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1. ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE – 2005 ANNUAL
REPORT AND 2006 WORK PLAN
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COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
That Council:
a) Receive
the 2005 Annual Report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee as detailed in
Attachment 1; and
b)
Approve the objectives
contained in the 2006 workplan, as detailed in Attachment 2.
RECOMMENDATIONS DU COMITÉ
Que le
Conseil :
a) reçoit
le Rapport annuel de 2005 du Comité consultatif sur l’accessibilité, tel que
décrit à la pièce jointe no 1;
b) approuve les objectifs qui sont
présentés dans le plan de travail 2006, tel que décrit à la pièce jointe no 2.
DOCUMENTATION
1. Chair,
Accessibility Advisory Committee’s report dated 6 February 2006
(ACS2006-CCV-AAC-0001).
2. Extract of Draft
Minute, 04 April 2006.
Report to/Rapport au:
Corporate
Services and Economic Development Committee
and Council/et au Conseil
Submitted
by/Soumis par: Chair/présidente Gwen
Bell
Accessibility
Advisory Committee/Comité consultatif sur l’accessibilité
Contact/Personne-ressource: C. Langford
Committee
Coordinator/coordonnatrice du comité
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City Wide |
Ref N°: ACS2006-CCV-AAC-0001 |
SUBJECT: ACCESSIBILITY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE – 2005 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2006 WORK PLAN
OBJET: COMITE
CONSULTATIF SUR L’ACCESSIBILITÉ – RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2005 ET PLAN DE TRAVAIL
2006
REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee recommend Council:
a) Receive the 2005
Annual Report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee as detailed in Attachment
1; and
b) Approve the objectives contained in
the 2006 workplan, as detailed in Attachment 2.
Que le Comité des services organisationnels et
du développement économique recommande que le Conseil :
a) reçoive le Rapport
annuel de 2005 du Comité consultatif sur l’accessibilité, tel que décrit à la
pièce jointe no 1;
b) approuve les objectifs qui sont
présentés dans le plan de travail 2006, tel que décrit à la pièce jointe no 2.
City Council, 3 December 2003, reconfirmed its governance structure. This included the advisory committees, and the requirement for each to complete a workplan outlining proposed projects and activities for the upcoming year. The workplan is to identify each and every activity the Committee plans to undertake in the upcoming year, whether they have a budgetary impact or not. The item should be identified, a brief description of the project or activity should be noted, and the anticipated timing of the item should be provided.
On 5 December 2005, City Council approved $1,500 for the Accessibility by Design Award and provided no additional funding for the advisory committees in 2006.
The Lead Department Representatives are to provide the Committee with information on the departmental workplan and priorities, where the workplans of the Committees tie into that workplan, and where the Committee can assist the Department. The Lead Department Representative will also advise on what staff and/or financial resources are available as part of departmental priorities.
DISCUSSION
At its meeting of 16 November 2005, the Accessibility Advisory
Committee approved its 2005 annual report and 2006 work plan.
The mandate of the Accessibility Advisory
Committee is to develop an awareness and understanding of issues and concerns
of the citizens of the City of Ottawa with disabilities, with a goal to
improving the quality of life for those with disabilities. The complete
Terms of Reference can be found at Attachment 3 of this report.
All
departments were consulted and the following comments were received:
CORPORATE
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
It is one of Corporate Services’
priorities to work closely with the Accessibility Advisory Committee. Council approved the City of Ottawa
Municipal Accessibility Plan in December 2005 and Corporate Services will
monitor its implementation throughout 2006.
In addition, Corporate Services will remain informed of the provincial
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) regulations as they
are developed.
With respect to
the Accessibility Advisory Committee’s 2006 Work Plan, departmental initiatives
captured within the work plan and the ones named below will benefit from
consultations between the AAC and city staff.
1. The
City’s Equity and Diversity Survey for provincially-regulated employees - The results of the survey will determine
if the City’s workforce is representative of the community it serves.
2. RPAM
Accessibility policy - This newly developed
policy will highlight accessibility guidelines to be applied in the City of
Ottawa, as well as the manner in which accessibility retrofit work will be
prioritized.
3. Corporate
Accessibility Specialist's Work Plan - Collaboration will be sought with the
AAC in areas of common interest; including the co-ordination, planning and
evaluation of accessibility improvements, delivery of inclusive and high
quality programs and services and AODA compliance.
PUBLIC WORKS AND
SERVICES
Public Works and Services staff work with members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) on a variety of initiatives including sidewalks and pathways, winter maintenance, audible pedestrian signals, and accessible transit. Members of the Committee have been helpful in providing comment and input.
No
comment were received.
No
comments were received.
Costs
associated with the Access by Design Award (2006 Workplan Objective No. 2) are
approximately $1,500. Funds are
available within the Accessibility Advisory Committee’s 2006 Operating
Budget. There are no additional
financial implications associated with the proposed workplan.
Attachment 1 – 2005 Annual Report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee
Attachment 2 – Proposed 2006 Workplan of the Accessibility Advisory Committee
Attachment 3 – Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
City Clerks Branch staff will forward the recommendations approved by the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee to City Council for ratification.
ATTACHMENT 1
Accessibility Advisory Committee
2005 Annual Report
Introduction:
During the 12 month period of
this report, January 2005 to December 2005, the Accessibility Advisory
Committee (AAC) met 9 times to develop and comment on an awareness and
understanding of the issues and concerns affecting citizens living with a
disability.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS |
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Description |
Results |
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PRESENTATIONS – The AAC received several
presentations from city staff and outside organizations. |
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COMAP
The AAC was consulted in
the development of the COMAP. The AAC received updates
from staff throughout 2005. |
Member
Brady made a presentation at the Corporate Services and Economic Development
Committee (CSED) on 18 January 2005 supporting the City of Ottawa’s Municipal
Accessibility Plan (COMAP) |
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Reduced Fare Transit Pass for People with
Disabilities The AAC
received a presentation from the Community Mental Health Coalition and
Citizens Advocacy who worked with the Accessible Transit Specialist at OC
Transpo. The Committee approved a
motion supporting the idea of a pilot project for the subsidized Transit Pass
for persons with disabilities. |
Chair Bell spoke in support of the pilot
project at the Transportation Committee on 19 January 2005. |
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Winter
Maintenance Standards
Although
the Committee did not receive a presentation regarding this issue, the Chair
made a presentation at the Transportation Committee on 19 January listing
some points as to why this is so important to the disabled community. |
Chair Bell presented to the Transportation Committee on 19 January
2005. |
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Rotary
Accessible Playground AAC received
presentations in March 2004 and April 2005.
Member St. John sat on the Project Technical Advisory Committee. |
In
April 2005, the AAC approved the project. The report was approved at City Council on 28
September 2005. |
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National
Capital Commission The National Capital Commission (NCC) has kept the AAC informed of its
project plans and designs. AAC received a
presentation from NCC’s Chief Architect for Design and Construction. The
presenter addressed policies, orientation of new employees and students and
capital events. The NCC invited advisory committees to its Board of Directors meeting.
A request was made to the NCC to request a time to address the NCC's
Board of Directors. |
NCC has continued to forward information such as lists of projects for
AAC to review. AAC had the opportunity to ask questions. |
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Equity and
Diversity Survey AAC received a
presentation from Greg Geddes, Chief Corporate Services Officer and Employee
Services staff in November 2005 regarding the results of the Equity Survey
and Employment Systems Review undertaken for federally regulated employees.
An overview of the EE Plan for federally regulated employees was also
presented. AAC members were also made
aware of the plans for the survey for Provincially regulated employees. |
AAC will be kept informed of progress in the
implementation of the EE Program. |
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Theatre In
July, the Great Canadian Theatre Company presented its plans to build a new
theatre. The AAC provided comments
and suggestions with respect to accessibility in and outside of the building. |
Various recommendations
were suggested for the designer to review and consider. |
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Accessibility for
Ontarians with Disabilities Act Bill C-118 The
AAC has been following the hearings of the AODA by receiving presentations at
its meetings. Chair Bell and
Vice-Chair Gunter made presentations at a formal meeting in the spring, held
by the Province. Members followed the steps
re: AODA and updated AAC on an on-going basis. |
In May, Bill C-118, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability
Act (AODA) was approved by the Province. |
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New Taxi By-Law The AAC received a
presentation from the Director of By-Law Services regarding the Harmonization
– Taxi By-Law. |
Chair Bell spoke in support of the report at the
Emergency and Protective Services Committee on 8 September 2005. |
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2004 Annual Report and 2005
Work Plan |
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In February, the AAC developed a sub-committee to prepare its
workplan for 2005 as outlined in the Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms
of Reference. |
The 2004 Annual Report and
the 2005 Work Plan were approved in March. |
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Recommendations and advice
on matters pertaining to City policies, practices and programs that affect
people with disabilities. |
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Site Plans
AAC
has established a sub-committee to advise, review site plans and provide
comments on an ongoing basis to the Development Services Department. |
Sub-Committee members
received site plans on a regular basis.
On average, between 80 and 110 different plans are reviewed every
year. |
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2006 Budget AAC Budget Sub-Committee
attended Budget consultation and prepared comments that indicated which areas
needed more resources. |
Chair Bell made a presentation on behalf of AAC to the Corporate
Services and Economic Development Committee in December. |
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Sidewalks Staff made presentation to the AAC. Pilot installation of “ramp style”
sidewalks was reviewed. |
Members provided comments and suggestions to staff. |
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East/West Light
Rail Transit The proposed East/West
Light Rail Transit proposal was reviewed by a sub-committee. |
AAC members provided
comments |
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Audible Pedestrian
Signals (APS) Mr.
Chris Brinkman, Engineer, Safety & Traffic Studies, Public Works and
Services provided the committee with background information on the Audible
Pedestrian Signals (APS) and answered questions. The list of
criteria for APS must be approved by all City departments. Upon
confirmation, the AAC is to have this information made available to the
public. |
Chair Bell addressed that
the APS (audible pedestrian signal) sub-committee monitors the history and
what can be done in the coming year on this regard. |
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Conferences
and Events |
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Access Ontario II
There was a two-day conference called
Access Ontario II sponsored by the City of Burlington. Funding was
requested to allow a member of the Ottawa AAC to attend. |
Member Brady provided a
written report detailing the events of the conference. |
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Health Week Member
Hobbs provided an update on the National Safety Symposium and was pleased
that he has made new contacts. |
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Accessibility
Day Lois
Emburg, Program Manager, Human Rights and Employment Equity, Employee
Services Branch discussed Accessibility Day at the Super Ex. Members
also attended a function at City Hall promoting accessibility in the
City. The AAC reserved a table and
distributed pamphlets and business cards to the community. CJOH aired three interviews with the Chair
of AAC. |
Accessibility Day events
were held at City Hall and the Super Ex on August 24, 2005. |
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EMERGING ISSUES |
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Description
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Results |
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Hearing Loss City of Ottawa, Access for persons with
hearing loss. |
More consideration must be held for ALL disabilities. |
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Access by Design Award. At the Celebration of
People Award Gala organized by Citizen Advocacy, Mayor Bob Chiarelli
presented the 2005 Accessibility by Design Award to Robert Matthews of ema Architects
Inc. for architectural excellence and innovation in the design of the
international ice surface and field house at the Bell Sensplex, Ottawa’s
first barrier-free multi-sport facility.
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This is an annual event.
The ceremony was held on December 1,
2005 at the Ottawa Congress Centre as part of the City’s recognition of the
International Day of Disabled Persons, December 3, 2005. A ceremony was also held at City Hall on
December 2, 2005. |
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Accessibility Specialist Position The Committee provided comments on the job
description and has been kept informed throughout the staffing process. |
Interviews were held in
the 3Q of 2005 and selection made in 4th Q of 2005. Chair of AAC sat on interview panel. |
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ONGOING
ISSUES |
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Description
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Results |
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AAC
Sub-Committees The AAC is committed to ensuring the development of
awareness and understanding of issues pertaining to citizens with a
disability living in Ottawa. The
representation on the Sub-Committees provide the ongoing opportunity to raise
issues and make recommendations regarding policies and programs which promote
equal access to municipal services’ delivery of goods, services,
accommodations, employment, membership and participation. |
There is representation
from AAC on 23 different sub-committees. MOBILITY ISSUES
§ OC
Transpo/Paratranspo § Accessible
pedestrian signals § Accessible taxi
service – representative to Taxi Advisory Committee §
Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC RELATIONS
§ Access by
Design award § International
Day of the Disabled §
Liaison with public publications POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT
ISSUES § City of Ottawa
annual budget § COMAP
(Municipal Accessibility Plan) § Development/site
plans reviews § Accessibility
audits § Provincial
legislation – Bill 118 §
Representation on Community Coalition OTHER CITY ISSUES § Emergency
preparedness § Housing § Mental health
issues § Parks and
recreation § Poverty Issues
Advisory Committee § Health and
Social Services Advisory Committee § Rotary
Centennial Park planning committee §
Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee § Annual report §
Yearly workplan |
ATTACHMENT 2
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Approved 16 November 2005
2006 Workplan
OBJECTIVE 1
In consultation with appropriate departments of the
City of Ottawa, members of the public and representatives of all interested
organizations, the AAC will assist City Council, on an on-going basis, in
reviewing and advising on universal access to all City infrastructure, programs
and services.
The AAC to provide advice to City staff on policy issues that have an impact on persons with disabilities; such issues to include, but not be limited to, transportation, employment, housing and tourism.
None
The AAC, in partnership with city staff and community mental health organizations, will participate in a Mental Health forum.
None
A sub-committee exists to assist City staff with site plan proposals, reviewing them from the viewpoint of accessibility.
None
Activity 4
The
AAC will discharge its responsibility to act as an advocate with the private
sector on accessibility issues.
None
OBJECTIVE 2
Foster communication on accessibility issues in the City.
Activity 1
The AAC to join with the City in joint initiatives
that increase awareness of disability issues in the City.
Implementation
The AAC will continue to play a lead role in the
Accessibility by Design Award. It will
also continue to be involved in the International Day of the Disabled in
December, and Accessibility Day in August.
Resources Required
$1,500 was approved to cover the costs associated
with the Accessibility by Design Award.
Activity 2
The AAC will work in continuing to improve methods of
communications on disability issues within the City.
Implementation
The
AAC to liaise with the City web site, and maintenance of the AAC web site. Provide input and contribution to
publications for the disabled community in the City. Contribution to the internal City of Ottawa newsletter.
Resources Required
None
Activity 3
The
AAC to liaise with various groups that represent the disabled community in the
City of Ottawa.
Implementation
The
AAC will continue to provide representation at DisAbility: A Community Coalition and other such
organizations that represent the disabled community. AAC will invite individuals and groups to make representations at
AAC monthly meetings.
Resources Required
None
OBJECTIVE 3
In accordance with the Ontario Legislation,
the AAC to work with City staff to develop, implement, and monitor the
accomplishments of an annual Accessibility Plan (COMAP) for the City of Ottawa.
Implementation
The AAC will continue to
provide input into all aspects of COMAP including, but not limited to, facility
upgrades, audible signals, and accessibility audits. Input will include having a representative on the COMAP Steering
Committee.
Resources Required
None
OBJECTIVE 4
The AAC will pursue
present and future involvement in the City of Ottawa’s committees (Standing and
Advisory) to ensure that accessibility is considered and included in future
initiatives.
Activity 1
The AAC will continue to make
representation to those Standing Committees of City Council that make decisions
directly affecting the disabled community and will, upon request, provide
assistance to City Committees.
None
Activity 2
The AAC will provide members to liaise with those Advisory Committees that have some common objectives. This may include Health and Social Services, Pedestrian and Transit, Poverty Issues, Taxi, Equity and Diversity, Seniors and Business.
None
Activity 1
The AAC will be instrumental in facilitating the implementation of Bill C-118, the Provincial Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) as it relates to the municipal sector.
The AAC will monitor the progress of the AODA, including setting of standards and application of legislation as it pertains to the city. If progress seems unduly slow, or seems to have stalled, the AAC will make representation to the Provincial Government.
None
Activity 2
The AAC is prepared to take an advocacy role to assist in developing improved Federal legislation, especially as it relates to the City of Ottawa.
The AAC will monitor the progress of any proposed legislation and look for opportunities to provide input into its content.
None
ATTACHMENT 3
MANDATE
The mandate of the Accessibility Advisory Committee is to develop an awareness and understanding of issues and concerns of the citizens of the City of Ottawa with disabilities, with a goal to improving the quality of life for those with disabilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Accessibility Advisory Committee shall be responsible for:
(a) advising on the preparation, implementation and effectiveness of the City's Accessibility Plan prepared pursuant to the Ontarians with Disabilities Act
(b) providing advice to Council on accessibility issues relating to buildings, structures or premises 1) owned or leased by the City of Ottawa; or 2) which are subject to a Municipal Capital Facilities Agreement; and 3) any other project that is specifically identified by City Council as a P3 project.
(c) reviewing site plans and drawings pursuant to the guidelines set out in the City's Accessibility Plan
(d) providing a forum for persons with disabilities to raise issues and concerns;
(e) providing advice and guidance to Ottawa City Council, through the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee, on matters pertaining to policies, practices and programs in the City of Ottawa, that affect persons with disabilities;
(f) conducting advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities;
(g) providing feedback to Council on the effectiveness of the City’s policies and practices as they affect citizens with disabilities;
(h) monitoring progress of development and implementation of by-laws and regulations which have an impact on citizens with disabilities (e.g. parking, zoning, sidewalk ramping, obstructions on sidewalks, etc.) and advising involved City staff and/or City Council as appropriate;
(i) raising issues and making recommendations regarding policies and programs which promote equal access to municipal services for citizens with disabilities in the areas of delivery of goods, services, accommodations, employment, membership and participation within the City;
(j) coordinating the dissemination of information to the disabled community and the public at large regarding the Advisory Committee and any pertinent Corporate decisions;
(k) consulting with the community, groups and organizations to capture and communicate emerging issues to City Council and the City administration;
(l) raising the awareness of the citizens of Ottawa and the public sector to issues impacting persons with disabilities.
ORGANIZATION
The Accessibility Advisory Committee shall have a maximum citizen membership of between 9 - 15 citizen members, including:
· Up to 14 residents at large will represent the full range of disabilities i.e. blind/visually impaired; mobility limited; deaf/hearing impaired; developmentally delayed; learning disabled; mental health disability; and environmental sensitivity. A majority of the members of the committee shall include persons with disabilities
· 1 member from the Disabled Persons’ Community Resources
· A minimum of one citizen appointment representing the rural community
The process for choosing membership for the Accessibility Advisory Committee will follow the approved Appointments Policy. All appointments to the Accessibility Advisory Committee shall be approved by the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Ottawa City Council.
In addition, the Accessibility Advisory Committee
shall also have in a resource, liaison and/or advisory capacity, the following:
· 1 Staff representative from the Corporate Services Department (non-voting)
· In addition, staff resources from the following departments will be invited to attend Committee meetings, as required: Human Resources Department; People Services Department; Transportation Utilities and Public Works Department (Transit Services); Emergency and Protective Services Department (By-law Enforcement Services) (non-voting)
· A minimum of 1 member of Ottawa City Council, appointed by Council to act as a liaison (non-voting)
LEAD
DEPARTMENT/REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
The lead department for the Accessibility Advisory Committee shall be the Corporate Services Department. The Accessibility Advisory Committee shall report through the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee to Ottawa City Council.
WORKPLANS AND ANNUAL REPORTS
The
Accessibility Advisory Committee must report annually to City Council through
the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee (timing to be
determined by the Chair, Advisory Committee Coordinator and City Clerk) on the
activities of the Committee in the current year and on the Committee’s workplan
for the following year.
ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE – 2005 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2006 WORK PLAN
COMITÉ CONSULTATIF SUR L’ACCESSIBILITÉ – RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2005 ET PLAN DE
TRAVAIL 2006
ACS2006-CCV-AAC-0001
Charles Matthews, Access Now, expressed his agreement with the content of
the Accessibility Advisory Committee’s (AAC) work plan and annual report. However, he advised he was concerned with
two issues not addressed therein. He
explained the AAC was originally intended to be a tool for the disabled
community to present their views, which would then be relayed to staff,
Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee (CSEDC) and/or
Council. Mr. Matthews felt this was no
longer the case with the AAC and opined one has to be a member of the AAC in
order to advance an issue.
The second concern Mr. Matthews had, related to
appointments to the AAC. He said he was
aware of instances where people submitted applications to become members of the
AAC and were told after the process was completed they were not successful but
were never even given an interview. As
well, he expressed concern that persons appointed to the AAC are not subject to
a thorough background check.
In conclusion, Mr. Matthews asked:
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee be the voice of all of the disabled community; and,
2. That all appointments to the Accessibility Advisory Committee be made upon a thorough selection process, including interviews.
In response to questions from the Mayor, Rick
O’Connor, City Solicitor, suggested these concerns could be reviewed as part of
the governance report that will be coming forward later in the fall.
Councillor Cullen noted he had recently
attended a joint AAC and Seniors’ Advisory Committee meeting and one of the
issues discussed at that meeting was how members of the public could address
items on an agenda. Pursuant to
procedures in place, members of the public can speak to an item on an agenda. However, some members of the community
believe they can speak as frequently as they wish and almost act as if they are
members of the Advisory Committee.
Councillor Cullen noted this is not possible and stated a Committee
cannot function if there is no demarcation between members and
non-members. He expressed his opinion
the process currently in place work fairly well.
Mr. Matthews responded to these remarks, noting
a number of people in the community have brought issues forward to the AAC and
asked to be put on the agenda and have felt they were being brushed aside. He stressed it is almost impossible for a
member of the public to get an item on the agenda.
In response to questions from Mayor Chiarelli,
Mr. Matthews suggested one way to hear from all members of the disabled
community, would be to have a period of 10 to 15 minutes at the end of each
meeting for an “open mike” session.
At Mayor Chiarelli’s request, Mr. O’Connor indicated staff would take as a direction to include in the governance review (i.e. to be undertaken later this year), consideration of the points raised by Mr. Matthews, namely:
1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee be the voice of all of the disabled community (e.g. by having a 15 minute “open mike” session at each meeting); and,
2. That all appointments to the Accessibility Advisory Committee be made upon a thorough selection process, including interviews.
Councillor Stavinga felt having an open mike
session at every meeting could prove to be difficult for a committee. As an alternative, she asked if thought had
been given to having a special AAC meeting to engage the community, such as the
type of meeting the Health and Social Services Advisory Committee has held in
the past. Mr. O’Connor said he could
not advise as to whether this had been considered by AAC. However, he said he would speak with staff
about this and the possibility of utilizing such a meeting as an interim
measure. Further, he pointed out there
are a number of ways the concerns conveyed could be addressed. All of the options will be examined in the
context of the governance review, when the processes and procedures of all of
the advisory committees are looked at.
The Committee then approved the report
recommendations.
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee recommend Council:
a) Receive
the 2005 Annual Report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee as detailed in
Attachment 1; and
c)
Approve the objectives
contained in the 2006 workplan, as detailed in Attachment 2.
CARRIED