HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 11 2018
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Minutes/Meeting Summary
Accessibility Advisory Committee April 11, 2018 7:00 pm Main Committee Room
Attendees: P. Bashaw B. D’Souza A. Doucette D. Hughes M. Thorpe Ross
S. Wilkinson D. Wysocki T. Higgins, Staff Representative L. Roberts, Recording Secretary
Absent: E. Fulton V. Ronaldi J. Whynot
Guests: Councillor Maurice Brenner
Councillor Ian Cumming Ather Shabbar, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator, Ministry of Attorney General Sandra Frost, Therapeutic Paws of Canada Pina D’Intino
Donna Holmes, CNIB
Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
1. Welcome
T. Higgins welcomed Members and guests in attendance. Introductions were made around the table.
2. Review and Approval of Agenda
T. Higgins provided a brief review of the agenda items.
3. New Business
3.1) Inclusive Design
Ather Shabbar appeared before the Committee and through the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, he provided an outline
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Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate)
of Inclusive Design, explaining the benefits and how it can be used to improve governance and create a more inclusive
environment. He provided the following definition of inclusive
design;
Ability, language, culture, age & other forms of human differences – considers full range of human diversity
Cost can be higher in the long run if designing for the average
Design that encompasses the largest range of diverse
users
Innovation happens when you go to the outliers – you will meet the needs of all
Software development – more designed for average
He noted it is challenging and costly to meet the needs of outliers, it may be more expensive at the beginning, but less costly in the long run.
Good examples of “one size fits all” mindset was
transportation and housing, as these areas do not meet the needs of all.
Discussion took place regarding the effects of non-accommodating and the ensuing benefits when you do.
Mr. Shabbar continued the presentation by outlining the
inclusive process and tools to recognize diversity and uniqueness in order to achieve a broader beneficial impact.
Nothing for us without us – does not include users in
the process
Research has shown that diverse groups will outperform
Discussed the barriers which are present that prevent government from being more open – i.e. accessible documents Key concepts were outlined as follows:
Diversity & uniqueness
Design for people that are outliers or at the margins
Inclusive processes & tools
Nothing for us without us
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Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate)
Discussion ensued with respect to the need to advocate for a better understanding and education among leadership, as
well as accountability. Another issue was the lack of
enforcement, noting a need for it to be managed. Also noted was need to begin education at an early age. Mr. Shabaar discussed how innovation labs could be used to;
bring together diverse groups
define problems
identify barriers
develop a persona
brainstorm to build on ideas
filter ideas with an intense focus on users
try out solutions, develop a prototype.
This will have a broader impact and possibly find other problems along the way. In closing, Mr. Shabaar encouraged members to go the website Inclusive Design Research Centre for further
information. ( https://idrc.ocadu.ca/ ) T. Higgins invited Mr. Shabaar and P. D’Intino to return to a future meeting for further discussions to explore opportunities to apply inclusive design principles in Pickering.
It was suggested that Members of City Council be invited to attend this meeting as well. Comments around the table were noted as follows;
Develop ways to work with leadership within the City
Shifting the mindset
Walk in their shoes
Employment as a major topic
Housing
Take this model and choose a topic 3.2) Licensing Service Dogs
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Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate)
Councillor Brenner and Councillor Cumming were in attendance to provide members with an overview of a Notice
of Motion regarding the licensing of service dogs which they
plan to bring forward to Council. Councillor Brenner stated that he receives calls from residents with concerns over service dogs, and that the various acts within Provincial legislation have a number of discrepancies relating to service
animals.
Councillor Brenner noted the need for residents to have easier access to facilities without problems when accompanied by a service animal. He noted that while there
is legislation in place, not all businesses abide by it. He also
noted this does not take into consideration invisible disabilities. Councillor Brenner went on to explain that the City currently
issues dog licences, and that if a resident provides the City
with information that they have a service dog, the licence fee will be waived. He indicated the next step was to look at a different form of
licence which would identify service dogs, noting it was not up
to us to determine the level of training. He stated that a Notice of Motion would be the starting point in the process, to help bring awareness and hopefully set a benchmark for other municipalities, and possibly act as a pilot for Ontario.
He also noted that this motion was concentrating on service dogs, as the City currently has this licensing process in place, whereby the opportunity exists to regulate through the current by-law, such as the use of signage, and to create an
awareness. He stated he was in attendance to seek guidance
from the Committee members in this regard. Discussion among members ensued with the following;
Opportunity to lead
Importance of having conversations
Need to see from both sides
Need to recognize and respect the needs of service dogs and owners
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Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate)
Invisible disabilities – there are times when people do
not wish to have their disability known
Complications of travelling outside Canada
Need to ensure everything is covered, but not put
additional burdens on those who require service
animals
Issues with those who pass off untrained animals as service animals
Sandra Frost, Therapeutic Paws of Canada, noted that support dogs are a very grey area as it is difficult to define. She stated that she receives calls on a daily basis in this regard. She also noted that insurance policies regarding therapy dogs only cover the animals during their working
hours. Also discussed were the various differences between therapy, support and service animals. Pina D’Intino shared her experiences and needs with respect to having a service dog. Among these were being denied
access, segregation from other customers, and the need to provide numerous types of documentation when travelling. Donna Holmes noted that there should be a statement on the back of a card which covers all the information required with
respect to the service animal, such as certification, up to date vaccinations, etc. Discussion ensued with respect to the challenges involved with service animals, for those who absolutely require a
service animal, and those who abuse it, which make it more difficult for those who need the service. It was noted there needs to be accurate certification with an evaluation component, with valid, reliable criteria. There needs to be a way to ensure only those that need it get it. It was noted this
is where an innovation design lab approach could work. Councillor Brenner indicated the Notice of Motion would include consultation with a diverse group of stakeholders, including Accessibility Advisory Committee members, Animal
Services and City By-law staff. He noted potential timelines for a report to Council would be sometime early in 2019.
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Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate)
It was noted there needs to be much more than a tag to resolve the issues surrounding service animals. The need to
look into additional education and training at a younger age,
such as through the School Board curriculum. Moved by D. Wysocki Seconded by A. Doucette
That the Accessibility Advisory Committee support Councillor Brenner in bringing forward a Notice of Motion to Council on the licensing of service dogs.
Carried
3.3) 2017 Year-End Report & 2018 Work Plan T. Higgins advised members that the submission of the year-
end report was a good opportunity to profile items, discuss
important issues and create momentum among Council. He noted he would be drafting the report and would forward to members for comment. He encouraged members to attend the May 14th Council meeting, and questioned what they felt
were the top items for discussion. The following items were
noted:
Housing
Employment
Transportation
Rating system for developments
Highlight examples of excellent work completed in City facilities with respect to accessibility 3.4) Event coverage
T. Higgins informed members of the following upcoming events;
Presentation of report to Council – May 14
Accessibility Awareness Week at Pickering Town Centre – May 26
Your City – May 26
Canada Day – July 1
T. Higgins to action
Member participation
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Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate)
T. Higgins noted that two events were scheduled for the same day, May 26th, but encouraged members to think about
attending possibly one hour at each event. He noted a desire
to support the Town of Ajax. It was also suggested that scripts for the day be prepared. T. Higgins noted he would prepare speaking points as well as promotional material.
T. Higgins to action
4. Review & Approval – March 14, 2018 Minutes & Business Arising
Moved by M. Thorpe Ross Seconded by A. Doucette That the March 14, 2018 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved.
Carried
Meeting Adjourned: 9:20 pm Copy: City Clerk