Body: Council Type: Agenda Meeting: Regular Date: August 15, 2014 Collection: Council Agendas Municipality: Frontenac County
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Document Text
Accessibility Advisory Committee Agenda Date and Time
Friday, August 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
Place
Township of South Frontenac Office, Council Chamber, 4432 George, Sydenham
Members: John McDougall, County Councillor Gary Davison, County Councillor Neil Allen, South Frontenac - Chair
Danka Brewer, Central Frontenac Francine Arsenault, Community Member at Large - Vice Chair Bud Clayton, Warden, Ex-Officio
Page 1.
Call to order
Adoption of the agenda
Disclosure of pecuniary interest and general nature thereof
Adoption of minutes
3-6
•
Minutes of Meeting held April 28, 2014 RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held April 28, 2014 be adopted as circulated.
Deputations and/or presentations •
7-19
Mr. Phil Somers will address the Accessibility Advisory Committee on WheelchairAccessible Transportation, specifically the lack of accessible transportation in Frontenac County for those who are confined to wheelchairs and offer possible solutions.
Briefings •
Ms. Anne Marie Young, Manager of Economic Development will brief the Accessibility Advisory Committee on the development and progress of the K&P Trail.
•
Ms. Anne Marie Young, Manager of Economic Development will brief the Accessibility Advisory Committee on the development and progress of the County of Frontenac 150th Anniversary celebrations planned for 2015.
Accessibility Advisory Committee Work Plan •
2014-126 Accessibility Advisory Committee Update Report
This Report is for information purposes only.
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Page 8.
Communications
Other business
- Next meeting date
- Adjournment
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AgendaItem#4•
Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes April 28, 2014 A meeting of the Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (FAAC) was held at the Sydenham Public Library, 4432 George Street, Sydenham on Monday, April 28, 2014 at 10:00 AM Neil Allen, Township of South Frontenac Representative - Chair Francine Arsenault, Community at Large Representative - ViceChair John McDougall, County Council Representative Gary Davison, County Council Representative Danka Brewer, Township of Central Frontenac Representative Jannette Amini, County of Frontenac Donna Longmire, Central Frontenac Township Brooke McGrath, North Frontenac Township
Present:
Regrets: Staff:
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. 2.
Election of Chair and Vice
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor Davison Councillor McDougall
RESOLVED THAT Neil Allen be elected Chair of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee for 2014. CARRIED Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor McDougall Councillor Davison
RESOLVED THAT Francine Arsenault be elected Vice-Chair of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee for 2014. CARRIED
County of Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee April 28, 2014
Minutes of Meeting held April 28, 2014
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AgendaItem#4•
Adoption of the agenda
Moved By: Seconded By:
Ms. Arsenault Councillor Davison
RESOLVED THAT the agenda for the April 28, 2014 Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee be amended to add a discussion on accessible transportation in Frontenac County and as amended by adopted. CARRIED 4.
Disclosure of pecuniary interest and general nature thereof
The Chair requested the Recording Secretary to make note in the minutes that no members of the committee disclosed any pecuniary interests. 5.
Adoption of minutes
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor McDougall Ms. Arsenault
RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held November 18, 2013 be adopted as circulated. CARRIED 6.
Deputations and/or presentations
There were none. 7.
Accessibility Advisory Committee Work Plan Review of City of London - How to Plan Accessible Outdoor Events
The Committee reviewed and discussed the City of London’s “How to Plan Accessible Outdoor Events” and supported having the document endorsed for the County of Frontenac with some minor revisions as follows: ¾ Add two additional bullets to 3.0 Do you have a greeter at the door to offer assistance? Has your staff/volunteers been trained on the Accessible Customer Service Standard? (To learn more about training on the Accessible Customer Service Standard, the County of Frontenac “How May I Help You” Accessible Customer Service Best Practices and Procedures may be found on the County of Frontenac website at www.frontenaccounty.ca.) County of Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee April 28, 2014
Minutes of Meeting held April 28, 2014
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¾ Change 5.0 from a minimum two accessible washrooms to sufficient accessible washrooms. ¾ Add two additional bullets to 6.0 Is there a clear path of travel between booths for a mobility aid user to maneuver? (72” is recommended for easy maneuverability)? Are booths accessible? ¾ Add an additional bullet to 10.0 Are there tables accessible to persons using mobility aids that provide knee and toe clearance underneath the table? Is the ground surface leading to and under the tables accessible to persons using mobility aids? ¾ Add a new 12.0 Event Grounds with the following bullet: Has the most suitable location been chosen on the site that makes easy accessibility for those with mobility aids or other impediments that affect mobility such as slope inclines/declines/ or uneven ground. ¾ Add to the last page, “Resources” and include the IASR Design of Public Spaces Link and the County of Frontenac “How May I Help You” Customer Service Best Practices and Procedures Ms. Amini will make these changes to the document and distribute to Committee members for approval at the next meeting. 8.
Communications i.
Correspondence from the Canadian Paralympic Committee - Connect Someone to Parasport Ms. Amini will send this communication to the Townships and service clubs to see if there would be sufficient interest in participating in such a workshop.
ii.
Correspondence received from AccessRec, LLC - Access to Recreation for ALL, Newsletter 1 - April 2014 Other business
Accessible Transportation Mr. Allen indicated that he has received a call from a resident asking if the Accessibility Advisory Committee has or will be looking at accessible transportation for residents of the County. It was noted that at present, the only option for residents in the County that require accessible transportation is SASI Taxi which has a set price of $100 regardless of the time used; however some service clubs will cover or assist with this cost. The Committee discussed the possibility of providing funding to the Frontenac Transportation Services to subsidize rides with SASI Taxi and it was suggested that County of Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee April 28, 2014
Minutes of Meeting held April 28, 2014
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AgendaItem#4•
County Council will look at this during its reserve and reserve fund discussions next week. 10.
Next meeting date
The next meeting of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee is scheduled for Monday, July 7, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sydenham Public Library. 11.
Adjournment
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor McDougall Councillor Davison
THAT the meeting hereby adjourn at 11:08 a.m. CARRIED
County of Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee April 28, 2014
Minutes of Meeting held April 28, 2014
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AgendaItem#7•
Report 2014-126 COMMITTEE REPORT To:
Chair and Members of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee
From:
Jannette Amini Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk
Date of meeting:
August 15, 2014
Re:
Accessibility Advisory Committee Update Report
Recommendation This Report is for information purposes only. Background The Accessibility Advisory Committee is mandated to assist the County and Township Councils in the County of Frontenac 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. The purpose of this report is to update the Accessibility Advisory Committee on activities and initiatives undertaken by staff since the Committees last meeting. Comment Accessibility Updates and Activities
- County of Frontenac AODA Self-Certified Accessibility Report Public Sector Organizations were required to file a second compliance report in
- The County of Frontenac filed its report in December and was in compliance with all accessibility requirements under the AODA. A copy of the County of Frontenac’s Compliance report is attached to this report as Appendix A.
- County of Frontenac Ontarians with Disabilities Reserve The County of Frontenac allocates $10,000 each year through the budget procees to the Ontarians with Disabilities Reserve for the purpose of accessible capital projects. This year, County Council provided funding in the amount of $5,000 to the Township of South Frontenac for the Hartington Centre Accessibility Project through this reserve. Specifics of the Hartington Centre Accessibility Project is addressed further on in this report. Frontenac County Advisory Committees – Accessibility Advisory Committee Update Report August 15, 2014
2014-126 Accessibility Advisory Committee
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AgendaItem#7•
- 2014 Annual AMCTO Conference – June 8-11 The Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) is an association representing Ontario municipalities that offer leadership, direction and service to the municipal sector in Ontario by offering education, member services and advocacy. It is the “go to” organization in fostering and sustaining excellence in municipal management and administration. The Annual AMCTO Conference, which the Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk attends, offers 24 different concurrent educational sessions, many related to finance and the new accessibility standards. This year’s accessibility workshop was on Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities and focused on special emergency preparedness measures needed to be put in place to address the needs of individuals and families living with disabilities. This workshop included leaders from communities that have experienced recent emergencies who shared their lessons when it came to carrying out accessibility-related practices in their emergency management plans. The Accessibility Directorate of Ontario supplemented the session with practical tools and considerations when managing this function and shared strategies to better serve individuals and families with disabilities at the time of greatest need. As a follow up to the workshop, discussions with Alfred Spencer, Director, Outreach and Strategic Initiatives Branch with the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment provided additional information, including the Accessible Customer Service for Emergency First Responders course on the Emergency Management Ontario which may be viewed on their website at: https://www.emergencymanagementontario.ca/english/emcommunity/professionalde velopment/training/em131/em131.html and resources developed with the Red Cross to train people who work or volunteer in emergency shelters in providing service to people with disabilities which may be viewed on their website at: http://www.inclusionresearch.org/IEPCwebsite/EnAblingChange.html. This information has been shared with Mark Podgers, Operations Supervisor with the Frontenac Paramedic Services who is the person responsible for the County of Frontenac Emergency Management program and arrangements are being made to have Mr. Podgers attend a future Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting to speak to the County’s Emergency Management Plan as well as seek feedback from the Committee. Through these discussions with Mr. Spencer, staff also were advised that the AccessON is currently developing a Guide to Accessible Festivals and Outdoor Events; however this draft version is not yet public and staff have been ask that it not be distributed until it has been posted to the AccessON website. Once this Guide has been posted to the AccessON website, staff will ensure that it is distributed to the Townships and posted to the County website to encourage accessible outdoor events in the County of Frontenac, including the upcoming celebrations of the 150th Anniversary of the County of Frontenac in 2015.
- Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) Updates The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) became law in July 2011. As part of the IASR, all employees and volunteers of the County of Frontenac must be trained on the IASR and the Human Rights Code. Staff in the Emergency and Transportation Services and Corporate Services received training through Continuing Medical Education sessions that were put on by the Frontenac Paramedic Services. Training books were provided to Fairmount Home staff via mail Frontenac County Advisory Committees – Accessibility Advisory Committee Update Report August 15, 2014
2014-126 Accessibility Advisory Committee
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outs with annual T-4’s. Volunteers who sit as appointees to one of the County’s Advisory Committees received training on the IASR via a report and presentation that was presented to the Committees at their December 2013 meetings and County Council received a comprehensive presentation on the IASR at its December 4, 2013 Committee of the Whole meeting. Staff continue to work on on-going training for those who have not yet received training including new employees. 5. New AMCTO Accessibility Project In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Accessibility for Ontarians Disability Act (AODA), the AMCTO is excited to announce a new project with the Ontario government that enables AMCTO to remain a national leader in the provision of accessibility related support and education to municipalities. The most significant activity ahead includes events in recognition of the AODA 10th anniversary within each of the nine AMCTO Zones set for the spring of 2015. These one-day events will focus on municipal success stories, celebrate local champions / mentors / advocates, and will be both educational and inspirational for the accessibility community. In addition to these events, AMCTO will deliver the following over the coming 18 months: • An Accessibility Awards Program for local community leaders in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the AODA legislation. • Creation of a Best Practices Repository Website for Accessibility Related Initiatives, and • Dissemination of the ADO’s New Tool Kit to assist Ontario’s Communities which will be made available toward the end of the year. AMCTO will be creating focus groups this Fall in each its 9 Zone to help outline the scope and to build a meaningful agenda for this local event, including the engagement of Accessibility Advisory Committee Chairs. The Manager of Legislative Services/Clerk has submitted her name for consideration in forming part of this focus group which will be announced later this fall. 6. Township of Central Frontenac – Trail Enhancement Project The Township of Central Frontenac has submitted a Grant Application to the Employment and Social Development Canada Enabling Accessibility in Communities grant program for its Trail Enhancement Project. The objective of the project is to enhance a key segment of recreational trail located within the Village of Sharbot Lake for: (a) trail use by persons of all physical abilities and (b) to promote health and wellness through physical activities and (c) to build a vibrant commercial downtown. Proposed improvements are intended to slow motorized recreational traffic and create a more accessible trail for persons of all abilities, to create a more aesthetically appealing, safe, user friendly link for motorized, non-motorized and pedestrian traffic between Oso Beach, downtown businesses, the main parking area to the trail and the Railway Heritage Park. County Council passed the following resolution at its July 16th, 2014 County Council meeting supporting the project:
Frontenac County Advisory Committees – Accessibility Advisory Committee Update Report August 15, 2014
2014-126 Accessibility Advisory Committee
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AgendaItem#7•
Motion #: 166-14
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor Purdon Councillor Gutowski
WHEREAS the Township of Central Frontenac is submitting a Grant Application to the Employment and Social Development Canada Enabling Accessibility in Communities grant program for its Trail Enhancement Project; AND WHEREAS one of the eligibility requirements that must be met in order for projects to be considered for funding is that Applicants must demonstrate community support for their project; AND WHEREAS the County of Frontenac, through its Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee, takes the lead in promoting and encouraging a barrier free County of Frontenac that allows all citizens of Frontenac County to participate in the community; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the County of Frontenac provide a letter of support to the Township of Central Frontenac for the Trail Enhancement Project. CARRIED The Township of Central Frontenac has also will be receiving a grant from the County of Frontenac through the Support for Smaller Scale Community Sustainability Initiatives (SSS CSI) which supports building community capacity and covers all four pillars of sustainability: social, cultural, economic and environmental, including accessibility. 7. Township of South Frontenac Hartington Centre Accessibility Project The Township of South Frontenac has submitted a Grant Application to the Employment and Social Development Canada Enabling Accessibility in Communities grant program for its Hartington Centre Accessibility Project. The objective of the project is to: a) To create a barrier free flow for friends, families, constituents and tourists into and through the two buildings in The Township of South Frontenac Hartington Centre by removing stairs, replacing narrow and unmanageable doors and providing a fully-accessible washroom. These changes will make the community more liveable and inclusive. b) Create a community space where everyone can actively visit and enjoy the cultural and social opportunities that are being provided by the community, the associations and the Township. At present, the “Old School” museum has stairs that prevent those with accessibility challenges from getting in and out of both its doors. It is proposed to build a ramp, with appropriate ‘visitability’ signage from the parking lot to a zero-step fully automatic accessible door into the building. The Princess Anne building’s washroom serves as the washroom for both buildings and its main door, although it is already ramped and the proper width need to be fully accessible.
Frontenac County Advisory Committees – Accessibility Advisory Committee Update Report August 15, 2014
2014-126 Accessibility Advisory Committee
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The Township’s Committee looking after the project will be taking the hands-on and technical advice of the County of Frontenac’s Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and the barrier-free recommendations of the Province of ‘Ontario’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005’ and its updates. The Township has taken a proactive accessibility stance in its budget and project planning as part of its asset management planning. This aspect of its investment is extremely important for all its citizens regardless of age or mobility limits. County Council passed the following resolution at its July 16th, 2014 County Council meeting supporting the project, including a grant in the amount of $5,000 from the Ontarians with Disabilities Reserve: Motion #: 165-14
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor Purdon Warden Clayton
WHEREAS the Township of South Frontenac is submitting a Grant Application to the Employment and Social Development Canada Enabling Accessibility in Communities grant program for the Hartington Centre Accessibility Project; AND WHEREAS one of the eligibility requirements that must be met in order for projects to be considered for funding is that Applicants must demonstrate community support for their project; AND WHEREAS the County of Frontenac, through its Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee, takes the lead in promoting and encouraging a barrier free County of Frontenac that allows all citizens of Frontenac County to participate in the community; AND WHEREAS the Council of the County of Frontenac allocates $10,000 per year to the Ontarians with Disabilities Reserve for the purpose of accessible capital projects: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the County of Frontenac provide a letter of support to the Township of South Frontenac for the Hartington Centre Accessibility Project; AND FURTHER THAT the Council of the County of Frontenac provide funding in the amount of $5,000 to the Township of South Frontenac for the Hartington Centre Accessibility Project to be allocated from the Ontarians with Disabilities Reserve. CARRIED 8. Accessibility Mapping In a recent email from the Municipal Information Network, a newspaper article from the Stratford Beacon Herald appeared regarding Perth County Public Washroom mapping which identifies washroom facilities in Perth County including whether or not they are accessible and used as a tool to make their community more accessible. County staff are currently investigating the potential to have some form of accessibility mapping for the County of Frontenac that would go beyond just accessible washrooms and would welcome any feedback from the Committee on Frontenac County Advisory Committees – Accessibility Advisory Committee Update Report August 15, 2014
2014-126 Accessibility Advisory Committee
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this; however this is in its very early stages. A copy of the newspaper article regarding the Perth County Public Washroom mapping is attached to this report as Appendix B. 9. Integrated Community Sustainability Advisory Planning (ICSP) Workshop Save the date for the Integrated Community Sustainability Advisory Planning (ICSP) Workshop on September 18th, 2014. Additional information along with a formal invitation will follow; however please mark it in your calendar: Circle Square Ranch in Arden, 12pm – 4pm. All members of the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee are invited to, and strongly encouraged to attend, this annual workshop, which is the community’s opportunity to come together, identify opportunities for sustainability in the Frontenacs and determine which opportunities should be priorities. The ICSP, Directions for Our Future, is a community document and this workshop gets people thinking about initiatives that can be effectively lead by the community, those that require a bit of support or influence from the County and those that need leadership from the County. 10. International Day of Persons with Disabilities Access Award – 2014 Advertisements will commence in September calling for nominations for the 2014 International Day of Persons with Disabilities Access Award. Nominations are due by October 30th and all nominations will be considered at the November Accessibility Advisory Committee, for presentation of the award at the December 17th County Council meeting. 11. Amendments to the Procedural By-law regarding Term of Citizen Appointments The County of Frontenac Procedural By-law sets out the Terms of Reference for all Boards and Committees of County Council, including member’s term of appointment which states that members shall hold office from the date of their appointment up to the end of the term of Council, that being November 30th of a Municipal Election Year. Given that the new Council will not officially take office until the inaugural meeting of County Council, scheduled for December 17, 2014, appointments to Boards and Committees would not happen until late January or February. As such, County Council, at its July 16th meeting, approved an amendment to the Procedural by-law that would have Citizen Committee members continue to serve on a committee past the expiration of their term until they are replaced. Council membership on Committees would end on November 30 of a municipal election year. This will allow the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee, and all Committees, to continue to function until the new appointments are made.
Sustainability Implications Creating barrier-free communities through accessibility planning will enhance the County’s goal of sustainability in both the social and economic pillars of the County’s sustainability plan. As stated in Directions for Our Future, social sustainability is based on equity, diversity, connectivity, democracy and a good quality of life. It further states Frontenac County Advisory Committees – Accessibility Advisory Committee Update Report August 15, 2014
2014-126 Accessibility Advisory Committee
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that economic development takes health, community, education, and environmental and social objectives into account.
Financial Implications There are no direct financial implications associated with this report.
Organizations, Departments and Individuals Consulted and/or Affected Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee Anne Marie Young, Manager of Economic Development Wayne Orr, CAO/Clerk, Township of South Frontenac Charlene Godfrey, Township of Central Frontenac
Attachments Appendix A – County of Frontenac AODA Self-Certified Accessibility Report Appendix B – Newspaper article regarding the Perth County Public Washroom mapping
Frontenac County Advisory Committees – Accessibility Advisory Committee Update Report August 15, 2014
2014-126 Accessibility Advisory Committee
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County of Frontenac AODA Self-Certified Accessibility Report Question
Answer
1 Is your organization complying with the requirements of the Customer Service Standard that came into effect prior to this report and are you implementing the Customer Service training policy by continuing to train staff on an ongoing basis?
YES
2 Does your organization have written accessibility policies and a statement of commitment?
YES
3 Has your organization established, implemented, maintained and posted a multi-year accessibility plan?
YES
4 Does your organization provide its emergency procedures, plans or public safety information that it makes available to public, in an accessible format upon request?
YES
5 Does your organization provide individualized emergency response information for employees that require it and does it review the information in accordance with the Employment Standard?
YES
6 Do you include accessibility criteria and features in your procurement process and, if applicable, do you incorporate accessibility features when designing, procuring or acquiring self-service kiosks?
YES
This is a copy of the report filed with the Government of Ontario on December 6, 2013 10:38:46 AM
LAPHO au 1 866 515 2025.
County of Frontenac Rapport sur l’accessibilité autocertifié pour la LAPHO Question
Réponse
1 Votre organisation respecte-t-elle les exigences de la Norme d’accessibilité pour les services à la clientèle qui sont entrées en vigueur
OUI
2 Votre organisation a-t-elle des politiques d’accessibilité écrites et une déclaration d’engagement?
OUI
3 Votre organisation a-t-elle élaboré, mis en œuvre, tenu à jour et affiché un plan d’accessibilité pluriannuel?
OUI
4 Votre organisation fournit-elle dans un format accessible, sur demande, les mesures ou plans d’urgence ou de sécurité publique qu’elle
OUI
avant la parution de ce rapport, et applique-t-elle la politique de formation sur les services à la clientèle en continuant d’offrir une formation continue à son personnel?
met à la disposition du public?
5 Votre organisation fournit-elle des renseignements individualisés relatifs aux interventions d’urgence aux employés qui en ont besoin, et OUI examine-t-elle ces renseignements conformément aux exigences de la Norme d’accessibilité à l’emploi?
6 Prenez-vous en compte les critères et options d’accessibilité dans votre processus d’approvisionnement, si nécessaire, prenez-vous en
OUI
compte les options d’accessibilité lors de la conception, de l’obtention ou de l’acquisition de guichets libre-service?
Ce document est une copie du rapport déposé à l’intention du gouvernement de l’Ontario le December 6, 2013 10:38:46 AM
est sous la forme d’un tableau qui présente la question en anglais et la question en français, puis la réponse en anglais et la réponse en français, et après les commentaires.
County of Frontenac AODA Self-Certified Accessibility Report General Comment/Commentaires généraux: No comment was entered. Aucun commentaire n’a été saisi.
This is a copy of the report filed with the Government of Ontario on December 6, 2013 10:38:46 AM
AgendaItem#7• Washroom break | Beacon Herald
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NEWS LOCAL
Perth County demonstrates new online public washroom map at Community in Motion accessibility fair By Mike Beitz, The Beacon Herald Sunday, May 25, 2014 11:34:53 EDT AM
Perth County accessibility co-ordinator Julia Opie demonstrates the new Perth County public washrooms map, an online resource showing dozens of accessible public washrooms in the area. MIKE BEITZ/The Beacon Herald When you gotta go, you gotta go. Perth County just made it easier. At the second annual Community in Motion Accessibility Fair in Stratford Saturday, county accessibility co-ordinator Julia Opie showed off a new web-based system that helps people find accessible public washrooms in the area. It’s the only one of its kind in Ontario. “The whole premise behind it is the fact that, when somebody is in a wheelchair, they have to plan their day,” said Opie. “You can’t just
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AgendaItem#7• Washroom break | Beacon Herald
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assume there’s going to be a washroom you can get into.” So the county and its four member municipalities, in co-operation with Stratford and St. Marys, collected information about dozens of public facilities across Perth. They were then plotted, using sophisticated software, on a user-friendly and interactive online map. Clicking on one of the locations takes the user to an information page outlining the facilities there, including accessibility features. Point to the Perth County Courthouse, for example, and you’ll discover that there are accessible washrooms with handrails, wheelchair-accessible sinks, automatic faucets over lever handles, and handtowel, toilet paper and soap dispensers all within reach of someone using an assistive device. In some cases, the internal dimensions and clear maneuvering space of the stalls are also given. “These are all the things you have to think about when you’re in a wheelchair,” said Opie. “Things that we take for granted, they’re all listed.” Photos, operating hours and contact numbers are given for each location, and directions are provided through a link to Google Maps. Tourists planning a trip to the park, visitors with young children and people with incontinence issues can also benefit from the map, which can be accessed on a smartphone as well as a computer, noted Opie. “This is a useful tool, not just for persons with disabilities, but everybody,” she said. Currently, there are 48 locations in Perth County, Stratford and St. Marys included on the map, and more can be added. Opie said that even though the system was developed on a relatively small budget, it’s a powerful way to help people find their way when they need to go. “I just hope people use it,” she said. And she’s also hoping the idea catches on elsewhere in the province. “Everyone is trying to make their community more accessible,” said Opie. “This is just another way to do it.” While Australia has a national public toilet map that includes accessibility information, there are no other places in Ontario that she knows of with a similar system. “Perth County is really ahead of the game when it comes to this,” said Opie. The Perth County public washrooms location map can be found at http://delivr.com/2hsae Opie’s booth was just one of dozens at the Rotary Complex for the second annual accessibility fair, a joint effort of the accessibility advisory committees of Perth County, Stratford and St. Marys. The event is intended to build awareness and inform people about the resources available to those who face barriers in the community. “It is so important for people to know what services are available to them,” said Opie. Bonnie Henderson, chair of Stratford’s accessibility advisory committee, agreed. “If you have a need, you don’t always know where to go to find an answer,” she said as she browsed through some of the dozens of booths offering accessibility products, services or information. Opie’s booth was a popular one Saturday, but she wasn’t the only one demonstrating how technology can help those with accessibility issues. Outside the community hall, Laura Langdon, who has cerebral palsy, was showing off the tablet computer connected to her wheelchair that allows her to communicate with others, simply by pushing a few buttons. She introduced herself, answered some questions about the device, and even told a joke, just by tapping the screen, which prompted the device to read out a programmed response. “Some people name their new car,” she said, using the gadget. “I name my communication device.” She calls it Bow. mike.beitz@sunmedia.ca
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AgendaItem#7• Washroom break | Beacon Herald
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