- Elevating Workplace Accessibility
- What is unique about PEAC?
- What will I learn?
- Competencies
- Core Competencies
- Advanced Competencies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Much Does it Cost?
- Individual Rate
- Group Rate
- Registration and Delivery
- Contact
Elevating Workplace Accessibility
The Professional Education for Accessibility Competence (PEAC) {pronounced p-ee-k} program is a non-credit program designed to bridge the gap between accessibility awareness and workplace operations. Focusing on upskilling professionals, PEAC emphasizes key competencies in workplace accessibility, confidently empowering you and your organization to implement practices and move beyond compliance to inclusion.
By completing PEAC, you will:
- Become professionally aware of all aspects of accessibility
- Be making an investment in your capability to inspire change and foster an environment where accessibility drives innovation and excellence
- Be prepared to lead and redefine your understanding of accessibility
- Become a catalyst for change
What is unique about PEAC?
To address the emerging priorities and practical needs in accessibility, PEAC crosses the full spectrum of accessibility awareness, encompassing both visible and nonvisible disabilities. PEAC demystifies workplace accessibility, helping you elevate your competencies in the field by gaining essential disability knowledge, practical skills, and the confidence needed to achieve peak accessibility standards and practices at work.
Upon completion, you will be ready to address the complexities of accessibility and disability legislation and compliance, manage employee requests for diverse workplace accommodations, and empower your organization with a clear understanding and strategic insight.
What will I learn?
PEAC enriches your understanding of accessibility and can transform your professional environment, be it physical, digital, or systemic. It will give you a comprehensive knowledge base, practical skills, and actionable tools and deepen your comprehension of accessibility and disability perspectives.
Equip yourself to elevate inclusivity in your professional setting and become a catalyst for change! Please see the learning outcomes for each competency below.
Competencies
Upon successfully completing the core competency sessions, you will receive a certificate from Carleton University. * Completing each advanced competency earns additional unique seals that will be added to your certificate. See the cost below for eligibility for reduced rates with registrations in bulk (three or more modules within a designated period).
Core Competencies
- PEAC 100: Accessibility and Disability Awareness
Empower your team with the tools and foundational knowledge necessary to foster a truly inclusive workplace. Participants will delve into the many models of disability, gain a broad understanding of accessibility, and develop practical skills to enhance inclusivity in their professional settings. By the conclusion of this competency, you will be ready to drive meaningful change, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
Learning Outcomes:
- Analyze and explain various theoretical models used to understand disabilities and their impact on individuals and society.
- Identify and articulate the various barriers that individuals with disabilities encounter, such as physical, social, attitudinal, and communication barriers.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of various adaptive strategies and accommodations designed to enhance accessibility and independence for individuals with disabilities.
- Demonstrate intentionality and awareness by utilizing respectful language when discussing disabilities and interacting with individuals who have disabilities.
- Analyze the ways in which multiple identities and social factors (such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status) intersect with disabilities to create unique challenges and opportunities for individuals.
- Demonstrate understanding of human-centered approach to practice and effective ally-ship, whereby individuals foster inclusion through compassionate, person-centered communication strategies.
- PEAC 200: Legislation, Policy, and Human Rights
-
This competency delves into the legislative frameworks, policies, and regulations that work to shape accessibility practices across the country. Specifically, participants will gain a broad knowledge of Canadian accessibility laws and human rights codes, their implications, and how to implement them effectively within their own workplaces.
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop a broad understanding of the legislative frameworks, policies, and regulations that shape accessibility practices in Canada.
- Develop competence in creating practices that are in line with legislation and policy objectives.
- Practice recognizing accessibility deficiencies and learn how to differentiate the law, policy, or practice that supports a change.
- Strengthen effective communication and the ability to champion accessibility in a particular environment.
- PEAC 300: Inclusive and Universal Design
-
Inclusive and universal design is at the heart of creating work environments, products, and experiences that can be used and accessed by people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds. This module delves into the principles and practices of inclusive and universal design, equipping participants with the foundational knowledge and skills to begin looking at spaces, products, and services through a critical lens to ensure they are inherently accessible and user-friendly for all.
Learning Outcomes:
- Differentiate between key inclusive and universal design principles.
- Recognize and develop empathy for diversity and user needs.
- Explore the benefits of inclusive and universal design in practice.
- Analyze, break down and understand accessibility from multiple perspectives, including technical, ethical, social, individual, and legislative.
- Engage in critical thinking and reflection to form educated opinions on the evolving perspectives surrounding accessibility and disability.
Advanced Competencies
Please note: To register for an advanced competency, you must successfully complete the three core competencies above. Upon successful completion of the prerequisites, you can sign up for any of the advanced competencies. Advanced Competencies will be coming soon. Descriptions are subject to change.
- PEAC 400: Strategic Planning with an Accessibility Lens
This competency is designed to empower managers, planners, and decision-makers with the tools and insights needed to weave accessibility into the fabric of strategic planning. Participants will learn to integrate accessibility considerations into strategic planning processes, ensuring that initiatives are inclusive from the outset.
Learning Outcomes:
- PEAC 500: Accessible Workplace Practices
-
This competency aims to provide human resources professionals, managers, and team leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to create and maintain an accessible and supportive work environment for all employees, including those with disabilities.
Learning Outcomes:
- PEAC 600: Accessibility in Learning Environments
-
Covering the principles of accessible course design, inclusive teaching/training practices, developing accessible learning materials, and fostering an inclusive learning environment, this competency will prepare education and training professionals to meet the diverse needs of all learners as well as facilitate accessible educational opportunities.
Learning Outcomes:
- PEAC 700: Digital Accessibility
-
This competency will provide professionals with an understanding of leveraging technology to create accessible workplace environments and experiences. Participants will learn about a variety of assistive technologies and digital accessibility principles, as well as how artificial intelligence can be employed as a tool for effective, accessible solutions.
Learning Outcomes:
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the learning format?
-
PEAC competency modules are offered in both in-person and online formats. Please refer to our program schedule below to determine attendance options and dates for upcoming sessions.
Online and in-person sessions must be attended live (synchronous) as scheduled. This program is not self-paced and requires you to be present during the designated live session times.
In-Person Sessions: All in-person sessions will take place on campus at Carleton University between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm EST and will include several small breaks in both the morning and afternoon sessions, and a one-hour lunch break. Pricing includes light refreshments in the AM/PM as well as a catered lunch. For those planning to take advantage of purchasing a ‘bundle’ of competencies (see How much does it cost), we have intentionally scheduled group sessions in back-to-back daytime slots so that if you’re travelling to Ottawa to attend, you can complete your learning more efficiently.
Online Sessions: We are pleased to offer two ways for you to maximize your online learning:
- Option 1 (Half Days) – PEAC competency modules offered in this online format will run over two half days between 12 pm and 4 pm EST to be able to accommodate those who may be joining from different time zones. There will be several small breaks throughout the day to allow for screen breaks. This also allows you to have time in your day to address your life/work commitments as well.
- Option 2 (Full Days) – PEAC competency modules offered in this online format will run between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm EST and will include several small breaks in both the morning and afternoon sessions to allow for screen breaks, and there will be a one-hour lunch break as well.
- What is my time commitment?
-
Each competency has been designed to be completed within 8 hours; however, we have several learning formats to choose from, which allow you to choose the optimum format for your preferred learning style and schedule. See What Is the Learning Format FAQ for more information on these options.
Outside of the designated class time, you will be expected to complete a brief online quiz to assess your mastery of the content. This quiz is not timed, and you can take as much time as you need to complete it before the deadline, which is two weeks from the completion of each competency.
There is no expectation of homework or take-away activities in any of the PEAC competency modules. However, resources are available through the PEAC Brightspace course management platform to support the content and learning in each PEAC competency.
- How does the Equivalency Assessment work?
-
If you feel that you have a solid understanding of the content provided in each of PEAC 100, 200 and 300 and/or enhanced professional experience in these areas, you may request to complete the online Equivalency Assessment. Upon successful completion of this Assessment, you will be eligible to register for any of the Advanced Competencies; however, you will NOT be eligible to receive the Certificate of Completion for the foundation competencies. If you wish to receive the Certificate, you will need to take PEAC 100, 200, and 300 in their entirety. Please contact us directly if you would like to learn more about the Equivalency Assessment.
- Do I need prerequisites to enroll?
-
No previous experience or studies are required to enroll in PEAC Core Competencies 100, 200, and 300. However, we encourage you to take the Core Competencies in order if possible.
To take Advanced Competencies, PEAC 100-300 are prerequisites and must be completed, or you must pass the Equivalency Assessment. If you feel you have a solid foundation in the three core competencies, please see below for information about the Equivalency Assessment. The prerequisites for Advanced Competencies ensure that you have a solid knowledge base and understanding before moving on to the more in-depth and application-focused specialty content.
- What will I earn?
-
Upon completing PEAC’s Core Competencies (100, 200 and 300), you will receive a certificate featuring a seal acknowledging your achievement. Additionally, you will receive a distinct seal for each Advanced Competencies you complete, which can be added to your certificate, showcasing your continued learning and expertise.
Please note: the PEAC program certificate is not classified as a professional designation credential.
How Much Does it Cost?
Individual Rate
Individual Competency Module: $997*
Bundle and SAVE: Purchase any 3 PEAC modules at the same time for the reduced rate of $2250* for the package (a savings of $241 per module or $741 total). All three modules must be purchased at the same time and must be completed within 12 months.
*HST is extra on all prices
Send Me The PEAC Bundle Discount Code
Group Rate
If you are a business owner, manager, team lead, committee chair, or otherwise looking to improve your organization’s accessibility, the PEAC program ensures your team stays current with evolving accessibility standards, keeping your organization compliant and ahead of industry changes.
By prioritizing accessibility, you contribute to a more inclusive society and reflect a commitment to social responsibility while realizing multiple benefits:
- Future-Proof Your Organization with PEAC
- Customized Learning Experience: Bulk enrollment allows for the possibility of tailored training sessions. The PEAC program can be adapted to address your organization’s specific needs, goals, and challenges, ensuring the training is directly relevant and impactful.
- Recognition of Investment in Accessibility: Participants receive a certificate upon completion of the three core courses in the PEAC program. This certificate can enhance your organization’s profile, demonstrating your commitment to professional development and accessibility.
- Access to Knowledge and Resources: Participants gain access to a wealth of curated knowledge from experts in the field, as well as case studies, activity worksheets, and the latest best practices in accessibility.
- Upskilling Your Workforce: Employees gain valuable skills that can be applied across various projects and roles, enhancing their professional development, capacity, and versatility.
- Cost Efficiency: Bulk enrollment offers a discounted pricing structure, providing organizations with savings. The cost-effectiveness allows organizations to train more team members within their budget, maximizing their investment in both accessibility and professional development.
In addition to the benefits for your team, there are benefits for your greater organization:
- Positive Social Impact: By ensuring your services and products are accessible to all, your organization contributes to a more inclusive society. This positive impact extends beyond compliance, reflecting your broader social responsibility and commitment to equity for both your employees and your clients and customers.
- Streamlined Processes: An accessible design approach can lead to more streamlined processes, as accessibility considerations are integrated from the start rather than being retrofitted later. This proactive approach can save time and resources.
maximizing
PEAC Group Request Form
Registration and Delivery
We reserve the right to cancel scheduled sessions due to low enrollment up to 30 days prior to the scheduled start date. Registered participants will be notified and offered alternative options or a full refund. Thank you for your understanding.
Please see the schedules below for delivery dates:
- October 2024
Please note the October 2024 session will be rescheduled for Spring 2025.
| Competency |
Delivery |
Date |
Facilitation |
| PEAC 100: Accessibility and Disability Awareness |
Online (Synchronous) |
Session moved to Spring 2025 |
Instructor: Jenna Lambert |
| PEAC 200: Legislation, Policy, & Human Rights |
Online (Synchronous) |
Session moved to Spring 2025 |
Instructor: Melissa Luhtanen
Guest Speaker: Michael Gottheil |
| PEAC 300: Inclusive and Universal Design |
Online (Synchronous) |
Session moved to Spring 2025 |
Instructor: Patricia Bérubé |
- April 2025
-
Please see the schedule below for April.
Contact
If you have any questions about the PEAC program or registration, please contact the Accessibility Institute, and we will be happy to assist you: peac@carleton.ca.
Share: Twitter, Facebook
Short URL:
https://carleton.ca/accessibility-institute/?p=7493
