A request for an accessibility review can be made by emailing us at info@abilitynb.ca or calling our toll-free number, 1.866.462.9555, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Currently, there is no online sign-up option.

Workplace accessibility reviews are open to small, medium and large size employers in all regions in New Brunswick and offered in both official languages. 

Spaces eligible for a review from Accessible NB include, but are not limited to:

• Any non-residential indoor space (e.g. washrooms, entrances, elevators, kitchens, etc.)
• Sport and recreation facilities
• Parks
• Playgrounds
• Pools
• Trails
• Campgrounds
• Colleges and universities
• Municipalities
• Tourism operators
• Service districts
• Non-profit organizations

If you’re unsure if your business is eligible for a workplace review, please reach out to us at 1.866.462.9555 or info@abilitynb.ca.

At the moment, Ability NB does not offer accessibility reviews for private homes. However, we can provide information on regulation and best practice standards for good home design and modifications. 

After each review, businesses will receive a comprehensive, detailed report of the review findings, including the areas which comply with current accessibility regulations and standards, areas of improvement, as well as a list of potential funding sources, accessibility resources and employment assistance services.

Ability NB does not provide funding; however, potential funding and partnership opportunities are included within the accessibility review report. Ability NB keeps track of funding options to ensure our recommendations are up to date and accurate. 

Accessible communities foster the economic opportunity to access an untapped labour market pool, employ more persons with a disability and attract a new market of tourists to the province. Additionally, inclusive workplaces see a reduction in employee turnover, improved attendance, higher employee engagement, and revenue growth outperformance. 

Workplace reviews, recommendations and accommodations can help decrease barriers and create a more accessible work environment and overall better business experience for all.

New Brunswick communities are largely inaccessible and accessibility is a right, not a privilege. We encourage businesses to make the recommended changes to the best of their ability. With funding opportunities and best practice recommendations included, we hope accessibility reviews will inspire businesses to implement their recommended changes on a timeline that is feasible to them. 

Ability NB is not a legislative body and as such, we cannot demand that recommended changes are made. However, the recommendations we provide are in each business’s best interest. Studies show that universal design increases customer traffic, profit, employee satisfaction and opens up a whole new pool of labour to people with a disability who want to work.  

Ideally, yes. However, the suggested improvements are recommendations only. 

If seeking an accessibility review for a business space that is leased or rented, the landlord of the space must be aware of the review and approve any changes recommended in the report before they are made. Verbal agreement from both the landlord and tenant is a required part of the accessibility review. 

The time needed to complete changes depends on the changes being made. Some recommendations are what we call “quick fixes,” such as adjusting the location of a grab bar. Other recommendations require funding, acquiring permits, hiring contractors and more. Extensive accessibility changes, such as installing an elevator, could take time. 

Ability NB is currently researching accessibility designation levels and plans to add them as part of the Accessible NB service as the program grows. 

Reviews are conducted by our highly trained, experienced staff. 

This is a free service.  

Depending on the size and scope of the workplace site, reviews typically take between two and four hours.  

Depending on the size and scope of the workplace site, post-review accessibility reports typically take 4-6 weeks to complete and distribute.  

Yes. The post-review accessibility report is for an organization to use to assist them in their accessibility journey and is not shared by Ability NB with anyone else without expressed consent of the organization that requested the review.  

While Ability NB’s expertise is mobility disability, we have ensured that best practice standards for all universal design are incorporated.  

Ability NB doesn’t recommend specific companies but will direct people to publicly accessible directories, such as the Canadian Homebuilder’s Association of New Brunswick and Construction Association of NB, for assistance in this area.