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Minutes/Meeting Summary
Accessibility Advisory Committee
April 15, 2015
7:00 pm
Pickering Recreation Complex, Program Room #2
Attendees: T. Arvisais
M. Brenner
A. Doucette
D. Hughes
C. Morrison
S. Wilkinson
S. Bernardo, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
D. Marlowe, Staff Representative
R. Michaud, Recording Secretary
Guests
Absent:
Rob Cluett, Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work
Tracy Gold, Pickering Resident
P. Bashaw
Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status
Ref # (summary of discussion) (include deadline as
appropriate)
1. Welcome & Introduction
D. Marlowe welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced
Steve Bernardo, who will be joining the committee in an
advisory capacity, representing the Ajax-Pickering Board of
Trade.
2. Delegation
2.1) Rob Cluett
The Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW)
RE: Opportunities Fund and the Ontario Workplace
Inclusion Program
R. Cluett provided an overview of the services provided by the
CCRW and highlighted the requirements and criteria to qualify
for the program.
He noted that they work closely with clients and employers to
eliminate barriers for entering the workforce. They provide
intake counselling by conducting interview with the clients and
help them with their resume. Medical forms are not required
and clients are not obli ated to disclose anything about their
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Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion
Ref # (summary of discussion)
disability unless it is necessary to ensure the workplace and
workstations are fully accessible (i.e. assistive devices,
monitors and/or time off as required for medical appointments).
In the past 3 years, they have placed clients in the following
fields:
• Office administration
• Food Services
• Customer Service
• Automotive Industry
• Janitorial Services
• Health Services
• Libraries
The program runs for 12 weeks and provides employers with
wage subsidy to cover a portion of their salary. The placement
may not always result in full time employment but clients gain
valuable workplace experience.
M. Brenner enquired if the number of clients from Pickering
declined when the office was amalgamated with the Oshawa
based office. R. Cluett advised that there was a slight change
in the demographics after the office closure, but it has since
stabilized. He noted that they do provide transportation service
for clients to come to their office if they do not have the means.
M. Brenner mentioned that under the Human Rights Code,
employers cannot discriminate against employees with any type
of disability, visible or invisible. R. Cluett indicated that the
companies they work with are very reputable employers and
that they are very familiar with the AODA and Human Rights
Code.
D. Marlowe enquired if the CCRW provides placement for
contract/seasonal positions which may be available at the City
of Pickering. R. Cluett advised that they would definitely be
interested to meet with Human Resources staff to discuss
possible employment options within the City.
D. Hughes enquired if the contract/seasonal employees qualify
for EI aftertheirjob placement. R. Cluett indicated that EI
benefits are provided if the employee contributed to CPP/EI
during employment.
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
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Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status
Ref # (summary of discussion) (include deadline as
appropriate)
R. Cluett noted that they also provide assistance to employers
for workplace upgrades if a client is already employed and is in
need of special equipment to perform the job.
It was suggested that the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade host a
Lunch 'N Learn session promoting benefits for local employers
to get involved with CCRW. S. Bernardo mentioned that the
Whitby area Board of Trade conducted a similar session last
year and it was very well attended. D. Marlowe to email
presentation.
D. Marlowe thanked R. Cluett for his presentation and noted
that a copy will be forwarded to committee members for their
information.
3. Approval of Minutes
Moved by C. Morrison
Seconded by M. Brenner
That the March 19, 2015 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory
Committee meeting be approved.
Carried
4. Business Arising from minutes
3.1) Town Hall Meeting
D. Marlowe noted that any public input process conducted at
the City requires Council approval. In order for the committee
to host a Town Hall Meeting, a detailed proposal plan would
have to be prepared and submitted for Council's consideration.
Further discussion and research is required. Committee D. Marlow to follow-up.
members enquired on the cost of conducting a Virtual Town
Hall meeting similar to the ones held by the Mayor. D.
Marlowe to follow up and report at next meeting.
Moved by T. Arvisais
Seconded by S. Bernardo
That the committee review the costs involved and if possible
look at getting sponsorship from local area businesses to
conduct a Town Hall meeting focusing on accessibility issues.
Carried
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Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion
Ref # (summary of discussion)
3.2) Event Planning
D. Marlowe advised that nothing has been confirmed yet for
Artfest. The Committee has placed a hold on a booth, but he
encouraged committee members to provide input as soon as
possible if interested in sponsoring someone.
S. Wilkinson suggested to contact the Heart & Stroke
Association or Kinark for possible names of local artists. D.
Hughes advised that he would follow up with Kinark and advise.
A reminder that Artfest is scheduled for Saturday, May 23 from
11 am to 4 pm in the Esplanade Park next to City Hall.
Committee members discussed options available for Canada
Day, i.e. suggestions include therapeutic riding program and
mechanical horse and the trained dog demonstration. D.
Marlowe indicated that he is waiting for an update from P.
Bashaw with regards to the therapeutic riding program and
mechanical horses and M. Brenner will follow up on the trained
dog demonstration.
D. Marlowe asked committee members to provide input on any
upcoming community events in which the committee could
participate and engage the public to promote greater
accessibility awareness.
3.3) Work Plan — Presentation to Council
The Committee members provided comments on the 2015
Proposed Work Plan. D. Marlowe to update and forward to the
Clerk's office for Council's consideration.
Moved by M. Brenner
Seconded by C. Morrison
That D. Marlowe submit a request for delegation to the Clerk's
office for T. Arvisais and M. Brenner to present the 2015 Work
Plan to Council.
Carried
D. Marlowe to follow up and confirm date of presentation to
Council with T. Arvisais and M. Brenner. All committee
members are also invited to attend the Council meeting for the
qresentation.
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
M. Brenner to action.
D. Marlowe to follow
up and inform
committee members.
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Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status
Ref # (summary of discussion) (include deadline as
appropriate)
4 New Business
4.1) Accessible Customer Service Orientation
D. Marlowe advised that it is mandatory for all City staff and
City Committee members to receive the Accessible Customer
Service training. All staff and previous committee members
were trained in 2014 in order to meet the AODA requirements.
The "Accessible Pickering Resource Information" booklet was
distributed to committee members for their information and
reference as required.
5 Correspondence
D. Marlowe advised that the City of Pickering has proclaimed
the week of May 31St to June 1St as Accessibility Awareness
Week. More information is available on the City's website.
D. Marlowe circulated a letter for nominations for Seniors
Achievement Award. The deadline for nomination is June 15tn
D. Marlowe mentioned that he received an email from Aisha
Heywood-Delpeche, former committee member, expressing her
thanks for the opportunity to participate on the committee in the
past four years.
6 Other Business
Upcoming guests
• D. Marlowe to invite Pauline Bennett as a presenter for a D. Marlowe to follow
future meeting. up,
• The committee members also suggested to invite staff
from City of Pickering, Human Resources Section to
hear about possible employment opportunities at the City
of Pickering for persons with disabilities.
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Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status
Ref # (summary of discussion) (include deadline as
appropriate)
Committee Agenda
T. Arvisais suggested that timelines be added to the agenda in
order to ensure that the meetings are conducted in a timely
manner. For example, presentations should be allotted a
maximum of 30 minutes, allowing the committee sufficient time
to complete other agenda items and end the meeting by 9 pm.
7 Next Meeting: May 13, 2015
Pickering Recreation Complex
Program Room #2
Meeting Adjourned: 9:15 pm
Copy: City Clerk
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