Cowbell Brewing Company has received a "Certified Gold" rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Program.
The program measures the level of meaningful access available that is beyond building code, and is based upon the holistic user experience of people with varying disabilities. The RHFAC provides a rating that enables facilities to benchmark their accessibility on a national level, and over 100 buildings to date have registered to be rated.
Cowbell is the first private business in Ontario to achieve a Gold certified status, something Chief Development Officer Grant Sparling feels harkens back to four pillars established by Cowbell in the early construction phase, which are "Quality, Integrity, Community and Social Responsibility".
"Our objective was to make a space that was welcoming for all. Young, old, able, folks with accessibility needs. We wanted everyone to feel welcome here," said Sparling.
Sparling said Cowbell is honoured to receive the recognition, noting his team strives each and every day to make the Cowbell Farm a welcoming, exciting and accessible space for team members and guests, regardless of their ability.
"The foundation process is new, only in the last year and a half, and it's very new in Ontario," said Foundation Ambassador Julie Sawchuk. "For Cowbell to be here, it can really be a role model."
Some accessibility highlights at Cowbell include high-contrast heated sidewalks, an elevator, braille signage, tactile attention indicators at the top of all staircases, a large format digital menu, two spacious universal washrooms, and an accessible catwalk viewing area.
Cowbell Brewery (Photo by Adam Bell)
Ambassador Julie Sawchuk shows accessibility features in one of Cowbell Brewery's universal washrooms (Photo by Adam Bell)