HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-02Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee
Minutes for the meeting of
March 2, 2022 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
Tim Van Leeuwen
Catherine McConaghy
Sarah Taylor
Deb Kalogris
Sarah McConaghy
Councillor Janice Jones
Also Present: Laila Shafi, Temporary Accessibility Coordinator
Lee -Ann Reck, Client Services Manager
Regrets: Pinder DaSilva
Marina Ross
1. Call to order
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Declaration of Interest
None
3. Land Acknowledgement Agreement
4. Review of Previous Meeting Minutes
Moved by Deb Kalogris; seconded by Sarah Taylor
That the minutes of the meeting of February 2, 2022 be approved.
Carried
Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — March 2, 2022
5. New Introductions:
Lee -Ann Reck, Manager of Client Services as guest today to introduce Laila Shafi as
the new Temporary Accessibility Coordinator while Jeanette Whynott is on leave.
Laila Shafi gave some background on herself. She has worked for the Municipality of
Clarington for 3 years, she has an educational background in law, and also serves on
the Diversity Advisory Committee for the Municipality of Clarington. She is excited to be
a member of the team and join in the efforts of the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
6. Business Arising from Previous Meeting Minutes
6.1 2021 Annual Status Update:
The report was presented at the General Government Committee as discussed by Lee -
Ann Reck and Councilor Jones.
It will go to the council meeting on March 14, 2022, to be put onto the official record,
and they are looking forward to everything we will accomplish in 2022.
6.2 National AccessAbility Week 2022:
A reminder that the committee needs to come up with ideas for National AccessAbility
Week 2022. Sarah Taylor intends to create coloring pages for children of varying age
ranges. She will email drafts to the committee and the committee has decided they will
see what the situation is with the COVID-19 pandemic to determine if hard copies
should be distributed, or just digital.
Laila will look into obtaining prizes for the art competition.
Shea -Lea asked that for AccessAbility Week if material that was distributed in previous
years, such as coloring books, bookmarks, etc. can be distributed at the libraries and
the recreation facilities. She also asked if banners could be displayed at the recreation
facilities, and if we could reach out to the Mayor's office for a flag raising.
Laila will reach out to the appropriate departments and staff to arrange this. Laila has
also reached out to the library and is awaiting a response.
The idea of a possible scavenger hunt or bingo sheet where people have to find things
relating to accessibility, such as braille signs, charging stations and accessible parking
spaces, was also brought up. However, with the pandemic, the committee would like to
table this idea for next year and focus on the art competition for this year.
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Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — March 2, 2022
6.3 Inclusive Communities Grant Update
The application is completed and will be submitted tomorrow, March 3, 2022. A
conveyance of thanks has been given to this committee for their support. We should
find out summer 2022, so Laila will update the committee on that.
Lee -Ann commends the committee and staff on their work on this.
6.4 Sarah Taylor News Article
Sarah Taylor spoke about her interview in an article on Clarington this Week, about how
virtual meetings change how residents connect with City Hall, School Boards and the
Courts. She spoke about the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the ease of having
virtual meetings.
The committee praised the article and the interview given by Sarah Taylor. And anyone
who had not yet taken a look was encouraged to do so.
6.5 Digital labels in Metro
Shea -Lea visited Metro to look at the signage that was brought up to not have been
accessible and was hard to read. She spoke to the assistant Manager and is pleased to
inform that they are now bold and easy to read. The digital signage also allows for
easier updates to sale items which are also in bold font and now very easy to read.
She encouraged committee members to go to metro as well and have a look and
provide feedback on this. However, it seems that the situation is resolved.
7. New Business
7.1 Indoor Walking/Rolling at Bowmanville Indoor
Laila explained that a member of the community asked if the Bowmanville Indoor
Soccer walking track was accessible for a mobility device. It is accessible but may not
be barrier free, it may also require a little more force to move a manual wheelchair. It is
asked that if anyone on the committee, who has a mobility device, would like to go and
try it out and provide some feedback on this.
Deb Kalogris was there and said it was good for people walking with knee issues but
could be difficult for people in mobility devices because of the spongy material used to
make the track. She believes it could pose some challenges.
Sarah McConaghy offered to go with her walker and report back, however, the timings
for Clarington Walks conflicts with her schedule. Laila will confirm with recreation
services if the time will be expanded.
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Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes — March 2, 2022
7.2 Other Business:
None
8. Adjournment
Moved by Sarah McConaghy, Seconded by Sarah Taylor
That the meeting be adjourned
Carried
Meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
Next meeting: Wednesday April 6, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. via Microsoft
Teams
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