Areas of Expertise
BDEL has established a Canadian and International reputation for providing professional in-depth accessibility code development, analysis and compliance services, as well as universal design and accessibility assessments. The firm reviews construction drawings for facilities during the design and development phases and conducts accessibility audits of existing facilities in order to provide detailed recommendations to ensure that facilities are in compliance with, and wherever possible, exceed accessibility codes and standards requirements.
With a combination of consumer participation, an international perspective and professional architectural expertise in accessibility and fire and life safety, BDEL provides an exceptional team approach. BDEL offers service in English, French and American Sign Language.
Hospitals
BDEL has provided accessibility consulting services to a number of hospitals and health clinics in Ontario including St. Vincent’s Hospital, the Ottawa Civic Hospital and the Queensway Carleton Hospital.
BDEL, as an integral member of an international team of accessibility experts, reviewed architectural drawings for the construction of the Dania Center Rehabilitation Hospital in Bahrain. The project’s goal was to maximize accessibility and the support the independence of patients and their families.
International
Betty Dion is the founder of the Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES), an internationally recognized leading organization dedicated to the accessible design of the built and virtual environments.
Transportation
BDEL successfully developed an accessibility framework used for the City of Ottawa’s Light Rapid Transit (LRT) projects Trillium Line ($2.1M) and the Confederation Line ($4.7B). The framework guided architects, landscape architects, civil engineers, signage consultants, mechanical engineers and administrative staff of the LRT Consortiums to the specialized accessibility related legislative and technical requirements.
Museum & Galleries
BDEL has specialized in the design of inclusive, equitable environments of Museums and Art Galleries, both large and small.
In 2020, the National Gallery of Canada engaged the services of BDEL to conduct an accessibility audit of the Gallery and the Curatorial Wing to prepare to meet the obligations under the Accessible Canada Act.
Emergency Egress / Life & Safety
Betty Dion has been a strong advocate for equitable fire and life safety. She is currently the Chairperson of Accessibility Standards Canada’s Technical Committee on Emergency Egress charged with developing a standard ensuring safe and accessible evacuation from buildings for people with disabilities.
With a combination of consumer participation, an international perspective and professional architectural expertise in accessibility and fire and life safety, BDEL provides an exceptional team approach. BDEL offers service in English, French and American Sign Language.