1.     ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - 2007 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2008 WORK PLAN

 

COMITÉ CONSULTATIF SUR L’ACCESSIBILITÉ - RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2007 ET PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2008

 

 

 

Committee RecommendationS

 

That Council:

 

1.   receive the 2007 Annual Report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee as detailed in Document 1; and

 

2.   approve the objectives contained in the 2008 workplan, as detailed in Document 2.

 

 

RecommandationS du comité

 

Que le Conseil :

 

1.   reçoive le rapport annuel de 2007 du Comité consultatif sur l’accessibilité, tel que décrit ŕ la pičce jointe no 1; et

 

2.   approuve les objectifs qui sont présentés dans le plan de travail 2008, tel que décrit ŕ la pičce jointe no 2.

 

 

 

Documentation

 

1.   Chair, Accessibility Advisory Committee’s report dated 25 March 2008 (ACS2008-CCV-AAC-0002).

 

 


Report to/Rapport au:

 

Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee

Comité des services organisationnels et du développement économique

 

and Council/et au Conseil

 

25 March 2008 / le 25 mars 2008

 

Submitted by/Soumis par:  Victor Emerson, Chair/président

Accessibility Advisory Committee/Comité consultatif sur l’accessibilité

 

Contact/Personne-ressource:  Carole Langford,

Committee Coordinator/coordonnatrice du comité consultatif

580-2424, ext/poste 28934/ Carole.Langford@ottawa.ca

 

City Wide/Ŕ l’échelle de la Ville

Ref N°:  ACS2008-CCV-AAC-0002

 

SUBJECT:     ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE - 2007 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2008 WORK PLAN

 

OBJET:          COMITÉ CONSULTATIF SUR L’ACCESSIBILITÉ  - RAPPORT ANNUEL DE 2007 ET PLAN DE TRAVAIL 2008

 

 

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

 

That the Accessibility Advisory Committee recommend that the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee recommend Council:

 

1.         receive the 2007 Annual Report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee as detailed in Document 1; and

 

2.         approve the objectives contained in the 2008 workplan, as detailed in Document 2.

 

 

RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

 

Que le Comité consultatif sur l’accessibilité recommande que le Comité des services organisationnels et du développement économique recommande que le Conseil :

1.         reçoive le rapport annuel de 2007 du Comité consultatif sur l’accessibilité, tel que décrit ŕ la pičce jointe no 1; et

 

2.         approuve les objectifs qui sont présentés dans le plan de travail 2008, tel que décrit ŕ la pičce jointe no 2.

 


BACKGROUND

 

City Council, on 6 December 2006, 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.  Each item should be identified with a brief description of the project or activity. 

 

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.

 

There was no funding approved for the advisory committee 2008 workplans.

 

 

DISCUSSION

 

The attached 2007 Annual Report outlines a brief description of the accomplishments and activities that the Committee undertook in 2007.

 

The attached 2008 Workplan is based on the Committee’s priorities for 2008.  This report was approved by the Committee at its February 20, 2008 meeting.

 

The mandate of the Accessibility Advisory Committee is defined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act; briefly it is to advise Council and staff to ensure that persons with disabilities have the same level of access to municipal services and programs as do those without disabilities.

 

 

CONSULTATION

 

All departments were consulted and the following comments were received: 

 

 

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION SERVICES

 

In 2008, Business Transformation Services will continue to support the Accessibility Advisory Committee by working collaboratively with the Committee to achieve City of Ottawa Municipal Accessibility Plans, as well as to provide direction on future municipal accessibility plans.

 

 

PUBLIC WORKS AND SERVICES

 

The Department concurs with the 2008 Workplan and 2007 Annual Report, prepared by the Accessibility Advisory Committee, and acknowledges the value provided to the Department in terms of providing comments and advice from the rural citizen’s perspective on various projects.  Therefore, staff looks forward to working with AAC within the Committee’s mandate, and as staff resources permit. At this time, the Department has identified three reports/projects that they will be consulting the committee on in 2008, which are Bus Stop Clearance Report, Snow Go Report and Windrows.

 

 

PLANNING, TRANSIT AND THE ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

 

The Planning, Transit and the Environment Department looks forward to working with the Accessibility Advisory Committee on departmental matters in 2008, most particularly the Accessibility Audit of the City of Ottawa’s Public Transit System.

 

 

COMMUNITY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES

 

The mandate of the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is to advise Council and staff to ensure that persons with disabilities have the same level of access to municipal services and programs as do those persons without disabilities. 

 

The Community and Protective Services (CPS) Department appreciates the advice and support provided by the AAC in 2007, including input on the spay neuter clinic, taxi chit program, accessible cabs, the City Housing Strategy, ODSP Benefits, and equity issues - CAWI, among others.  CPS supports the AAC 2008 workplan (affixed as Attachment 2) dedicated to improving accessibility and a system for measuring City progress towards full accessibility. 

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

There are no financial implications.

 

 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

 

Document 1 –      2007 Annual Report of the Accessibility Advisory Committee

Document 2 –      Proposed 2008 Workplan of the Accessibility Advisory Committee

Document 3 –      Accessibility Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (on file with the City Clerk

 

 

DISPOSITION

 

The Advisory Committee will work to complete the workplan tasks approved by City Council.


 


Document 1

 

 

ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

2007 ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

During the 12 month period of this report (January to December 2007) the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) met 11 times to develop and comment on an awareness and understanding of the issues and concerns affecting citizens living with a disability.  Within this time period, AAC presented to the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee once and twice to the Transit Committee as well as provided written comments on numerous issues.

 

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND ON-GOING ISSUES

 

CITY OF OTTAWA’S MUNICIPAL ACCESSIBILITY PLAN (COMAP) 2008

 

From January to December 2007, the AAC provided input to staff on the 2008 COMAP report.  As well, an AAC member participated on the Accessibility Steering Committee, which oversees the process of the Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP). 

 

 

ACCESSIBILITY COMMUNITY FORUM

 

The Accessibility Steering Committee and the Accessibility Advisory Committee hosted an accessibility forum in June to receive input from the public on accessibility issues to include on the City of Ottawa’s Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP).  Staff received feedback on the City's direction and discussed ways for the community and the City to work together on increasing accessibility.

 

 

QUILT PROJECT FOR THE ROYAL OTTAWA MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC

 

AAC passed a motion supporting a member of the public with the “Destiny Quilt” fundraising proposal.

 

 

BANK STREET PUBLIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

AAC continues to receive invitations to participate on the Bank Street public advisory committee meetings, however due to lack of membership, the Committee has been unable to appoint a member to attend meetings.  In its absence, the Committee Chair regularly sends comments on behalf of AAC.

2007 ACCESSIBILITY BY DESIGN COMMITTEE

 

The annual recruitment process to receive nominations for the 2007 Accessibility By Design Award was held, however, due to lack of nominees, an award was not given out.  Discussions continue between AAC and staff to ensure the award is housed in the proper branch at the City.

 

 

SITE PLANS

 

The Committee is grateful to past member J. St. John who continues to review site plans until new members are appointed in May 2008.  AAC received and commented on over 90 plans in 2007.

 

 

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.

 

 

ACCESSIBILITY DAY

 

The Accessibility Advisory Committee participated in the 4th Annual AccessAbility Day on August 24, 2007.  The City in conjunction with Disabled Persons Community Resources hosted the event, which took place at Ben Franklin Place and had kiosks with information from various organizations on accessibility.

 

 

CORPORATE ACCESSIBILITY SPECIALIST (CAS)

 

The CAS attends AAC monthly meeting and provides updates on a regular basis.  Below, is a list of items that the CAS reported on in 2007.

 

·        COMAP 2007 (inputs, development, report, distribution)

·        Quarterly status reporting of COMAP 2007 initiatives 

·        2006 Research Projects  -  Implementation of recommendations  - accomplishments

·        Current projects CAS updates

·        Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

o       Standards Development for Information & Communications

o       Public and stakeholder reviews

o       City response to proposed transportation standards

o       Customer Service Accessibility Standards Regulation (ON 429/07)

·        Real Time Captioning Unit  -options available

·        AccessAbility Day 2007 and 2008

·        New Intranet Accessibility Resource for City staff

·        TTY Network System to be piloted this year

·        Community Forum for Persons with Disabilities 2008

·        Accessibility By Design Award

·        International Day for Persons with Disabilities

·        United Way Builders Award

·        New accessibility features of Ottawa.ca (Browsealoud,), Spotlight (cultural events calendar) and redesign of ottawa.ca

·        Re-structuring of Corporate Services

·        Accessibility related awards and recognitions received by City of Ottawa

·        Accessibility audit of ottawa.ca.

·        Training Modules for Delivery of Accessible Municipal Services for front line staff

·        Accessibility By Design Award

·        Accessibility Lens 

·        Installation of Adaptive Technologies within Ottawa Libraries

·        City Strategic Direction 2007-2010

·        City of Ottawa Budget 2008

 

 

TRANSIT ACCESSIBILITY SPECIALIST (TAS)

 

The TAS attends AAC monthly meeting and provides updates on a regular basis.  Below, is a list of items that the CAS reported on in 2007.

 

·        Accessible Cabs

·        Double-Decker Buses

·        Seniors’ Agenda Scheduled For June 15 

·        Shifting Gears Program - New Campaign With Students And Seniors

·        Agreement With OC Transpo Allowing Service Dogs On Buses

·        Calling Out Stops

·        Seniors Day

·        RPAM Audit At Terry Fox

·        Seniors Ride For Free Campaign

·        Lincoln Field Station

·        Travel Training

·        Monthly Vouchers

·        Taxi Coupon Program

·        Parity For Seniors And Persons With Disabilities Program

·        Para Transpo Contract

 

 

PRESENTATIONS AT STANDING COMMITTEES

 

The AAC Chair made presentations on the AAC reports listed below:

 

·        Community Pass – Transit Committee

·        Call All The Stops – Proposed Letter And Report To Councillors & Committee

 

 

PRESENTATIONS / STAFF UPDATES

 

The Accessibility Advisory Committee received presentations and updates from City staff pertaining to the following (to which the AAC provided comments and suggestions):

 

·        New By-Law on Service Dogs

·        Taxi Chit Program

·        The Spay/Neuter Clinic

·        Service Delivery Arrangements for 2008

·        New Citywide Right-Of-Way Lighting Policy

·        Accessible Cabs

·        First Quarter 2007 COMAP Branch Initiatives Report

·        Site Plans

·        Report Recommendations Related to the Improvement of on-Demand Accessible Taxi Service

·        Accessibility For Ontarians With Disabilities Act  (AODA) Transportation Standards

·        Call All The Stops – Update From OC Transpo

·        Para Transpo Tender for Service Delivery

·        Beyond Ottawa 20/20 - 2008 Official Plan Review

·        Para Transpo Tender for Service Delivery – Follow up from September Meeting

 

 

PRESENTATIONS FROM VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

 

·        Goulbourn Recreation Complex

·        Access, Hearing Loss In City Meeting Rooms

·        Elevators At Transit Stations

 

 

AAC PROVIDED INPUT ON THE FOLLOWING POLICIES/ITEMS:

 

·        Governance Review For 2006-2010

·        2007 Budget

·        2008 City of Ottawa Municipal Accessibility Plan

·        2006 Annual Report And 2007 Workplan – Approval Of Working Group

·        ODSP Benefits

·        Strategic Directions

·        Chairs And Vice-Chairs Meeting

·        AAC Response To The Next Stop Announcements Document

·         City of Ottawa response to proposed AODA Transportation Standard

·         Stakeholder Review of Initial Proposed Accessibility Standard for Information and Communications (AODA)

 

 

AAC MAKING PRESENTATIONS EXTERNALLY

 

·        National Capital Commission (NCC) - Greenbelt Pathway Public Consultation

·        Report On Oshawa Forum

·        End Exclusion:  Building An Inclusive And Accessible Canada – Request For Representative

 

 

AAC ATTENDANCE/INPUT ON INTERNAL PROJECTS/MEETINGS

 

·        Bank Street Rehabilitation – Public Advisory Meeting

·        Equity Issues - CAWI

·        Road Corridor Design Guidelines

·        Design and Building Branch

·        City Housing Strategy 2007-2012 (CHS)

·        Getting Greener: On The Path of Sustainability

·        Transportation Master Plan

·        Accessibility Audit of the City of Ottawa’s Public Transit System Including Para Transpo

 


                                                                                                                                     Document 2

 

ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

2008 WORKPLAN

 

 

Objective 1

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2004, Part VII, Section 29, Clause 4 (a) the Committee shall advise the council about the requirements and implementation of accessibility standards and the preparation of accessibility reports…

 

Activity 1

Lead / Members

Timelines

Working with the Corporate Interdepartmental Accessibility Steering Committee as it sets the corporate direction related to accessible services in the City of Ottawa and develops a Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP).

 

 

 

Activity 2

Lead / Members

Timelines

Collect input, provide advice, and monitor the City’s progress as it develops and implements an Accessibility Lens suitable for application to Council reports, motions, policies, procedures, and decisions, as per Council direction, October 2006.

 

 

 

Activity 3

Lead / Members

Timelines

Collect input and provide advice to the Accessibility Progress Indicators Development Group as it develops a system for measuring City progress towards full accessibility.

 

 

 

Objective 2

 

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2004, Part VII, Section 29, Clause 4 (b)  The Committee shall review in a timely manner the site plans and drawings described in section 41 of the Planning Act

 

Activity 1

Lead / Members

Timelines

To move towards elimination of existing barriers and prevention of new ones, review site plans and provide comments, on an on-going basis, to the appropriate City staff.  Large-scale developments such as LeBreton Flats will be brought to the full Committee.

 

 

 

 

Activity 2

Lead / Members

Timelines

Participate on the City of Ottawa Accessibility by Design Selection Panel.

 

 

 

Objective 3

To strengthen community/city relationships, exchange information about accessibility issues and directions and engage the community in the Development of Municipal Accessibility Plan(s).

 

Activity 1

Lead / Members

Timelines

Plan and oversee a public forum focused on accessibility and directed towards persons with disabilities in collaboration with the Corporate Interdepartmental Accessibility Steering Committee.

 

 

 

Activity 2

Lead / Members

Timelines

Work with City staff and assist the community host with planning and celebrating AccessAbility Day.

 

 

 

 

Pending Motions

 

Activity 1

Lead / Members

Timelines

Accessibility Audit of the City of Ottawa’s Public Transit System – as per the motion carried on December 19, 2007.

 

 

 

 


Document 3

 

Approved by Council May 9, 2001

Amended December 3, 2003

(As per Council approved Governance Report)

Amended January/February, 2007

Amended May 9, 2007

 

ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

Terms of Reference

 

MANDATE

 

The mandate of the Accessibility Advisory Committee is defined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act; briefly it is to advise Council and staff to ensure that persons with disabilities have the same level of access to municipal services and programs as do those without disabilities.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The Accessibility Advisory Committee shall be responsible for:

 

1.         providing advice and recommendations to City Council on the preparation, implementation and effectiveness of the City's Accessibility Plan prepared pursuant to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).  This shall include, but not be limited to:

a)      consultation with the community, groups and organizations to capture and communicate emerging issues to City Council and the City administration;

 

b)      Evaluation of:

a.       by-laws and regulations which have an impact on citizens with disabilities such as parking, zoning, sidewalk ramping, obstructions on sidewalks, etc.);

b.      policies and programs which promote awareness of, and equal access to, municipal services for citizens with disabilities in the areas of communication and delivery of goods, services, accommodations, employment, membership and participation within the City.

 

2.         reviewing site plans and drawings and providing advice to Council on accessibility issues relating to buildings, structures or premises:

                                            I.      owned or leased by the City of Ottawa; or

                                         II.      which are subject to a Municipal Capital Facilities Agreement; and

                                       III.      any other project that is specifically identified by City Council as a P3 project.

 

 

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

 

Both the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Ottawa City Council shall approve all appointments to the Accessibility Advisory Committee.

 

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: Corporate Services Department, Employee Services Branch, Planning, Transit and the Environment Department, (Transit Services); Community and Protective Services Department (By-law Enforcement Services) (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, however may report to another Standing Committee where appropriate, depending on the issue.

 

 

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.