Joint Accessibility Advisory & Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Minutes

-
Virtual Meeting
Present:
  • Larry Brual
  • Liam Lacy
  • Adam Lamplugh
  • Michael Richards
  • Paul Scott, Chair
  • Marta Swirydowicz
  • Vanessa Drekmann
  • Eva Guta
  • Jamil Qamar
Regrets:
  • Lynn Collins
  • Robin Steed
  • Angela Thomas
  • Anjali Thorve
Also Present:
  • Councillor Lundquist, Mayor's Designate
  • Michele Cotton, Staff Liaison, Accessibility Coordinator
  • Kim Evans, Staff Liaison, Director, Recreation
  • Heather Ellis, Council and Committee Coordinator (Recording Secretary)

1.
Call to Order

 

2.
Declarations of Conflict of Interest

 

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

3.
Approval of Previous Minutes

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byAdam Lamplugh

    That the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee minutes of March 5, 2024 be approved.

    Carried

4.
General Business and Reports

 

4.1
Committee Event Participation Update

 

Kim Evans provided an update regarding the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee and Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee booth at the Harvest Festival.

Discussion ensued regarding:

  • harmonizing the mandates of both Committees at a shared booth for future events; and,
  • including disability perspectives during collaborations.

Kim Evans provided an update regarding the Christmas in the Village event and advised that there were discussions regarding setting up a sensory room.

A question and answer period ensued regarding:

  • whether the Joint Committee would be responsible for setting up and monitoring the sensory room; and,
  • supporting the operation of the sensory room in addition to a Joint Committee booth.

4.2
Work Plan Updates

 

Kim Evans provided an update regarding the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee work plan which included:

  • the Newcomer’s Bus Tour; and,
  • attending the Christmas in the Village event.

Michele Cotton provided and update regarding the Accessibility Advisory Committee work plan which included:

  • attending Town events;
  • developing the Playground Audit tool; and,
  • the Accessibility Improvement Grant.

Paul Scott provided an update regarding the Regional Accessibility Awards.

4.3
2025 Initiatives

 

Michele Cotton requested feedback from Members regarding 2025 initiatives including priorities, education sessions, and strategies to raise awareness of Joint Committee events.

Discussion ensued regarding:

  • attending events as a Joint Committee;
  • consultation with other Town committees; and,
  • a collaborative event for the Town's Advisory Committees.

5.
Correspondence

 

There was no correspondence.

6.
Council Update

 

Councillor Lundquist provided an update regarding:

  • Whitby FanCon;
  • the Region of Durham’s online Accessible Taxi Service survey;
  • the Hop-On Hop-Off Whitby Food Tour; and,
  • the Tears to Hope Walk in Oshawa.

7.
Other Business

 

7.1
Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery (LEAD) Program Update

 

Paul Scott requested an update from Staff regarding the LEAD Program.

7.2
2025 Events

 

Paul Scott requested that the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee review the 2025 Town events and discuss which events to include in their work plans.

7.3
Autism Awareness Month

 

Adam Lamplugh requested that Members recognize October as Autism Awareness Month in Canada.

8.
Next Meeting

 

To Be Determined

9.
Adjournment

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byAdam Lamplugh

    That the meeting adjourn.

    Carried

    The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.


No Item Selected