HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-16Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee
April 6, 2016, 6:00 P.M.
Meeting Room 1A
Present: Shea-Lea Latchford
Maureen Reed
André O’Bumsawin
Tim Van Leeuwen
Sally Barrie
Also Present: Jeannette Whynot – Accessibility Coordinator
Regrets: Councillor Partner
Jacquie Watchorn
John Sturdy
(a) Adoption of Minutes
Moved by Maureen Reed seconded by André O’Bumsawin
That the minutes of the meeting of February 3, 2016 be approved.
Carried
Moved by Maureen Reed seconded by André O’Bumsawin
That the minutes of the meeting of March 2, 2016 be approved.
Carried
(b) Presentation
No presentations
3. Business Arising From Minutes
(a) Newcastle Shoppers Drug Mart Accessibility
The Committee members present discussed the concerns raised about the
accessibility of Newcastle Shoppers Drug mart. The number and locations of
accessible parking spaces was discussed and while there seems to be a lack of
accessible on-street parking spaces, the Committee was satisfied that there were
enough off-street accessible parking spaces. While the off-street accessible
parking spaces provided by Shoppers Drug Mart are a fair distance from the
store entrance, it was noted that there are other Municipal parking lots with
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accessible spaces that are closer.
The Committee mutually agreed that there seems to be an issue of providing
accessible customer service. Maureen Reed provided the example that Shoppers
Drug Mart, or any business, could offer a carry our service for people with
disabilities or anyone who required assistance. The Accessibility Coordinator
advised the Committee that this issue fits in well with the outreach she has been
establishing with Maureen Reed and that she has three upcoming meetings
where she would be able to provide information on improving customer service to
people with disabilities. The Committee mutually agreed that at this time, they did
not want to write any letters to Shoppers Drug Mart regarding the accessibility of
their Newcastle location. The Committee requested that the Accessibility
Coordinator discuss offering assistance/carry out service when meeting with local
business groups, to which she agreed.
(b) AAC Terms of Reference
The Accessibility Coordinator provided the Committee with a draft copy of the
updated Terms of Reference. Background on why the Terms of Reference
required and overview of the major changes was given to the Committee.
Moved by Maureen Reid, seconded by Sally Barrie
That the Accessibility Advisory Committee accept the updated Terms of
Reference for the Committee
Carried
4. New Business
(a) National Access Awareness Week
The Accessibility Coordinator provided the Committee with an overview of
National Access Awareness Week. The Committee was presented with
examples of how other AAC’s mark the week.
The Committee mutually agreed that they should ask the Mayor declare May 29-
June 4th National Access Awareness Week. The Accessibility Coordinator
advised that she would draft a letter with the Committee Chair and send it to the
Mayor’s office for consideration.
The Committee also mutually agreed that a delegation to Council would be a
great way to raise awareness and keep accessibility an active topic. André
O’Bumsawin agreed to speak on behalf of the Committee as a delegate to
Council. The Committee requested that an email be sent to all AAC members
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asking them for their input on what should be included. The Accessibility
Coordinator confirmed she would send an email to Committee members asking
for their input. The Accessibility Coordinator reminded the Committee that
delegations are strictly limited to 10 minutes, so the presentation will need to be
focused and concise.
(b) AAC at Festivals
The Accessibility Coordinator reminded the Committee that they had previously
indicated a desire to increase their presence in the community and one way to do
that would be to attend community festivals. A discussion on what the Committee
would need in order to have an effective and positive presence at a community
event took place.
The Committee mutually agreed that at this time they are not prepared enough to
attend a community festival, but that they would like to work towards the goal of
attending Apple Fest in the fall. The Committee requested that this topic be
added to the next agenda for further planning.
5. Regional Update
(a) 2016 Regional Accessibility Awards
The Accessibility Coordinator provided Committee members with information on
the annual Durham Accessibility Awards. The award was briefly discussed and
the Committee was asked to consider who’d they like to nominate. Some
brainstorming occurred before the Accessibility Coordinator suggested members
think about some more and that it can be further discussed at the next meeting
once people have had time to consider local champions.
(b) Regional AAC Minutes
The Committee was provided copies of the two most recent Regional AAC
Minutes for their review.
6. Other Business
André O’Bumsawin discussed the accessibility of his recent trip to Florida. He
noted that they did not seem to be any more accessible that in Canada, and in
some cases even less accessible. André stated that his newly build hotel
(December 2015) lacked a number of basic accessible features.
Sally Barrie advised the Committee that on Saturday June 11th Community Care
Durham will be holding a Mental Health Awareness Walk. For more information
please visit http://www.ccdwalk.org
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7. Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday May 4, 2016 at 6:00 PM.
8. Adjournment
Moved by André O’Bumsawin seconded by Tim Van Leeuwen
That the meeting adjourn.
Carried
The meeting concluded at 7:08pm
_________________________
Chair
_________________________
Secretary