HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRAAC - 2005-05-26
Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday May 26, 2005 Catholic Family Counselling Centre
PRESENT: Taposhi Batabyal (Co-Chair), Brad Ullner (Co-Chair), Susan Harkins, Valrie
Hummel, Kathy Glasser, Jay Oswald, Frank Groenestege, Chris Douglas, Carol Moogk-Soulis,
Laura Fiorilla, Tara O'Brien, Margaret Sanderson, Sharon Ward-Zeller, Gail Brunsden, James
Hunsberger, Councillor Ruby Weber, Councillor Jane Mitchell, Nadica Sloan (Guest),
Sparrow Rose, Deb Bergey, Lori Ludwig.
REGRETS: Ian ArdillBart Toby, Gerald Moore, Dawn Paxton, Councillor Ian McLean,
Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, Councillor Ron Hackett/.
ABSENT WITHOUT REGRETS: N/ A
1.0 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Introductions were made and Brad welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2.0 APPROVAL OF APRIL MINUTES AND REVIEW OF MAY AGENDA
A motion was made by Laura, seconded by Taposhi, to adopt the agenda as
submitted. All were in favour; carried.
Laura apologized for missing the past couple of meetings due to her illness, but
mentioned that she had sent her regrets while speaking with staff/Councillors.
A motion was made by Jay, seconded by Susan, that the minutes of the April
meeting be approved. All were in favour; carried.
3.0 DELEGATION: Nadica Sloan: "Trading Places"
Nadica attended the meeting to ask GRAAC for ideas and support for an event she is
planning that aims to bring awareness and understanding to the community of
challenges faced by people with disabilities. She noted that as well, the event could
bring attention to challenges that will arise as people age. Nadica proposed to
involve as many people as possible including City staff, Mayor and Councillors, as
well as the media in the event that she hopes will take place sometime in mid-June.
Feedback from GRAAC included:
· Members noted that, although this is a good idea, this type of event has been
done before by various organizations, including cities of Kitchener and Waterloo.
· June 12 is the Rick Hansen Wheels-In-Motion fundraiser at RIM Park.
· Both ODA Accessibility Plans did identify the need for sensitivity training for
municipal staff, but that this can be offered in-house.
· Members also felt there wasn't enough time to plan for an event of this scope to
take place in June and suggested that it be scheduled for next year.
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Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday May 26, 2005
· The Wilfrid Laurier University considered planning an event such as this but
received feedback from students who felt that doing this type of event for a short
time is not the same as living with a disability every day.
Members were asked to contact Nadica at 888-7110 (w)/ 576-9176 (h) or e-mail her
at nadica@remaxkw.com should they be interested in helping out with the event or
in giving more feedback.
Nadica was thanked and left the meeting.
4.0 BUSINESS ARISING
N/A
5.0 NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Municipal Government 101 - Deb/Margaret
Deferred.
5.2 Update on Bill 118 - Brad
· Bill 118 passed and now requires only the signature of the Governor General to
become law. The Royal Assent is expected in June.
· Municipalities may still have to prepare a plan for the next two-three years until
standards are developed and in place.
· Committees such as GRAAC will have to ensure that standards are being met.
· The Bill doesn't say whether advisory groups will change so GRAAC will continue
on as usual.
· Brad commented on an article in the Toronto Star regarding the lack of provision
for persons with a disability in the latest provincial budget. The budget did
include funds for students with disabilities at post-secondary levels. A copy of the
article will be circulated with the minutes.
5.3 Meetings During July/August - Brad/Taposhi
· The group discussed whether GRAAC should meet over the summer. Meetings
were held last summer during July and August; the December meeting was
cancelled.
· The Terms of Reference requires meetings to be held a minimum of four/year.
· Suggest that the group meet if there is an issue to be dealt with.
· How many people would be available to attend?
ACTION:
A motion was made by Laura, seconded by Susan that a decision be
deferred to the June meeting once staff has drafted a critical path and
identified areas of focus. All were in favour; carried.
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Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday May 26, 2005
Gail was unable to attend this meeting as there was no interpreter available.
Members discussed what could be done to enable Gail to regularly attend meetings.
ACTION:
Brad, Taposhi and staff will talk with CHS regarding this issue.
5.4 Update on Accessibility Plans
ROW Accessibility Plan - Deb
Deb thanked everyone who attended the community consultation. Staff will work on
the plan over the summer.
Joint Accessibility Plan - Lori
· Staff is meeting with CHS to discuss what is needed to make public meetings
accessible to all (Gail is attending these meetings as well).
· The Snow Committee is meeting to discuss how to provide better snow clearance.
· The Purchasing Department is starting to review purchasing policies. Grant
policies are also being reviewed.
It was commented that the Driver's Licence office is not accessible. Under the ODA,
everyone should be guaranteed access to (provincial) public buildings.
ACTION:
As this is a provincial building, it may be beneficial for members to contact
their MPP.
5.5 Access Ontario 2 Conference - Brad/Taposhi
· Members initiated discussion on how to reach an agreement for a process for
sending delegates to conferences/workshops, etc.
· Members will be required to report back to GRAAC after attending a conference.
ACTION:
A motion was made by Frank, seconded by Susan, that a decision be made
as each event takes place, based on who is interested in attending. All
were in favour; carried. Members attending a conference/workshop will
be required to report back to GRAAC.
5.0 REPORTS
5.1 Site Plan Working Group - Carol Moogk-Soulis
No report.
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Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday May 26, 2005
6.0 OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Mitchell will provide information to be included in the minutes on a
conference coming up in 2007.
7.0 Next Meeting
· Thursday June 23/ 1 :OOpm - 3:30pm, Catholic Family Counselling Centre
400 Queen St S/ Kitchener
8.0 Adjournment
A motion was made by Susan, seconded by Jay, to adjourn the April GRAAC meeting.
All were in favour; carried. The meeting was adjourned at 3: 10 p.m.
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