Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:
Meeting Time:
-
Location:
Essex County Civic Centre, Room E
360 Fairview Avenue West, Upper Floor
Essex Ontario N8M3G4
Committee Members:
  • Christine Easterbrook, Chair
  • Gord Queen, Vice Chair
  • John Boyko
  • Rosemary Cobby
  • Charles Wimperis
Absent:
  • Debbie Alexander
  • Therese Lecuyer
Administration:
  • Renée Trombley, Manager, Corporate Communication and Accessibility
  • Katherine Hebert
  • Mary Birch
  • Jeanie Diamond Francis

1.
Recording of Attendance

The Chair noted that Ms. Lecuyer and Ms. Alexander were away.

2.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

There were no conflicts of pecuniary interest declared.

3.
Adoption of Regular Meeting Minutes

March 8, 2018 ECAAC Meeting Minutes

  • 8-2018
    Moved ByMr. Wimperis
    Seconded ByMs. Cobby

    That the minutes of the March 8, 2018 meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adopted as presented.

    Carried

4.
Delegations and Presentations

  • 9-2018
    Moved ByMr. Queen
    Seconded ByMr. Boyko

    That Jeanie Diamond Francis be permitted to address the Committee as a delegation.

    Carried

4.1
Jeanie Diamond Francis, Community Services Coordinator

Housing with Supports Program, County of Essex

Ms. Birch provided the Committee with some background on Ms. Diamond Francis as well as a description of her role within the Housing with Supports program with the County of Essex.

Ms. Diamond Francis made a presentation to the Committee, outlining the Housing with Supports program, its primary goals and current challenges.

Mr. Queen arrived at 3:20 PM

The Chair questioned what the layout is of the residences.

Ms. Diamond Francis indicated that each home is unique, but the set up of most is more like a lodging home with shared , semi-private sleeping quarters and common spaces.

Ms. Cobby questioned whether there were waiting lists for these residences.

Ms. Diamond Francis indicated that the residences often have a certain number of subsidised beds available. This is where the waiting lists come into play, and some are over 1 to 2 years long. There are provisions in place however, for when there is a crisis situation that requires an immediate placement.

Mr. Wimperis questioned what programs are in place for mental health and addiction issues?

Ms. Diamond Francis provided an overview of programs that have been implemented through the Local Health Integration Network (LHIM), the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and also through an addiction support worker to go in to do some individualized plans and group work with residents in the homes.

Discussion took place with regard to the structure of the homes and how the funding works.  

Mr. Boyko questioned the accessibility of the residences, and how they comply with what is required legislatively.

Ms. Birch indicated that some homes are not accessible and would only be required to comply with standards when a major renovation is undertaken. Some of the residences are partially accessible.

Mr. Boyko questioned whether residency is conditional upon participation in support programs for healthcare.

Ms. Diamond Francis noted that those sort of conditions are something that is being considered for implementation at this time. The goal is to have mutual aid agreements with residents, and where behaviours become disruptive or unsafe then it will be mandatory. They could face eviction for non-compliance, however alternative residences would also be considered.

5.
Communications

 

 

  • 10-2018
    Moved ByMr. Wimperis
    Seconded ByMs. Cobby

    That the communications for the April 12, 2018 meeting be received. 

     

    Carried

6.
Unfinished Business

6.1
Facebook

The Chair provided a photo and the following for consideration as a facebook post:

My name is Christine Easterbrook and I am the Chairperson of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee.  Having lived my whole life (50 years) with a rare disease, I have experienced many challenges, setbacks, opportunities and victories.  I believe that we are living in a time of great potential for positive change regarding the world of disability.  Let's make our mark so we can live our lives the way we want and deserve!

The Chair asked for volunteers to write the subsequent facebook posts. The result was as follows:

Ms. Cobby - May

Mr. Boyko  - July

Mr. Queen - August

6.1.1
General Discussion

The Committee will post regarding the May 15th Heroes Basketball Game.

6.2
2018 ECAAC Initiatives

6.2.1
Celebrate Our Abilities

Ms. Trombley provided a summary of what items the Committee had been considering for the event and for promotion. She noted that some things that the committee may have to consider include: distance options for walk, promo items, refreshments, venue set up, schedule, invitations and speeches.

Ms. Trombley noted that a site visit would be done prior to the event.

Discussion took place with regard to inviting various community groups and organizations. Once the event details are finalized the advertising through social media and other avenues can be considered. It will be important to share the item on Facebook when the time comes.

Ms. Cobby indicated that she would share the event via the GECDSB information board.

Ms. Trombley advised that the media would also be made aware through administration. She noted that since this is an Awareness Walk, it may be appropriate to have some statistics posted at the walk venue.

Mr. Queen suggested that the Chair of the ECAAC as well as the Warden and perhaps a speaker to represent the LaSalle AAC might be appropriate.

  • 11-2018
    Moved ByMr. Queen
    Seconded ByMs. Cobby

    That the ECAAC move forward with organizing the Celebrate Our Abilities - Awareness Walk including music, promotional items, refreshments and awareness speeches.

    Carried

6.2.2
Other

Heroes Basketball

The Chair will contact Ms. Alexander to discuss promoting the event on Facebook and to ensure that the committee is there to support the event. 

Delegation at County Council

Discussion took place regarding the focus of the presentation for this year, which is Mental Health and the importance of supports for those who are impacted by these disabilities. A crash course in sensitivity training, dispelling myths and identifying triggers could be the outline.

Mr. Wimperis noted that he would prepare some information about myths about mental health disabilities.

Ms. Cobby will prepare some statistics for the presentation. 

Ms. Trombley indicated that she would circulate a couple pieces of information from a recent mental health workshop.

Mr. Queen noted that he would express the ECAAC's gratitude to the Council for their support for the Committee's endeavors.

8.
New Business

8.1
Accessibility Directorate of Ontario

The Chair discussed the Employment Standards initial recommendations for public review and feedback.

Ms. Trombley indicated that the link to the feedback website was just recently forwarded and that she would share it with the Committee.

9.
Next Meeting Date

May 10, 2018

8.
New Business

8.2
Guelph Workshop

Ms. Trombley indicated that she would forward the information about the Guelph Accessibility Workshop to the Committee.

Ms. Cobby noted that most of the sessions this year seemed to be related to education.

10.
Adjournment

  • 12-2018
    Moved ByMr. Queen
    Seconded ByMr. Wimperis

    That the April 12, 2018 meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adjourned at 4:50 PM.

    Carried

5.
Communications

7.
Reports and Questions

No Item Selected