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
  • Therese Lecuyer
  • John Boyko
  • Debbie Alexander
  • Rosemary Cobby
Absent:
  • Gord Queen, Vice Chair
  • Charles Wimperis
Administration:
  • Renée Trombley, Manager, Corporate Communication and Accessibility
  • Katherine Hebert

1.
Recording of Attendance

It was noted that Mr. Queen and Mr. Wimperis were away.

2.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

There were no conflicts of pecuniary interest declared.

3.
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

In accordance with section 5.3 of the Terms of Reference:

A Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall be elected from committee members on an annual basis at the first meeting of the year to preside over meetings and committee business.

  • 1-2018
    Moved ByMs. Alexander
    Seconded ByMs. Lecuyer

    That Christine Easterbrook be elected to the position of Chair and that that Gord Queen be elected to the position of Vice Chair.

    Carried

4.
Adoption of Regular Meeting Minutes

4.1
December 21, 2017 ECAAC Meeting Minutes
This item has attachments.

1.ECAAC Meeting Minues December 21 2017.pdf
  • 2-2018
    Moved ByMs. Lecuyer
    Seconded ByMr. Boyko

    That the minutes of the December 21, 2017 meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adopted as presented.

    Carried

5.
Delegations and Presentations

6.
Communications

  • 3-2018
    Moved ByMs. Lecuyer
    Seconded ByMs. Cobby

    That the correspondence for the February 1, 2018 meeting be received. 

    Carried

6.1
AODA Alliance

The Chair noted details about the provincial appointment of an independent review of the accessibility standards.

Discussion took place regarding the 'Enabling Accessibility Fund' through the federal government.

6.6
Spin the Globe

Discussion took place with regard to the locations of the accessible beach in Florida as well as what technology is being used in these areas. It was noted that in most cases it is the Mobi-mats that have been installed.

The committee discussed the potential for visiting local beaches to inspect the efficiency of the mobi-mats that have been placed.

6.7
Laurier - Inspiring Lives

6.8
Daily Titan

Discussion took place with regard to the 'iSpeech' app which assists those who have the need for assisted verbal communication as well as the 'iGaze' app which assists in the navigation of a computer using eye and head movements for those who have mobility or dexterity issues.

6.9
DMZ

Discussion regarding the use of these devices as disability mitigation tools took place among those present.

Mr. Boyko noted that there are android or generic devices available at electronics stores that will work with Google as opposed to only with certain mobile devices.

6.5
3D Printer Chat

Discussion took place with regard to the tools and technologies now available to integrate some assistive devices into the lives of those who need them. There are many 3D printing innovations available at many price points and quality levels.

7.
Unfinished Business

7.1
Facebook

The Committee noted that there has been little interest in the posts and not much activity related to the posts on the ECAAC page.

Ms. Trombley indicated that there are ways to promote and drum up interest on Facebook, using ads and their strategic algorithms. She noted that further information on how this works and costs associated with these ads would be brought to the next meeting.

9.
New Business

9.1
2018 Initiatives

Ms. Alexander discussed the Heroes Basketball Game for 2018 and noted that the date is tentatively set for Tuesday May 15, 2018. She noted that it would be great to have the Committee there to support the game again this year. She further discussed the opportunity to have more media attention for the event.

Ms. Trombley indicated that there is the potential for involving Essex-Windsor EMS in the Heroes game this year as well.

The Chair noted that Access Awareness week is the first week of June typically.

Ms. Cobby discussed promoting the event on Facebook and that could be one of the events that could generate more traffic to the page.

The Chair questioned the group what the consensus is, with regard to the group activities for 2018, and whether they will host another workshop or change things up.

The Committee discussed issues such as low interest and attendance as well as audience fatigue and lack of interesting speakers within the budget. They suggested possibly having an awareness professional development workshop meant for AAC members.

The Committee discussed the potential for hosting an activity such as a 'walk' to promote Access Awareness Week as an alternative activity for 2018. They discussed potential locations and noted that the Vollmer Centre grounds would be a good location for an event.

It was noted that this type of event could rotate throughout the County annually, engaging new groups each year.  

The Chair noted that the theme could be "Celebrating Our Abilities".

Mr. Boyko discussed raising the issue of hosting the event in LaSalle at the next LaSalle AAC meeting. Perhaps their localCcommittee would be open to helping with promotion of the event.

Ms. Trombley indicated that since the Access Awareness Week is the first week of June, it will be important to make arrangements for this soon. 

Ms. Trombley will get the details on the use of the LaSalle Vollmer property for this type of event.

9.2
2018 AAC YAK

The Chair discussed the lack of interest from local municipalities with regard to the AAC YAK newsletter. She noted that since the bulk of information is now communicated via Facebook, that perhaps the AAC YAK is unnecessary.

Ms. Trombley confirmed that less than half of the local municipalities provided information for the newsletter last year.

It was noted by the members that if a municipal AAC would like to promote their efforts online, the ECAAC would publish the information on Facebook instead of publishing a newsletter. 

9.3
AODA Consultations Update
This item has attachments.

1.AODA Consulations.pdf

It was communicated that there would be a consultation with the Committee by the AODA at some point throughout the year, but at this time there is no indication of a date.

9.4
Civic Centre Construction

Ms. Trombley indicated that the County Administration is seeking the input of the ECAAC on the renovation of the 2nd floor bathrooms at the Civic Centre. The intention is to mirror the layout of the 1st floor bathrooms that were recently renovated.

It was noted that the Committee's feedback and their thoughts for accessibility of those bathrooms would be taken into consideration when the plans were finalized.

The Chair noted that there are things to consider, such as space for manoeuvring, counter and sink height, soap and towel dispenser height, accessible change tables, placement of bins, garbage receptacles, bio waste containers and furniture pieces etc.

The Committee will inspect the bathrooms and email photos and feedback to Ms. Trombley.

9.5
Product Issue

The Chair brought forward a concern she had with a product that she received as a gift and the included instruction sheet. The instructions used inappropriate terms and language with regard to cautioning the use of the product by, and around people with disabilities. The 'Spin Spa' product disclaimer is offensive and companies like this should be more aware of proper language and appropriate disclaimers for their products.

10.
Next Meeting Date

March 8, 2018

11.
Adjournment

  • 4-2018
    Moved ByMs. Alexander
    Seconded ByMs. Lecuyer

    That the February 1, 2018 meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adjourned at 4:30 PM.

    Carried
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