Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

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Online Attendance Only
Committee Members:
  • Christine Easterbrook, Chair
  • Brad Frenette
  • Rachel Jewell
  • Diana Kirkbride
  • Gord Queen, Vice Chair
Absent:
  • Debbie Alexander
  • Stephanie Olewski
Administration:
  • Katherine Hebert, Deputy Clerk

The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:02 PM.

We begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, comprised of the Ojibway, Odawa and Potawatomie Peoples.


To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial.


We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations and all the Original Peoples of Turtle Island.

All members were in attendance virtually, with the exception of Stephanie Olewski and Debbie Alexander who sent their regrets. 

Brad Frenette
Chris Easterbrook
Diana Kirkbride
Gord Queen
Katherine Hebert
Rachel Jewell
Randy Pearson

There were no conflicts of pecuniary interest declared.

February 10, 2022 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting minutes.

  • Moved ByGord Queen
    Seconded ByBrad Frenette

    That the minutes of the February 10, 2022 meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adopted as presented.

    Carried

Randy Pearson, Supervisor - Facility Operations, County of Essex to provide a review of the Entrance Doors Upgrade, for the Essex County Civic Centre. 

Randy Pearson reviewed the measurements and configurations of the new automatic sliding door systems installed at the Civic Centre West, North and East Entrances, highlighting that the doors are all working on sensors now rather than push button openers.  Randy explained the West entrance of the building is closest to the accessible parking area and this entrance is fully operational with the most convenient access to the elevators.

Discussion included the type of signage used on the doors to indicate the direction the doors opens. Randy also updated the committee on parking lot markings that were installed last year to provide for safer pedestrian crossing at the West entrance. He further explained that signage directing to the West entrance will be installed as soon as weather permits.

  • Moved ByGord Queen
    Seconded ByDiana Kirkbride

    That Communications items listed on the agenda for March 10, 2022 be received and any noted actions taken. 

    Carried

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Review of the 2022 ECAAC Workplan, a document which is meant to be fluid and can change and be adapted as needed.  

Katherine Hebert provided the Committee with the tentative schedule of activities drafted by the committee at the Feb 10, 2022 meeting. The schedule is to serve as a guiding document to complete the goals of the committee identified for 2022.  The schedule can be adjusted as needed.

The Chair asked to add a visit to the Sun Parlor Home to review their renovated outdoor space once visitation restrictions allow.

Options to consider, should the ECAAC want to host an Accessibility Forum in 2022:

  • Julie Sawchuck - Author - Virtual session $950 plus tax, for 45 minute talk with 15 minute question period. 
  • Michael Jacques - Author - Bio Attached
  • Haben Girma - $7,500 USD for a 1 hour fireside chat or lecture style talks, including Q&A  Official Website
  • Laverne Jacobs - (Cost Pending) Biography Page (Not Available in 2022)
  • Maayan Ziv - $5,000 CAD for a keynote address  AccessNow Website 

The Committee agreed that an afternoon session for both speakers would be preferred.

Katherine Hebert will connect with the presenters and provide feedback to the committee at next meeting.

  • Moved ByGord Queen
    Seconded ByRachel Jewell

    That the ECAAC pursue booking a session with Julie Sawchuk and Michael Jacques for a presentation to the local AAC's between June and September 2022.

    Carried

Discussion included opportunities to increase social media presence.  Suggestion will be requested from the County of Essex Communications Department and reported back.

Update for the Committee regarding the status of the Accessibility Flag. 

This project will proceed with the County of Essex as the project lead.  Preliminary artwork was being drafted and the designer has agreed to work within the schedule required. 

The designer will attend the ECAAC April meeting to reveal the design options.  Local tier AAC’s would be invited and will be provided the opportunity for input.

Administration to provide an update regarding the scheduling process. 

Meeting will be scheduled as soon as the local tier AAC determine their Chairs and Vice-chairs for 2022.

Discussion regarding next steps for the MYAP. The ECAAC Workplan list the need to begin consultations in April. 

  • Feedback Form/Survey
  • Public Notice
  • Targeted groups (County Council, COE Departments, Local Municipalities, local agencies/boards/commissions, service/community groups, the public, other?)
  • A working draft of the 2023-2027 MYAP to be presented to ECAAC at April meeting

The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Public Consultation period is schedule for April 2022.  Katherine Hebert will provide a draft questionnaire at the April committee meeting for review and approval.

Discussion regarding the state of Phase 1 and next steps to move to Phase 2 of the WECTC program. Sections of CWATS trails could be added to the feedback forms, in addition to the existing ERCA network. Next steps include, consultation with the CWATS Coordinator and County GIS personnel and possibly a delegation from CWATS to ECAAC.

A grant to subsidize this project has been applied for; the results of the application are pending.

The committee requested the attendance of a CWATS Coordinator and/or County GIS representative at an upcoming meeting.

Discussion regarding theme/focus for the delegation.

  • Who will attend and what roles will you have?
  • What will the message be?
  • County Council meetings are May 18 or June 1 (June 1 is also Red Shirt Day) and National AccessAbility Week is May 29-June 1 

The Committee agreed that the May 18, 2022 County Council meeting is the most appropriate day for delegation ahead of AccessAbility Week May 29 - June 4. Subjects to be discussed could include:

  • How COVID-19 has affected people with disabilities and the new challenges the pandemic has identified.
  • Travel related barriers.
  • New AccessAbility flag and raising.

Discussion regarding feasibility and planning for a tentatively scheduled June Accessibility Awareness Walk. 

  • Date possibilities
  • Location 

The committee agreed to defer the walk to 2023 due to uncertainties of reduced public health measures on vulnerable populations.

  • Moved ByGord Queen
    Seconded ByBrad Frenette

    To defer the Accessibility Awareness Walk to 2023.

    Carried

Brad Frenette brought forward the subject of the accessibility of personal banking touch screens at financial institutions.

Brad will investigate further and report back to the committee.

The next meeting of the ECAAC is scheduled for April 14, 2022, at 5:00 PM.  

  • That the March 10, 2022 meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adjourned at 6:21 PM.

  • Moved ByBrad Frenette
    Seconded ByDiana Kirkbride
    Carried