HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 14, 2017DICKERING
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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