before the visit:

•          Current floor plans and site plans, including exterior routes and parking.

•          Door hardware, signage and lighting specifications.

•          Previous audit reports or building code review notes.

•          Details of emergency procedures and communication systems.

Add a short list of known issues and planned works. If a washroom upgrade is scheduled, say so and have the dates ready. Keeping this in one folder saves time and reduces the chance of missed features.

Good RHFAC certification readiness also means naming one person on your side to guide the rater and answer questions.

Confirm access arrangements for the day, including keys, lift access and any restricted areas the rater needs to see.

Run a Pre-Assessment

A pre-assessment against the RHFAC criteria shows where you stand before anything is rated. Walk the site as a visitor would, from the parking area to the farthest washroom, and note each gap. Experienced accessibility consultants can score the building the way a rater would and flag items that are cheap to fix against those that need capital funds.

Be honest about older areas. Heritage sections and legacy additions often drag a score down, and it is better to know that now.

Score the pre-assessment honestly and record it in a simple table by area. Use it as your baseline, then re-score after repairs to see which actions moved the number most.

Do not overlook outdoor spaces. Parking, drop-off areas and exterior paths are part of the journey, and a missing curb ramp can cost points before anyone reaches the door.

Fix the High-Impact Items Before the Visit

Start with changes that affect the largest number of users and cost little. Examples include clearing obstructed routes, adding contrasting stair nosings, correcting sign heights and installing lever handles. Then plan larger items, such as automatic door operators, into your capital budget.

Brief your front-line staff too. Raters sometimes ask how a visitor would request assistance, and a confident answer reflects well on the operation. Specialist accessibility consultants can help prioritise the list if time is short.

Test everything that moves or switches. Automatic doors, lifts, call buttons and hand dryers should all work on the day. A lift that is out of service during the visit can affect an entire floor.

Allow time for maintenance requests too, since some contractors need several weeks to schedule small works.

If the budget is tight, document what you could not fix and why. A realistic improvement plan shows intent and gives you a clear list for the next round.

Conclusion

Good preparation makes the rating visit predictable. Collect your documents, run a pre-assessment, and spend your first budget on high-impact, low-cost fixes. If you want a second opinion on your target score, talk with accessibility consultants who hold RHFAC credentials and ask them to walk the site before the formal rating.

FAQs

1. Is RHFAC mandatory?

No. It is a voluntary programme, though some owners use it to demonstrate commitment beyond minimum building code requirements.

2. Can a building with an older layout still score well?

Yes, if the key routes, entrances and washrooms are usable. Targeted upgrades often raise the score more than major renovations.

3. Who carries out the rating?

A trained RHFAC Professional conducts the site rating. The Foundation then reviews the results to confirm certification.

4. How long does a rating visit take?

A mid-sized building usually takes several hours on site, and longer for large campuses, with reporting to follow.