Body: Council Type: Agenda Meeting: Regular Date: February 6, 2024 Collection: Council Agendas Municipality: Frontenac County
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Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Tuesday, February 6, 2024 –10:00 a.m. Meeting to be held in Virtual Electronic Format, and live streamed on the County of Frontenac’s YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/live/Y_FrBRVisx8?feature=share
AGENDA Page 1.
Call to Order We begin this gathering by acknowledging and celebrating these traditional lands as a gathering place of the first peoples and their ancestors who are entrusted to care for mother earth since time immemorial. We do so respecting both the land and the Indigenous People who continue to walk with us through this world. Today, the County is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.
Adoption of the Agenda a) That the agenda for the February 6, 2024 meeting of the Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
Adoption of Minutes a) Minutes of Meeting held November 7, 2023
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That the minutes of the Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held November 7, 2023 be adopted.
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Deputations and/or Presentations a) Rachel Doornekamp, Community Collective, will address the Committee on The Inclusive Play Project in Shannon Park, in the City of Kingston.
Reports to the Accessibility Advisory Committee a) 2024-012 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Administration Building Update Report
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Page Recommendation: Be It Resolved That the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee support the recommendations of the Review Team resulting from their site visit of the newly developed County Administration Building; And Further That the recommendations of the Review Team be forwarded to Senior Staff for consideration. 11 - 24
b)
2024-010 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Annual Accessibility Status Report This report is for information purposes only.
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c)
2024-011 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Provincial Release of the Final Report of the Fourth Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) This report is for information purposes only.
Township Updates a) Township of North Frontenac b)
Township of Central Frontenac
c)
Township of South Frontenac
d)
Township of Frontenac Islands
Communications a) Correspondence from FAAC member Kurt Halliday regarding AODA Alliance updates [Distributed to Members of the FAAC February 2, 2024]
Other Business
Next Meeting
Adjournment
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Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes November 7, 2023 [Note: Minutes are not Verbatim, please refer to full video at https://youtube.com/live/7-JGWr85IG0?feature=share] A meeting of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee (FAAC) was held in virtual electronic format, hosted at the County Administration Building, 2069 Battersea Road, Glenburnie on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Present:
Neil Allen, Community Representative, South Frontenac, Chair Janet MacDonald, Community Representative, Frontenac Islands Pat Joslin, Community Representative at Large Councillor Nicki Gowdy Councillor Bill Saunders
Regrets
Kurt Halliday, Community Representative, Central Frontenac Erin Ferguson, Community Representative, North Frontenac
Also Present
Jannette Amini, County of Frontenac Eric Korhonen, Township of North Frontenac Vanessa Latimer, Township of Frontenac Islands James Thompson, Township of South Frontenac
Call to Order
Mr. Allen called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. We begin this gathering by acknowledging and celebrating these traditional lands as a gathering place of the first peoples and their ancestors who are entrusted to care for mother earth since time immemorial. We do so respecting both the land and the Indigenous People who continue to walk with us through this world. Today, the County is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation. 2. Adoption of the Agenda Moved By: Mr. Joslin Seconded By: Councillor Saunders That the agenda for the November 7, 2023, meeting of the Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried 3.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were none.
Minutes of Meeting held November 7, 2023
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4.
Adoption of Minutes Minutes of Meeting held August 1, 2023
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor Gowdy Councillor Saunders
That the minutes of the Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held August 1, 2023 be adopted. Carried 5.
Deputations and/or Presentations
Reports to the Accessibility Advisory Committee Consideration of the 2023 Celebration of Accessibility Awards
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor Gowdy Mr. Joslin
That the Blue Moose Family be selected as the 2023 recipient of the County of Frontenac Celebration of Accessibility Award. Carried Ms. MacDonald noted that prior to receiving government funding, this family was using their own funds. They purchased the building with a commitment to making it accessible and is one of the few businesses on the Island that is accessible. 2023-118 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Summary of the 2022 Frontenac Multi-year Accessibility Plan Review Engage Frontenac Project Ms. Amini provided an overview of the report which was for information purposes only. 7.
Township Updates Township of North Frontenac Township of Central Frontenac Township of South Frontenac
County of Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee November 7, 2023
Minutes of Meeting held November 7, 2023
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Township of Frontenac Islands 8.
Communications
Other Business
Next Meeting
Ms. Amini will work with the Committee members to determine the next meeting date, anticipated to be some time in January, via zoom. 11.
Adjournment
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor Gowdy Mr. Joslin
That the meeting hereby adjourn at 10:16 a.m. Carried
County of Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee November 7, 2023
Minutes of Meeting held November 7, 2023
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Report 2024-012 Committee Report To:
Chair and Members of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee
From:
Jannette Amini, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk
Date of meeting: February 6, 2024 Re:
Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee – Administration Building Update Report
Recommendation Be It Resolved That the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee support the recommendations of the Review Team resulting from their site visit of the newly developed County Administration Building; And Further That the recommendations of the Review Team be forwarded to Senior Staff for consideration. Background The Accessibility Advisory Committee is mandated to assist County and Township Councils in enabling persons with disabilities to have equal access to all opportunities within the County as well as work with Council and the community at large to identify and address the needs of persons with disabilities within the community. Comment County staff fully vacated the administration building as of July 15th, 2022, and the Construction for the Joint Admin Facility began on July 18, 2022. Throughout the construction process, a bi-weekly progress meeting took place between County Administration, Cataraqui Regional Conservation Authority, Colbourne & Kembel, Architects Inc., and Emmons & Mitchell Construction limited representatives to discuss the construction progress. The County was to be given occupancy in midDecember of 2023. Based on a deficiency walk through of the building December 12th, 2023 by all parties, move in for staff was delayed one month, with exact timing to be determined. Follow up meetings indicated that the County would receiving occupancy the week of January 22, 2024. Although the construction process is complete and furnishings have been installed, issues with the fire alarm system continue to hold up the County receiving
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occupancy. Until occupancy is received, the County is unable to begin the process of transitioning staff back into the building. Three members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee had the opportunity to attend a site visit of the newly redeveloped space on February 1, 2024. The Review Team was impressed with the new space and had no issues maneuvering throughout the main portion of the building. The Review Team recognized that great care was taken to ensure an accessible space was created, including the details of the colours chosen and ensuring adequate contrast when transitioning from room to room or wall to floor. The Review Team would like to thank the County of Frontenac and appreciates the opportunity given to them to carry out a site visit of the space and provide comments. As a result of the site visit, the following accessibility issues and recommendations are being provided by the Review Team: Public Spaces Council Chamber Area
- Accessible Power Door The public entrance leading into the new space does not have an accessible power entrance, meaning anyone attending Council and Committee meetings that use a mobility aid would be required go to the main entrance at the other end of the building and then walk back to the Council Chamber. In addition, there are no rest areas along the corridor to the Council Chamber, making it extremely difficult for one using a walker or with breathing difficulties. The Review Team recommends that the public entrance be upgraded to an accessible power door.
- Council Chamber The Council Chamber is quite long, with the T.V. screen being at one end of the room, and public seating at the other. This could make it difficult for those with visual impairments to see the presentations on the screen. The Review Team recommends a larger 96-inch T.V. be purchased.
- Podium The podium in the Council Chamber is not accessible for someone in a wheelchair or using a mobility aid. Although the top piece of the podium could be removed when needed, it is currently screwed in and not able to be removed. The Review Team recommends the current podium be accessible to one using a wheelchair or mobility aide.
Committee Report Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee – Administration Building Update Report February 6, 2024
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4. Accessible Washroom The paper towel dispenser in the accessible washroom is currently located on the opposite side of the room to where the sink is located. This would require someone using a cane or walker to have wet hands and having to touch the push rims or grip their mobility devices, while attempting to get to the paper towel dispenser, greatly increasing the potential for a trip or fall. In addition, the paper towel dispenser should be changed to one with the option to either be pulled out manually or use a lever to dispense the paper towel, making it much easier for people to use who have limited dexterity or arthritis or anything that might impede their gripping. The paper towel dispenser lever bar should be located underneath the paper towel dispenser so it can be easily reached. The accessible washroom is also lacking a table which is required for many of those with disabilities who bring supplies with them, requiring equipment and personal hygiene products to be place on the washroom floor. The Review Team recommends the paper towel dispenser be changed to one with a leaver option and be moved beside the sink. The Review Team recommends a wall mounted table be added to the washroom. Main Entrance 5. Accessible Counter The current accessible counter(s) do not have sufficient knee clearance space for someone in a wheelchair to access. This makes it impossible for a person in a wheelchair to use the space to sign anything. In addition, if the person needs to pull out a wallet or anything from a pocket or purse, such as ID, cell phone, etc. they cannot reach the counter to put items down, meaning they must set multiple items on their lap. In addition, the accessible counter facing the main hallway into the office space, again lacks knee clearance and when a wheelchair is at that counter, it would make passing them in the hallway difficult. As side pull up to either counter is difficult and not user friendly for those with mobility aids. The Review Team recommends removing the front panel to allow knee clearance for those using a wheelchair or other mobility aid. 6. Seating Area Bariatric chairs offer a range of benefits for those who require extra support and comfort while seated. With higher weight capacities than traditional chairs, bariatric chairs are highly durable, making them a reliable option for long-term use. The Review Team recommends that a bariatric chair be added to the reception waiting area to reduce the risk of falls and injuries, providing a safe seating option for visitors with limited mobility.
Committee Report Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee – Administration Building Update Report February 6, 2024
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7. Accessible Washroom As noted under recommendation 4, the paper towel dispenser should have a lever option and a wall mounted table for equipment and supplies, with the dispenser lever bar located underneath the paper towel dispenser so it can be easily reached. It was noted during the tour that due to the lack of space in this washroom, it would need to have a foldable table, similar to a baby changing station. Staff and Office spaces 8. Entrance Door The door in the corridor leading to the reception area, Office of the CAO and Human Resources currently does not have an accessible power door option. While speaking with Emmons and Mitchell, it was explained that consultants advised a power door was not required as there was sufficient space on either side of the door, and the correct lever handle, that one using a mobility aid would be able to open the door, like the collaboration space door. Unlike the collaboration space door, the door in question has a surface mount door closer on the top of the door, making it difficult or impossible for someone in a wheelchair to open. The Review Team recommends that the surface mount door closer on the top of the door be removed. 9. Meeting Rooms It was noted that all chairs in all meeting rooms are on wheels. This creates a safety issue for those who require support when sitting down, such as those transitioning from a walker to a chair, those with bad knees or back, those with arthritis, etc. as the chair can easily move when being used to sit down. The Review Team recommends that at least 1 chair be provided in all meeting rooms that are not on wheels. 10. Collaboration Space The Review Team was disappointed to see that the patio area was not made accessible. Additional Considerations The Review Team also had the following considerations:
- Create an accessible parking space across from the entrances to the Administration Building, reducing the distance to the main entrances.
- Consider installing handrails in the patio area.
- Install coat hooks in the standard washrooms.
- When creating signage, make sure it makes occupants aware if the exit is: ➢ Fully accessible ➢ Partially accessible Committee Report Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee – Administration Building Update Report February 6, 2024
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➢ Not accessible 5. Consider placement of furniture, for example, the thermostat in the collaboration space is currently blocked by a table. 6. During the site visit, there were no garbage containers in the washrooms yet. The Review Team asks the County to ensure that when the garbage containers are placed in the washrooms, that they don’t become barriers due to placement. 7. When signage is installed, ensure that there is a strong contrast between the printing and whatever background is used. Some of the corridors are long, if proper contrast is not used, it might be harder to read directional signage from a distance. 8. The Review Team would recommend in the future that fixtures, such as paper towel dispensers and soap dispensers, be sensor operated to ensure being fully accessible as well as reduce the risk of bacteria transfer. 9. The Review Team was not able to see the fire alarm process but would point out that along with they typical bell system, a form of visual alarm should also be incorporated into the system for those who are hearing impaired. Strategic Priorities Implications Priority 3: Strengthen Quality of Life through Enhanced Service Delivery. Priority 4: Maximize Administrative Leadership within the County Administration. 4.3
Ensure community engagement remains a continued priority and to develop dynamic solutions to improve citizen awareness/involvement in County of Frontenac activities and to promote collaboration with member municipalities.
Financial Implications There are no direct financial implications associated with this report. Organizations, Departments and Individuals Consulted and/or Affected Brieanna McEathron, Executive Assistant to the CAO and Director of Corporate Services Neil Allen, Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee member Janet MacDonald, Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee member Councillor Bill Saunders, Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee member
Committee Report Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee – Administration Building Update Report February 6, 2024
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Report 2024-010 Committee Information Report To:
Warden and Members of County Council
From:
Jannette Amini, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk
Date of meeting: February 6, 2024 Re:
FAAC – Annual Accessibility Status Report
Recommendation For Information purposes only. Background Ontario Regulation 191/11: Integrated Accessibility Standards Section 4(1) requires designated public sector organizations to establish, implement, maintain and document a multi-year accessibility plan, which outlines the organization’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meet its requirements under this Regulation. In addition, Section 4(3) requires those same designated public sector organizations to prepare an annual status report on the progress of measures taken to implement the strategies of the multi-year accessibility plan and to post the status report on their website. An upper-tier municipality and any lower-tier municipalities that form part of it for municipal purposes may prepare a joint accessibility plan and a joint annual status report. A joint accessibility plan and a joint annual status report prepared in accordance with subsection (3.1) are deemed to be the accessibility plan and annual status report of each municipality to which they apply. Comment The Annual Accessibility Status Report provides an annual update on the progress made and work completed by the County and Townships in 2023 to improve accessibility and implement the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), Ontario Regulation 191/11.
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In 2022, the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee recommended to Council the approval of the 2023-2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. The Plan included additional paragraphs related to the County’s focus on continuous improvement, which includes accessibility. A section regarding Barriers was also included as well as a more highlevel overview of the Standards and how the County and Townships will work towards meeting the goals of those standards and ensuring compliance. Subsequently, at its regular meeting held December 21, 2022, Council passed the following resolution, being Reports from Advisory Committees of County Council, clause b): b)
Report of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee
Motion #: 223-22
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor Fowler Councillor Lichty
That the Report received from the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee be received and adopted. Report of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee The Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee reports and recommends as follows: 2022-126 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Approval of the Joint Frontenac 2023-2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Be It Resolved That the Council of the County of Frontenac pass a by-law adopting the 2023-2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan attached to this report as Appendix A. Carried Significant achievements have been seen in 2023 by all of the Frontenacs in part by the significant work and direction of the Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee, including input and guidance on the following: County of Frontenac ➢ Improvements regarding communications for Howe Islander ferry passengers who are living with disabilities ➢ Potential access to ATVs on the K&P Trail from Verona to Harrowsmith ➢ Infrastructure improvements to the K&P Trail ➢ The Re-Development of the County Administration Building Township of North Frontenac ➢ Accessible Parking Signs at Township boat launches ➢ Rink Building Accessibility and making access to the rink building accessible ➢ Accessible Outhouses regarding the replacement of all outhouses with accessible washrooms – 2023 to replace at PCCA Beach. Committee Report FAAC – Annual Accessibility Status Report February 6, 2024
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Township of Central Frontenac ➢ Public Works building and offices, including accessible washrooms, power door openers, accessible sidewalks around the building and parking lot improvements. ➢ Medical Centre in Sharbot Lake washroom ➢ Piccadilly Hall accessible doors ➢ Fire Hall regarding the installation of drainage grates to allow for a smooth area for vehicles and personnel. ➢ Create an accessible format to book halls, system called perfect minds. Allows residents to book from the comfort of their home, not having to come into the office Township of South Frontenac ➢ Wayfinding Signage Strategy with appropriate contrast. ➢ Battersea Fire Station – Accessible Washroom ➢ Improved accessible human resources processes and documentation related to recruitment. ➢ Review of Council and committee report templates from an accessibility standpoint. ➢ Clerk’s Department to increase awareness of role of the Accessibility Committee The Annual Accessibility Status Report, attached as Appendix A was presented to County Council at its regular meeting held December 20, 2023 with the following resolution being approved: Be It Resolved That the Council of the County of Frontenac receive the Corporate Services – Annual Accessibility Status Report, attached to this report as Appendix A; And Further That in accordance with Ontario Regulation 91/11: Integrated Accessibility Standards section 4(3), that a copy of this Annual Accessibility Status Report be posted to the County of Frontenac Website; And Further That in accordance with Ontario Regulation 91/11: Integrated Accessibility Standards section 4(3.1) and (3.2), that a copy of this Annual Accessibility Status Report be forwarded to the Frontenac Lower Tiers for posting on their respective websites. In accordance with Ontario Regulation 91/11, a copy of the Annual Accessibility Status Report has been uploaded to the County’s website and has been forwarded to the Frontenac Lower Tiers for posting on their respective websites. Strategic Priorities Implications Priority 2: Contribute to the Progress of Sustainable Economic Growth and Prosperity Throughout the County. Committee Report FAAC – Annual Accessibility Status Report February 6, 2024
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This priority responds to high interest as well as concern shared broadly across the County that communities in the Frontenacs be well supported with infrastructure and services essential to vitality and sustainability in today’s world. Financial Implications There are no direct financial implications associated with this report. Organizations, Departments and Individuals Consulted and/or Affected Eric Korhonen, Township of North Frontenac Jody Legue, Township of Central Frontenac James Thompson, Township of South Frontenac Vanessa Latimer, Township of Frontenac Islands
Committee Report FAAC – Annual Accessibility Status Report February 6, 2024
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The Corporation of the County of Frontenac
Annual Accessibility Status Report 2023
This document is available in alternate formats or with communication supports upon request. Please visit the County of Frontenac at www.frontenaccounty.ca or call 613-548-9400, ext 302, or email jamini@frontenaccounty.ca
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Contents Welcome to the Frontenac’s Annual Accessibility Status Update ………………………………3 Statement of Commitment ……………………………………………………………………………………3 Joint Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee……………………………………………4 Accessibility Achievements in 2023……………………………………………………………………….4 Accessibility Updates to the K&P Trail ………………………………………………………………..4 Re-Development of the County Administration Building ………………………………………..4 Site Plans and Building/Renovation drawings and upgrades …………………………………5 Township of North Frontenac …………………………………………………………………………5 Township of Central Frontenac ………………………………………………………………………5 Township of South Frontenac…………………………………………………………………………5 Celebration of Accessibility Award…………………………………………………………………………5 The Blue Moose Bed & Breakfast ………………………………………………………………………6 The Standards ……………………………………………………………………………………………………7 Information and Communications ………………………………………………………………………7 Transportation …………………………………………………………………………………………………7 Design of Public Spaces …………………………………………………………………………………..8 Customer Service…………………………………………………………………………………………….8 Employment ……………………………………………………………………………………………………9 The Frontenacs, The Employer ………………………………………………………………………9 Training ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10 What’s up for 2024…………………………………………………………………………………………….10
County of Frontenac Annual Accessibility Status Report – 2023
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Welcome to the Frontenac’s Annual Accessibility Status Update This report provides an annual update on the progress made and work completed by the County and Townships in 2023 to improve accessibility and implement the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR), Ontario Regulation 191/11. In 2022, the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee recommended to Council the approval of the 2023-2027 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. The Plan included additional paragraphs related to the County’s focus on continuous improvement, which includes accessibility. A section regarding Barriers was also included as well as a more high level overview of the Standards and how the County and Townships will work towards meeting the goals of those standards and ensuring compliance Significant achievements have been seen in 2023 by all of the Frontenacs in part by the significant work and direction of the Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Statement of Commitment Through accessibility planning and with the advice of the Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Frontenacs (County of Frontenac and the Townships within the County) will strategically identify, remove, and prevent as many barriers to persons with disabilities as possible. The Frontenacs are committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting the accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
County of Frontenac Annual Accessibility Status Report – 2023
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Joint Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee The Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee (JFAAC) worked hard in 2023, despite setbacks due to the continued health crises and Covid-19! Providing input and recommendations on several municipal projects and initiatives, the JFAAC accomplished its goal towards improving accessibility in our community through the continual removal of barriers, including: ▪ Awarding of the Celebrating Accessibility Award. ▪ Provided input and guidance into the redevelopment of the County Administration Building ▪ Provided a review and guidance on potential improvements regarding communications for Howe Islander ferry passengers who are living with disabilities. ▪ Provided guidance on the K&P Trail, including potential access to ATVs on the K&P Trail from Verona to Harrowsmith, as well as infrastructure improvements ▪ Received quarterly updates on the County’s K&P Trail, including providing input to staff on accessibility requirements/enhancements of the trail. ▪ Aided and guided local businesses, specifically around barrier free access to older buildings.
Accessibility Achievements in 2023 Accessibility Updates to the K&P Trail With the completion of core infrastructure on the Frontenac K&P Trail between the City of Kingston and Sharbot Lake in 2019, and with subsequent trail development to Clarendon Station in 2020 the County now actively manages 70 kilometers of multi-use trail daily. As a result of this work, and with the influence of the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic on recreational behaviour, the Frontenac K&P Trail has seen a significant increase of use by walkers, cyclists, and ATV users. The Committee continued to guide staff and make recommendations for the accessibility of the K&P trail in 2023 in infrastructure improvements including preliminary discussions on road crossings in order to make some improvements which will guide staff in 2024. The Committee also provided input and recommendations on the request in front of County Council regarding access to ATVs on the K&P Trail from Verona to Harrowsmith.
Re-Development of the County Administration Building At the June 15, 2022 regular Council Meeting, Council approved the awarding of the RFP for the redevelopment of the Administrative Building to Emmons & Mitchell Construction (2000) Ltd for the Renovations & Additions for the Joint Admin Facility for the County of Frontenac and Cataraqui Regional Conservation Authority. This is a $4.5M project.
County of Frontenac Annual Accessibility Status Report – 2023
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Construction began in July of 2022. Submission of pertinent documents to the City of Kingston included a site plan application along with a completed Accessibility Checklist required by the City of Kingston. Significant accessibility inclusions in the construction include 2 new fully accessible washrooms, accessible entrances and accessible shared common areas. Construction is anticipated to be completed by end of 2023. The Committee continued in 2023 to provide input on the renovations, including a planned site visit by the Chair to provide guidance on the locations of all fixtures to ensure accessibility to those using mobility aids.
Site Plans and Building/Renovation drawings and upgrades Township of North Frontenac Updates include: ➢ Accessible Parking Signs at Township boat launches ➢ Rink Building Accessibility and making access to the rink building accessible ➢ Accessible Outhouses regarding the replacement of all outhouses with accessible washrooms – 2023 to replace at PCCA Beach. Township of Central Frontenac Updates include: ➢ Public Works building and offices, including accessible washrooms, power door openers, accessible sidewalks around the building and parking lot improvements. ➢ Medical Centre in Sharbot Lake washroom ➢ Piccadilly Hall accessible doors ➢ Fire Hall regarding the installation of drainage grates to allow for a smooth area for vehicles and personnel. ➢ Create an accessible format to book halls, system called perfect minds. Allows residents to book from the comfort of their home, not having to come into the office Township of South Frontenac Updates include: ➢ Wayfinding Signage Strategy with appropriate contrast. ➢ Battersea Fire Station – Accessible Washroom ➢ Improved accessible human resources processes and documentation related to recruitment. ➢ Review of Council and committee report templates from an accessibility standpoint. ➢ Clerk’s Department to increase awareness of role of the Accessibility Committee
Celebration of Accessibility Award The joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee works all year to make sure that Frontenac County is as accessible as possible for people living with disabilities. Each year since 2013 the committee has bestowed the Frontenac Access Award on groups or individuals who have worked to those ends during the year.
County of Frontenac Annual Accessibility Status Report – 2023
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“Access” can include designing new or renovated buildings, an employment program; a transportation system, a recreational or leisure program; or anything that contributes significantly to persons with disabilities living independently. For the 2023 Award, the Committee chose the following two recipients.
The Blue Moose Bed & Breakfast The Blue Moose Family – Kate Slagle, James Bambury, Wes Bambury, and Ella Bambury – are owners and operators of The Blue Moose Bed & Breakfast on Wolfe Island. The Blue Moose is a beautiful Century building right in Marysville. Like so many older buildings, it was not originally built with accessibility in mind. Since taking over in 2018 the Family has added moveable ramps to make the entire ground floor – including the porch and outside seating area – wheelchair accessible. Bed heights in the guest rooms were adjusted to facilitate transfers. Menus were developed to accommodate special needs. And last year the Blue Moose received Government of Canada support from the Enabling Accessibility Fund to complete a full wheel-in wet room. It’s a ground-floor guest bathroom that makes The Blue Moose accessible and comfortable for anyone living with mobility challenges or who uses a wheeled assistive device like a wheelchair.
County of Frontenac Annual Accessibility Status Report – 2023
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2024-010 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Annual Accessibility…
The Standards Information and Communications Topic
Barrier or Goals Identified
Accessibility Updates
Websites
•
Remove barriers that may be preventing the County website from being fully compatible with assistive technology and ensure web content meets W.C.A.G.2.0 level AA compliance requirements
✓ All PDFs are remediated to ensure all web content on the County of Frontenac website is accessible.
Information and Communication Standard
•
Increase training and awareness and clarify expectations for creating or procuring accessible information and communications
✓ Adobe Acrobat Pro DC used to ensure all PDFs are in an accessible format ✓ Staff trained on how to create accessible documents including Word and PDF
Transportation The County of Frontenac and its member municipalities do not provide a conventional transit system and the Howe Island Ferry and the Township Ferry do not meet the minimum tonnage under the Standard; however the County of Frontenac provides annual funding in the amount of $96,000 to ensure seniors and those with accessibility needs receive rides to appointments.
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Design of Public Spaces Topic
Barrier or Goals Identified
Accessibility Updates
Trails
•
Continue to make accessible improvements to the K&P Trail
•
Continue to work jointly with the JFAAC on ensuring the development of the K&P Trail, as it continues to move north, meets the standards set out in the AODA
✓ In late 2023, early 2024, staff will be reviewing road crossings in order to make some infrastructure improvements which will come to the Accessibility Advisory Committee. ✓ In early 2023, the County awarded the contract for fabrication and delivery of a pre-built structure to replace Elbow Creek Bridge with the existing bridge being removed and the site prepared for the new bridge.
Customer Service Barrier or Goals Identified
Accessibility Updates
Feedback
•
Promote public engagement and use of accessible feedback channels
•
Solicit and respond to community feedback to help direct accessibility planning efforts
✓ With the implementation in 2021 of the County’s new Engage Frontenac community engagement tool, the site features a “Help promote accessibility in Frontenac County” project. In addition, the County continues to encourage members of the public to submit their comments or concerns through one of our feedback channels: online “accessibility feedback” forms, speaking with a County staff member, or reaching out through all of its social media channels.
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Topic
✓ The County will continue to ensure feedback channels are in accessible formats and will respond to feedback, upon request, in a manner
County of Frontenac Annual Accessibility Status Report – 2023
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2024-010 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Annual Accessibility…
that considers individual preferences and abilities. Staff training
•
Support training initiatives to equip staff with knowledge and skills to deliver high quality customer service to all residents and visitors.
✓ All new staff receive training on the AODA and the Human Rights Code through the County’s New Hire Orientation, delivered once a month.
Employment Topic
Barrier or Goals Identified
Commitment to accessible employment practices
•
Accessibility Updates
✓ Continue to promote and support a diverse work Ongoing efforts to encourage a group through our hiring processes and our diverse work force by identifying and accommodation plans. removing any barriers to employment
The Frontenacs, The Employer In addition to the County’s municipal goods, services, programs, and facilities, it is important to remember that we are also an employer with over 400 full and part-time employees. The County is committed to maintaining a barrier-free recruitment and hiring process and recognizes the strength of a diverse workforce. In keeping with our Multiyear Accessibility Plan, the County will make continuous upgrades to our policies, procedures, and workplaces to foster a safer, more accessible, and inclusive work environment. Some highlights from 2023 include: ➢ Continue to advertise on all employment opportunities that, upon request, accommodations and alternate formats are available throughout the recruitment, assessment, and selection processes. ➢ Continue to use Individualized Work Modification Plan’s and Individualized Emergency Response Plan worksheets.
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➢ 2069 Battersea Road: Accessible parking, accessible sidewalk from the parking lot, and installation of power door operator → parking and entrance are fully accessible for staff and visitors, with accessible washrooms on site. ➢ The County of Frontenac Human Resources now provides Equity, Diversity and Inclusion training for the Management Team to address aspects of equity, diversity and inclusion for the County of Frontenac. County of Frontenac Annual Accessibility Status Report – 2023
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2024-010 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Annual Accessibility…
Training ➢ Trained all County administrative staff on the use of Adobe Acrobat Pro, the County’s remediation tool for creating accessible PDF content posted to the County’s website.
What’s up for 2024 ➢ Staff, including Council, Committee and public meetings, will be moving back into the newly redeveloped County Administration Building in January 2024. The opening of the new building will involve the FAAC and accessibility will play a key focus ➢ The County will continue to work jointly with the JFAAC on ensuring the development of the K&P Trail, as it continues to move north, meets the standards set out in the AODA ➢ Continue to make accessible improvements to the K&P Trail
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Report 2024-011 Committee Information Report To:
Warden and Members of County Council
From:
Jannette Amini, Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk
Date of meeting: February 6, 2024 Re:
FAAC – Provincial Release of the Final Report of the Fourth Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Recommendation This report is for information purposes only. Background A reviewer is appointed by the government every three years following the tabling of the previous report (Third review of the AODA, March 2019) to assess the effectiveness of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and its standards. This review is required by Ontario’s accessibility laws. The reviewer is also required to consult with the public – specifically people with disabilities. In January 2022, Mr. Rich Donovan was appointed to complete the fourth review of the AODA. In 2022 and 2023, consultations were held across the province, including: ➢ four virtual public town halls ➢ two surveys of business leaders and people with disabilities ➢ interviews with AODA stakeholders and disability experts ➢ meetings with government officials As noted in the Interim Report that was released on March 1, 2023, key issues of what was heard during these consultations was: ➢ Outcomes are poor. ➢ Enforcement does not exist. ➢ Data/research does not exist. ➢ Basic leadership does not exist. ➢ Nobody owns outcomes/no accountability. ➢ Best outcomes are demand driven. ➢ Opportunity to restructure with Accessible Canada Act (ACA). The report concluded that the Reviewer is obliged to highlight that the Premier of Ontario and his Cabinet have yet to meet the basic needs of a group of people totaling
2024-011 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Provincial Release o…
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over one fifth of its population. The report also noted that the federal government has set a new direction and is embarking on a new research agenda. The Cabinet of Ontario must act quickly or risk falling further, and publicly, behind. Comment In mid-December, 2023, the Province released the Final Report of the 4th Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As this is the final review ahead of the 2025 timeline for an accessible Ontario, the report is written as a call to action with several immediate steps for the Province to take a leadership role to address the crisis declaration made by the reviewer in the report. The report is a follow-up to the Interim Report that was released in March 2023 that outlined challenges with the state of accessibility in Ontario. The report lays out 23 recommendations in three categories: immediate crisis recommendations, strategic recommendations, and tactical recommendations. Given the crisis declared, the review calls for the formation of a crisis committee chaired by the Premier and co-chaired by the Secretary of Cabinet to implement the recommendations within 180 days of the formation of the committee. Specifically, the reviewer has outlined that this committee focuses on actions relating to:
- Emergency response
- Service delivery and employee experience within the broader public sector
- Creating a new Accessibility Agency to be elevated above the legislature
- Creation of a preliminary action plan with corresponding success metrics
- Development of initial actions for accessible government procurement Strategic recommendations shift oversight and enforcement responsibility for the private sector to the federal government as it has tools and resources to support these activities. The Province would focus on, among other things, setting up a new Accessibility Agency to create a government approach to accessibility in the broader public sector that would be responsible for filling in financial and informational resource gaps and coordinating accessibility initiatives. The Agency would also support regulation, enforcement, and public and sector learning and education. Tactical recommendations which are meant to follow the implementation and conclusion of the crisis response recommendations are spread out over four themes and respond to the findings of the Interim Report:
- Research
- Tools and Mechanisms for Behavioural Change
- Mobilizing Government Actions
- Built Environment
Committee Report FAAC – Provincial Release of the Final Report of the Fourth Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) February 6, 2024 Page 2 of 4
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Municipal Mentions While the focus of the report’s recommendations is primarily on the Province, several recommendations address municipal interests with 16 references. These include: • •
• •
•
•
•
• •
Provincial and federal partners developing a set of quality standards for the broader public sector that must be met for compliance. Developing a funding model with federal partners to attain and maintain accessibility in the Ontario broader public sector with funding tied to quality standards. The establishment of an Accessibility Agency responsible for leading and coordinating provincial and municipal accessibility activities. Building, maintaining, and analyzing datasets from the Agency, and mandating the use of these to inform decision-making in all issue areas at provincial and municipal levels and for audits of public policy beginning with health, education, housing, and transportation. Developing a cooperation framework between governments to clarify roles in improving accessibility and to be used to inform the completion of reports and strategic recommendations. This would be developed in consultation with municipalities among other stakeholders. Government intervention to support remediation of the built environment through exploration of social impact bonds for high-cost infrastructure projects, and issuance of negative interest loans for built environment improvements. The development of aggregated success metrics that are not only tied to the meeting of standards but to the experiences of persons with disabilities (PWD) and economic goals. A panel with PWD to consult on priority issues impacting accessibility with specific panels for municipalities and/or groups of municipalities. The publication of accessibility plans every three years with annual progress reports based on consultations with PWD.
Provincial Response The Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility has responded to media inquiries stating that the ministry has work on three recommendations: • • •
The creation of a new volunteer group of PWD to provide their experience and feedback on accessibility issues. An update to building evacuation plans for all government-owned buildings and leased buildings. Government procurement through the Crown agency, Supply Ontario, which incorporates accessibility standards.
The Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) will continue to monitor Provincial activity on accessibility.
Committee Report FAAC – Provincial Release of the Final Report of the Fourth Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) February 6, 2024 Page 3 of 4
2024-011 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Provincial Release o…
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Strategic Priorities Implications Priority 2: Contribute to the Progress of Sustainable Economic Growth and Prosperity Throughout the County. This priority responds to high interest as well as concern shared broadly across the County that communities in the Frontenacs be well supported with infrastructure and services essential to vitality and sustainability in today’s world. Financial Implications There are no direct financial implications associated with this report. Organizations, Departments and Individuals Consulted and/or Affected Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks, and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) Eric Korhonen, Township of North Frontenac Jody Legue, Township of Central Frontenac James Thompson, Township of South Frontenac Vanessa Latimer, Township of Frontenac Islands
Committee Report FAAC – Provincial Release of the Final Report of the Fourth Independent Review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) February 6, 2024 Page 4 of 4
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Jannette Amini Subject:
FW: Rich Donovan’s Interview with “the Trillium” Blasts Ford Government’s Response to His Call for a Crisis Response to Ontario’s Disability Inaccessibility Crisis
———- Forwarded message ——–From: AODA Alliance Updates updates@aodaalliance.org Date: Wed, Jan 17, 2024 at 6:37 PM Subject: Rich Donovan’s Interview with “the Trillium” Blasts Ford Government’s Response to His Call for a Crisis Response to Ontario’s Disability Inaccessibility Crisis To:
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance Update United for a Barrier-Free Ontario for All People with Disabilities Website: www.aodaalliance.org Email: aodafeedback@gmail.com Twitter: @aodaalliance YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/aodaalliance Read this Update on the web.
Rich Donovan’s Interview with the Trillium Publication Blasts Ford Government’s Response to His Call for a Crisis Response to Ontario’s Disability Inaccessibility Crisis January 17, 2024
SUMMARY The person whom the Doug Ford Government appointed to pass judgement on its implementation and enforcement of the landmark Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act gave the media a blistering assessment of the Ford Government’s response to his final report. Read that interview in the Trillium publication, below. In 2022, the Ford Government appointed Mr. Rich Donovan to conduct the mandatory fourth Independent Review of the AODA’s implementation and enforcement. On March 1, 2023, Donovan delivered a scathing interim report to the Government, which the Government made public eight days later. On June 6, 2023, he gave the Government his similarly critical final report. This time, the Government kept it secret for over six months, releasing it to the public on December 18, 2023. The Government refused to disclose that final report earlier when it received a Freedom of Information application from AODA Alliance Chair David Lepofsky. It gave David Lepofsky the obviously bogus reason that to reveal this report could disclose confidential secret Cabinet discussions. Yet the AODA itself required that the report be made public. Moreover, any read of the report, which is now public, shows that it reveals absolutely no secret Cabinet discussions. In this Trillium interview, Rich Donovan has stark words for the fact that his final report declared that there is an inaccessibility crisis in Ontario, calling for a crisis response, and yet the Government’s initial response to the report does not say anything about this as a crisis: 1
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“I noticed there was one word missing from the response, and that’s “crisis.” So, it’s pretty obvious to me that the government does not agree with my assessment of a crisis, otherwise they would have used that word.” Donovan noted the irony that it took him a year to write this report, and yet it took the Government fully six months just to release the report to the public, concluding: “What I want, and what I’ve asked for, is accountability directly from the premier and directly from the secretary of cabinet and I see no evidence of that to date.” As the AODA Alliance’s December 18, 2023 news release outlines, we agree with some of Mr. Donovan’s proposed solutions, but disagree with others. For example, we don’t agree with his proposal for Ontario to upload its legislative jurisdiction regarding the private sector to the Federal Government. It’s a counterproductive idea. It would require a constitutional amendment. The Federal Government undoubtedly won’t want to take on this provincial burden. We also disagree with Mr. Donovan’s apparently denigrating the hard work of the many Standards Development Committees appointed under the AODA in the Trillium article, as “activists who sit in a ballroom for a week”. This new interview should be read alongside the powerful guest column that was published in the September 16, 2020 Toronto Star by the three leading Ontarians who conducted the three previous Governmentappointed AODA Independent Reviews, Charles Beer, Mayo Moran and former Lieutenant Governor David Onley. Like Donovan’s reports and his Trillium interview, that 2020 guest column criticized the ongoing failure of Government leadership to tackle the many barriers that impede Ontarians with disabilities. We also invite you to read the January 3, 2024 Toronto Star editorial, that slammed the Ford Government for its response to Rich Donovan’s final report. How can you help? Urge your local media to interview Rich Donovan. Send this Trillium interview to your MPP and ask what they are doing to press Premier Ford to set up and chair the much-needed crisis committee that Rich Donovan recommended and that we endorse! Send us your feedback. Write us at aodafeedback@gmail.com
MORE DETAILS The Trillium December 19, 2023 Originally posted at https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/social-services-and-society/qa-aoda-reviewer-richdonovan-on-ontarios-failure-to-see-a-crisis8002492?utm_source=TheTrillium.ca&utm_campaign=bbad5c4633TrilliumNewsletterAM&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b3cbcfadf7-bbad5c4633-324333570 Q&A: AODA reviewer Rich Donovan on Ontario’s failure to see a crisis The author of a provincially mandated report speaks out on the lack of political will for making Ontario accessible Jessica Smith Cross Rich Donovan was tasked with writing the fourth review of the province’s progress on implementing the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) by its 2025 deadline. It’s going so well that he recommended the government declare a crisis. Instead, the government sat on his report for six months and released it quietly at the end of the legislative sitting. Donovan’s report said the province will fail to meet the goal it set 20 years ago of making Ontario accessible for people with disabilities by 2025. Beyond declaring a crisis, he recommended the government create a crisis committee chaired by the premier himself, as well as an agency to elevate AODA delivery above the politics of the legislature and co2
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ordinate a whole-of-government approach. He urged better data collection with input from Ontarians with disabilities. And, in part because of the province’s lack of progress over the last two decades, he recommended the government pass responsibility for the most costly challenge — making built environments in private-sector buildings accessible — to the federal government. In response to the report, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility said the government is planning to update building evacuation plans for all government-owned and leased buildings to ensure the safe evacuation of persons with disabilities. It’s also planning to move on two other recommendations of the report: establishing a volunteer group of everyday people with disabilities to provide their direct experience and feedback on accessibility issues and ensuring all government procurement through Supply Ontario incorporates accessibility standards. Addressing the delay in releasing the report, the ministry spokesperson said, “Given the complexity and expansive scope required when addressing issues around accessibility, we believe Mr. Donovan’s report warranted time spent on a thoughtful analysis and response to his recommendations and that is what we have done.” Here’s The Trillium’s conversation with Donovan about his report and the response to it at Queen’s Park, lightly edited and condensed for readability. Q: There’s already some news coverage of the report itself, but I wanted to hear from you specifically about the government’s response to what you said in the report. Can we start there? A: I noticed there was one word missing from the response, and that’s “crisis.” So, it’s pretty obvious to me that the government does not agree with my assessment of a crisis, otherwise they would have used that word. Q: I understand you submitted this report to the government six months ago. A: That’s right. June 6. Q: And what do you make of them taking six months to table it in the legislature, thereby making it public? A: Ha, well, it only took a year to write, so it took half of that period to release it. It’s rather ironic that I gave them six months to solve the crisis and it took them six months to release the report. I think, fundamentally, it goes back to leadership. There’s a reason why I didn’t assign the Ministry of Accessibility with ownership of this file — because they haven’t been able to deliver results over the last 17 years. What I want, and what I’ve asked for, is accountability directly from the premier and directly from the secretary of cabinet and I see no evidence of that to date. Q: One of the biggest things recommended in the report is the jurisdictional change, where the federal government would be responsible for private-sector accessibility compliance. Do you think it’s feasible? Do you think that the federal government is ready to take ownership of this? A: Anything is feasible. To be fair, this isn’t that difficult. I don’t have a mandate to give recommendations to the federal government, but when we did our analysis, we found one of the big problems was how do you regulate 400,000 small businesses? The provincial government doesn’t have the bodies to regulate that many companies. (Donovan noted in his report that the Compliance and Enforcement Branch of the AODA has approximately 25 staff.) The only entity we could think of that touches every one of these companies is the CRA. So what we envisioned is using the tax-collection process to first collect data to understand what companies are doing — because that data doesn’t exist today, in any form. So, the first three to five years, simply getting data together, understanding the lay of the land, and auditing those statements by businesses, as the CRA does all the time. Then, once we get a good understanding of where companies are, we develop a set of policies to help those businesses change their behaviour. By the way, we note this in the report a couple of times: Canada is the only country in the world that doesn’t put this at the national level. Q: In your report, you separate accessibility of the built environment from everything else. What’s the most pressing need when it comes to the built environment? 3
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A: Cash. We’re talking physical assets that either need to be remediated or, frankly, in some cases, torn down. That takes cash. In my world of finance (Donovan is CEO of The Return on Disability Group and a former portfolio manager at Merrill Lynch), that means there’s a ton of risk associated with that. Who owns that risk? The building owners, or is that something the government wants to take on and say, ‘If we’re going to change this, we have to take the risk away from you.’ And there are ways to do that. Q: The TTC made headlines recently for saying they’re not going to meet their Jan. 1, 2025, AODA deadline of making all of their stations accessible. The response I saw from people online was, “They had 20 years. How could they not?” What do you make of that? A: They had 20 years, so how could they not? Right? Twenty years ago, somebody decided we’ll take care of it in 15 years, and figure it out later. Nobody’s beating down my door to do it, so I’ll punt it to the next general manager, which is how these things work. These are human beings in these organizations, they’ve got 40,000 priorities, if nobody’s going to hold them accountable to this priority, they’re going to punt it. That’s what they did. That’s what usually gets done with this file because they’re not being held accountable by the media, the opposition, there’s no organized, effective lobby for disabilities. Q: And what’s the highest priority in the everything else, not the built environment, category? A: Data. The Ministry of Accessibility had no data on what accessibility looks like in the province. None. Zero. They don’t know what changes need to be made. They don’t know basic things like demographics. They don’t know basic things like what are the drivers of inaccessibility. What they’ve relied on, historically, is activists who sit in a ballroom for a week and tell them what’s going on. I know that because I was one of them. So, what they need to do is start doing proper research and, by the way, volunteering for giving feedback to the government is not proper research. Again, not a great start by making these people volunteers. Proper research pays people for their input. We’re here because we relied on volunteers to tell us what they thought and we didn’t understand what’s going on in the cities and towns and villages in Ontario because we didn’t ask. Q: So, you’re thinking more like a paid focus group on a large scale? A: Absolutely. Thousands of qualitative, quantitative conversations to really understand what’s going on. This is not difficult to do, and it’s not costly. We’re talking about 10s of thousands of dollars in budget. This is what we would do for any other population. Q: Back to the situation at Queen’s Park. The NDP was a bit taken aback by your criticism of the Opposition — they’re not the only opposition party in the province, but they’ve been one for the 17 years you speak of in the report. They certainly see themselves as advocates for people with disabilities. Part of their response to your criticism was that of the 13 times the AODA has been brought up in the legislature this sitting, 12 were from them. I take it you see things differently. A: Any opposition on this file has been an absolute failure over the past 17 years. I fundamentally reject the NDP’s assertion that they’ve been doing a good job here. They haven’t done their homework — in their response to me, they mentioned ODSP (the Ontario Disability Support Program) and WSIB (the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board), neither of which have anything to do with the AODA. I would politely suggest to them they go back and do their homework before they start being defensive. I don’t see them anywhere on this file, period. I can say that federally and provincially across the country. Q: What do you think would create that political will that you see is lacking on all sides? A: This is 27 per cent of the population. Every one of those people has at least one person directly attached to them with a disability. I don’t understand why politicians wouldn’t jump up and down on this issue as a way to emotionally connect with voters. Any good political operative would tell you the best issues are raw emotion — it doesn’t get any more raw emotion than this issue. So, rather than looking at this as a social justice issue or left-right issue, which it’s not, these guys need to find a way to understand what’s actually going on. If I was a politician, which I’m not, thankfully, I would be spending a lot of my time trying to get this right, trying to understand what’s causing these folks to disconnect from the economy. How can I take 4
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advantage of that, politically, to drive up my vote count, which is what politicians care about, right? I don’t see any of that going on. It’s like what I’ve been doing for 20 years with companies in the economy — helping companies realize, oh sh–, this is a big opportunity. Politicians are doing the same thing — they’re just 20 years behind the curve. You’re starting to see that shift federally, where they’re realizing, A, I didn’t realize this population was so big, and B, so economically influential, C, so rich with votes. So I think it’s time the political side wakes up and realizes we’d better get this right. Q: What else would you like to say? A: I think the root of this problem is decades of discrimination, starting with eugenics, which was a state-supported approach to eliminate disability in some countries. We can’t forget that reality and that’s what’s at the base of these issues. That, thankfully, is in our past, I hope. Now we need to get serious about rebuilding the infrastructure to make sure that we squeeze every drop of value out of every person in society. We’re nowhere near doing that. In order to do that, it’s going to require a pretty big shift in tweaking some of the things that we’ve built and it appears that the current government isn’t ready to do that yet. This email was sent to thisiskurthalliday@gmail.com. If you are no longer interested you can unsubscribe instantly.
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