Training and Education

GAATES develops and presents workshops, seminars and training courses on accessibility issues including;

  • Universal Design and Accessibility of the Built Environment,
  • Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs),
  • Disaster and Emergency Preparedness,
  • Accessibility Guidelines, Codes and Standards,
  • Human Rights and Access To Justice, and
  • The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

GAATES members are frequent participants and presenters at local, national and international conferences and we are able to customize our education and training sessions to meet the needs of our clients, from one-on-one training to accommodating large groups.

Universal Design and Accessibility

GAATES provides professional services to private sector organizations as well as government departments and agencies and civil society organizations. GAATES offers training and education workshops for designers, architects, urban planners and designers of spaces on Universal Design and accessibility and incorporating a sustainable approach that considers everyone, regardless of ability.

A group, including persons with a variety of disabilities, attending a presentation

GAATES is able to customize the training to address just local and national legislation and codes, or expanded to incorporate international legislation, best practices and leading codes and standards. Depending on the size of the group, the level of experience and the extent of training required, training sessions can be 1-7 days.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)

GAATES has several members and consultants who are able to provide training on the accessibility of ICTs, the development of accessible websites and other user interfaces and accessible procurement policies.

Man communicating using sign language via mobile phone

GAATES members participate in the development of international standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, as well as contribute to ICT forums such as WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society) and are members of professional associations such as G3ict (the Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs) and ITU (International Telecommunications Union) and UN-GAID (UN – Global Alliance for ICT and Development) events.

 

Transportation

Trainers working with airline staff on how to assist a wheelchair user transfer to an aisle chair for boarding an aircraft.

GAATES is able to provide training to front line staff of transportation organizations on providing accessible customer service to persons with disabilities and disability awareness for operators of transportation systems.

GAATES can also provide sessions on universal design and accessibility for engineers and designers responsible for the development of transportation facilities and vehicles to ensure that the whole range of human functioning is considered when designing passenger vehicles.

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

GAATESGAATES poster developed for the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction. The poster includes several photos of different disaster situations, with several of the photos including persons with disabilities coping with disasters. has undertaken training of first responders and emergency managers to ensure that disaster and emergency plans and responses are disability inclusive. Other training sessions have been presented to persons with disabilities to ensure they understand the importance of self-preparation, planning and evacuation so that they have the skills and information they need to stay safe until help can arrive.

GAATES can also work with Emergency Management Organizations on the development of Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Preparedness Policies, Plans and Protocols.

GAATES can work with broadcasters and Emergency Management Organizations to develop protocols and standard messaging for accessible early warning and the communication of emergency and disaster related information.

Tourism

Wheelchair traveller Misha with Jessica the Hippo in Johannesburg - Picture: Accessible Epic Enabled Travel - South Africa

GAATES is able to work with public and private sector organizations involved in the tourism industry to ensure that tourism and recreation opportunities are Universally Designed, accessible and consider the needs and abilities of persons with disabilities. Training sessions have addressed customer services and the policies to address accessibility of facilities, tours and vehicles, etc.