Joint Accessibility Advisory & Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee Minutes

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Virtual Meeting
Present:
  • Lynn Collins
  • Eva Guta
  • Liam Lacy
  • Adam Lamplugh
  • Mike Moraites
  • Michael Richards
  • Paul Scott, Chair
  • Marta Swirydowicz
  • Angela Thomas
Regrets:
  • Larry Brual
  • Anisa Capener
  • Victoria Formusa
  • Colleen Haley
  • Denise Laframboise
  • Jamil Qamar
  • Vanessa Reid
  • Robin Steed
  • Anjali Thorve
Also Present:
  • Councillor Cardwell, Mayor's Designate
  • Councillor Shahid, Mayor's Designate
  • Sharon Meredith, Senior Manager, Recreation
  • Michele Cotton, Staff Liaison, Accessibility Coordinator
  • 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 byLiam Lacy

    That the Joint Accessibility Advisory and Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee minutes of March 7, 2023 be approved.

    Carried

4.
Presentations

 

4.1
Akuah Frempong, Secretary, Congress of Black Women of Canada - Oshawa/Whitby Chapter

 

Re: The Role of the Congress of Black Women of Canada

Akuah Frempong provided a presentation regarding the Role of the Congress of Black Women of Canada. Highlights of the presentation included:

  • the history of the Congress of Black Women of Canada and the establishment of the Oshawa/Whitby Chapter in 2007;
  • their mission to to provide a forum for Black Women to improve their lives by identifying and addressing issues which affect them, their families and their communities;
  • the foundational pillars of the organization such as human rights, housing, health, child development, education, and pensions; and,
  • the annual scholarship program. 

A question and answer period ensued regarding:

  • dealing with public complaints regarding racism and/or hate speech;
  • supporting the establishment of a formal Anti-Racism Committee at the Town of Whitby; and,
  • receiving funding from the private sector for scholarships and awards.

5.
General Business and Reports

 

5.1
Introductions

 

Paul Scott requested that Members provide a brief introduction.

5.2
Committee Mandate Reviews

 

Michele Cotton provided a brief summary of the Accessibility Advisory Committee's mandate.

Sharon Meredith provided a brief summary of the Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee's mandate.

5.3
Brainstorming Session for Joint Initiatives

 

Sharon Meredith circulated a summary of the Disability Inclusion Workshop hosted by the Abilities Centre. Ms. Meredith stated that previous discussions have included a collaborative initiative between the Town and Abilities Centre in 2024. She suggested that each Committee discuss opportunities for collaboration during their regular Committee meetings and then discuss those ideas at the March 2024 joint meeting.

5.4
Planning for 2024: Priorities and Joint Projects

 

Michele Cotton provided a summary of initiatives and discussions regarding priorities and joint projects for 2024 which included:

  • increasing inclusion in the community;
  • analyzing data from each Committees' 2022 Public Survey;
  • circulating a joint survey;
  • awareness events for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility; and,
  • working together and setting achievable goals.

Discussion ensued regarding:

  • inviting Maayan Ziv as a guest speaker to a future Joint Accessibility Advisory and Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee meeting;
  • the Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery (LEAD) two-day workshop hosted by the Abilities Centre;
  • utilizing the AccessNow App in 2024;
  • reviewing regional, municipal, and other 2024 calendars to create a list of events for the Joint Committee to attend; and,
  • creating resources to distribute at Joint Committee event booths.
  • Moved byMarta Swirydowicz

    That the Joint Accessibility Advisory and Whitby Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee recommends that Council direct Staff to participate in the Leading Equitable and Accessible Delivery (LEAD) program for the Town of Whitby, in partnership with the Abilities Centre prior to the end of 2024.

    Carried

6.
Correspondence

 

There was no correspondence.

7.
Council Update

 

Councillor Shahid provided an update regarding:

  • breaking ground at the Whitby Sports Complex;
  • the My Main Street program that engaged over 62 businesses in the Town of Whitby; and,
  • a motion to support the City of Oshawa's proposed noise abatement procedures and restrictions at the Oshawa Executive Airport.

Councillor Cardwell advised that the Province of Ontario must meet required accessibility standards by January 1, 2025. Councillor Cardwell stated that he reached out to MPP Coe regarding accessibility grants for small businesses and would provide an update concerning available grants at a future meeting.

8.
Other Business

 

There was no other business.

9.
Next Meeting

 

Tuesday, March 5, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.

10.
Adjournment

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byEva Guta

    That the meeting adjourn.

    Carried

    The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m.


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