ICAC-BE Program Frequently Asked Questions Why the need for a certified accessibility consultant? The GAATES ICAC-BE Program fills the global need to identify and classify through certification, the wide range of knowledge, experience and expertise among people who work in the field of accessible design and accessibility consulting. International and national accessibility codes and standards, and disability rights legislation, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), are complex. It is imperative that designers, architects, engineers, builders, consumers, policy developers etc. are able to identify national and international professionals in this emerging field with the appropriate level of knowledge and skill for their projects.

Will the program certify individuals or companies? The program is intended to certify individuals and will assess their credentials, examples of work, questionnaire and an interview with an expert panel.

Why should I choose a GAATES ICAC-BE consultant for my project team/organization? The GAATES ICAC-BE Program recognizes that there are various levels of professional knowledge and experience; and also various levels of projects in size and complexity. Our goal is to provide a certified choice to all consumers, whether they are individuals, professionals in the design field or public and private organizations, seeking professional accessibility and universal design services. Evaluated by our Expert Panel, consumers will have the assurance that they are

selecting a qualified individual for their project at a level appropriate for their project needs.

What does it cost to hire an ICAC-BE Consultant? The cost of hiring a GAATES ICAC-BE accessibility consultant may vary from country to country. Costs may also vary according to the consultant's certification level and other professional qualifications, in addition to the complexity and size of the project. While the consultant registry is provided to assist clients in finding an appropriate ICAC-BE Consultant, any and all contractual agreements remain between the parties and are exclusive of GAATES.

Does GAATES endorse or warrant the work of ICAC-BE consultants? All accessibility consultants included in the GAATES ICAC-BE registry have demonstrated the capabilities to achieve a specific level of ICAC-BE certification based on previous experience and, in some cases, education. They have also been interviewed and directly assessed by our assembled Expert Panel. In order to maintain their credentials in this regard, a triennial recertification process is followed to ensure their continued development of skills and knowledge in the industry. Certified consultants are also obliged to follow GAATES’ Code of Ethics in carrying out their work. GAATES does not explicitly endorse nor warrant the professionalism of the certified consultants’ on-going endeavours. You are encouraged to communicate directly with selected database members to request more information on their specific services and request individual client references.

Why should I get certified – what will it do for me? Certification demonstrates your knowledge and experience. The credentials also symbolize your marketability to potential clients. Having an internationally

recognized certification in your field of expertise and the support of a professional organization with worldwide experience and prestige, provides global recognition of your skills in the design, construction, and assessment of facilities underscoring your value to project teams and development projects around the world.

Do I need to have formal training to be certified? Currently, there are no mandatory training requirements or courses that lead directly to ICAC-BE Certification and inclusion in the consultant database. While several certified consultants do have formal education, the ICAC-BE program is flexible about how applicants have acquired the requisite skills to achieve certification. GAATES has developed this program with a wide variety of professional and experiential backgrounds in mind. We recognize that in different parts of the world there are persons from a variety of professions, occupations and backgrounds providing excellent results as accessibility consultants. Though our detailed screening and evaluation we are able to provide options to organizations seeking qualified personnel.

What are the core domains that the certification will cover? The certification process will cover a number of areas that will evaluate your qualification as an accessibility consultant. This includes your credentials and examples of work in the accessibility of the built environment. It also includes a questionnaire based on international accessibility standards, local standards, disability awareness and the principles of Universal Design along with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Your knowledge in these areas will be further validated with reference checks and an interview with an Expert Panel.

Does GAATES provide training? As the leading International accessibility-focused organization, GAATES is committed to promoting training and the ongoing development of the skills of GAATES certified consultants. GAATES currently offers an online courses in the Design of Public Spaces, created in collaboration with the Province of Ontario government and based on the requirements of Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA”) legislation. The course consists of an e-learning and training program that will aid applicants in gaining the knowledge necessary to apply for a higher certification level. More information about this course please contact GAATES directly: [email protected]

Are there any prerequisites to be eligible for certification? Yes there are several. For a complete description of the requirements of each certification level, please review details on our website.

How are program applicants evaluated? The evaluation is based on the applicant’s:  documentation of credentials;  references;  completed questionnaire based on International Codes and Standards such as ISO 21542 Accessibility and Usability of the Built Environment, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), national and local standard and code knowledge, and the principles of Universal Design; and  interview with our Expert Panel.

How can I send examples of work if they are bound by confidentiality by the client? If possible, send copies of reports without identifying the location or name. Clients may also be assured of our strict privacy policies. Documents are only shared with the Program Coordinator and Expert Panel. In the case of a dispute on findings, work may be seen by the Program Committee as arbitrator but we hold all information in the strictest confidence.

The questionnaire is based on ISO standards but these are not applied in my country. Will this underestimate my technical knowledge? Thorough knowledge of comparable standards could still reflect a very positive score.

Is this a course? Where is it held? It is important to note that this is strictly a certification program that evaluates your existing knowledge, credentials and experience. It is not an educational program, there are no courses.

How long does it take to complete the certification process?

Applicants will need to compile details of their background, credentials (up to 4 project examples depending on the certification level being applied for), and optional documents such as client references and details of their educational activities. Once submitted, there is also an approximate ½ hour interview with our expert panel. Time to complete the process will depend on how readily available documentation is. The program is also divided into four quarters throughout the year when the Expert Panel convenes to conduct the interviews. Depending on the completeness of your application materials you may be ready for the current quarter or carried over to the next one.

Do I need to be a member of GAATES? You do not need to be a member of GAATES but you will receive a discount on the application fees if you sign up for membership and opt in for communication with us on programming and activities about GAATES and our extended international team. Details are at http://gaates.org/gaates-membership/

How do I know what certification level to apply for? Please review the details of the certification levels, they contain specific details on the types of experience and knowledge that are required for each level.

Where is the certification taking place? Where are the interviews held? The certification process and interviews are done online to accommodate both our international clients and the international Expert Panel. Applicants submit their credentials via links to SurveyGizmo which will be provided by our Program Coordinator. The interview with the Expert Panel will take place on Skype. If this is not a suitable option for your region, please notify our Program Coordinator at [email protected] and we will work with applicants to ensure a successful connection and interview process.

Is the information available in accessible or alternate formats? The application process is set up on SurveyGizmo and we have been assured that this is an accessible platform that integrates with screen readers. Should alternate formats be required we can review options with individual applicants and determine the best solution. Please email the Program Coordinator at [email protected] to discuss.

How will my private information be protected? Your privacy is very important to us and we will not disclose or sell any information that you provide to use without your explicit permission. As a nonprofit organization based in Canada we are legally mandated to follow some of the strictest privacy legislation in place anywhere in the world. As part of the application process, your information will be reviewed by GAATES’ Program Coordinator and, in some cases when clarification is required, with our internal management team and Board Program Committee, which oversees the ICAC-BE program. Details will also be confidentially shared with our Expert Panel, who will continue to hold your privacy in the strictest confidence. Once you have successfully completed the certification process, your credentials and contact information will be included in our registry of ICAC-BE consultants. This information will be available to potential clients on an annual subscription basis. You may opt-out of this portion of the program at any time without cost or penalty. If you require specific details of how your information will be protected please contact the ICAC-BE Program Coordinator. You may also review legislation details and how they apply to non-profits here.

Is the ICAC-BE Program available in multiple languages? At this time the program is offered in English. The next phase of program development is to translate details into as many languages as possible and source

Expert Panel members that are able to converse in languages as per applicant demand. As a non-profit GAATES has limited funds to compensate at private sector hourly rates for the expertise required. Should you, or someone that you know, be interested in assisting this program in this capacity, as a translator or as an Expert Panel, please contact the ICAC-BE Coordinator directly.

We don’t typically use PayPal in my country, are there other ways to pay? Please contact GAATES’ Program Coordinator to make alternate payment arrangements.

Does GAATES certify consultants working in the field of ICTs? The International Certification for Accessibility Consultants - Built Environment (ICAC - BE) program is designed to certify individual consultants specializing in accessibility and Universal Design of the built environment. While issues such as Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and transportation are key elements that deserve special attention, they are addressed in this certification program only to the extent of their importance as part of the broader built environment. In the future, and as the demand grows, GAATES will develop similar professional certification programs for professionals and consultants working in a broad range of accessible environments.

Does GAATES certify the accessibility of buildings and facilities? While GAATES does not currently offer a certification program for buildings and facilities, GAATES experts and Country Representatives can be contracted to provide assistance in achieving requirements of other nationally and

internationally recognized programs. If you need to have a building certified, please contact GAATES directly with your request.

What about ethics and professional conduct? All GAATES ICAC-BE consultants are required to adhere to a Code of Ethics. A copy of this document can be accessed on our website. To make further inquiries about the GAATES Code of Ethics, please contact the ICAC-BE Coordinator directly.

Who is on the Expert Panel? GAATES recently completed a Pilot Project for the ICAC-BE program and utilized the services of the following individuals to make up the Expert Panel. GAATES plans to expand this group based on program demand and availability. At least three members will be conducting each round of Expert Panel evaluations: Bob Topping – Canada Bob Topping is an architect and accessibility consultant. He is a member of the Ontario Association of Architects and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, and is a founding member of the Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES). Bob has focused his career on accessibility and inclusive design. Bob has over thirty years of experience practising and teaching architecture with a specialization and interest in the field of universal design. In his role as an accessibility consultant, Bob has assisted design teams realize the benefits of universal design and accessibility on projects within the transportation, justice, institutional, residential, commercial, education, health care and entertainment sectors.

Janett Jimenez Santos – Mexico Janett is an architect from Mexico City. She is an access consultant based in Mexico at Can Lah, SC. She is the Country Representative of Mexico for the Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES). Her professional experience on accessibility for people with disabilities is on public buildings, public space, pedestrian crossings and public transport: on access audits, writing of technical specifications, making seminars and presentations for these topics. For example, she wrote the draft of the accessibility standard for services for the Federal Government of Mexico and a design guidelines to complement the standard. She opened a course on accessibility for the Masters of Architectural Design in a University in Mexico and coordinated a program for architectural students to do access audits of buildings with a methodology designed by her. She believes that a comprehensive approach involving these fields will achieve better mobility for all. Her projects involve working with organizations of people with disabilities and local government agencies. Her work has grown into a philosophy based on peoples rights, accessibility, usability, safety and inclusion. Betty Dion – Canada Betty Dion is a recognized International leader in accessibility of the built and virtual environments and has expertise in universal and accessible design which enables her to apply her understanding of design and human functioning. Betty is past member of the Canadian National Building Code Executive Committee and served for 15 years as the Chair of the Canadian Standards Association CSA/CAN B651 Accessibility of the Built Environment Standard. Betty represented Canada in the development of the first international standard on accessibility of the built environment and is the Chair of Canadian Advisory Committee to the ISO TC59/SC16 Accessibility and Usability of the Built Environment.

Betty is the Founder and Past - President of the Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES), the leading International NGO dedicated to Universal Design and Accessibility. As a frequent speaker at the United Nations, Betty has presented widely on disaster preparedness, fire and life safety and universal design and accessibility in the areas of the built environment, assistive technologies and accessible transportation. Betty is the author of the international recognized seminal document International Best Practices in Universal Design: A Global Review (2005) and the International Best Practices in Universal Design: A Comparative Study (2000). These reports provided technical specification on accessibility codes and standards in Australia, Spain, Uruguay, Lebanon, Canada, the US, Bangladesh, Singapore, South Africa, Mexico, Ireland and Sweden. If you wish to take part in the ICAC-BE program as a member of our Expert Panel please contact our Program Coordinator at [email protected] with a copy of your CV for consideration.

How do I appeal a decision made by the ICAC-BE Expert Panel or lodge a formal complaint regarding this program? Applicants that believe their credentials have not been evaluated fairly, if they do not agree with the findings of the ICAC-BE Expert Panel, or they have a complaint regarding any aspect of the program, are welcome to have their concerns reviewed and addressed by the GAATES Program Committee. The Program Committee is made up of GAATES Board Members, themselves recognized as international experts in accessible ICT and Built Environments, who are independent of the evaluation and day-to-day management processes of the ICAC-BE Program. The Committee will review appeals and/or complaints submitted at regularly scheduled meetings (approximately once per month). If necessary the Committee will determine if a direct discussion with the applicant is required and schedule

time within two weeks of the Committee meeting. The Chair of the Program Committee (or delegate) will also discuss with the Chair of the Expert Panel to ensure that all aspects of the situation are reviewed and taken into consideration. All details provided and information received as a result of the investigation by the Program Committee will be reviewed and a final decision made by the Program Committee. Decisions by the Committee will be considered final, with no further method of appeal. To initiate a formal appeal or to register a complaint with the Program Committee, please send details in writing to [email protected]. You will receive confirmation that your request has been received and timing confirmed of when your request will be reviewed by the Program Committee.