Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes

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Virtual Meeting
Present:
  • Colleen Haley
  • Liam Lacy
  • Adam Lamplugh
  • Paul Scott
  • Marta Swirydowicz
Regrets:
  • Larry Brual
  • Anisa Capener
  • Victoria Formusa
  • Denise Laframboise
  • Mike Moraites
  • Michael Richards
Also Present:
  • Councillor Cardwell, Mayor's Designate
  • Michele Cotton, Staff Liaison, Accessibility Coordinator
  • Heather Ellis, Recording Secretary, Council and Committee Coordinator

1.
Call to Order

 

2.
Declarations of Conflict of Interest

 

There were no declarations of conflict of interest.

3.
Approval of Previous Minutes

 

Liam Lacy requested an amendment to the fifth bullet point under Item 5.2, Work Plan and Priorities. Mr. Lacy requested that the wording be changed from “addressing concerns regarding the prioritization of accessibility over intersectionality” to “addressing concerns regarding the de-prioritization of accessibility under intersectionality”.

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byLiam Lacy

    That the Accessibility Advisory Committee minutes of May 2, 2023, as amended, be approved.

    Carried

4.
General Business and Reports

 

4.1
Work Plan Update

 

Michele Cotton provided a summary of the Committee's Work Plan which included:

  • making Work Plan recommendations based on the community survey results;
  • updating the Accessibility Improvement Grant form; and,
  • updating and finalizing the park audit that would commence in the fall.

4.2
Regional Accessibility Award Nominee

 

Michele Cotton provided an overview of the Regional Accessibility Awards. Ms. Cotton requested that the Committee provide recommendations for nomination.

Discussion ensued regarding local businesses to nominate, including Farm Boy, Walmart, and Melly's Market + Cafe.

A question and answer period ensued regarding:

  • identifying organizations that provide accommodations;
  • the criteria for qualifying for the award;
  • consolidating a list of nominees for the Committee to vote on at a later date; and,
  • all members providing nominations to Michele Cotton prior to the September meeting.

4.3
Accessibility Working Group Update

 

Michele Cotton advised that the Accessibility Working Group was a Staff group that focused on developing a multi-year Accessibility Plan. She stated that a strategic plan would provide a mission statement, goals, and actionable items rather than a ‘to do’ list of projects.

Discussion ensued regarding the preference for a strategic plan that incorporates action items.

4.4
Subcommittee Updates

 

Liam Lacy provided an update regarding the Customer Service and Communications Subcommittee which included:

  • analyzing data from the survey results to establish action items; and,
  • promoting and updating the Accessibility Improvement Grant form.

4.5
Council and Standing Committee Summer Recess

 

Michele Cotton advised that the Committee would recess during the summer, however, should a pressing matter come forward during the summer recess, the Committee may be asked to convene.

5.
Council Update

 

Councillor Cardwell advised that the Province of Ontario must meet required accessibility standards by January 1, 2025.

6.
Other Business

 

6.1
Accessibility Review

 

Liam Lacy requested feedback from the Committee regarding the Accessibility Review.

Michele Cotton advised that Rich Donovan was appointed by the Province to complete an independent review of the accessibility legislation. Ms. Cotton stated that his approach considers the personal impact of accessibility legislation.

6.2
Action Items

 

Paul Scott requested that action items be included in the minutes.

6.3
Document Repository

 

Paul Scott requested an update regarding a repository for Committee documents.

Michele Cotton indicated that she would set up One Drive for the Committee by September 2023.

6.4
Accessibility Compliance Audit

 

Michele Cotton advised that she would provide an Accessibility Compliance Audit update at the September meeting.

6.5
National Access-ibility Week

 

Michele Cotton stated that the City of Oshawa was hosting a Public Meeting during National Access-ibility Week to receive input from residents regarding accessibility within the City.

7.
Next Meeting

 

Tuesday, September 5, 2023 - 7:00 p.m.

8.
Adjournment

 

  • Recommendation:

    Moved byMarta Swirydowicz

    That the meeting adjourn.

    Carried

    The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.


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