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Report To: General Government Committee
Date of Meeting: March 4, 2024 Report Number: LGS-015-24
Submitted By:Rob Maciver, Deputy CAO/Solicitor, Legislative Services
Reviewed By:Trevor Pinn, Deputy CAO, Finance and Technology Resolution#: GG-061-24
Authored by: Jeannette Whynot, Accessibility Coordinator
File Number:By-law Number:
Report Subject: 2024-2028 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Recommendations:
1. That Report LGS-015-24, and any related communication items, be received;
2. That the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, attached to Report LGS-015-24,
as Attachment 1, be approved;
3. That the 2024-2028 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan be posted on Clarington’s website
in accordance with Regulations; and
4. That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-015-24 be advised of Council’s
decision.
Municipality of Clarington Page 2
Report LGS-015-24
Report Overview
As required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), this
report presents Clarington’s 2024-2028 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan (MYAP) for Council’s
consideration and endorsement.
1.Background
1.1 In accordance with the AODA, municipalities are required to establish, implement,
maintain, and document a multi-year accessibility plan. This plan outlines the
Municipality’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meets its requirements under
Ontario. Reg. 191/11, the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation.
2.The Plan
2.1 The plan, included with this Report as Attachment 1, outlines how the Municipality will
continue to identify, address, and remove barriers related to accessibility and inclusion
for people with disabilities. The Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee has
recommended that Council approve the plan as Clarington’s 2024-2028 Multi-Year
Accessibility Plan in accordance with the AODA.
3.Financial Considerations
3.1 There are no financial implications associated with the approval of the 2024-2028 Multi-
Year Accessibility Plan.
3.2 Individual actions with financial implications are subject to Council approval and will be
included as part of budgets or other reports for Council’s consideration as appropriate.
4.
4.1
Strategic Plan
The MYAP supports the Connect Pillar of Clarington’s Strategic Plan by working to
create a diverse, equitable and inclusive community. The MYAP advances priority C.3.2
–Reduce Barriers to Municipal programs, services and infrastructure. The initiatives
described in the MYAP will contribute to the achievement of Action 3.2.1 – Evaluate
Municipal programs and services with a view to improving accessibility and promoting
inclusivity based on age, gender, abilities, and socio-economic status.
5.Concurrence
Not Applicable.
Municipality of Clarington Page 3
Report LGS-015-24
6. Conclusion
It is respectfully recommended that the attached plan be endorsed as the Municipality of
Clarington’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan in accordance with Ontario Regulation 191/11
s.4(1).
Staff Contact: Jeannette Whynot, Accessibility Coordinator, jwhynot@clarington.net.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 – 2024-2028 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Interested Parties:
The following interested parties will be notified of Council's decision:
Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee
Attachment 1 to Report LGS-015-24
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2024-2028
Land Acknowledgement
The Municipality of Clarington is situated within the traditional and treaty territory of the
Mississaugas and Chippewas of the Anishinabeg, known today as the Williams Treaties
First Nations. Our work on these lands acknowledges their resilience and their
longstanding contributions to the area now known as the Municipality of Clarington.
We embrace our journey to understanding our treaty relationships and the invaluable
contributions of Indigenous peoples to our community and country. We encourage all
residents to reflect and acknowledge the importance of integrating Truth and
Reconciliation into our communities where we live, learn and work.
Page 2
Table of Contents
Land Acknowledgement ............................................................................................... 1
Statement of Commitment ............................................................................................ 3
2024-2028 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan ..................................................................... 4
Overview ..................................................................................................................... 4
Community Engagement and Input ......................................................................... 5
How is the plan organized? ...................................................................................... 5
Customer Service ...................................................................................................... 6
Key Outcomes.......................................................................................................... 6
Employment ............................................................................................................... 7
Key Outcomes.......................................................................................................... 7
Information and Communication .............................................................................. 8
Key Outcomes.......................................................................................................... 8
Transportation ........................................................................................................... 9
Key Outcomes.......................................................................................................... 9
Design of Public Spaces ......................................................................................... 10
Key Outcomes........................................................................................................ 10
LEAD (Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery) ................................................ 11
Implementation ............................................................................................................ 11
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 12
Feedback ...................................................................................................................... 12
Page 3
Statement of Commitment
Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), all organizations
must share a public statement of commitment to meeting the needs of people with
disabilities. The following is Clarington’s statement of commitment:
The Municipality of Clarington is committed to providing our community with goods,
services, and facilities that are accessible and inclusive to all. We are committed to
reducing barriers to municipal programs, services, and infrastructure. We will continue
to work with community members and allocate the appropriate resources toward the
elimination of barriers in our community. Clarington is committed to meeting the
requirements of the AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Cod e.
Page 4
2024-2028 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
Overview
New findings from the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability showed that 27% of
Canadians aged 15 and older, or 8.0 million people, had one or more disabilities that
limit their daily activities. This is an increase of 5 percentage points since 2017 when
22% of Canadians or 6.2 million people, had one or more disabilities 1. People with
disabilities continue to be the largest minority group in Canada. Disability can affect
anyone, at any time, and is not limited by race, gender, religion, or any other
characteristic. With this information, it is clear that the needs of people with disabilities
cannot be ignored, and we must make a conscious effort to identify and eliminate
barriers for people with disabilities.
Acknowledging the AODA and its Standards is just the beginning, Clarington will
continue to expand on the minimum requirements of this legislation. We will continue to
do better for our residents, visitors, and staff.
This Plan is a roadmap to creating a better Municipality for everyone. The goals and
outcomes laid out in the Plan translate into increased opportunities for people with
disabilities to access employment and to fully participate in the social, cultural, political,
and recreational life of Clarington.
1 The Daily — Canadian Survey on Disability, 2017 to 2022 (statcan.gc.ca)
Page 5
Community Engagement and Input
The Municipality launched an online engagement survey during the 2023 National
AccessAbility Week. This online survey provided the community an opportunity to
provide feedback on the updated MYAP (Multi Year Accessibility Plan). The survey
offered feedback on various subjects. There were multiple opportunities for participants
to provide specific and open-ended feedback.
The survey was shared through our social media channels and targeted ad vertisements
were run to further increase survey engagement . The survey was also shared in
approximately 14 Facebook community groups. Community-based disability
organizations were also contacted to ensure they were aware of the opportunity to
provide feedback.
In total, 125 responses were received and carefully reviewed by the Accessibility
Coordinator and helped inform the updated MYAP. Feedback from the survey was
shared with specific Municipal departments and areas of improvement were identified.
The Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee (CAAC) was consulted on the updated
MYAP at their June 14, 2023, meeting. Additionally, members of the CAAC were
encouraged to provide their feedback anonymously through the public survey.
How is the plan organized?
The sections below address key areas required by the AODA which include Customer
Service, Employment, Information and Communication, Transportation, and the Design
of Public Spaces. After each area, there is a sub-section on key outcomes which
provides a summary of what we expect to see as a key performance indicator.
Page 6
Customer Service
Technology and assistive devices are constantly evolving, and Clarington is committed
to ongoing research and investment into accessible customer service. This includes
ongoing training, adding communication aids and embracing the flexibility required to
meet diverse needs.
We want to be proactive, inclusive, and welcoming to all residents. We have a
responsibility to build accessible, responsive, and inclusive spaces. We can do this by:
Offering accessibility aids to support residents who access municipal services,
programs, and facilities. Aids such as adult change tables, sledge hockey sleds,
skate aids, and personal amplification devices.
Continuing to incorporate mobility device charging stations into the facilities and
spaces we own/operate.
Focusing on creating sensory-friendly and wheelchair-accessible activities at
community events, municipal spaces, and community centres to create a more
inclusive experience.
Continuing to offer on-demand language translation services, including American
Sign Language (ASL).
Using Clarington’s Inclusive Lens Guide when developing programs and services
for the communities we serve.
Key Outcomes
People of all abilities receive seamless, dignified, and equitable access to
services in a timely manner.
Municipal staff have access to resources to support accessible customer service.
Municipality will be able to track, through user feedback and surveys, a decrease
in accessibility barriers and increased satisfaction among people with disabilities.
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Employment
Continue to engage with disability organizations to reach potential employees
with disabilities. Utilize various disability organization job boards to ensure job
postings are being seen by people with disabilities.
Review job postings through an inclusion lens and remove non-essential
requirements that may limit applicants with disabilities.
Collaborate with Human Resources to determine different types of training
needed for hiring managers to reduce bias in the recruitment and retention of
employees with disabilities.
Streamline and integrate employment accommodations for employees with
disabilities.
Review and update the return-to-work process.
Continue to offer employees with disabilities individualized emergency response
plans.
Use Clarington’s Inclusive Lens Guide throughout the hiring process and when
developing policies and programs for employees.
Key Outcomes
Job candidates and Municipal staff with disabilities have the support to join, work
effectively, experience career growth, and have opportunities for learning,
development, and progression.
Ensure equitable, clear, and consistent employment and accommodation policies
and procedures that seek to remove systematic barriers.
The Municipality will be able to track, through the employee demographic survey
an increased number of people with disabilities employed.
Page 8
Information and Communication
Continue creating accessible documents and content and offering alternative
formats upon request.
Offer staff continuing education opportunities to enhance their ability to create
accessible documents.
Recognize, and promote, days of significance such as National AccessAbility
Week (NAAW) and International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Continue monitoring the accessibility of the Municipality’s website and web
applications to ensure they meet, or exceed, the minimum requirements set out
in the AODA.
Key Outcomes
Residents, visitors, and employees of all abilities are provided with equitable
access to Municipal information.
Municipal staff have access to training and resources to develop and provide
information in accessible formats.
During the next Multi-Year Accessibility Plan public survey, the Municipality will
see a decrease in the number of respondents who indicate they’ve experienced
an information and communication barrier with us.
Customer feedback surveys will show increased satisfaction with how information
is shared by the Municipality.
Page 9
Transportation
Public transportation is the responsibility of the Regional Municipality of Durham.
As such, Clarington is not obligated to comply with most of the transportation
requirements in the AODA.
Active transportation initiatives can be found in the Design of Public Spaces
section of this Plan.
The Municipality will, with other lower-tier municipalities in Durham, discuss the
availability and licensing of accessible on-demand taxis. Lower-tier municipalities
in Durham are aware of community concerns about the availability of accessible
on-demand taxis and we will work with our counterparts to work on solutions to
address the barriers.
Key Outcomes
Residents will have increased access to accessible on-demand taxi service in
Clarington.
Through the next Multi-Year Accessibility Plan survey, we will see a decrease in
transportation-related complaints.
The CAAC has the opportunity to provide feedback to Durham Region Transit.
The Municipality will be able to demonstrate improved access to a range of
accessible transportation and related services in the Municipality that are
accessible, affordable, convenient, and safe for people with disabilities.
Page 10
Design of Public Spaces
Complete Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) accessibility audits of Municipal
facilities and develop an action plan for achieving RHF Gold Level Certification.
Using a strategic approach, install Alternative and Augmentative Communication
(AAC) picture boards in playgrounds across our communities.
Utilize alternative accessible ground surfaces over woodchipped grounds at
community parks to improve opportunities and access for those who use mobility
aids or have ambulatory disabilities.
Incorporate more accessible features at local parks, including sensory activities
in each part of our community, so that children with disabilities and
parents/caregivers with disabilities do not have to travel far to play.
Continue installing Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI) and Accessible
Pedestrian Signals as required under the AODA.
Continue to consult with the Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee (CAAC)
on new, and re-developed, public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, and other
community spaces.
Continue to integrate accessibility considerations into multi-use pathways and
recreational trails.
Continue to consult with the CAAC on the design and location of accessible
parking spaces in both on and off-street locations.
Review snow-clearing operations and programs using an accessibility and equity
lens to reduce barriers that limit the mobility of people with disabilities.
Key Outcomes
Improved accessibility of facilities and public spaces by incorporating
accessibility into the design of new/redeveloped facilities and public spaces so
that residents, visitors, and employees of all abilities feel welcome.
During the next Multi-Year Accessibility survey, the Municipality will see
increased satisfaction with spaces covered by the AODA Design of Public
Spaces Standard.
Page 11
LEAD (Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery)
In 2021, the Municipality worked with the Abilities Centre and went through a LEAD
Canada assessment. This assessment looked at how accessibility and inclusion is
embedded into our organization. LEAD challenges organizational systems and
processes to create transformational change that enables full and meaningful
participation for people with disabilities.
Through this process, the Municipality was given a LEAD Action Plan with a variety of
short, medium, and long-term changes. Many of the LEAD Action Plan items for the
various departments (Community Services, Communications, Human Resources, etc.)
are reflected throughout the Key Outcomes listed above. The Municipality has made
numerous strides in addressing these changes and will continue to work through the
Improvement Plan.
Implementation
The absence of timelines in this plan reflects the fact that meeting the accessibility
needs of the community must be part of a continuous improvement model. While we are
committed to achieving the goals within this plan throughout the 5-year period, we
recognize that flexibility is required when removing barriers and managing unknown
situations. We will continue to report on our Accessibility Plan progress each year,
keeping ourselves accountable for the goals within this document.
Page 12
Conclusion
The actions outlined in this Accessibility Plan will help us pave the way to improvement
for all. Accessibility does not belong to one committee, service area, or role. The
Municipality embraces accessibility as an organization-wide movement, and we are fully
committed to creating a more inclusive community.
Feedback
We welcome your feedback. Please let us know what you think about the 2024-2028
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan:
By email: accessibility@clarington.net
By Phone: 905-623-3379 x 2131
TTY: 1-844-790-1599
In writing: 40 Temperance St, Bowmanville ON L1V 3A6
In Person: Share your feedback with any Clarington staff member.
If you require this information in an alternative format, please contact the Accessibility
Coordinator at accessibility@clarington.net