HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 23, 2008
Attendees: Kelly Collins, Chair
Garry Cuthbert
Aisha Nathifa Heywood
Zoia Horne
Lori Murray
Prem Noronha-Waldriff
Lisa Broad (Recording Secretary)
Also Present: Dale Martel
Todd Pollock
Absent: Stephen Little, Vice-Chair
Councillor Bonnie Littley
Item /
Ref
#
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items / Status
(include deadline as appropriate)
1.0
Adoption of Minutes – March 26, 2008
All
Moved by Lori Murray
Seconded by Zoia Horne
That the Minutes of the March 26, 2008 meeting be adopted.
CARRIED
Action Log to be forwarded with Minutes each month.
Lisa to action
2.0
Brochure
All
Brochure has been submitted to the Graphics Designer, and the Committee is now awaiting a final draft.
3.0
Joint Meeting – Durham Accessibility Advisory Committees
Zoia, Prem and Aisha attended the meeting and gave a brief overview of items discussed.
This Joint meeting is a yearly event, intended to discuss the objectives of all Regional Committees.
Ivan Ciuciura discussed emergency measures in relation to those with disabilities. In the event of an emergency, are there measures in place to help those with disabilities?
There is a need for training and drills, which should be conducted by each corresponding facility.
However, the onus rests on the individual, who is responsible for ensuring that the fire department and/or facility manager is aware of their disability, and their need for help in the
case of an emergency.
Keeping a registry current is a difficult task, therefore when an individual moves; they should update their current address and status.
Garry noted that he believes there are many accessible housing facilities currently occupied by people without disabilities, while those with disabilities are on waiting lists for these
facilities. He believes this poses a future problem for these individuals. Suggests the Committee compile a listing of accessible housing and keep track of any changes and advise Council
of this problem.
Zoia also discussed new technology for those with disabilities. It appears as though there is ample technology out there, but that the problem is the cost of such technology. Another
financial difficulty is the lack of subsidies available to individuals.
Kelly discussed the newsletter that was compiled on behalf of the Region of Durham and showed the AAC’s draft brochure to the visiting members.
Websites from the Joint Meeting – for additional information
www.access2.ca
www.abilities.ca
www.rehabengineer.homestead.ca
www.accessibilitynews.ca
www.cwd-o.org
www.people-in-motion.com
www.assistivetechnologyclinic.ca
www.microsciece.on.ca
www.soulfulencounters.com
www.aprompt.snow.utoronto.ca
AAC to action
Zoia, Prem and Aisha attended the meeting and gave a brief overview of items discussed.
This Joint meeting is a yearly event, intended to discuss the objectives of all Regional Committees.
Ivan Ciuciura discussed emergency measures in relation to those with disabilities. In the event of an emergency, are there measures in place to help those with disabilities?
There is a need for training and drills, which should be conducted by each corresponding facility.
However, the onus rests on the individual, who is responsible for ensuring that the fire department and/or facility manager is aware of their disability, and their need for help in the
case of an emergency.
Keeping a registry current is a difficult task, therefore when an individual moves; they should update their current address and status.
Garry noted that he believes there are many accessible housing facilities currently occupied by people without disabilities, while those with disabilities are on waiting lists for these
facilities. He believes this poses a future problem for these individuals. Suggests the Committee compile a listing of accessible housing and keep track of any changes and advise Council
of this problem.
Zoia also discussed new technology for those with disabilities. It appears as though there is ample technology out there, but that the problem is the cost of such technology. Another
financial difficulty is the lack of subsidies available to individuals.
Kelly discussed the newsletter that was compiled on behalf of the Region of Durham and showed the AAC’s draft brochure to the visiting members.
Websites from the Joint Meeting – for additional information
www.access2.ca
www.abilities.ca
www.rehabengineer.homestead.ca
www.accessibilitynews.ca
www.cwd-o.org
www.people-in-motion.com
www.assistivetechnologyclinic.ca
www.microsciece.on.ca
www.soulfulencounters.com
www.aprompt.snow.utoronto.ca
AAC to action
4.0
Other Business & Adjournment
All
Dale Martel, City of Pickering, appeared before the Committee to discuss her concerns with the accessibility (or lack of) in the City of Pickering. Concerns were expressed as follows;
Sidewalks in bad shape, very difficult to manoeuvre a scooter on them. There is also a lack of sidewalks, and sometimes sidewalks just end without giving an alternate route to drive
on.
There are a limited number of ramps, which means that individuals have to cross streets or backtrack to get on to a sidewalk.
Brock and Bayly – no sidewalk on the South West side, and no sidewalk over the bridge.
Kelly stated that she believed that there were plans to build/connect these sidewalks, but that she was not sure when this would occur.
Liverpool and Bayly – no sidewalks and there are also islands to go around.
Glenanna and Highway 2 – no curb cuts.
Sidewalk ramps are eroded and difficult to climb on to.
Also, during the winter months, the snow that was cleared off the roads was pushed right up to the ramp areas, and then not cleared off.
Dale also experienced not being able to enter stores because the ramps were blocked.
Kelly spoke with the residents and told them that these comments would be forwarded to the appropriate City of Pickering staff, and would be discussed. Lisa to forward minutes to Richard
Holborn, MP&E.
Garry would like to get the Committee out in the community. Proposed a walk-a-thon or something that would promote the Committee’s existence and awareness of the issues that are faced.
Zoia discussed the newsletter that is printed every month. The AAC’s meetings are listed so residents have a responsibility to be aware and involved. Would like to hear what has happened
with the proposal of Councillor Littley appearing on TV or the radio to discuss accessibility issues.
Dale suggested putting some information into the News Advertiser or having Press Releases on this issue. On the next agenda, the Committee will decide what they would like to appear
and Prem will follow up.
Aisha thanked residents for coming out and sharing their concerns. She also discussed a few issues from the Regional meeting, namely, that she feels the Committee should create a display
stand to use at certain community events. The Committee should also begin to examine whether or not the AAC’s section of the website is accessible.
Garry inquired as to whether or not there will be transportation arranged for those wishing to attend City events. Prem to follow up.
Prem discussed an event being held by the City of Vaughan. The Inclusive Event may be something that the Committee could attend, and may also be a venture for the Committee in the future.
Lisa to action
Councillor Littley to action
Prem to action
Prem to action
Dale Martel, City of Pickering, appeared before the Committee to discuss her concerns with the accessibility (or lack of) in the City of Pickering. Concerns were expressed as follows;
Sidewalks in bad shape, very difficult to manoeuvre a scooter on them. There is also a lack of sidewalks, and sometimes sidewalks just end without giving an alternate route to drive
on.
There are a limited number of ramps, which means that individuals have to cross streets or backtrack to get on to a sidewalk.
Brock and Bayly – no sidewalk on the South West side, and no sidewalk over the bridge.
Kelly stated that she believed that there were plans to build/connect these sidewalks, but that she was not sure when this would occur.
Liverpool and Bayly – no sidewalks and there are also islands to go around.
Glenanna and Highway 2 – no curb cuts.
Sidewalk ramps are eroded and difficult to climb on to.
Also, during the winter months, the snow that was cleared off the roads was pushed right up to the ramp areas, and then not cleared off.
Dale also experienced not being able to enter stores because the ramps were blocked.
Kelly spoke with the residents and told them that these comments would be forwarded to the appropriate City of Pickering staff, and would be discussed. Lisa to forward minutes to Richard
Holborn, MP&E.
Garry would like to get the Committee out in the community. Proposed a walk-a-thon or something that would promote the Committee’s existence and awareness of the issues that are faced.
Zoia discussed the newsletter that is printed every month. The AAC’s meetings are listed so residents have a responsibility to be aware and involved. Would like to hear what has happened
with the proposal of Councillor Littley appearing on TV or the radio to discuss accessibility issues.
Dale suggested putting some information into the News Advertiser or having Press Releases on this issue. On the next agenda, the Committee will decide what they would like to appear
and Prem will follow up.
Aisha thanked residents for coming out and sharing their concerns. She also discussed a few issues from the Regional meeting, namely, that she feels the Committee should create a display
stand to use at certain community events. The Committee should also begin to examine whether or not the AAC’s section of the website is accessible.
Garry inquired as to whether or not there will be transportation arranged for those wishing to attend City events. Prem to follow up.
Prem discussed an event being held by the City of Vaughan. The Inclusive Event may be something that the Committee could attend, and may also be a venture for the Committee in the future.
Lisa to action
Councillor Littley to action
Prem to action
Prem to action
Dale Martel, City of Pickering, appeared before the Committee to discuss her concerns with the accessibility (or lack of) in the City of Pickering. Concerns were expressed as follows;
Sidewalks in bad shape, very difficult to manoeuvre a scooter on them. There is also a lack of sidewalks, and sometimes sidewalks just end without giving an alternate route to drive
on.
There are a limited number of ramps, which means that individuals have to cross streets or backtrack to get on to a sidewalk.
Brock and Bayly – no sidewalk on the South West side, and no sidewalk over the bridge.
Kelly stated that she believed that there were plans to build/connect these sidewalks, but that she was not sure when this would occur.
Liverpool and Bayly – no sidewalks and there are also islands to go around.
Glenanna and Highway 2 – no curb cuts.
Sidewalk ramps are eroded and difficult to climb on to.
Also, during the winter months, the snow that was cleared off the roads was pushed right up to the ramp areas, and then not cleared off.
Dale also experienced not being able to enter stores because the ramps were blocked.
Kelly spoke with the residents and told them that these comments would be forwarded to the appropriate City of Pickering staff, and would be discussed. Lisa to forward minutes to Richard
Holborn, MP&E.
Garry would like to get the Committee out in the community. Proposed a walk-a-thon or something that would promote the Committee’s existence and awareness of the issues that are faced.
Zoia discussed the newsletter that is printed every month. The AAC’s meetings are listed so residents have a responsibility to be aware and involved. Would like to hear what has happened
with the proposal of Councillor Littley appearing on TV or the radio to discuss accessibility issues.
Dale suggested putting some information into the News Advertiser or having Press Releases on this issue. On the next agenda, the Committee will decide what they would like to appear
and Prem will follow up.
Aisha thanked residents for coming out and sharing their concerns. She also discussed a few issues from the Regional meeting, namely, that she feels the Committee should create a display
stand to use at certain community events. The Committee should also begin to examine whether or not the AAC’s section of the website is accessible.
Garry inquired as to whether or not there will be transportation arranged for those wishing to attend City events. Prem to follow up.
Prem discussed an event being held by the City of Vaughan. The Inclusive Event may be something that the Committee could attend, and may also be a venture for the Committee in the future.
Lisa to action
Councillor Littley to action
Prem to action
Prem to action
5.0
Next Meeting
All
April 23, 2008
Meeting Adjourned: 8:35 pm
Copy: City Clerk