HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-06 AgendaClarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Agenda
January 6, 2021
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If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at
905-623-3379 ext. 2131.
Date: Wednesday January 6, 2021
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Virtually through Microsoft Teams
Click here to loin the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
+1 289-274-8255„757258166# Canada, Oshawa
Phone Conference ID: 757 258 166#
1. Call to Order
2. Discussion
2.1 On -Street Accessible Parking with Sean Bagshaw, Supervisor, Asset Management, Public
Works, Municipality of Clarington
3. Minutes
3.1 Minutes of meeting of December 2, 2020 (Attached).
4. New Business
4.1 2020 Clarington Accessibility Annual Update (Attached).
4.2 Metrolinx Virtual Accessibility Consultation
4.3 Region of Durham 2019 Accessibility Report (Attached).
5. Adjournment
Next meeting: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Page 1 of 1
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December 2, 2020, 7:30PM
Via Microsoft Teams
If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility
Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131.
Present: Shea -Lea Latchford, Chair
Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, Vice -Chair
Pinder DaSilva
Councillor Janice Jones
Deb Kalogris
Sarah McConaghy
Catherine McConaghy
Marina Ross
Sarah Taylor
Tim Van Leeuwen
Also Present: Erica Mittag, Community Development Coordinator
The meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m.
1. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes
1.1. The Members reviewed the meeting minutes from the November 5, 2020
meeting.
Moved by Marina Ross; seconded by Deb Kalogris
That the minutes of the meeting of November 5, 2020 be approved.
Carried
2. New Business:
2.1. Inclusive Communities Grant
Erica Mittag shared that the Inclusive Communities Grant was recently launched.
This program looks at projects and initiatives that help improve accessibility for
seniors and people with disabilities. The Municipality of Clarington is looking to
submit an application for the installation of charging stations for mobility devices
along paths, trails and in parks across Clarington. The hope is this will support
more people in becoming active and using the paths, trails and parks in our
community. This is a one-time grant funding program with projects beginning
February / March 2021 and completion by March 2022. Some locations could
Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes F December 2, 2020
use existing power from a nearby source; others may require solar powered
options. The Accessibility Advisory Committee will be consulted on location
selections. Councillor Janice Jones had brought a motion forward to General
Government Committee on November 30, 2020 for Councils support of the
application. This will be ratified December 14, 2020 at Council.
The Members discussed the initiative and wondered about protection from
vandalism, seasonal components and specifics of the charging stations. Erica
indicated that City of Sarnia has launched a similar project so she will connect
with them for best practices and learnings from their experience. Other factors
mentioned will also be considered and included as part of the plan. The
Committee will be consulted on design choice for benches and structures.
Moved by Sarah Taylor, seconded by Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer
That Clarington s Accessibility Advisory Committee support an application by the
Municipality of Clarington to the Inclusive Communities Program.
Carried
Moved by Sarah Taylor, Seconded by Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer
That Claringtonn-s Accessibility Advisory Committee provide a support letter to be
submitted with the application
Carried
3. Adjournment
4.1 The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Moved by Sarah Taylor; seconded by Tim Van Leeuwen
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried
Next meeting Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Via Microsoft Teams
Page 2 of 2
Clarington
Staff Report
If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility
Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131.
Report To: General Government Committee
Date of Meeting: January 25, 2021 Report Number: [Report Number]
Submitted By: Rob Maciver, Director of Legislative Services
Reviewed By: Andrew C. Allison, CAO By-law Number:
File Number: Resolution#:
Report Subject: 2020 Clarington Accessibility Annual Status Update
Recommendation:
1. That Report LLL-NNN-YY be received;
2. That Report LLL-NNN-YY be placed on the municipal website; and
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Municipality of Clarington
Report [Report Number]
Report Overview
Page 2
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2020 to improve accessibility in our community and to report on the progress made under
the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).
1. Background
Statement of Commitment
1.1 The Municipality of Clarington is committed to ensuring that people of all ages and
abilities enjoy the same opportunities when they live, work, play, visit and invest in our
community.
1.2 We promote an inclusive, caring and respectful community where programs, services
and facilities are available to everyone. Our goal is to make Clarington a barrier -free
community and each year we come closer to achieving that goal.
2. Accessibility Legislation in Ontario
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)
2.1 The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 sets out a road map for an
accessible Ontario by 2025. The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR)
has been created as part of the Act to provide rules that businesses and organizations
in Ontario need to follow to identify, remove and prevent barriers. In addition to the
General Requirements, the IASR contains mandatory and enforceable standards in five
key areas:
L Information and Communications
C Employment
C Transportation
F- Design of Public Spaces
F- Customer Service
2.2 The Design of Public Spaces Standard focuses on removing barriers in areas not
covered by the Ontario Building Code such as playgrounds, on and off-street parking,
recreational trails, and service counters. It applies to new construction or re -construction
of existing spaces. It does not require organizations to retrofit in order to be compliant.
Municipality of Clarington
Report [Report Number
Page 3
Ontario Building Code (OBC)
2.3 The OBC regulates the minimum building standards for the construction of all new
buildings that undergo a significant renovation. The Code includes requirements for
minimum accessibility within buildings.
2.4 The OBC was amended to include enhancements to accessibility in buildings. As of
January 1, 2015, most new construction and extensive renovations will be subject to
updated accessibility requirements. Existing buildings, where no work is planned, are
not affected by these new requirements.
Accessible Canada Act
2.5 As explained in Report CLD -017-19, the Municipality is also guided (although not
directly governed) by the Accessible Canada Act which aims to benefit everyone,
especially persons with disabilities through the realization of a Canada without barriers
on or before January 1, 2040. While the Municipality of Clarington is not directly
impacted by the passage of the Accessible Canada Act, we will continue to monitor its
progress for best practices and opportunities for removing barriers in our communities.
3. Accessibility Annual Status Update
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3.1 The Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee (CAAC) is a citizen committee that
acts as an advisory body for Council. Its mandate is to advise on the identification,
removal and prevention of barriers to people with disabilities in municipal programs,
services, initiatives and facilities. The CAAC meets on a monthly basis and while in-
person meetings were restricted due to COVID-19, the Committee was able to conduct
virtual meetings using the Microsoft Teams platform and will continue to do so into
2021.
3.2 Each member of the CAAC is a volunteer with the exception of the Council
representative. The majority of CAAC membership is held by persons with disabilities.
The CAAC is supported by the Accessibility Coordinator in the Legislative Services
Department.
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a new CAAC was formed and will work within its mandate until 2022. The 2018-2022
CAAC members bring a wide range of personal and professional experiences and
perspectives related to the challenges faced by people with disabilities. They provide
invaluable advice and support as we continue to work toward a barrier -free Clarington.
Municipality of Clarington Page 4
Report [Report Number
3.4 Under the AODA, the Municipality is required to consult with the Accessibility Advisory
Committee when new developments and municipal projects are being planned. In
2020, the CAAC reviewed approximately 12 site plan applications and 7 municipal
projects for barriers to accessibility. This is a role the Committee takes seriously. They
take pride in knowing they have helped contribute to a more accessible Clarington by
advising applicants to exceed minimum accessibility standards. In 2020, the CAAC
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accessibility in various municipal projects and presented them with an Accessibility
Award as Honorable Mention at the 2020 Clarington Accessibility Awards Night.
3.5 In 2020, the Accessibility Advisory Committee also:
❑ Collaborated with the Municipality of Clarington on social media campaigns to recognize
National AccessAbility Week and the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
❑ Raised the Access Clarington flag for National AccessAbility Week.
❑ Provided feedback on new signage for the Clarington Public Library Bowmanville
Branch.
❑ Shared thoughts on making paths and trails more accessible with the Clarington Active
Transportation and Safe Roads Advisory Committee.
❑ Provided input to a survey conducted by the Region of Durham regarding accessibility
of regional services.
❑ Hosted a virtual event to recognize businesses and organizations the Committee
nominated for a Durham Regional Accessibility Award. Committee members then
distributed certificates to the Accessibility Champions throughout Clarington. (See
photos below).
Municipality of Clarington Page 5
Report [Report Number]
Accessibility Governance
3.6 The Accessibility Coordinator acts as a resource for all municipal service areas and
facilitates compliance with the AODA. ,Q-DFFRLCDCFHIZME'1RXCFL0tDSSU YDCRAW❑
recommendations from the Grant Thornton organizational review, the Accessibility
Coordinator position will move from Legislative Services to Community Services in
2021. This will align our commitment to support diversity in our workplace and
community by coordinating these resources within one Department.
3.7 To ensure Clarington continues to meet, or exceed, the requirements of the AODA, the
Coordinator continued to stay informed about legislation and participated in accessibility
networks such as the Ontario Network of Accessibility Professionals (ONAP) and other
Accessibility Coordinators in Durham Region through attendance at quarterly
coordinators meetings. Since June 2020, some of the duties of the Accessibility
Coordinator have been shared by staff in Community Services and Legislative Services
as we prepare for the full transition to the Community Services Department in 2021.
3.8 The Coordinator provided legislated, mandatory training for all employees and
volunteers on providing accessible customer service to people with disabilities, the IASR
and the Human Rights Code as it relates to people with disabilities, as required under
the AODA. While in-person training was affected initially by COVID-19, online
resources and virtual sessions were quickly offered to continue to meet this
requirement.
3.9 In the absence of the Accessibility Coordinator, the Community Development
Coordinator stepped in as the staff liaison to the Clarington Accessibility Advisory
Committee and facilitator of site plan and municipal project reviews by the Site Plan
Review Sub -Committee, as well as acting as primary contact person for accessibility
questions from staff and public.
Municipality of Clarington
Report [Report Number
Summary of Accessibility Activities
Page 6
Activity
Number of
Occurrences
Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meetings
9
AODA Training to individuals (staff, volunteers)
20
In Person Accessible Document Training to individuals (staff)
16
Site Plans Reviewed
12
Municipal Projects Reviewed
7
3.10 The Municipality of Clarington continues to monitor and update its accessibility policies
as necessary.
3.11 714i_0 XCLFLSDMtR FILOLIDJVRQV-Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2018-2023 outlines the
initiatives the Municipality has taken to ensure compliance with AODA. Additionally, the
Plan outlines how the Municipality will continue to meet its legislated obligations under
AODA and address the needs of our growing community as we work towards a fully
accessible and inclusive community. The Multi -Year Accessibility Plan is posted on the
Clarington website.
3.12 The Purchasing Department continues to include accessible design, features and
criteria when purchasing goods, services or facilities. In 2020, the wording in the
purchasing documents was reviewed to ensure clarity around accessibility
requirements. If the Municipality was not able to purchase accessible goods, services or
facilities, the Municipality gave an explanation as to why, upon request.
Information and Communications Website
3.13 The Municipality of Clarington website complies with WCAG 2.0 Level AA, an
achievement the Municipality met well before the January 1, 2021 deadline prescribed
by the AODA.
3.14 Staff across all departments continue to work hard to ensure everything on the website
is in an accessible format. In some situations, we have not been able to post content
that is in an accessible format. Where something is not accessible to a person, we
Municipality of Clarington
Report [Report Number
Page 7
encouraged them to contact us and we worked with them to find a suitable accessible
format. Every public document includes information to request it in an accessible format.
3.15 Our website features BrowseAloud. This feature has several helpful tools that make our
website even more accessible such as: toolbar downloads, text magnifier, highlighting,
reading out loud and language translation. For 2020, the BrowseAloud feature was
used 629 times. In 2021, our new municipal website will be redesigned and will have
enhanced built-in accessibility features that will replace BrowseAloud.
Accessible Documents
3.16 In support of accessible documents for our website, we continued to provide training to
municipal staff on how to create accessible Word documents throughout 2020.
3.17 The Municipality remained dedicated to making both internal and external documents
accessible and continued to make great strides in providing documents in an accessible
format. We continue to encourage individuals who find a document inaccessible to
contact us via phone or email to request it in an alternative format.
Employment
3.18 The Municipality of Clarington remained committed to accessible and equitable hiring
practices and continued to meet its Employment Standards obligations under the
AODA. All job postings included a statement about the availability of accommodations
for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.
3.19 Successful candidates are informed, through their offer of employment, that
accommodations are available for people with disabilities. All employees are informed
of policies regarding job accommodations. The Municipality continued to provide
workplace and emergency response information in accessible formats to employees
who require it.
3.20 The Community Services Department launched a pilot project in partnership with the
Participation House Durham Region to offer employment opportunities to people with
developmental disabilities. While the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent facility
closures have impacted this pilot project, it was a successful initiative and will be
continued when our facilities re -open to the public.
Transportation
3.21 The Region of Durham is responsible for public transportation within Clarington.
Metrolinx (GO Transit) also provides transportation services through Clarington.
3.22 In 2020, the Region of Durham revised its service delivery to an on -demand system in
many areas of our community and expanded some routes along Highway 2 connecting
Courtice and Bowmanville. The Accessibility Advisory Committee invited
Municipality of Clarington
Report [Report Number
Page 8
representatives from Durham Region Transit to one of their virtual meetings to learn
more about the service change and advocate for accessible service.
3.23 Service Ontario locations were impacted through the COVID-19 pandemic as well. Staff
communicated accessibility and customer service concerns with Ministry staff related to
the service outlet in Clarington (Bowmanville). This conversation is ongoing, however,
some improvements have been noted in terms of recognition of the accessibility
challenges.
Design of Public Spaces
3.24 The Municipality of Clarington continued to ensure that all new and redeveloped public
spaces complied with the requirements of the Design of Public Spaces Standard. This
means that new and redeveloped parks, trails, parking lots, service counters and paths
of travel were designed to make things easier for everyone -1 people with disabilities,
seniors and families []to use and enjoy public spaces. Where accessible requirements
are not met in any Municipal project, staff continue to work together to ensure that any
deficiencies identified are corrected in a timely and appropriate manner.
3.25 In 2020, accessibility improvements in the form of tactile plate installation were made to
the parking lot at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex.
3.26 Throughout 2020, the Clarington Public Library C Bowmanville Branch underwent
significant renovations through their Bowmanville Branch Accessibility Redesign. The
goal was to create a more flexible space that better serves the needs of our community
and library members. Upgrades included:
L Replacement of the main entrance
L Removal of slate flooring throughout the atrium and stairs to a more accessible
flooring
F- Construction of a universal washroom
L Some work on the Mezzanine washrooms
3.27 Some accessibility upgrades were performed at some playground locations. These
included replacement of sand with wood fibre which provides a more accessible and
level surface with no or minimal transition, and paved pathways were added where none
existed previously. Where paved pathways existed, their surface was replaced for
increased accessibility. These playgrounds include:
Municipality of Clarington
Report [Report Number
❑ Gatehouse Parkette
Landerville Park
Moyse Park
Orono Park
Soper Creek Park
Wallbridge Park
Customer Service
Page 9
3.28 The Municipality of Clarington continues to comply with the Customer Service Standard.
When accessing goods, services and facilities provided by the Municipality, individuals
may use their assistive devices. Guide dogs and service animals may be used in all
areas/premises that are open to the public, unless the animal is otherwise excluded by
law. People with disabilities can access their support person/worker when accessing
Municipal goods, services and facilities.
3.29 In 2020, as we addressed COVID-19 protocols and building reopening, accessibility was
considered to ensure our buildings and services remained accessible while maintaining
mandated guidelines. For example, accessibility was considered when:
Designing signage in the form of decals for physical distancing measures
❑ Development of traffic flow patterns and use of elevators throughout the municipal
buildings
Acknowledgement that some of our customers may not be able to wear a mask
due to medical concerns.
3.30 We continue to train all new employees and volunteers on Accessible Customer
Service, including how to communicate with people with disabilities in a manner that
considers their abilities. We will work with the person with a disability to determine what
methods of communication work best for them.
Municipality of Clarington
Report [Report Number
Page 10
3.31 We will continue to explore best practices for accessible customer service and
investigate assistive technologies that can assist staff in providing accessible customer
service to our residents and visitors.
4. Next Steps
4.1 Throughout 2021, the Municipality of Clarington will continue to work towards meeting,
maintaining and exceeding its obligations under AODA and its Integrated Accessibility
Standards. In keeping with our goal of becoming a barrier -free community we will:
4.2 Explore the opportunity to develop [IOUDJVRQVL8 CC�YHLVDQ HVJQ61OQMLG/L1
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Committee and Diversity portfolio.
4.4 Respond to requests for information in an alternative format.
4.5 Continue to support and educate staff on creating accessible documents.
4.6 Enhance the integration with facility / building services for accessibility of municipal
buildings.
4.7 Continue conducting accessibility audits on Municipal buildings and facilities.
4.8 Continue to review and update accessibility policies and perform a gap analysis of
missing policies.
4.9 Provide current staff and volunteers with updated information on changes to our
accessibility policies and continue to provide accessibility training to all new staff and
volunteers.
4.10 Continue to review by-laws and policies to ensure they are consistent with the principles
of the AODA and that they meet or exceed the minimum Standards required under the
AODA.
4.11 Respond to public inquiries related to accessibility.
4.12 Continue to collaborate with the Clarington Board of Trade and local BIAs.
4.13 Monitor accessibility trends, themes and actions at the grassroots, provincial and federal
levels.
4.14 Continue advocating for greater accessibility within the community.
4.15 Continue to seek out funding opportunities that support accessibility and inclusion.
Municipality of Clarington
Report [Report Number
Page 11
4.16 Explore assistive technology and devices to improve access to Municipal facilities,
programs and services.
5. Concurrence
5.1 This report has been reviewed by the Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee.
6. Conclusion
It is respectfully recommended that the 2020 Clarington Accessibility Annual Status
Update report be received for information and be placed on the municipal website.
Staff Contact: Erica Mittag, Community Development Coordinator ❑ Diversity, Inclusion and
Accessibility, 905-623-3379 ext. 2563, accessibility a().clarington.net
Attachments:
Not Applicable
Interested Parties:
The following interested parties will be notified of Council's decision:
Accessibility Advisory Committee
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DURHAM
REGION
2
The Regional Municipality of
Durham 2019 Accessibility Report
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Table of Contents
Celebrating access and ability in our communities................................................3
Durham Region Accessibility Advisory Committee ................................................
4
Durham Region Accessibility Report 2019............................................................
5
Statement of Organizational Commitment............................................................
5
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Helping our Community.........................................................................................7
Continuous improvements throughout the organization ........................................
8
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 compliance timelines .........
9
Celebrating Progress...........................................................................................10
2019 Award Recipients........................................................................................10
National Access Awareness Week 2019.............................................................
11
ContactInformation.............................................................................................12
Page 2 of 12
Celebrating access and ability in our communities
Finding innovative ways to help eliminate
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amazing what we can achieve by adopting a
certain mindset; looking at the community through
an accessibility -based lens.
Enhancing the lives of our citizens—regardless of
their abilities—is paramount.
When we make communications, services and
facilities more accessible, we promote diversity and inclusion and we showcase
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invaluable advice from our Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). We are so
grateful for their input and encouragement.
In 2019, our organization enhanced communications, undertook process reviews,
and enhanced partnerships to further strengthen our dedication to accessibility. It
was a collaborative effort that allowed us to:
• Introduce new and innovative learning resources for our accessible
documents.
• Place a stronger focus on barrier -free public reports, forms, web pages
and publications.
• Introduce mandatory open captioning for video messages.
• Provide better access to employees via our redeveloped intranet.
It was also a milestone year for us, as Durham Region proudly hosted the 2019
Para Sport Games. This event—which welcomed about 300 athletes in various
sporting events—allowed us to showcase our inclusive and accessible community
and highlight how we preserve dignity and independence for individuals of all
abilities.
It was incredible to see our strong community spirit in action. People came
together to support these athletes and brought the Games to life.
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opportunity. Living in an inclusive and accessible environment means working
together to ensure dignity and independence for individuals of all abilities.
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Regional Chair and CEO
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Page 3 of 12
Durham Region Accessibility
Advisory Committee
The Accessibility Advisory Committee
(AAC) provides valuable feedback and
advice to Durham Regional Council and
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people to form an AAC. The committee
advises Regional Council about accessibility
plans and standards; reviews site plans and
drawings; and performs other functions, as
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must be people with disabilities, come from
various backgrounds, and represent an area
municipality.
We thank the members of our Durham
Region Accessibility Advisory Committee for
their commitment and knowledge sharing.
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Destination Accessible 2025
Durham Region Accessibility Report 2019
Durham Region believes in building communities where every person can
fully participate.
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update, a chance to identify how we continue to improve accessibility in
our community by implementing the standards and timelines outlined in the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the 2016-2021
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The Region of Durham is committed to creating programs, services and facilities
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welcoming and inclusive communities - where every person who lives, works
and plays, can fully participate -
makes good sense for all of us.
This philosophy is supported in The Regional Municipality of ' ham
our Strategic Plan, Diversity and 2016- , 2021 Multi -Year A . ccessibility Plan
Inclusion Strategy and our Age -
Friendly Durham Strategy and
Action Plan. _ I`.
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Accessibility Plan and previous
Accessibility Reports, please visit
durham.ca/accessibilityreports.
Statement of Organizational Commitment
The Region of Durham is committed to ensuring accessibility for persons with
disabilities throughout its goods, services, employment and facilities as outlined in
the Accessibility Policy. Accessibility shall be addressed in a manner that:
• Upholds the principles of dignity and independence.
Strives to provide integrated services.
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Page 5 of 12
2019 Ontario Parasport Games
From February 8 to 10, 2019, Durham Region welcomed
nearly 500 participants—including 300 athletes and
hundreds of visiting family and friends—to the Durham
Region 2019 Ontario Parasport Games.
The Games featured competition and medal ceremonies
in 11 sports at eight venues across the Region; an
opening night dinner; memorable Opening Ceremony;
and a celebration dinner. Leading up to the Games, the
event was promoted at community events. There was
also a 100 -Day Countdown that engaged local schools
and the broader community.
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Durham. A Games Organizing Committee (GOC) was established to collaborate
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Provincial Sport Organizations to plan and deliver the Games. During the Games
weekend, over 300 volunteers from Durham Region and beyond helped to bring
the Games to life.
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businesses became aware of what it means to provide inclusive, accessible and
welcoming places and experiences to individuals of all abilities. And, the Games
legacy fund of $111,900 will support initiatives to expand and enhance parasport
opportunities, awareness, participation and experience in Durham Region.
My Durham Water
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water billing system will be phased in across the region.
DURHAM
Water
Page 6 of 12
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that allow residents to:
• View billing information online.
• Receive bills online through paperless e -billing.
• Choose from multiple payment options, including
e -payments.
• Enter meter readings online.
• Communicate with the Region through multiple channels,
such as secure email.
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information.
Update on Accessible Pedestrian Signals
In 2019, the Region installed accessible pedestrian signals
(APS) at 18 locations, bringing our total number of signalized
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There have been operational improvements made to our APS
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seconds to receive the audible sounds, the Region revised its
policy to implement a three second press and hold time. This
change was implemented after dialogue with visually impaired
residents of Durham indicated that the longer press and hold time was making it
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positive change in operation. These updates continued in 2020.
In 2019, the Region also continued to update signalized intersections with a new
pedestrian timing methodology. The new methodology aims to provide positive
guidance for pedestrians by displaying a countdown timer to show how much time
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is heard, it is recommended that pedestrians wait until the next cycle to ensure
there is enough time to cross.
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Regional employees were invited to listen and learn from keynote speaker Daniel
Cullen, a homelessness community advocate who shared his journey entitled: 8,000
Days Homeless.
Page 7 of 12
Continuous improvements throughout the organization
Internal
• Accessible templates continue to be created based on department/division
needs.
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and share accessibility best practices in their work.
• Training sessions are held for staff who are responsible for posting information
on durham.ca.
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• Accessibility awareness training sessions are planned throughout the
organization.
External
• All videos produced by the Region of Durham now have open captioning.
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special functionality for media players or streaming platforms to be displayed.
• Improved customer service and accessibility were achieved by reducing the
number of contact phone numbers for public health programs and services.
• Installing accessible service counters continues in many areas with public
access.
• Continuously improving accessibility of the forms on durham.ca.
• Counter -loop systems have been installed for the hearing impaired.
• A tablet was installed for court users to pay tickets, look up cases or set early
resolution proceedings during business hours and after hours.
• Continuous learning opportunities were provided to staff about accessibility/
disability related topics to increase their knowledge and understanding. For
International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Chris Power, a 16 -year Veteran
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Once on the brink of suicide, Chris now focuses on helping professionals shift
their energy from stress and survival to peace and purpose. As the founder
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responders.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
compliance timelines
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, (AODA) became law
in 2005. Under WH$FWRUJDLDWLRVPVWPHHWWHUHTLUHPHWVRIWH$2$L
the areas of information and communications, employment, transportation, design
of public spaces and customer service. The summary below highlights the AODA
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2010-2017 Requirements Completed
Provide accessible customer service
Provide accessible transportation services
Provide emergency and public safety information in accessible formats
Provide employees with accessible and customized emergency information
Create accessibility policies and a multi-year plan
Buy accessible goods, services or facilities
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2018
1 RUTUPW
2019
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Future Requirements 2021
Websites must conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
Level 2.0 AA
WCAG is an international standard for making websites and web content
accessible to a broader range of users with disabilities.
Page 9 of 12
Celebrating Progress
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the importance of accessibility. They honour community leadership in breaking
down barriers by acknowledging individuals, services and/or businesses that have
demonstrated a commitment to accessibility.
Nominations for these awards are made by the Accessibility Advisory Committees of
municipalities within Durham Region. Thanks to these committees and the various
community partners who recommend and support the nominations.
Page 10 of 12
National Access Awareness Week 2019
National Access Awareness Week (NAAW) aims to bring together—in a spirit
of partnership—people with disabilities, the organizations that serve them,
businesses, labour and governments to effect meaningful changes in the daily
lives of people with disabilities.
It is a week for Canadians to promote inclusion and accessibility in our
communities and workplaces; a chance to celebrate our progress and recognize
that many barriers must still be overcome.
We need to be proactive and change the way we think, talk and act about
barriers to participation and accessibility. An inclusive Canada is one where all
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workplaces and communities.
Increased inclusion of persons with disabilities has positive economic and social
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At the Region of Durham, we strive to understand the service needs of customers
of all abilities and educate staff on how to provide excellent service. Gaining and
sharing this knowledge with our colleagues is important to us.
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Staff participated in Lunch and Learn sessions on topics such as guide dogs,
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Forward program.
Page 11 of 12
Contact Information
We welcome your feedback. Please let us know what you think about the
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Janet Traer, Accessibility Coordinator
By mail:
75RDOOFSDOWRIUDP
605 Rossland Road East
3RVW21FHR
Whitby, Ontario
L1 N 6A3
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DURHAM
REGION
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By phone:
905-668-7711 extension 2009
Or 1-800-372-1102
By email:
accessibility@durham.ca
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