HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-11-03 MinutesClarington Accessibility Advisory Committee
November 3, 2015, 6:00 P.M.
Meeting Room 1A
Present: André O’Bumsawin
Tim Van Leeuwen
John Sturdy
Jacquie Watchorn
Councillor Partner
Sally Barrie
Also Present: Jeannette Whynot – Accessibility Coordinator
Mark Berney - Deputy Fire Chief
Regrets: Shea-Lea Latchford
Maureen Reed
Adoption of Minutes
Moved by André O’Bumsawin seconded by John Sturdy
That the minutes of the meeting of October 7, 2015 be approved.
CARRIED
1. Presentation
Clarington’s Think Ahead program
Deputy Fire Chief Mark Berney presented the Think Ahead program to the
Committee. Think Ahead allows families of children with disabilities, and adults
with disabilities to connect with the Clarington Fire Department. The program
allows persons with disabilities to advise the Fire Department of their needs in
case of emergency. It further allows the Fire Department to develop custom
evacuation plans and problem solve other barriers in case of emergency.
The Committee was very impressed with the Think Ahead program. The
Committee will explore ways to spread the word about this potentially lifesaving
program.
2. Business Arising From Minutes
(a) StopGap Community Ramp Project Presentation
Jeannette Whynot, Accessibility Coordinator presented the Community Ramp
Clarington Accessibility - 2 - October 7, 2015
Advisory Committee
Project from StopGap. This included an overview of what the project typically is,
the pros and the cons of the Committee adopting such a project.
The Committee was informed that after a careful review of their Terms of
Reference, adopting such a project is out of scope for the Committee. It was
therefore advised that the Committee focus on initiatives that are consistent with
their mandate
Moved by Councillor Partner, seconded by André O’Bumsawin
That the presentation be received for information
CARRIED
(b) ServiceOntario Advocacy Letter
Jeannette advised the Committee that the letter, including their recommended
changes, was sent to the Government of Ontario in October. To-date, only one
response had been received, which was from MPP Granville Anderson. A copy of
was letter was distributed to the Committee.
The Committee was advised that responses from the other individuals who had
been sent a copy of the letter are not expected any time soon.
3. New Business
(a) Correspondence
The Committee was provided correspondence from a local resident who was
urging the federal government to establish a national accessibility infrastructure
fund with the provinces and territories. The goal is to provide funding so places of
business (public/private/non-profit) are physically accessible to people with
disabilities.
The Committee was also provided correspondence from a local resident who is
concerned about the accessibility of the Bowmanville ServiceOntario location.
The Committee and Accessibility Coordinator discussed possible next steps.
Moved by André O’Bumsawin, seconded by John Sturdy
That the Accessibility Advisory Committee submit a Freedom of Information (FOI)
request on contracts between the Government of Ontario and the Contracted
ServiceOntario location in downtown Bowmanville.
CARRIED
Clarington Accessibility - 3 - October 7, 2015
Advisory Committee
4. Regional Update
(a) Regional AAC Update
Sally Barrie was unable to attend the last Regional AAC meeting; no updates.
5. Other Business
6. Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday December 2, 2015 at 6:00 PM.
7. Adjournment
Moved by André O’Bumsawin, seconded by Bally Barrie
That the meeting adjourn.
CARRIED
The meeting adjourned at 7:25p.m.
_________________________
Chair
_________________________
Secretary