JOINT PEEL-CALEDON

ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AAC)

William Goursky, Chair, presided.

1. CALL TO ORDER

William Goursky, Chair of the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone present.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

RECOMMENDATION AAC-11-2008:

That the minutes of the March 25, 2008 Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION AAC-12-2008:

That the agenda for the April 22, 2008 Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be amended to include a resolution from the Town of Newmarket regarding Disabled Parking Spaces, to be dealt with under Report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair and Members – Item 8f;

And further, that the agenda for the April 22, 2008 Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved, as amended.

4. COMMUNICATION ITEMS

a. Experience Toronto, Special Events Info - People in Motion Event, June 6 and 7, 2008

Received

H. Bajwa arrived at 1:03 p.m.

b. The Standard, St. Catharines, Article dated April 7, 2008, titled “Removing Barriers: City Committee Touts Benefits of Being Accessible”

Received

G. Barnes arrived at 1:05 p.m.

5. PRESENTATIONS

a. Dave Ball, Project Manager and Heather Montgomery, Interior Designer, Leasing and Space Planning, Employee and Business Services, Region of Peel, Presenting Floorplans for the 10 Peel Centre Drive Expansion Project (10 PEP)

Received

Dave Ball, Project Manager and Heather Montgomery, Interior Designer, Leasing and Space Planning, Employee and Business Services, Region of Peel, provided an overview of the floorplans for the 10 Peel Centre Drive Expansion Project, focusing on the design and layout of the workstations. Through the purchasing process, a committee was formed to review and evaluate the final submissions for awarding of the contract. After evaluating various aspects of the furniture such as design, ergonomics and health and safety compliance, Herman Miller Workplace Resource was selected to supply and fabricate the workspace environments. Dave Ball went on to review the particulars of each workstation layout indicating that the basis for the design was a universal core design, in which all the workstations shared similar components such as panel size and work surfaces. He presented several plans, noting that the most predominant workstation in the new building will be the “Professional” model and encouraged the members to view a model workstation set up on level P1 at 10 Peel Centre Drive.

William Goursky expressed concern that the “Desk-Side Interviewing” workstation did not appear to have room for a wheelchair. Heather Montgomery informed that these workstations were meant to be used by Ontario Works staff for the purpose of interviewing applicants. She noted that wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility aids were taken into consideration in the design of the workstation and the “interviewing” table could be moved to allow for more room.

Maureen Tymkow inquired as to what steps were taken to accommodate staff with mobility needs. Dave Ball responded that the Joint Health and Safety Committee has reviewed the workstation layouts and provided input. He also noted that various department representatives were consulted for special staff accommodation requirements.

Jan Spry commented that the Ontario Works offices on Coventry Rd. have small workspaces and the aisles are narrow. She asked if there would be a centralized printing station at 10 PEP. Heather Montgomery stated that the Information Technology Department is assessing a centralized printing station and any identified requirements for a desktop printer.

Jim Hardman pointed out that it is very important for a person with a hearing impairment to have the computer workstation oriented in a manner that they will not be startled should someone approach them from behind. Dave Ball undertook to include this in the accommodation requirements.

Richard Paterak, Regional Councillor inquired into the difference between the “Hotelling” and “Field Staff” workstations. Dave Ball indicated that both workstations are for staff who are not required to be in the office for an extended period of time, however, he advised that the “Hotelling” workstation does not include storage space.

Naz Husain inquired into the colour scheme to be used on the workstations. Heather Montgomery showed samples of the contrasting dark and light grey colours.

S. Hames arrived at 1:23 p.m.

William Goursky inquired into the use of carpet in the new building and requested to view a sample. Glenn Barnes suggested the use of a border in a contrasting colour to highlight the walkway. Dave Ball reiterated that the furniture and carpet layout can be viewed in the model office on level P1 and any inquiries or suggestions can be e-mailed to him or Susan Fisher, Acting Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel.

b. Sharon Harbajan, Project Manager, Corporate Services Department, Region of Peel, Providing an Update on Accessibility Projects

Received

Sharon Harbajan, Project Manager, Corporate Services Department, Region of Peel, provided a high level overview of the current accessibility projects and their status. She stated that in 2008 there will be progress on eight of the 12 projects identified. Sharon Harbajan noted that four projects have not been initiated yet and are pending the organizational review of the planning process for 2009. She indicated that key projects are in progress and are the current focus. The following projects are currently underway:

• The Accessible Transportation, Family of Services Project;
• The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service Compliance Project. This project will deliver objectives as identified under the following three other projects:

• The Accessibility Education Project;
• The Accessibility Policy Project;
• AODA Compliance projects;

• The Accessible Procurement Project;
• The Accessibility Integration Project;
• The Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Review Project; and
• The Accessibility Plan Development and Approval Project.

Naz Husain requested clarification as to what the accessible procurement project entailed and how staff is involved in this process. Sharon Harbajan noted that amendments were made to the purchasing by-law to promote purchases with consideration for accessibility, and that this was identified as a client responsibility in the procurement cycle.

A group discussion was held regarding sensitivity and awareness training. Glenn Barnes informed that the Coalition for Persons with Disabilities will be providing a workshop to address disability awareness and how to implement this into the customer service standards. Sharon Harbajan thanked Naz Husain for her input in determining the next steps for implementing the Customer Service Standards in the Region.

Naz Husain suggested that in order to use time more efficiently and avoid lengthy discussions at Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings, members could participate in the various initiatives. Glenn Barnes suggested that, where possible, such meetings could be convened before or after the monthly AAC meeting.

In conclusion, Sharon Harbajan informed members that she will be reporting back to the AAC Committee with further updates at its meeting in October 2008.

c. Lisa Jones, Transportation Accessibility Specialist, and Mark Castro, Supervisor, Operations, Environment, Transportation and Planning Department, Region of Peel, Providing an Update on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) - Transportation Standard as it Applies to the Region of Peel

Received

See also Item 8e

Mark Castro, Supervisor, Operations, TransHelp, Environment, Transportation and Planning, Region of Peel, described the two main objectives of his presentation: to provide an update on the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) - Transportation Standards and to answer specific questions from the Committee as how these standards affect the Region of Peel. He noted that there are two areas of focus: conveyance (vehicle) requirements and service requirements. Mark Castro advised that TransHelp vehicles and any future vehicles purchased will meet or exceed the requirements. He further advised that progress is being made in the service requirements area, which is the area of most impact. Areas that have been raised to date with respect to trying to match conventional transportation service include: times of service; area of service; and fare parity, noting that there is still some fine-tuning to be done. Areas that still need to be reviewed and addressed as set out in the standards are: pick-up times; booking window; eligibility; companions; transportation between municipalities; and visitor service.

Mark Castro provided the current status of the Provincial Accessible Transportation Standards Development Committee indicating that there has been some delay in moving forward mainly due to the new provincial requirement of 50 per cent membership from the disability community. New members are currently being brought up to speed with the work that has been done thus far. He stated that many comments have been received as a result of a public review, most of which call for increased requirements and shortened timelines. Mark Castro noted the possibility of a second public consultation and encouraged Committee members to participate.

Mark Castro explained how these standards affect the Region of Peel, which is geared to address a number of passenger needs and build on existing community resources including TransHelp. Lisa Jones, Transportation Accessibility Specialist, Environment, Transportation and Planning Services, Region of Peel, added that one of the objectives is to encourage individuals to use conventional transit when and if possible. Mark Castro pointed out that TransHelp and the Accessible Transportation Office will continue to collaborate in offering and enhancing services.

William Goursky and Naz Husain inquired if the driver announces stops during trips provided by TransHelp. Mark Castro responded that this service is usually not required by TransHelp users since blindness is not a criteria for TransHelp assistance. He stated that passengers using this service already know where their final destination will be and are provided assistance by the TransHelp driver. Councillor Paterak noted that individuals have a psychological benefit from knowing where they are being taken and that there is added value in providing this service. Glenn Barnes offered to relay comments regarding announcing stops back to the Accessible Transportation Standards Development Committee.

Jim Hardman questioned the purpose of placing hearing impaired symbols in TransHelp vehicles, if an added service such as telecommunication devices for the deaf (TTY), is not available. He indicated that there is still debate over its validity since it does not really acknowledge the deaf community. Lisa Jones clarified that the Accessible Transportation Office will only use the symbol if a service for the deaf is being provided. Mark Castro commented that there are a series of legislated symbols for use but it has not yet been confirmed that this would be one of them.

Glenn Barnes stated that providing the same hours of service as conventional transit is difficult to match since there are two conventional transit providers within the Region of Peel that operate at different hours. Mark Castro replied that expanded hours may be serviced only if there is a need in the community. Glenn Barnes informed Committee members that he will be bringing a report forward to Council on May 22 requesting approval to expand the hours of service for TransHelp from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., to match those of Wheel-Trans in Toronto.

Mark Castro informed that in mid May a “Stand-By Bus” pilot project will be introduced as part of an effort to reduce booking windows. A vehicle will be assigned to operate on stand-by mode during peak hours for any unscheduled trips.

Sandra Hames, City of Brampton Councillor inquired if TransHelp covers the same area of service outside regional boundaries as Mississauga and Brampton Transit. Mark Castro responded that TransHelp connects with other para transit service providers.

Glenn Barnes informed the AAC that he had reviewed the script for the video presentation by the Accessible Transportation Office promoting the use of conventional transit by persons with disability and suggested that the Committee members review the script as well. Lisa Jones requested, in particular, the participation of Committee members who have a disability other than mobility.

6. REPORTS - Nil

7. REPORT FROM THE ACCESSIBILITY PLANNING COORDINATORS

a. Colleen Grant, Town Prosecutor and Solicitor, Town of Caledon (March 2008) (Oral)

Deferred to the May 20, 2008 AAC meeting

b. Colleen Grant, Town Prosecutor and Solicitor, Town of Caledon (April 2008) (Oral)

Deferred to the May 20, 2008 AAC meeting

c. Susan Fisher, Acting Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel

Received

8. REPORT OF THE ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR AND MEMBERS

a. William Goursky, Chair, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update on the Upcoming Connections 2008 Resource Fair for Persons with Disabilities, May 9-10, 2008 (Oral)

Received

William Goursky reminded members of the upcoming Connections 2008 Resource Fair for Persons with Disabilities to be held on May 9-10, 2008. The schedule for the resource table was reviewed and finalized.

b. William Goursky, Chair, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update on the 2008 Peel Children’s Water Festival (Oral)

Received

William Goursky indicated that a display table had been reserved for the Peel Children’s Water Festival Family Day to take place on May 24, 2008. He noted that assistance at the display was still required.

STAFF DIRECTION AAC-04-2008-1:

Susan Fisher, Acting Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel, was requested to send an e-mail to the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee members requesting for volunteers to attend the 2008 Peel Children’s Water Festival.

c. William Goursky, Chair, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update on the 3rd South Asian Heritage Day and Awards Ceremony in Vaughan, May 3, 2008 (Oral)

Received

William Goursky informed the Committee members of the upcoming 3rd South Asian Heritage Day and Awards Ceremony taking place on May 3, 2008 in Vaughan from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Members of the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee are invited to attend the awards ceremony. The Region of Peel was selected for a Recognition Award 2008 for its outstanding contributions to accessibility. William Goursky requested volunteers to attend this ceremony. Naz Husain expressed her interest in attending, but indicated that transportation would be an issue. Mark Castro offered to arrange for a TransHelp vehicle to transport AAC members to the event. Naz Husain, William Goursky and Harvinder Bajwa expressed an interest in attending the event.

STAFF DIRECTION AAC-04-2008-2:

Susan Fisher, Acting Accessibility Planning Specialist, Region of Peel, was requested to send Mark Castro, Supervisor, Operations, TransHelp, Environment, Transportation and Planning Department, Region of Peel, a list of the AAC members interested in attending the 3rd South Asian Heritage Day and Awards Ceremony on May 3, 2008.

d. Naz Husain, Vice-Chair, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update on the Employment Accessibility Standards Development Committee (Oral)

Received

Naz Husain provided a brief update on the Provincial Employment Accessibility Standards Development Committee. She noted that the committee has 45 members, which are divided into various task groups. Naz Husain informed that she is on the “Scope” task group which will review matters such as recruitment and issues not covered by the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Ministry of Labour.

e. Glenn Barnes, Member, Joint Peel Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Providing an Update on the Accessible Transportation Standards Development Committee (Oral)

Received

See also Item 5c

Glenn Barnes noted that the next meeting of the Accessible Transportation Standards Development Committee is scheduled for May 6 and 7. He advised that there are two factions in the committee: the transit service providers and the group representing people with disabilities. Glenn Barnes reiterated that the underlying goal is to provide better service for people in general, not just the disability community, and that funding should not be addressed during the policy development stage.

Councillor Hames explained that municipalities are concerned about the funding aspect since the only way they will be able to provide the funding is through the taxpayer. She also stated that it is unfair that the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) has put all municipalities on the same platform since not all have the same demographics and population and noted that the provincial government should assume some of the costs.

Additional Item – 8f:

f. William Goursky, Chair, Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Resolution from the Town of Newmarket regarding Disabled Parking Spaces

Deferred to the May 20, 2008 AAC meeting

William Goursky informed of a resolution passed by the Town of Newmarket regarding the misuse of disabled parking spaces and permits. Councillor Hames noted that, through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the provincial government has been notified of this matter.

9. OTHER BUSINESS

Additional Items:

a. Appointment of New Manager of Regulatory Compliance (Oral)

Received

Charlotte Gravlev, Regional Clerk and Director of Clerk’s, Region of Peel announced the appointment of Jeff Payne, the former Legislative Specialist who supported the AAC Committee, as the new Manager, Regulatory Compliance. Jeff Payne will head the Regulatory Compliance section in the Clerk’s Dvision, created as a result of the corporate reorganization, which will encompass the Freedom of Information, Corporate Policy, and Corporate Accessibility Planning programs. Committee members congratulated Jeff Payne on his new appointment and expressed their best wishes to him in his new position.

b. Future Meeting Locations for the Joint Peel Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings (Oral)

Received

A group discussion was held about the meeting location for future AAC meetings. Some members indicated that the 5th floor Boardroom was a better venue for future meetings, while others felt that the room was too small to accommodate the meetings. A consensus was reached that the new 10 Peel Centre Drive Expansion Project (10 PEP) will have more accessible meeting rooms on the ground floor and once the new building was completed, other venues would be considered.

c. Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Event (Oral)

Received

Glenn Barnes informed the Committee members of the upcoming “Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion” event scheduled for June 8, 2008 in Mississauga. He noted that Regional Chair Kolb will be the Honorary Chair of the event and encouraged all members to attend. Councillor Hames advised that Brampton will also be holding an event on the same day.

10. NEXT MEETING

Tuesday, May 20, 2008
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, 5th floor
Regional Administrative Headquarters
10 Peel Centre Drive
Brampton, Ontario

11. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.