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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 15, 2017 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee February 15, 2017 7:00 pm Main Committee Room Attendees: P. Bashaw S. Bernardo, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade A. Doucette D. Hughes M.Thorpe Ross D. Wysocki T. Higgins, Staff Representative R. Michaud, Recording Secretary Absent: B. D’Souza E. Fulton V. Ronaldi J. Whynot S. Wilkinson Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Introduction T. Higgins welcomed the committee members. Unfortunately, we do not have a quorum for the meeting as there are only 5 members in attendance. Notes will be taken but no motion can be passed/carried. 2. Review and Approval of Agenda T. Higgins reviewed the agenda with the committee members and noted the following changes:  Item 5.1 Site Plan Review – Isabelle Janton is not available to attend, therefore this item will be postponed for discussion at the next meeting, and the agenda time will be re-allocated to discuss the “Confederation Journey” Youth Forum.  Item 5.2 Local Issues Update – Darrell Selsky is not available to attend. Tim will provide brief update to the Committee and follow up with D. Selsky for the next meeting. Site Plan Review to be postponed to March 8 meeting. T. Higgins to follow up with D. Selsky for future updates. Page 2 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 3. Approval of Minutes To be approved at the March 8, 2017 meeting due to lack of quorum. 4. Review of AAC and City Accessibility Plans T. Higgins distributed copies of the City of Pickering Five Year Accessibility Plan (2016-2020) and asked committee members to review the document and provide comments on whether all the 2016 objectives have been met. This item will be added to the agenda for review and discussion at an upcoming meeting. T. Higgins noted that the City of Pickering Accessibility Core Staff Team will be reviewing the plan at their meeting next week T. Higgins also distributed copies of the 2015 Year-End report and 2016 Proposed Work Plan which was submitted to Council on June 22, 2016. He advised that the committee is required to submit a 2016 Year-End report and 2017 Proposed Work Plan to Council by June 2017. T.Higgins will provide a brief update at the March meeting. Committee members are to review and submit comments in preparation for this year’s report. The draft report will be discussed at the April meeting. 5. New Business 5.1 Canada 150 Youth Forum: A Confederation Journey (1867-2067) T. Higgins mentioned that the City of Pickering will be hosting a one-day event in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday during National Youth Week, for youth ages 13-19, at the Pickering Recreation Complex, on Thursday, May 4, 2017. He indicated that this is a great opportunity for the committee to build accessibility awareness and suggested to have a booth at the event with the participation of committee members. Page 3 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) The committee members discussed options for the booth and would like to see the focus on being interactive by having teenagers with disabilities to participate and also how to overcome barriers when dealing with persons with disabilities. It was also suggested to feature items such as employment component, career path and guidance for financial education for jobs in high demand areas, like IT, trades, etc. 5.2 Local Issues Updates Kingston/Whites Road Construction T. Higgins provided a brief overview on the progress for the completion of sidewalks on Kingston Road near Whites Road. He indicated that City staff are involved in discussions with the Region to ensure better planning for these areas and to ensure they are barrier free. It was suggested to contact CN to find out if any upgrades could be made around the train track in the surrounding area. Region of Durham Accessibility Advisory Committee D. Wysocki mentioned that the regional accessibility committee is looking for a new speaker for the next meeting scheduled for Friday, April 21, 2017. P. D’Intino has been contacted to give the keynote address on IT issues and Access to information. More details to follow at the next meeting. 5.3 Federal Accessibility Consultation T. Higgins circulated copies of the notes taken by J. Whynot at the February 8th Accessible Canada Consultation event held in Toronto. T. Higgins, B. D’Souza and D. Wysocki also attended the Consultation. Sharon Milton will be invited to the March meeting to provide an update on the Canada 150 Youth Forum. Page 4 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) T. Higgins noted that employment and education seemed to be the main topics, and others included:  Enforcement  Leading by Example  Rehabilitation  Children with Disabilities  Barriers as Challenges  Federal Government Role  Deaf Persons and Employment  Multiple Chemical Sensitivities/Scent Sensitivities  Consultation Process  Poverty  Service Animals  Draft Legislation for Mandatory Hiring of People with Disabilities  Housing  Stop Discrimination Against Immigrants and Refugees with Disabilities  Communication  Funding for Day and Employment Programs  Physical Accessibility Matters  Census Questions  Elections  Deaf Community / Children  Deaf / Blind Services  Update Outdated Legislation/Acts  Expectations  Americans with Disabilities Act  Awareness Campaign to Change Mindset  Ability over Disability  Licensed / Regulated Interpreters  Television / Internet  Continuity between Provinces  Anaphylaxis  National Pharmacare Program  Universal Design These topics may inform upcoming AAC agendas. Page 5 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 5.4 Accessible Housing Concerns expressed that most developers are not willing to build accessible housing as there are no incentives for them and the demand is too low. Municipalities should consider tax breaks to encourage developers to include a portion of the development as accessible and affordable housing. D. Wysocki indicated that this should be enforced through the AODA and MPPs. D. Hughes suggested that municipalities should designate lands to build affordable and accessible condos/housing. 5.5. Employment It was suggested that an employment component be added to the Canada 150 Youth Forum as this seems to be one of the major issues facing persons with disabilities. 5.6 Marketing & Communications T. Higgins mentioned that he is in the process of drafting a series of press releases for the Accessibility Advisory Committee to promote events and accomplishments. However, the City does have protocols and guidelines to follow prior to issuing press releases. T. Higgins indicated that he would meet with D. Wysocki to help plan and coordinate AAC member input to these releases. 6. Other Business and Updates T. Higgins mentioned that the committee will be participating in the Artfest and Canada Day celebrations. These events will be discussed at the March and April meetings. AAC member participation was encouraged. T. Higgins provided copies of the revised Accessibility Advisory Committee pamphlets and encouraged committee members to share them with their peers, colleagues, schools etc. Page 6 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) T. Higgins distributed copies of the contact list for the Committee members prepared by L. Roberts for information. 7. Next Meeting: Wednesday March 8, 2017 at the Pickering Soccer Club Meeting Adjourned: 9:15 pm Copy: City Clerk