Accessibility Standards in Facilities Training Course.

Accessibility Standards in Facilities Training Course.

Date

24 - 28-11-2025

Time

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Location

Dubai

Accessibility Standards in Facilities Training Course.

Introduction

Accessibility in facilities management goes beyond compliance; it is about creating inclusive environments that accommodate everyone, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities. This 5-day course equips facilities managers and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to implement accessibility standards effectively. It covers global regulations, best practices, and the integration of inclusive design to create spaces that meet legal requirements and foster inclusivity.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

  1. Understand global and regional accessibility standards, such as ADA, WCAG, and ISO standards.
  2. Learn how to assess and improve the accessibility of facilities.
  3. Develop skills to create inclusive spaces that meet legal and ethical requirements.
  4. Gain insights into emerging trends in accessibility and assistive technologies.
  5. Build an action plan to promote and sustain accessibility within facilities operations.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

  • Facilities Managers and Operations Directors.
  • Compliance Officers and Accessibility Advocates.
  • Architects, Designers, and Construction Managers.
  • Real Estate and Property Managers.
  • Professionals involved in policy development and workplace inclusivity.
  • Maintenance Supervisors responsible for facility adjustments and retrofitting.

Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of Accessibility in Facilities Management

  • Introduction to Accessibility Standards
    • Overview of key regulations: ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), ISO 21542 (Building Accessibility), and local accessibility codes.
    • The importance of accessibility: Ethical, legal, and operational perspectives.
    • Common misconceptions and barriers to accessibility.
  • The Role of Facilities Managers in Accessibility
    • Ensuring compliance during design, construction, and operation.
    • Engaging stakeholders in accessibility initiatives.
  • Workshop: Participants will identify accessibility gaps in a provided facility layout.

Day 2: Compliance with Accessibility Standards

  • Core Accessibility Requirements
    • Standards for physical spaces: Ramps, elevators, doorways, and pathways.
    • Restroom accessibility and other essential amenities.
    • Parking, signage, and wayfinding standards.
  • Digital Accessibility and the Built Environment
    • Introduction to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) for digital interfaces in smart facilities.
    • Accessibility considerations for digital signage and kiosks.
  • Case Study: Participants will analyze a real-world compliance violation and develop corrective actions.

Day 3: Inclusive Design Principles and Practices

  • Creating Inclusive Spaces
    • Principles of universal design and their application in facilities management.
    • Designing for sensory and cognitive accessibility: Lighting, acoustics, and navigation.
    • Integrating assistive technologies into facilities.
  • Retrofitting Existing Facilities
    • Challenges and solutions for upgrading older buildings.
    • Balancing cost, compliance, and user experience.
  • Interactive Session: Participants will develop an inclusive redesign plan for a hypothetical facility.

Day 4: Accessibility Assessments and Risk Management

  • Conducting Accessibility Audits
    • Steps for evaluating facilities against accessibility standards.
    • Tools and techniques for assessing physical and digital accessibility.
    • Prioritizing improvements based on user needs and compliance risks.
  • Risk Management in Accessibility
    • Identifying and mitigating risks of non-compliance.
    • Managing complaints and feedback from users.
    • Staying ahead of changing accessibility regulations.
  • Tabletop Exercise: Participants will conduct a mock accessibility audit and present their findings.

Day 5: Sustainability and Future Trends in Accessibility

  • Sustainable Accessibility Practices
    • Aligning accessibility with sustainability goals (e.g., green building certifications).
    • Designing spaces that adapt to evolving needs over time.
  • Emerging Trends in Accessibility
    • Advancements in assistive technology: AI, AR, and IoT for enhanced accessibility.
    • The impact of aging populations on facility accessibility requirements.
    • Anticipating future regulatory changes.
  • Final Project: Participants will create an action plan to enhance accessibility in their facilities, incorporating best practices and compliance strategies.

Course Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways

  • Reflection and Group Discussion
    • Participants will share challenges, solutions, and insights from the course.
    • Discussing real-world applications and accessibility goals.
  • Q&A and Closing Remarks
    • Open forum for clarifying doubts and sharing feedback.
    • Summary of actionable steps for implementing accessibility best practices.

Location

Dubai