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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-10-05Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee October 5, 2016, 6:00 P.M. Meeting Room 1A Present: Shea-Lea Latchford André O’Bumsawin Tim Van Leeuwen Jacquie Watchorn Sally Barrie Also Present: Jeannette Whynot – Accessibility Coordinator Brad Eyre – Manager Specialized Services, Durham Region Transit Bill Holmes – Deputy General Manager, Operations, Durham Region Transit Regrets: Councillor Partner Maureen Reed Meeting was called to order at 6:00pm. 1. Adoption of Minutes Moved by Sally Barrie seconded by André O’Bumsawin That the minutes of the meeting of June 1, 2016 be approved. Carried Moved by Sally Barrie seconded by André O’Bumsawin That the minutes of the meeting of September 7, 2016 be approved. Carried 2. Presentation Brad Eyre, Manager Specialized Services at Durham Region Transit (DRT) gave a presentation to the Committee on recent changes at DRT. The presentation focused on current and future infrastructure plans around busses and transit stops. 100% of DRT conventional busses are now accessible. Travel training is available to any customer who needs it, including customers with disabilities. The goal is to help answer any questions customers may have, and increase their familiarity with boarding, de-boarding, fare payment etc. Mr. Eyre explained the integrated service model and how it’s helping to improve Clarington Accessibility - 2 - October 5, 2016 Advisory Committee transportation service across the Region. Fare and fare payment options were also described to the Committee. There was a question and answer period following the formal presentation, where both Mr. Eyre and Mr. Holmes answered the Committee’s questions. Based on the discussion, it was mutually agreed that the Accessibility Coordinator would summarize the Committee’s feedback to DRT and submit it to them as soon as possible. 3. Business Arising From Minutes (a) Apple Fest Planning Final plans for attending Apple Fest were made. Committee members advised if and when they would be able to help at the booth being shared with Clarington Tourism. 4. New Business (a) Accessibility Coordinator update on summer activities The Accessibility Coordinator provided a brief overview of major activities that occurred over the summer. Major activities included applying for two accessibility grants and updating all of the Municipality’s accessibility policies. The Committee was advised that they will have the opportunity to review and comment on the updated policies soon. 5. Regional Update Sally Barrie provided information on the upcoming Abilities Centre Gala. There is concern that the event will not be accessible to everyone because there is a buffet dinner, instead of a sit down dinner. The Committee agreed that this type of set up would make it less accessible. The Committee was provided a summary of what happened at the 2016 Joint AAC Forum. Due to another commitment, the Clarington winner – Massey House – was not able to attend the ceremony. Shea-Lea advised the Committee that she would deliver the award to Massey House with the Accessibility Coordinator as soon as possible. 6. Other Business André O’Bumsawin advised the Committee that he is considering writing a letter to the Minister, as a private citizen, about transit issues in Durham. The Accessibility Coordinator asked the Committee if they would like to adjust the time of the meeting, as some members have said it is difficult to attend due to Clarington Accessibility - 3 - October 5, 2016 Advisory Committee traffic coming home from work. The Committee mutually agreed to try having the November meeting at 6:30pm instead of 6:00pm. 7. Date of Next Meeting Wednesday November 2, 2016 at 6:30 PM. 8. Adjournment Moved by André O’Bumsawin seconded by Jacqui Watchorn That the meeting adjourn. Carried The meeting concluded at 7:35 pm _________________________ Chair _________________________ Secretary