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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-19Clar*mn Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes Wednesday June 19, 2024 6:30 p.m. Hybrid 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 Hawa Mire (6:45-7:36pm) Barbara Henn Allison Speight Also Present: Jeannette Whynot — Accessibility Coordinator Regrets: Beatrice Kraayenhof Sheikh Hossain Councillor Corinna Traill The meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. 1. Land Acknowledgement Statement Lesley Scherer shared the Land Acknowledgement Statement. 2. Declarations of Interest No declarations 3. Approval of April 24, 2024 Meeting Minutes Moved by Keith Brettell, seconded by Sanja Wirch That the April 24, 2024 meeting minutes be approved as presented. Carried 4. Introduction of New Committee Members Lesley welcomed Barbara and Allison to the Committee. All committee members took turns introducing themselves. 5. Nomination for 2024 Accessibility Award Jeannette shared that the Region of Durham is requesting nominations for the 2024 accessibility awards. Each lower -tier municipality in the region can nominate one business, Page 11 organization or individual for the award. Committee members were asked to share their nominations. Lesley nominated Newcastle Village Dentistry because of their recent renovation that included an accessible ramp into the building. The committee discussed whether the inside of the building is also accessible to people with disabilities. No one from the committee had been inside the building and there was no additional accessibility information on their website. Keith nominated Canadian Tire Bowmanville for their exceptional customer service. Keith noted that he's received exceptional customer service that still maintains his dignity and respect as person with disability. After a brief discussion, the committee mutually agreed to nominate Canadian Tire Bowmanville for the award. Jeannette advised that she will submit the nomination form on behalf of the committee. Additionally, she will share more information about the event date once available. Members also discussed that they would try to visit Newcastle Village Dentistry to see if the inside is also accessible to people with disabilities, with the goal that they may be discussed for the award next year. 6. Grant Application Support 2025-2026 National AccessAbility Week Funding Jeannette shared that there is a grant opportunity to support future National AccessAbility Week programming and that she is currently exploring ideas with Autism Home Base. Although the project idea is still being developed, the Committee mutually agreed that they were supportive of a grant application with Autism Home Base. 2024 Enabling Accessibility Fund — Small Component Jeannette provided an overview of the 2024 Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) Small Component Grant that is currently accepting applications. The Committee was provided with several project ideas and after a brief discussion the following motion was made and passed. Moved by Keith Brettrell, seconded by Sandra Wirch, That that Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee supports Clarington's 2024 EAF application for the purchase and installation of adjustable height workstations and ergonomic chairs to enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Clarington. Carried 7. Facility Design Standards — Update Jeannette shared with the committee that the Municipality's Facility Design Standards are in the process of being branded and will be brought to Council for approval in September. An overview of the types of items covered in the guide was provided and a brief discussion occurred. Previous AAC members had provided feedback on the guidelines and were supportive of the content. Committee members were advised that it is designed to be a reference document for professionals, and not a guide for residents. Ensuring the content is Page 12 accessible and easy to understand have been priorities. Additionally, the committee was advised that it has been designed to be a living document, where additions and amendments can be made when necessary. Moved by Keith Brettell, seconded by Allison Speight, That the Accessibility Advisory Committee supports the draft Facility Design Standards and recommends that Council approve the document for use in Municipal Facilities. Carried 8. Proposed changes to the Design of Public Spaces Standard Jeannette shared with the committee that the Government of Ontario recently released the recommendations made by the review committee for the Design of Public Spaces Standard. A brief overview of some changes was shared, and committee members were encouraged to review their recommendations and submit their own feedback before August 29th. Jeannette will email committee members a link to the proposed changes and explain how they can submit feedback. 9. National AccessAbility Week 2024 Review A summary of National AccessAbility Week activities was given to the Committee. Successes were highlighted and areas for improvement were identified by Jeannette. Committee members noted that they did not see very many of the social media posts during the week. Jeannette thanked members for that feedback and would relay it to the Communications Team. 10.Other Business No other business was discussed. 11. Next Meeting TBD/ Jeannette to send out potential dates - hybrid format. 12.Adjournment Moved by Keith Brettell, seconded by Allison Speight That the meeting be adjourned. Carried Meeting was adjourned at 8:02pm. Page 13