HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-24Clar*mn
Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes
Tuesday April 24, 2024 6:30 p.m
Virtual Via Microsoft Teams
If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at
905-623-3379 ext 2131
Present: Lesley Scherer (Chair)
Keith Brettell
Sanja Wirch
Sheikh Hossain
Hawa Mire
Also Present: Jeannette Whynot — Accessibility Coordinator
Regrets: Beatrice Kraayenhof
Councillor Corinna Traill
The meeting called to order at 6:40 p.m.
1. Land Acknowledgement Statement
Lesley Scherer shared the Land Acknowledgement Statement.
2. Declarations of Interest
No declarations
3. Approval of March 12, 2024, and March 27, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Moved by Sanja Wirch, seconded by Sheikh Houssain,
That the March 12, 2024, and March 27, 2024 meeting minutes be approved as presented.
Carried
4. National AccessAbility Week 2024 Updates
Jeannette provided an update on the events being planned for National AccessAbility Week.
Throughout the week CPLMA will host a colouring contest, incorporate accessibility/inclusion
into their programming and highlight books by disabled authors/are about disabled characters.
There will be daily emails to Clarington staff that highlight different information about disability,
accessibility, and inclusion. Committee members were reminded to send their suggestions to
Jeannette as soon as possible.
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A flag raising has been requested and approved. Due to pending construction at Town Hall,
there may not be a ceremony this year, but the week will be proclaimed and the disability flag
will be raised, if possible.
There will be a tour Autism Home Base for staff to learn more about the organization, their
work in the community and the resources they have for autistic people. There will be a webinar
for staff facilitated by Kinark Children and Family Services. The topic will be "Avoiding the use
of ableist language" and a recording will be available for 60 days giving staff who cannot attend
the opportunity to participate in the learning. CPMLA has also confirmed an author visit will
take place Thursday May 30t" and that they will invite local schools to attend and promote the
event to the community.
Jeannette also advised that there are usually free webinars offered during National
AccessAbility Week by disability service providers. Once they are announced Jeannette will
advertise them to staff.
5. Inclusive Communities Grant
Jeannette provided the Committee with an overview of the recently announced 2024 Inclusive
Communities Grant from the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility. The grant provides up to
$60,000 to municipalities and non -profits to help meet the needs of seniors and people with
disabilities. It prioritizes projects that improve outdoor spaces, housing, and community
spaces.
Jeannette shared the at the Municipality would like to apply for a project to add adult change
tables to 3 recreation facilities and provide additional accessibility features at a 4t" recreation
centre in the existing accessible change room. Adult change tables are an important but often
lacking feature, for people with disabilities. After a brief group discussion on the project scope,
Committee members agreed that this is a great project that would have a meaningful impact
on the community.
Moved by Keith Brettell, seconded by Sheikh Houssain,
That the AAC write a letter in support of the Municipality's Inclusive Community Grant
application for adult change tables in recreation facilities.
Carried
6. MapleFest 2024
Jeannette reminded members that MapleFest is on Saturday May 4t" from 9am-5pm in
Downtown Bowmanville. The Municipality will have a table and members are requested to
volunteer at the table for part of the day to promote inclusion and accessibility to the
Community. A variety of giveaways are being ordered and will make engaging with visitors
easier.
Members will be reminded via email to sign up for a timeslot to volunteer.
7. Accessibility Awards 2024
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The Region of Durham is asking for nominations for this year's accessibility awards.
Committee members were asked to think about individuals, organizations or businesses in the
Clarington community that are making a difference for people with disabilities. Nominations are
due at the end of June. Committee members were asked to bring nominations to the next
Committee meeting.
8. Other Business
Jeannette provided an overview of the Committee's updated Terms of Reference. Committee
members were advised to review the document that was previously sent out via email and
speak to Jeannette if they had any questions or concerns about the changes. Most
significantly, the Committee is increasing from 7 members to 9 members. Other major
administrative changes were reviewed, and questions were answered.
The Committee was advised that both the 2023 Annual Status Update and the 2024-2028
Multi -Year Accessibility Plan were recently approved by Council. Both documents will be
available on the website shortly.
9. Next Meeting
Wednesday June 19t" at 6:30pm - hybrid format.
10.Adjournment
Moved by Sanja Wirch, seconded by Sheikh Houssain
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried
Meeting was adjourned at 7:58pm.
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