HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-03Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee
Minutes for the meeting of
November 3, 2021 6:30 p.m.
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
Sarah Taylor
Tim Van Leeuwen
Sarah McConaghy
Catherine McConaghy
Pinder DaSilva
Deb Kalogris
Marina Ross
Councillor Janice Jones
Also Present: Mariano Perini, Director/Fire Chief, Clarington Emergency Services
Jeannette Whynot, Accessibility Coordinator
1. Call to order
The meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m.
2. Declaration of Interest
None
3. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes
Moved by Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer; seconded by Marina Ross
That the minutes of the meeting of October 6, 2021 be approved.
Carried
Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — November 3, 2021
4. Guest Speaker: Mariano Perini, Director/Fire Chief of Clarington
Emergency Services
Q&A, open conversation:
Mariano Perini introduced himself to the Committee and briefly discussed his vision
for the future.
• Projects working on: Focusing on training especially looking at different learning
styles for staff; looking outside for some guidance in developing different
methods for writing tests.
• Hoping to reach out to AAC to support the plan to make the organization more
inclusive.
• Traditionally been at top -down organization but looking to shift that and learn
from a bottom -up perspective for the purpose of making Clarington more
progressive.
• Shifted from in -person to on-line training and recognizes that not everyone can
function as well with on-line training so looking at different options and
adaptations.
• Education focus - looking outward as an organization at getting out into the
community and assess different aspects of the community— diversity,
accessibility and conflict resolution, especially with things such as mental health.
• Will be reviewing the summer camp program and creating something for kids
with disabilities. Pinder offered any support from Abilities Centre staff to help set
up the summer camp program
• Door-to-door program fire safety — they have worked with GCC to identify
families with specific physical or mental needs so when the fire fighters are
responding they already know about the specialized needs the household may
require.
The Committee Thanked Mariano for taking the time to attend the meeting and offered
their ongoing support for the abovementioned projects/ideas.
5. Business Arising from Previous Meeting Minutes
5.1 December 3rd — International Day of Persons with Disabilities
In recognition of December 3rd, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Jeannette
has requested a Flag Raising at Town Hall. The Municipality will also do social media
posts all week highlighting different accessible features/programs/services. We will not
be conducting a survey at this time — a survey will be done in 2022/23 in preparation for
the new multi -year accessibility plan.
There will be a online learning session for children aged 8-14 (approximately) in
partnership with the Clarington Public Library and the Rick Hansen Foundation. It will be
hosted by the Library on Thursday December 2nd at 6:30 through zoom. Registration is
required, but is free. Details to follow
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Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — November 3, 2021
On December 3rd, Municipal staff will have the opportunity to attend a webinar/panel
discussion hosted by the Rick Hansen Foundation.
5.2 Sidewalk Connectivity Update
Jeannette advised that the Public Works Manager of Infrastructure is working with his
staff to gather info on this topic. He will attend the December 1st meeting to discuss with
the Committee.
5.3 Trail Map Update
The maps on the website have been updated with correct language, symbols etc. Next,
will update the charging stations.
6. New Business
6.4 January 2022 meeting
With the holidays, Jeannette proposed moving the January meeting from the first to the
second week. It was mutually agreed that this was a good idea. The January meeting
will take place on January 12t" at 6:30pm via Teams.
6.5 National AccessAbility Week 2022
Jeannette asked the Committee to think about how to recognize National AccessAbility
Week, which is held the last week of May each year. It will remain a standing agenda
item so we can continue to work on events for the week.
7. Other Business
Shea -Lea asked about a new West Indian Store in downtown Bowmanville. She noted
that the aisles are quite narrow. Shea -Lee wondered if they had to come to AAC for
approval. Jeannette mentioned that they didn't need a site plan but only needed a
building permit. The building permit doesn't look at how aisles and shelves are set up.
8. Adjournment
Moved by Sarah Taylor, seconded by Deb Kalogris,
That the meeting be adjourned
Carried
Meeting was adjourned at 7:11 pm.
Next meeting: Wednesday December 1, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. via Microsoft
Teams
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