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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 14, 2017DICKERING cwy Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee June 14, 2017 7:00 pm Main Committee Room Attendees: P. Bashaw B. D'Souza A. Doucette D. Hughes M. Thorpe Ross J. Whynot S. Wilkinson D. Wysocki T. Higgins, Staff Representative L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Absent: S. Bernardo, Ajax -Pickering Board of Trade E. Fulton V. Ronaldi Guests: Tracy Gold, University of Toronto Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Introduction T. Higgins welcomed everyone to the meeting. He also welcomed guest/observer Tracy Gold, of the Accessibility Committee at the University of Toronto. 2. Review and Approval of Agenda Moved by A. Doucette Seconded by D. Wysocki That the June 14, 2017 agenda of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 3. Approval of Minutes Moved by D. Hughes Seconded by D. Wysocki That the May 10th, 2017 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved as amended. Carried 4 New Business 4.1) Video Clip D. Hughes provided members with a brief, inspirational video clip (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKSWXzAnVeO ) T. Higgins would forward electronic materials for members to provide feedback T. Higgins would convey this question to A. Mostert showing a contestant on America's Got Talent who had lost her hearing and yet gave a wonderful performance singing as well as playing an instrument. He noted this was a prime example of overcoming invisible disabilities. 4.2) Staff Updates T. Higgins provided members with the following staff updates: Update from D. Selsky — nothing new to update members on at this time Update from V. Plouffe — had advised T. Higgins that the renovations for the Council Chambers have been deferred at this time for further consultation. At this point, it is our understanding that the front lobby and washroom areas will still be going ahead as planned. Update from A. Mostert — T. Higgins noted that A. Mostert had shared drawings with him of two new accessible playgrounds being planned in Pickering parks. D. Hughes questioned whether autism friendly playground features could be considered, with the possibility of business sponsorships. Page 2 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 4.3) Presentation — Listening Access D. Wysocki provided members with a presentation regarding listening access (live captioning and assistive listening device systems). He noted this item follows on from earlier Committee discussions of planned City Council Chambers renovations. D. Wysocki provided members with information on listening accessibility for public meetings. Through the aid of a power point presentation, he outlined two methods commonly used, real time captioning as well as assistive learning device systems. He provided statistics, noting that 15 to 25,000 Pickering residents could potentially benefit from listening devices for participation in public meetings at City hall. He also noted this is a good opportunity for the City to incorporate the technology required for listening devices during the renovations planned for the Council Chambers, to identify the requirements up front, be cost effective and also result in compliance with current and emerging accessibility requirements. Discussion ensued with respect to the difficulties related to arranging for sign language interpreters, due to the advance booking requirements as well as a provincial shortage of qualified interpreters. Discussion continued with the following comments being noted: • Look at the inclusion of equipment now • Discuss cost sharing with other Durham Region municipalities • Partner with service providers • Attend Regional meetings • Possibility of contacting larger institutions (colleges and universities) to build the programs • Costs to implement • Good timing with the deferral of the Council Chambers renovations allowing for continued discussion and research • Ability to be done remotely through smart phones • Requirement to provide listening devices under the Building Code T. Higgins would: • Follow up with V. Plouffe to Page 3 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) share D. Wysocki's presentation and Committee discussion • Create a small team to continue discussions over the summer months • Approach the Regional Accessibility Coordinator to introduce this topic for fuller discussion and seek strategic partnerships 3.4) Awards T. Higgins updated members on two awards recently received: David C. Onley Champion Award for Accessibility Leadership was awarded to the City of Pickering for renovations completed on the Delaney Arena; and OMSSA Award for Accessibility Leadership was presented to the Canada 150 Youth Forum — Confederation Journey team. T. Higgins also noted awards coming up — Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. He noted this would be emailed out to members and encouraged everyone to think about possible nominations. All He also noted the Region of Durham will be hosting an awards event in September. T. Higgins congratulated D. Hughes on receiving the Access Award for Disability Issues on behalf of his organization Enhanced Day Program Inc. This was presented at the Civic Awards ceremony hosted by the City of Pickering in May. Page 4 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 3.5) Canada Day T. Higgins updated members on plans for this year's event, noting the expanded pathway system this year will not only benefit the disabled community, but all residents. He noted a meeting will be held at Kinsmen Park on Friday with Durham All Transit and extended an invitation to members to attend as well. The meeting will provide them with the expectations for T. Higgins would send accessible transit at the Canada Day event being held at out a schedule for Kinsmen Park. Canada Day to enable members to indicate T. Higgins also canvassed members for attendance to assist on their availability and event day. suggest discussion themes. P. Bashaw noted the need for a script for the day to indicate topics for discussion. T. Higgins requested members to provide suggestions for themes on this. 3.6) Rights of Persons with Disabilities D. Wysocki and B. D'Souza provided members with an overview of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which they had attended on behalf of the Accessibility Advisory Committee. The event was held by the Law Society of Upper Canada and provided insight into using the UN process to advance disability rights. He noted that the optional protocol is expected to be legislated in 2018 which will allow for a cross reference of complaints and concerns related to human rights. Handouts were provided to members, as well as an email with associated links. 3.7) Employment Standards Feedback D. Wysocki informed members that he had sent out a questionnaire and was seeking feedback. Members noted the Members to complete following with respect to accessing the questionnaire: the survey • Must be either an employee or employer in order to D. Wysocki would complete the survey share Committee's • No on-line version making it difficult to share process -related • Why not use Survey Monkey suggestions with the Page 5 of 6 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) • Many companies and small businesses are not yet affected by AODA, therefore would not participate in the survey • Look into options through Google Drive Employment Standards Committee. 5 Other Business and Updates 5.1) T. Higgins informed members that he would be submitting a grant request at the end of July for accessibility enhancements at the Recreation Complex. He advised he would draft and circulate a letter of support from the Committee. 5.2) T. Higgins advised members that the City will be hosting an Accessibility Training for summer camp staff on Saturday June 24 at the Recreation Complex with registration beginning at 8:00 am. He encouraged members to attend to assist and observe if available. T. Higgins/all to action 6 Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 13, 2017, Main Committee Room Meeting Adjourned: 8:50 pm Copy: City Clerk Page 6 of 6