HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRACC - 2023-05-25 Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee
Date: Thursday, May 25, 2023
Location: Zoom Meeting
Present: Carrie Speers, Tamara Cooper, Heather Clark-Harris (Co-Chair), Councillor Jason Deneault (City of
Kitchener), Jolene MacDonald, Councillor Sandra Hanmer (City of Waterloo), Alyssa Clelland, Paula
Saunders, Amy Ross (City of Waterloo), Candice Greenley (Township of Wilmot), Farshid Sadatsharifi, Emily
Moore (Region of Waterloo), Trevor Tamlin, Heather Gillespie, Sarah Cunneyworth, Ashley Sage (Township of
North Dumfries), Alex Smyth (Township of Woolwich), Janis McKenzie (City of Kitchener), Lolita Paroski (City
of Kitchener)
Regrets: Teresa McQuillin (Co-Chair), Councillor Chantal Huinink (Region of Waterloo), Amy Harron
(Township of Wellesley), Robyn Jackson, Katherine Waybrant, Sarah Feeney-Martin
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Approval of March Minutes and April Agenda (deferred)
Approval of April Minutes and May Agenda
Trevor motioned to accept April agenda; Carrie seconded; All in favour.
Paula motioned to accept May agenda; Sarah seconded; All in favour.
Jolene motioned to accept March minutes; Sarah seconded; All in favour.
Farshid motioned to accept April minutes; Trevor seconded; All in favour.
3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interests
None
4. Township of Wilmot, Castle Kilbride grant accessibility plan
The Township of Wilmot owner and operator of Castle Kilbride National Historic Site in accordance with
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), is committed to ensuring and providing services
for accessibility and participation for people of all ages and abilities. The Township of Wilmot/Castle Kilbride
recognizes the diverse needs of our visitors. The Township of Wilmot/Castle Kilbride are actively striving to
make the museum more accessible to visitors with a physical or sensory disabilities. Township and museum
staff will work collaboratively to identify and remove barriers so that all patrons can visit and participate in
museum programming. The museum is committed to offering a variety of services to patrons to make sure that
needs are being met.
Ongoing Goals and Action:
Customer Service for the Museum
1. Parking Lot- The parking lot to access the Township of Wilmot Administration Complex and Castle Kilbride
is the same. Two accessible parking spaces are available and are located closest to the building. There is no
cost to use the parking lot. In the event those spaces are taken, there are loading and unloading spaces which
can also be utilized.
2. Transportation - Patrons visiting from Waterloo Region can visit by bus using Grand River Transit (GRT)
Route 77. The drop off is at the front gates of the museum and there is a paved sidewalk to the entrance
doors.
3. Entrance - The main entrance into Castle Kilbride is the same entrance as the Township of Wilmot's
Administration Complex. There are 6 wide concrete steps with a sturdy handrail. The accessibility entrance
ramp is located here as well and is to the left of the stairs. This entrance is equipped with an automatic door.
4. Wheelchair or Mobility Issues - Three of the four floors are accessible by elevator. The attic and belvedere
(cap) spaces are not accessible by elevator. They have 20 steps with sturdy handrails. For patrons that cannot
make it to this area, there is a binder with information as well as a monitor that shows a video with verbal tours
and captioning to show and explain what the space looks like. The museum also has one wheelchair for use
should a patron need one. Seating areas are also located throughout the museum for patrons.
5. Washrooms - Accessible washrooms are available on every floor. Most washrooms are single user and
universal, except the basement washrooms as they have more than one stall. An infant change table is in the
washroom on the main level. Two washrooms are equipped with dispensers for free menstrual products.
6. Admission - Support persons that are accompanying a person with disabilities while visiting the museum or
participating in programming receive complimentary admission.
7. Service Animals - Service animals such as guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome at the museum.
Service, assistant, and emotional support animals must be always kept with you and be identifiable as working.
This includes a harness or lead which indicates their status. If your service animal is not a dog, please contact
the museum prior to your visit.
8. Customer Service Desk - The desk is located right inside the main doors and accessible ramp. A museum
representative is always present at this location during opening hours.
9. Programming and Bookings - Museum staff will take accessibility and inclusion into account during program
development and delivery. Museum staff will inquire with individuals making advance groups bookings if there
are any issues or barriers we need to keep in mind while accommodating the group.
10. Orientation Aids - A video featuring the history of the home is available to all patrons. Videos include closed
captioning.
11. Blind and low-vision visitors - Castle Kilbride takes blind and low vision visitors into account by offering:
• Verbal guided tours of historic house as well as temporary exhibitions.
• A narrated introductory video
• Large print guides for the house and the temporary exhibitions
12. Deaf visitors and the hard of hearing -Wherever possible, the museum takes deaf visitors and the hard of
hearing into account in its communications.
• TTY: The TTY component of the telephone system with computer-based technology was installed in June of
2014. The TTY number is 519-634-5037
• The museum's introductory video is closed captioned.
13. Quieter times- As the museum can sometimes be noisy and crowded, museum staff will keep note of
quieter times for guests with sensory issues to visit during these hours. As these hours may vary throughout
the year, guests are encouraged to contact the museum.
14. Staff Training - Training is provided to museum staff and volunteers who interact with the public on the
museum's behalf. Museum staff and volunteers will also become well-versed in AODA standards as well as
Township and museum policies and procedures related to accessibility. Staff and volunteers will be trained on
the following on the first day of placement within the museum. Training updates will occur throughout the year.
• We will communicate in language that is inclusive, respectful, and easy to understand. Making sure
independence, dignity, integration, and equality of opportunity are a priority.
• Allow guide dog/service animal in all areas of the museum that are open to the public.
• Support staff providing services to those with disabilities while accessing museum programming or services
will be granted complimentary admission.
• Allow people to use their own personal assistive devices or assistance the museum staff can provide (using
microphone etc.)
• How to handle inquiries.
• How to accept and gather feedback and how to respond to negative feedback.
15. Exhibition spaces- All permanent and temporary exhibitions take accessibility into consideration while
planning and preparing displays. Some measure that are incorporated include:
• Text panels inside museum are all font of 18 or greater, panels are durable and may be taken off the podium
to read closer or use a magnifier on.
• Text panels have large font. Other options such as verbal tours or large font booklets are available.
• Optimal lighting (opening more shutters if required)
• Available seating throughout the museum
• Text panels and display cases placed at optimal viewing height for people who use wheelchairs.
• Wide aisles and ample room for wheelchairs and walkers to maneuver.
• Hands-on interactive activities created by staff to provide an engaging experience that utilize multiple senses.
• Provide both videos and audio elements.
16. Feedback - Ensure processes for receiving and responding to feedback are accessible to persons with
disabilities by providing or arranging for the provision of accessible formats and communication supports upon
request. Monitor, evaluate and act on any customer feedback which may be received in relation to the website,
or at any municipal facility, through email or telephone.
Action Plan
Castle Kilbride and the Township of Wilmot staff have identified a few existing physical barriers in both the
museum and the Administration Complex. Timeframe for these projects will be in the next 3-5 years.
Resources and Consultation -Short Term (0-1 year)
Museum to establish regular consultation between the Township of Wilmot and this committee
Customer Service
• Regularly collect feedback from customers, volunteers, staff, GRAAC or community members.
• Conduct a yearly customer service review to identify any outstanding barriers or make improvements to
current practices.
• Staff to research and record quieter times at the museum. Train staff how to silence the grandfather clock.
• Attic/Belvedere of museum (inaccessible by walker or wheelchair) Do not feature key exhibitions in this space
or record the area and play on screen in accessible area with audio as well as closed captioning.
Digital Information Sharing
• Update or refresh the website to include more information for accessibility for more categories to include
service animals, ramps, wheelchair, washrooms, change tables and water fountain.
• Work with the Communications Department to ensure that all content is AODA compliant.
Physical Plant (Castle Kilbride Museum)
• Interior doors modifications. Equip interior doors with automatic push buttons. Project is scheduled for 2024.
See GRAAC site visit recommendations for suggestions.
• Update the museum's Physical Plant Standard Policy (2013)
• Modifications to the bathrooms -see GRAAC Site Visit recommendations for suggestions.
• Main floor of museum- replace the threshold trim on all door frames.
• Conduct a bi-annual audit on physical plant to see where improvements to physical accessibility can be
made. This committee will be consulted on facility design features prior to renovations to existing facilities as
per legislated requirements.
Community Museum Standards
• Update the museum's Community Museum Standards Policy to include items from this plan.
Physical Plant- Long Term (2 — 5 years)
• Modifications to the existing entry ramp which is 30 years old.
• Modifications to the admissions desk which is over 20 years old.
• Exhibitions need to incorporate digital and interactive displays to increase accessibility.
• Parking Lot expansion to ensure there is enough accessible parking spaces.
• Have a braille guide created to tour the museum.
Comments/Feedback
• Confirmation - are there opportunities for patrons to provide feedback on the way out. Yes, always
looking for feedback either via social media or in person
• Braille on the signage? Looking for a contact if anyone knows of a company— CNIB was suggested
• Recommendation to pay attention to the finer details as some signs have been known to fall apart
easily
• Scent free zone an excellent idea
• Highly recommend the trip to visit and appreciate the attention to the suggestions made
• Quiet time should be posted
5. City of Waterloo, Digital Strategy
Project started in mid-2022, coming to council in June. Driver was to make our digital services easier for
everyone use. Initial focus is building internal team and setting digital standards
Strategy envisions a long-term digital program in 3 phases:
➢ Exploring digital (2023-24)
➢ Designing digital (2024-26)
➢ Being digital (2027-onward)
In the first phase we're organizing ourselves internally around these digital principles. This means we build
services:
➢ For users and their needs
➢ That reflect our vision of a service-centred organization
➢ That are `complete'
➢ That are accessible by design
➢ Embed privacy and security
➢ Manage data as an asset
➢ With multi-disciplinary teams
Comments/Feedback
• Will you be coming back with real time demonstrations? Yes, that can be set up in the future
6. City of Kitchener, new smart parking system
MOJO PM71
The Mojo is LocoMobi's most cost-effective pay station, designed for on street, gated, and non-gated
properties, built with security and functionality in mind. The PM71 is credit/debit express (Tap/Chip & PIN) with
the option to add bill and coin acceptors. It can be used as a pay-in-lane or a pay at the station, with 3 different
types of programmable functionality: pay by space, pay by plate or pay & display! Operating on a superior Arm
7 system and built around cloud connectivity, the Mojo is ready to survive all conditions from
thunderstorms to blackouts.
Benefits
• Speed up traffic at exits with express credit/debit payments and offering customers a tap option
• Customers can ensure their vehicles are validated by using a pay by plate system, no need to worry
about lost tickets
• The Mojo is connected to the Cloud, making it easy track us age and revenue reports through your
personalized portal in real time
Mojo Xtreme
The Mojo Xtreme is LocoMobi's most enduring mobile pay on foot station. Designed for indoor/outdoor use
and built with security and convenience in mind, parkers can Pay by Space, Pay by Plate or Pay & Display.
Sporting a superior Arm 7 operating system and built around cloud connectivity, the Mojo Xtreme is ready to
operate under weather any conditions, from thunderstorms to blackouts
Benefits
• Efficient system creating ease of use to customers, encouraging repeat business
• Minimal maintenance required
• PM81 is protected from lightning overload, jamming, and severe weather keeping operators at
ease
Comments/Feedback
• Is cash still an option? Yes, cash will still be an option
• Happy to hear there will be a longer button to accommodate both high and low vehicles
• Accessibility still important with new kiosks
• This committee always ready to test new equipment when needed
• Wayfinding to one and only cash machine, signage will be included in all the parking garages
• Improve the signage in the parking lots regarding where the accessible parking spots are located
7. BREAK
8. Built Environment Sub-Committee Updates
• Road trip to look at a lift for the pool for the City of Waterloo, to Guelph for tips and tricks
• How high should the toilet be for the outside accessible public toilet? City of Waterloo working on a
guide to create a standard. Currently the toilet height is 17 1/8th inches. Suggesting 20 inches?
• Representing this committee at Inclusive City workshop, successes and things that still need to be done
in the "perfect" city Looking for thoughts and ideas from this committee on what is still needed?
o Different accessibility issues need to work together to come up with the best solution
o Winter sidewalk clearing still an issue
o Issue papers helpful for now and in the future for consistency
o Educating staff will help them moving forward with initiatives
9. Region of Waterloo, Grand River Transit follow up and feedback
• Snow removal — contractors hired to clear the bus pad but does not help if sidewalk and snow removal
is done and pushes the snow back to the bus stop. Please report it if you find that this is not being
done. Use either call centre or online to report. 2,500 bus stops region wise.
• How accessible are the bus stops? 70% deemed accessible with asphalt or concrete landing pad, the
other 30% grassy surface. Trying to increase every year to improve the remaining 30%
• Application process was taking up to 21+ days to get a sign off from an occupational therapist. More
information in the initial application alleviates the need to attend yet another appointment.
• ION vehicles and emergency situations when you are on a train. Nothing currently in place but looking
at various options including ramps
• Returning to opening the doors at every stop every time in case a rider cannot press the button, still in
the process not 100% there yet
• Service level for mobility plus now back to pre COVI D years to meet the level of demand for both 2023
and 2024 years.
Comments/Feedback
• How was there no emergency plan to get those with disabilities to get off the trains?
• 72 hours turn around time still too much time for people not to be able to get out of their homes
because of snow removal?
• Staff clearing off the roads/sidewalks and the those clearing off the bus stops need to work together
• New Mobility Plus vehicles do not seem to be designed for wheelchairs
• GRT and/or Mobility Plus should be considered an essential service during a strike? Precedent has
been set in court proceedings that would indicate this will likely not be an option
• Identifying bus stops that may be closed for someone with a visual disability and would need to take a
different route. Staff to meet with Alyssa & Carrie to get a clear idea on what or how to make that
experience better
• Does an Occupational Therapist still work if applicant does not have a family doctor? There is an
approved list of professionals that does not have to be a family doctor
10. Committee Updates
No updates
11. Councillor Reports
• Councillor Sandra Hanmer (City of Waterloo)
o Opening of an inclusive park— some negative feedback and staff are currently looking into it
o Snow clearing — undertaking an extensive review to be completed by the end of June
12. Co-chair/Staff Reports
• Amy Ross, (City of Waterloo)
c Businesses now eligible to apply for accessibility rebates from the City
Please send regrets to Janis McKenzie — man is.mckenzie(a)kitchener.ca
Next Regular Meeting —Thursday June 22, 2023, at 1:30pm, ZOOM