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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCLD-003-16 Clarington Clerk's Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: General Government Committee Date of Meeting: January 4, 2015 Report Number: CLD-003-16 Resolution: File Number: By-law Number: Report Subject: 2015 Accessibility Annual Status Update Recommendations: 1. That Report CLD-003-16 be received for information. Municipality of Clarington Report CLD-003-16 Page 2 Report Overview This report provides an overview of the 2015 Accessibility Annual Status Update. 1 . Background In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (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 for people with disabilities. Clarington's Multi-Year Accessibility Plan was established in 2013 (Attachment 1) and is currently posted on the Municipality's website, www.clarington.net. Under the AODA, municipalities are also required to prepare an annual status update on the progress they have made to prevent and remove barriers. 2. Review The Municipality of Clarington is committed to ensuring that people of all ages and abilities enjoy the same opportunities as they live, work, play, visit and invest in our community. We strive to promote an inclusive, caring and respectful community where programs, services and facilities are available to everyone. Our goal is to make Clarington a barrier-free community and each year we come closer to achieving that goal. In keeping with this commitment, the Municipality is working to meet and exceed its obligations under the AODA and its Standards. The 2015 Accessibility Annual Status Update (Attachment 2) highlights the accessibility accomplishments the Municipality has made over the past year. The Annual Status Update also provides a summary of the work to be accomplished in 2016. The Clerk's Department looks forward to receiving Council's support regarding accessibility initiatives in 2016. 3. Concurrence This report has been reviewed by the Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee who concur with the recommendation. 4. Conclusion It is respectfully recommended that the status report be received for information. Municipality of Clarington Report CL®-003-16 Page 3 5. Strategic Plan Application Not applicable. Submitted by: f f J Reviewed b c C: Anne`Green&e Franklin Wu, Municipal Clerk Chief Administrative Officer Staff Contact: Jeannette Whynot, Accessibility Coordinator, 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 or jwhynot@clarington.net Attachments: Attachment 1 — Clarington's Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, 2013-2017 Attachment 2 — 2015 Accessibility Annual Status Update There are no interested parties to be notified of Council's decision. CAG/JW ATTACHMENT# TO REPORT# ME Cl- aningwil 2013-2017 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan In Accordance With The Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act DECEMBER 2013 Alternative formats available upon request. i INTRODUCTION The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) received Royal Assent on June 13, 2005. This legislation builds on the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, in ensuring a fully accessible Province of Ontario by 2025. The AODA includes accessibility standards addressing customer service, transportation, accessible information and communications, accessible built environment and employment accessibility. The first of the standards to be legislated was the Customer Service Standard which came into effect January 1 , 2008 and municipalities and other designated public sector organizations had to comply with the regulation by January 1 , 2010. The Integrated Accessibility Standard has combined the areas of information and communication, transportation and employment. These standards apply to the Government of Ontario, the Legislative Assembly, every designated public sector organization and every person or organization that provides goods, services and facilities to the public or other third parties and that has at least one employee in Ontario. i Clarington Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Page 2 The standard specifies various timelines for the requirements to be met and addresses such items as the provision of accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities, providing accessibility for people with disabilities during their employment life cycle and easy access to transportation services. THE ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE The legislation requires that municipalities appoint an Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). The Municipality of Clarington's AAC, in accordance with legislation, consists of a majority of members with disabilities, who work alongside staff to develop and facilitate strategies toward a barrier-free Clarington for citizens with disabilities. AAC Past Activities In accordance with the AODA, the Municipality adopted the Accessibility Policy which addresses the accessibility requirements related to customer service (ie, accessible formats, notice of temporary disruptions, use of service animals and support persons, feedback process and i Clarington Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Page 3 assistive devices), Information and Communication Support (ie, Communication, accessible websites and web content, emergency procedures, HR policies and supports, accessible formats) and transportation standards. The Accessibility Committee continues to focus ongoing efforts in educating the public of accessibility issues within the community. Efforts to do so included the participation at Maplefest in downtown Bowmanville in early May to disseminate information related to accessibility issues and the committee as well as information published in the Wilmot Creek newsletter to advise the residents of that community of the existence of the committee and ways in which we can assist with identification and elimination of barriers. Concerns with respect to accessibility in public buildings are being investigated and addressed by the Committee, when brought forward by members of the public and members of the Committee. Recommendations are being made to the owners of the buildings for implementation. In addition, improvements in accessible features are being recognized by the Committee by way of congratulatory letter. i i Clarington Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Page 4 The Committee continues to work closely with counterparts throughout the Region of Durham. The Committee Chair participated in an Emergency Evacuation Exercise which was undertaken in Clarington and members of the Committee attended the annual Regional Forum where representation from all eight municipalities was present. A presentation was received from the Bowmanville Creek Anglers Association who was enthusiastic about erecting an accessible fishing platform on the Bowmanville Creek. In response to the presentation, the Committee provided funding for the project and also nominated the Association for an Accessibility Award through Durham Region. At the EmployABILITY Awards and Gala, the Committee was pleased to learn that the Association was the recipient of the award. Issues with respect to accessibility in all facilities, public and private, continue to be of paramount concern to the Committee and the members will continue to address issues as they become known to them. Clarington Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Page 5 Municipal staff continue to keep accessibility at the forefront when reviewing and/or implementing policies and when developing projects. The Emergency and Fire Services Department, together with the Ontario Fire Marshal and Grandview Children's Centre, has recently launched a new program called "Think Ahead". The program encourages Grandview clients to request a home visit from the fire services to educate the family in fire safety, fire prevention, emergency planning and escape planning. In so doing, the department becomes familiar with the family's challenges and the child's characteristics. The Treasury Department has undertaken a renovation of their Tax customer service area to address accessibility issues for the public and employees. This construction commenced in December and is anticipated to be complete in early 2014. I In conjunction with the Human Resources Department, information was distributed to all employees regarding individual Employee Workplace Emergency Response Plans and responses received were followed up on. Clarington Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Page 6 In order to address training requirements of the AODA, a team of trainers completed "Train the Trainer" workshops regarding the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. This team will be implementing and facilitating training sessions for staff, volunteers and suppliers of the Municipality. A working group representing all departments of the Municipality is commencing work on making all municipal documents accessible. This is a large project which will be ongoing throughout 2014. Clarington Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Page 7 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Municipality of Clarington Legislated Our Proposed Completion Date for General Deliverables Implementation Date Public Date Sector (January) Policies & Procedures 2013 2013 Create Policies with Statement of Organizational 2013 2013 Commitment in written form Approval and Sign off 2013 2013 Make available to the Public 2013 2013 Available in Alternative Formats- upon request 2013 2013 Accessibility Plan -Multi Year 2013 2013 Develop Accessibility Plan 2013 2013 Accessibility Plans - Post to web 2013 2013 Prepare an Annual Status Report and post 2013 2013 Review every 5 years Provide in alternative format 2013 2013 Procuring or Acquiring Goods or Services - 2013 2013 develop procedure for this If not practicable, provide an explanation. Create 2013 template. Accessibility Self Service Kiosk- have regard for 2013 2013 Training -All employees &volunteers, policy developers, those providing goods or services on 2014 behalf of organization regarding IRS and Human Rights Code Decide on training delivery Create schedule for current staff and new staff [Training completed Clarington Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Page 8 Legislated Our Proposed Date of Date for Information & Communications Date for Completion Public Implementation Sector (January) Emergency Procedure Plans or Public Safety 2012 2012 Information - inventory and make accessible Feedback- is feedback system accessible upon 2014 request Accessible formats and communication supports upon request (timely manner, no cost charged to 2015 otherpersons) Create inventory of current documents Create document renewal plan Create Strategic Communication Plan -create processes for flow of documents, who creates source documents, who ensures pdfs are accessible, who checks for accessibility before posting to website, decide on corporate wide fonts, staff training on accessible document creation, analysis of website content and new content Website New Internet WCAG 2.0 Level AA (other 2014 then closed caption Live pre-recorded audio) All internet websites and web content WCAG 2.0 Level AA 2021 I I Clarington Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Page 9 Legislated Our Proposed Date of Date for Employment Date for Public Implementation Completion Sector (January) HR Staff to develop deliverables and processes for below Workplace Emergency Response - process 2012 2012 Recruitment- notify employees and public regarding availability of accommodation Notify applicant- availability of accommodation 2014 upon request for assessments or selection process Inform employees of policies regarding job 2014 accommodations Accessible formats and communication supports available to perform job 2014 Have a Documented Individual Accessibility Plan 2014 Have a Return to Work Process 2014 Performance Management takes into account 2014 accessibility needs Career Development and Advancement Process 2014 takes into account accessibility needs Redeployment process takes into account 2014 accessibilityneeds Clarington Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Page 10 Legislated Our Proposed Date of Date for Public Spaces Date for Completion Public Implementation Sector (January) Incorporate the Design of Public Spaces on newly developed or redeveloped recreational trails and beach access routes, outdoor public use eating 2016 areas, outdoor play spaces, exterior paths of travel, accessible parking and service related elements If developing Recreational Trails, Outdoor Play Spaces, Exterior Paths of Travel, Rest Areas, or On- 2016 Street Parking, consult with public, persons with disabilities and municipal AAC if there is one Provide maintenance and restoration of public 2016 spaces Develop procedures for preventative and emergency maintenance of accessible elements in 2016 Develop procedures for dealing with temporary 2016 disruption when accessible elements under public Report every three years as of December 31, 2013 2016 I Clarington Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Page 11 Communication of the Plan This plan will be available on the Municipality's website and at the Municipal Administrative Centre. Every attempt will be made to have it available to those with disabilities. Questions related to this Plan should be directed to: Municipal Clerk Municipality of Clarington 40 Temperance Street Bowmanville, Ontario L1 C 3A6 Telephone: (905) 623-3379 E-Mail: clerks9clarington.net Attachment 2 to Report CLD-003-16 If you require this information in an alternative format, ciffiflooff please call 905-623-3379 x 2131 2015 Accessibility Annual Status Update Statement of Commitment The Municipality of Clarington is committed to ensuring that people of all ages and abilities enjoy the same opportunities as they live, work, play, visit and invest in our community. We promote an inclusive, caring and respectful community where programs, services and facilities are available to everyone. Our goal is to make Clarington a barrier-free community and each year we come closer to achieving that goal. About the 2015 Annual Status Update This report is the Municipality of Clarington's annual update on the measures taken to improve accessibility in our community and to report on the progress made under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA). Accessibility Legislation in Ontario Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 A) In 2001, the Government of Ontario enacted the ODA. The ODA requires public sector organizations (the provincial government, municipalities, hospitals, educational institutions and public transportation service providers) to undertake activities aimed at reducing and eliminating barriers for people with disabilities. It also required municipalities with populations over 10,000 to appoint an Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), develop annual accessibility plans and seek the advice of AACs on certain matters. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) The AODA sets out a road map for an accessible Ontario by 2025 with mandatory and enforceable standards in five key areas: • Customer Service • Information and Communications • Employment • Transportation • Public Spaces Page 1 of 8 Clarington 2015 Accessibility Annual Status Update The Customer Service Standard became law (Ontario Regulation 429/07) on January 1, 2008. The Municipality of Clarington has complied with this Standard since January 1, 2010. The next four Standards — Information and Communication, Employment, Transportation and the Design of Public Spaces — are all part of the Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulation or IASR (Ontario Regulation 191/11). The requirements for this Standard will be phased in overtime between 2011 and 2021. The Design of Public Spaces Standard focus on removing barriers in areas not covered by the Ontario Building Code such as playgrounds, on and off-street parking, recreational trails and service counters. It applies to new construction or re-construction of existing spaces. It does not require organizations to retrofit. Ontario Building Cade (OBC) The OBC was amended to include enhancements to accessibility in buildings. As of January 1, 2015, most new construction and extensive renovations will be subject to updated accessibility requirements. Existing buildings, where no work is planned, are not affected by these new requirements. Clarington"s Accessibility Advisory Committee The Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee (CAAC) is a citizen committee that acts as an advisory body for Council. Its mandate is to advise on the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to people with disabilities in Clarington. The CAAC's term coincides with Council. Following the 2014 Municipal Elections, a new CAAC was formed and is working within its mandate until 2018. The current CAAC members bring a wide range of personal and professional experiences and perspectives related to the challenges faced by people with disabilities. They provide invaluable advice and support as we continue to work toward a barrier- free Clarington. Accessibility Governance In 2015, Council approved a full-time Accessibility Coordinator position in response to the growing demands of the AODA and its Standards. The Accessibility Coordinator acts as a resource for all service areas and facilitates compliance with the AODA. The Coordinator keeps informed about legislation and participates in accessibility networks Page 2 of 8 I Clar*wn 2015 Accessibility Annual Status Update such as the Ontario Network of Accessibility Professionals (ONAP).The Coordinator also liaises with the other Accessibility Coordinators in Durham through a bi-monthly coordinators meeting. In addition, the Accessibility Coordinator sits on the Durham Regional Transit's Specialized Services Appeals Panel. This panel hears eligibility appeals for Specialized Service, as required under the AODA. 015 Accomplishments Customer Service Stan dard The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service came into effect in 2008. The Municipality of Clarington has been in compliance with this Standard since 2009. We recognize that providing accessible customer service is an ongoing effort and that we can always do better. We continue to offer Accessible Customer Service training to all new employees. In 2015, the Municipality of Clarington initiated a pilot program to better assist customers with disabilities at the Municipal Administrative Center. The Municipality purchased an iPad that will serve as an assistive communication device. The iPad will help break down communication-based barriers, ensuring accessible and equitable customer service for everyone. Integrated Accessibility Standards General Requirements The Municipality of Clarington's Multi-Year Accessibility plan is posted on the Clarington website. This plan outlines the steps we will take to meet our obligations under the AODA. We will review and update this plan in 2016 to make sure we are meeting or exceeding our obligations under the AODA. Training on the IASR and the Ontario Human Rights Code continues to be given to new staff. Accessibility training continues to play an important role in new employee orientation. In 2014, the Corporate Services Department updated its purchasing criteria to include accessible design, features and criteria. The result of this criteria is that Clarington is purchasing the most accessible goods, services and facilities available. If the Municipality is not able to purchase accessible goods, services or facilities, the Municipality will give an explanation, upon request. Page 3 of 8 Clarington 2015 Accessibility Annual Status Update Information and Communications 1 . Website The Municipality of Clarington launched its new website in 2015. The website was completely redesigned to be user-friendly and accessible. The new website and the content on it complies with WCAG 2.0 Level AA. We are working hard to ensure everything on the website is in an accessible format, however there are some situations where these requirements prove to be very challenging. We encourage individuals to contact us through phone or email if something is not accessible to them. We will work with each requestor to find an alternative format. The new website also features BrowseAloud. It includes a number of helpful tools that make our website even more accessible such as: highlighting, reading out loud, and language translation. 2. Accessible Documents In order to produce accessible documents for our website, municipal staff received training on how to create accessible documents using software features. The Accessibility Coordinator continues to train and support staff that need help creating accessible documents. The Municipality continues to make great strides in providing documents in an accessible format. We encourage individuals who find a document inaccessible to contact us via phone or email to request it in an alternative format. 3. Accessible Presentations The Municipality of Clarington is committed to exceeding its obligations under the AODA whenever possible. To illustrate this commitment, we have developed Presentation Guidelines for Delegations to Committees and Council. The goal of these guidelines is to ensure presentations are accessible to everyone. These guidelines have been designed to assist delegates who use PowerPoint when presenting to Committee or Council. The guidelines have requirements for colour combinations, font size and images, among other items, Employment The Municipality of Clarington is committed to accessible and equitable hiring practices. All job postings include a statement about the availability of accommodations for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process. Page 4 of 8 Clarftwn 2015 Accessibility Annual Status Update Successful candidates are informed, through their offer of employment, that accommodations are available for people with disabilities. All employees are informed of policies regarding job accommodations. The Municipality continues to provide workplace emergency information to employees who require it. Transportation The Region of Durham is responsible for transportation within Clarington. Metrolinx (Go Transit) also provides transportation service through Clarington. All feedback regarding transportation is shared with Durham Regional Transit and/or Metrolinx. The Accessibility Coordinator frequently liaises with Durham Regional Transit on issues relating to accessible public transportation in Clarington. The Accessibility Coordinator also serves as an Appeals Panel member for Durham Regional Transit's Specialized Service appeals. In 2015, the Municipality of Clarington updated its taxi by-law. The by-law was updated to ensure it is consistent with the requirements of the AODA and its Standards. Design of Public Spaces Beginning in 2016, the Municipality will have additional accessibility requirements under the Design of Public Spaces Standard. In 2015, the Municipality reviewed the Standard and developed strategies for ensuring all new and redeveloped public spaces are compliant with the requirements beginning in 2016. Although the Municipality is not required to retrofit public spaces under this Standard, we will continue to proactively make accessibility improvements. We will work towards creating a barrier-free Clarington by removing barriers and exceeding our legal requirements whenever possible. In 2015, steps were taken to initiate the development of universal design guidelines for municipal facilities. The goal of these Standards is to provide an inclusive, user friendly and accommodating built environment through design and the careful use of materials and equipment. It reconciles legislative changes with respect to accessibility and incorporates recent ergonomic research from the United States, lessons learned and best practices from other Ontario municipalities and organizations. All of the design requirements use universal design principles as the core principle. The Municipality has committed to becoming a barrier-free community. In keeping with this commitment, the use of the Universal Design Standards will become mandatory for all new construction, additions, renovations and capital replacements at municipally Page 5 of 8 Clari"n 2015 Accessibility Annual Status Update owned buildings, including leased buildings and temporary structures. It will become a valuable resource as we work towards removing barriers. We expect to have these guidelines adopted and approved in 2016. Cher Important Accessibility Achievements 1. Facility Updates Newcastle & District Recreation Complex received a number of accessibility enhancements in 2015. A motorized transfer lift was added to the accessible change cubicle in the family change room. A full accessible water wheelchair was purchased and an accessible transfer lift to the whirlpool was added. In addition, two additional barrier-free parking spaces were added at the south-west corner of the parking lot. The Courtice Community Complex purchased second accessible water wheelchair and added four accessible parking spaces near the front entrance. The fire alarm system was upgraded to include both audio and visual announcements. The Alan Strike Aquatic and Squash Centre (formerly the Clarington Fitness Centre) re-opened to the public in September, 2015 and features a number of accessibility upgrades. A fully accessible water wheelchair and transfer lifts for the pool and whirlpool were added. This major renovation also saw the installation of an elevator, automatic door openers throughout the facility, accessible washrooms, accessible change areas, showers, and changing tables. Universal Design principles were considered during all phases of the project, including design and procurement. The Beech Centre received a new barrier-free emergency exit route. This update provides visitors of the Beech Centre with two barrier-free exits in case of an emergency. Courtice Library Branch underwent a major renovation in 2015. The expanded and renovated library space will serve all residents including persons with accessibility requirements. Barrier free access has been enhanced by the removal of doors from the entrance way and the installation of a barrier-free family washroom. Library collections have been lowered to enhance accessibility. Signage for the public was created to provide clarity and address accessibility considerations. Universal Design principles were considered during all phases of the project, including design and procurement. 2. Barrier-Free Parking Spaces In 2015, the Operations Department refreshed 8 barrier-free parking stalls. These updates were done in consultation with the Accessibility Advisory Committee and take into consideration the current AODA requirements for barrier-free off-street parking. Page 6of8 Clarington 2015 Accessibility Annual Status Update 3. Accessible Mobile Stage In 2015, the Municipality unveiled its new Accessible Mobile Stage, which was purchased with grant money from the Ontario Trillium Foundation as part of a community collaborative project with the Visual Arts Centre, the Rotary Club of Bowmanville, the Orono Agricultural Society and the Municipality of Clarington. The stage has many features including a lift that provides access from the ground to stage level for people with disabilities. This accessible mobile stage will ensure that Clarington events and festivals are accessible to all residents and visitors. 2015 Accessibility Compliance Report The Government of Ontario requires municipalities to file an Accessibility Compliance Report every two years. In 2015, the Municipality filed its 3rd accessibility report with the Government of Ontario. This report indicated that Clarington is in full compliance with the AODA and its Standards. The accessibility report is just one indication of how well we are doing. We encourage staff and members of the community to let us know how we are doing. Feedback can be provided in person, through our website, over the phone, by letter or email. Feedback is always welcomed as we work towards becoming a barrier-free community. Next Steps Throughout 2016, the Municipality of Clarington will continue to work towards meeting, maintaining, and exceeding its obligations under the AODA and its Standards. In keeping with our goal of becoming a barrier-free community we will: • Review and update our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. • Respond to requests for information in an alternative format. • Formally adopt the Clarington Universal Design Standards for Municipal Facilities. • Continue conducting accessibility audits on municipal facilities. • Monitor the proposed changes to the Customer Service Standard and implement any changes prior to its planned implementation date of July 1, 2016. • Provide current staff and volunteers with updated information on changes to our accessibilities policies and continue providing accessibility training to all new staff and volunteers. Page 7 of 8 Clarington 2015 Accessibility Annual Status Update • Update the Terms of Reference for the Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee to ensure it is consistent with current obligations under the ODA and AODA. • Continue reviewing by-laws to ensure they are consistent with the principles of the AODA and that they meet or exceed the minimum Standards required under the AODA. • Continue advocating for greater accessibility within the community. Page 8 of 8