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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRACC - 2022-11-24 Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee Date: Thursday, November 24, 2022 Location: Zoom Meeting Present: Donna Hartzler, Paula Saunders, Carrie Speers, Teresa McQuillin (Co-Chair), Amy Ross (City of Waterloo), Councillor Sandra Hanmer (City of Waterloo), Heather Clark Harris, Janis McKenzie (City of Kitchener), Jennifer Walker, (Region of Waterloo), Lolita Paroski (City of Kitchener), Ilidia Sa Melo (Township of Woolwich), Robyn Jackson, Rob Bender, Councillor Chantal Huinink (Region of Waterloo), Ashley Sage (Township of North Dumfries), Jolene MacDonald Regrets: Chad Curtis (Township of Wilmot), Brenda Robinson (Co-Chair), Councillor Jason Deneault (City of Kitchener), Amy Harron (Township of Wellesley), Candice Greenley (Township of Wilmot), Trevor Tamlin 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Approval of October Minutes and November Agenda Item# 6 Township of Wellesley, 2022 Status Update on the agenda deferred until a future meeting. Heather motioned to accept November agenda; Paula seconded; All in favour. Robin motioned to accept October minutes; Jolene seconded; All in favour. 3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interests None 4. Region of Waterloo, Digital Transformation Strategy Background • In March 2021, the Province announced available funds for municipalities to explore modernizing their services • The Region has explored opportunities for potential digital solutions • The Region hired Perry Group Consulting in September 2022 to conduct a review focusing on external services for residents What is "Digital Transformation?" • Digital transformation is more than just making things available online or through a website • Providing a great service experience, every time, on every service channel, from any device, that is responsive and meets the needs of residents • Improving the experience for employees to allow staff to focus on aspects of service that require a human connection Examples • Submitting forms, documents, and applications through a seamless portal instead of through email with the ability to track • Online chat bot and a conversational voice-based chat bot that opens up more self-service options through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to quickly find what you need • Accessing these options on the device of your choice —smartphone, tablet and/or laptop and computer; a phone call to a digital service Identified Services • Calling the Region's main phone line • Purchasing Waste bag tags • Missed waste collection reports on collection days • Roads service requests Next Steps • Perry Group will collect and analyze all the sources of feedback and input and provide a report to the Region • A report will be submitted to the Province on February 1, 2023 • Presentation to Council in February Comments/Feedback ➢ Timing is an issue in the online booking system —Mobility Plus ➢ Mobility Plus online is great, but the cancellation seems premature, becoming an issue to the point not utilized anymore due to the frustration with the system ➢ Cumbersome when trying to add another family member— Mobility Plus ➢ No feedback option except for email and there is no indication that an email was received — Mobility Plus ➢ Purchasing tickets not convenient for the users — Mobility Plus ➢ Zoom text seems to have a glitch with the agenda package from GRAAC ➢ Make sure the community is involved with testing on multiple levels, not just the beginning or after the fact when initiating a new platform ➢ Too many places to log in, simplify the interactive tool ➢ Too many tools, simplify the process ➢ Seems easier to make a phone call then it is to do online ➢ Is it the preference to do it online? Depends on the person and situation ➢ How can the Region get a broader perspective? Christian Horizons, Kidsability, KW Habilitation, KW Accessibility, Community Living, Sunbeam, Independent Living could be valuable resources ➢ Not everyone has access to digital resources and/or credit cards ➢ Making sure libraries have the capacity to help with digital resources ➢ Wait time for ambulances and Emergency Rooms ➢ A way to let the Region know there is no capacity to clear the snow in 24 hours and need help ➢ Garbage pickup help as well 5. Township of Woolwich, 2022 Status Update Annual Initiatives • Continue to contribute to the operation of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC), including providing staff support to GRAAC, monthly meeting attendance (Ongoing) • Continue to review and monitor Provincial accessibility legislation (Ongoing) • Update 2007 Facility Building Accessibility Audits and begin Park & Sports Fields Accessibility Audits with trained Township staff with assistance from the GRAAC Built Environment Committee chair as needed (Deferred until 2023) • Provide new accessible picnic tables with the goal of at least 1 accessible picnic table in every Township Park (Completed) • Consider implementing improved website accessibility monitoring tools (Completed) • Continue to review and monitor content on the Township website in accordance with WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements (Ongoing) • Work to make more online services available for all residents (Online Parking Tickets completed) Initiatives for 2021 • The Township will review and consider alternative voting options to increase accessibility during the 2022 Municipal Election (Completed) • In accordance with section 14(4)2. of the Integrated Accessibility Standard, ensure the Township's website meets WCAG 2.0 Level AA requirements. (80-90% of website complete) • Annual facility improvements: Bolender Park install 3 paved accessible parking spaces (Deferred until 2023) • Annual facility improvements: WMC, Maryhill Community Centre, Heidelberg Community Centre: retrofit accessible door operators to entry doors and meeting rooms (Ongoing) • Annual facility improvements: Begin implementing accessibility improvements found during updated park and facility accessibility audits (Ongoing) Initiatives for 2022 • Review and consider alternative voting options to increase accessibility during the 2022 Municipal Election (Follow up report to council) • Develop an accessible sidewalk around the columbarium at Elmira Union Cemetery (Completed) • Work to create a database of volunteers to support community program participants (Deferred until 2023) • Annual facility improvements (Ongoing) Initiatives for 2023 • Report on accessibility features and feedback on the 2022 Municipal election • Begin reviewing and drafting the Township's next Multi-Year Accessibility Plan • Annual facility improvements, including: ➢ Maryhill Community Centre: retrofit accessible door operator ➢ WMC: replace aquatic wheelchairs and related equipment ➢ Continue implementing accessibility improvements found during updated park and facility accessibility audits Comments/Feedback ➢ Concerns about the Maryhill Fire station, not a public space so no need for an accessible washroom, however, in case of an emergency, there should be a flat surface and an accessible washroom 6. Township of Wellesley, 2022 Status Update Deferred until a future meeting 7. BREAK 8. City of Kitchener, Draft Accessibility Plan & Draft 2022 Status Update 2022 Status Update • The draft 2022 Status Update was included in the GRAAC meeting package. • Highlighted the 2022 Status updates within all IASR standards. • The Province of Ontario reviews all standards, which may require updates to existing policies, training, manuals, bylaws etc. Because of the reviews, revisions to current standards or new standards may be introduced by the Province of Ontario, which will include new requirements and compliance deadlines. Those revisions and any actions related to them will be captured in the City of Kitchener annual status update. No revisions to the current standards were introduced in 2022. In 2022, GRAAC advised on: • Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts facility accessibility • Duke Street Cycling Improvements project • Outdoor Spaces feedback provided through Engage Kitchener • Municipal Election, accessibility feedback • Kitchener Playground ramps and wayfinding to ramps standard • Painted Hydro Poles (Love my Hood project) • Every Child Matters painted crosswalk at Victoria Park • Accessible garden (Love my Hood project) • Schlegel Park washroom accessories placement • Places and Spaces accessibility at parks • Centre in the Square signage for washrooms • Kitchener Market accessible lift • Compass Kitchener All Committee Night • Centre in the Square washroom renovations • Accessible picnic table standard • Demonstration to staff re: on street accessible parking spaces • City Hall Service Centre project Draft Accessibility Plan The City of Kitchener Accessibility Plan for 2023-2027 describes how the Corporation of the City of Kitchener will continue to prevent and remove accessibility barriers. This new plan builds on the previous accessibility plan which was approved by Council in 2018. With more than 2.6 million Ontarians with a disability and an aging population within the Region of Waterloo, the new plan will build on the previous plan by focusing on "how to think and plan accessibility first". Since there are no new accessibility legislation requirements, this new plan emphasizes on the continued work within each legislated Standard. The "New—Accessibility First" emphasizes how the new plan will go beyond accessibility legislation requirements. Procurement • "New" —Accessibility First—develop an updated "on demand" procurement 101 training for staff. Training • "New" - Accessibility First - creating a training video featuring persons with lived experiences that focus on the importance of accessible and inclusive customer service in the municipal sector. Information and Communications Standards. • "New" - Accessibility First - use ALT-TEXT feature on social media. • "New" —Accessibility First - Include accessibility considerations as a part of the public engagement intake. Employment Standards • "New" - Accessibility First - Update management training on policies and practices with respect to recruitment, hiring, interviewing and performance. Design of Public Spaces Standards • "New" - Accessibility First - Educating staff on accessibility barriers within outdoor spaces through on- site visits with agency experts and persons with lived experiences. Customer Service Standards • "New" - Accessibility First - Providing centralized accessible customer service at city hall. In-person services for residents both drop-in and by appointment will be centralized in a single, accessible location on the main floor of City Hall by 2024. A newly constructed City Hall Service Centre will bring together eight service counters from six floors in an easy-to-find, central location right inside the front door of Kitchener City Hall. Built to AODA standards, the new centre will be a one-stop shop for access to all City Services. Residents will receive services at an accessible service counter, or within a customer lounge that includes a variety of meeting room options designed to accommodate the needs of all residents. Interpretation services in 200+ languages, accessible signage, queuing areas, and wayfinding methods will be incorporated in the new centre. How the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) helps ensure staff think accessibility first: GRAAC has created position papers and accessibility comment sheets to guide the work of staff. These include: • Position papers on In-Boulevard Shared Use Facilities, Signage, Sidewalk Snow Removal, Accessible Parking, and Installation of Sidewalks. • Accessibility comment sheets for new construction and renovations on Washrooms, Outdoor Play Spaces/Playgrounds, Recreational Trails, Rest Areas, and Painted Crosswalks. These position papers and accessibility comment sheets are created for staff to use in the early stages of design prior to bringing drawings to GRAAC for feedback. Provincial Review of Standards: All Standards are reviewed by the Province of Ontario, therefore requiring updates to existing policies, training, manuals, bylaws etc. As a result of the reviews, revisions to current standards or new standards may be introduced by the Province of Ontario which will include new requirements and compliance deadlines. Those revisions and any actions related to them will be captured in the City of Kitchener annual status update. As municipal projects arise, city site plans will continue to be reviewed by the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee for suggestions on how to best improve and achieve accessibility. Consultation Commitment: The City of Kitchener recognizes that broader public engagement along with GRAAC, agencies that provide services to persons with disabilities and citizens with disabilities is beneficial to the successful implementation of the Accessibility Plan. Staff will continue to work with GRAAC, local service providers and citizens throughout the duration of the Accessibility Plan in order to further identify, prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities. Comments/Feedback • Carrie has glasses that show different vision issues and would be willing to lend out if this would be something helpful to educate staff. • Paula shared that placing staff in a wheelchair etc. has been done in the past and some persons with a disability do not like this approach to training. • GRAAC members open to looking for creative ideas to educate new staff through training videos. • Will bring back to GRAAC in 2023, to include new GRAAC members in brainstorming training videos. 9. Built Environment Sub-Committee Updates 1.) Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre Audit • Found an issue with the ramp. This deficiency is being addressed. 2.) Customer Service Project, City of Kitchener Paula shared 3 drawings of the proposed future customer service centre. • All services will be accessible on the main floor of City Hall. • No need for customers to go to any floor at City Hall, will receive all services on the main floor. Service Counter area • Contrast is important. Original wood will be reused. • Ensure accessible service counter can be used forward facing and that have sufficient turning radius when backing up. • Offered GRAAC committee members should be invited to try out the service counter in the early stages Customer Centre • Public access computers-desks must be forward facing with a turning radius and no barriers • Turning radius required at the flex counter station • Wheelchairs with a footrest go further under the desk and require more space • Moveable chairs, nothing should be affixed • Confirm the desk bottoms are open (in meeting rooms) • Do the doors of the meeting rooms automatically open?Accessibility buttons? Shared GRAAC preference would be for longer accessibility buttons, this does not require the use of hands. • Glass on the meeting rooms require an opaque strip to highlight that there is glass in place, assists persons with low visions and also will allow for privacy when using the computer in the individual meeting rooms • Some of the paint colours might not be contrasting enough. Shared with project team. Support Centre • What happens when someone with accessibility needs wants to meet with one of the Inclusion team? Staff would call them down or help book an appointment for a later time or date. Meeting would take place in public area (not staff area) • Carpet not too thick • Staff kitchenette area be open under the sink so that a wheelchair could pull under the sink and use it. Wrap pipes. Make sure that the faucet is reachable. • The above cabinets are not meant for storage. • The booths are vibrant colours, but do they allow for forward facing? Can pull up at end. • Do the private call rooms follow code for accessibility, turning radius etc.? Should have at least 1 accessible private call room. • All desks are adjustable heights. • Walls are off white, need edging along the walls to delineate between walls and floor. • Universal washroom —change to barrier free washroom (does not require adult change table because an adult change table already exists in the universal washroom on the main floor), allow for sufficient turning radius, ensure the sink and soap dispenser and paper towel or dryer are all within reach, example not on the back wall, the person should not have to turn, a very large mirror that meets the top of the sink, pipes need to be wrapped etc., add a drop down grab bar, garbage pail built into the wall so that it isn't moved and in a new place all the time, menstrual products disposal should not be in the way of the toilet sink, grab bars etc. • This committee will be part of the wayfinding study and exploration, what happens when a customer can't find parking? Can they go into the garage for 15 minutes? Would they consider increasing the amount of time to 30 minutes. Comments/feedback • Have at least one of the private meeting rooms with a dim lights option and make sure that this room is accessible. • 15 min to park will not give a person with a disability enough time to get up to the main level, access the service, use the washroom, and get back down to parking. An increased amount of time should be allowed to be accessible. 3.) Victoria Park Pavilion Washroom, City of Kitchener • No change tables and a customer request were made • Barrier free washroom is a tiny space • Door openers need to be moved, suggested to keep in the same order but to move closer to the door • Baby change table to be placed in the corner • Sharps container to be relocated on the wall beside away from the grab bar • Signage to indicate folding change table back up when finished Comments/feedback • Does the facility have an adult change table? Would not fit without configuring the whole building. 10. Committee Updates • No updates 11. Councillor Reports • Region of Waterloo —Chantal Huinink, introduced self as new Council representation. • City of Waterloo —Sandra Hanmer, Council committee placements have not been assigned yet. 12. Co-chair/Staff Reports • Wrapping up year end • Working on GRAAC recruitment, going to council in January to bring forward the appointments • Eight new members coming onboard, bringing the membership total to fifteen Meeting Adjourned Rob motioned to adjourn; Paula seconded; All in favour. Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie — ianis.mckenziep_kitchener.ca Next Regular Meeting —Thursday December 15, 2022, at 1:30pm, ZOOM