HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRAAC - 2006-07-27Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday July 27, 2006 Kitchener City Hall, Conestoga Room
PRESENT: Taposhi Batabyal (Co-Chair), Brad Ullner, James Hunsberger, Sharon Giles,
Sharon Ward-Zeller, Saul Herzog, Frank Groenestege, Carol Moogk-Soulis, Chris Douglas,
Bart Toby, Margaret Sanderson, David Dirks (Region of Waterloo)
REGRETS (MEMBERS): Ian Ardill (Co-Chair), Susan Harkins
REGRETS (OTHERS): Sparrow Rose, Councillor Barry Vrbanovic, Councillor Ian McLean,
Councillor Ron Hackett, Councillor Jane Mitchell, Councillor Ruby Weber, Val Hummel,
Marvin Bosetti, Lori Ludwig, Deb Bergey
ABSENT WITHOUT REGRETS: Allan Strong, Gail Brunsdon
1.0 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Taposhi welcomed everyone to the July meeting.
2.0 APPROVAL OF JUNE MINUTES AND REVIEW OF JULY AGENDA
• A motion was made by James Hunsberger, seconded by Sharon Giles, that the
minutes of the June meeting be accepted. All were in favour; carried.
• A motion was made by Sharon Ward-Zeller, seconded by Frank Groenestege, to
adopt the agenda for the July meeting. All were in favour; carried.
3.0 BUSINESS ARISING
3.1 Community Placement Program -David Dirks, Employment and Income
Support, Region of Waterloo
David attended to provide information on the Community Placement Program (see
Item 5.4 from the June minutes).
• Decisions regarding the program are made from Queen's Park; the program is
administered by the Region according to these guidelines.
• Among other things, the program has allowed people to volunteer their time
allowing them to gain experience and skills, etc., that can be used in the
workplace and then to move on to find employment.
• The program was reviewed in 2004 at which time one of the questions asked was
whether people were becoming employable based on their participation in the
program. Were they getting jobs and no longer dependent on social assistance?
• Following the review, changes were made to the practice of providing
transportation assistance to clients. Now, clients are given either a bus pass or
tickets if they volunteer in order to meet employment objectives, but not if they
only wish to volunteer. Placements are to last for six months, but, on review, can
continue for another five in a different area.
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Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday July 27, 2006
• The program objective has always been for people to find jobs, not for volunteer
opportunities. Now, the government is ensuring that the program is results-
oriented.
• David suggested that members speak to Nadine Hull of the Income Support
office, regarding specifics of the ODSP program.
Action:
A motion was made by James that Sharon Ward-Zeller invite someone to
attend a meeting to speak on employment and income supports for ODSP
clients. Chris abstained from voting, all else were in favour; carried.
4.0 OTHER BUSINESS
4.1 Sub-Committee Reports
4.1.1 Built Environment Sub-Committee -Carol Moogk-Soulis
• The name of this sub-committee was derived from the committee of the same
name under the new provincial act, as it encompasses the entire building
environment, both inside and out.
• Referring to the proposals that were approved by members at the February
GRAAC meeting (Item 4.1), Carol noted that she met with staff representatives
from partnering municipalities and asked whether they would support the
documents as noted in Proposal #1 and whether there are any resources that
GRAAC could provide to them.
• Municipal staff reps are working individually with Carol to approve the guidelines
within Proposal #1. The sub-committee is working to draft a tracking sheet to be
used to carry out Proposal #2.
• Each municipality will handle the guidelines differently.
• Carol will keep GRAAC members informed with updates.
4.1.2 Transit Sub-Committee -Sharon Ward-Zeller/Sharon Giles
• The group met on July 11 to discuss the committee's Terms of Reference. A draft
will be presented for approval to all members at the next GRAAC meeting.
• An overview of the minutes from each sub-committee meeting will be presented
at GRAAC, but if any member wishes to have a copy of the Transit minutes, then
please contact either Sharon or Sharon.
Action:
A motion was made by Brad Ullner, seconded by James Hunsberger, to
accept the report of the Transit sub-committee. All were in favour.
4.2 Updates from Councillors
N/A
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Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday July 27, 2006
4.3 Co-Chair Reports
GRAAC Website Working Group/Sub-Committee Proposal
Members discussed whether they felt it would be advantageous to have a GRAAC
website. There is money in the budget to cover development
ACTION
A motion was made by Frank, seconded by Sharon Ward-Zeller and Sharon
Giles, that the Co-Chairs investigate and report back to members
regarding the feasibility of developing a website for GRAAC. Frank and
Sharon Giles offered their help for possible website development. All were
in favour; carried.
4.4 Correspondence Received
O H RC Letter
See Item 5.2, March minutes. Responses have been received from everyone to
whom a letter was sent. Taposhi encouraged members to look through the
responses, especially those from local MPPs. The letters will go into a
correspondence file which will be available at each GRAAC meeting should members
wish to see it.
4.5 Updates on Accessibility Plans
Phone System -Bart Toby
Bart noted that Wellesley Township now has a new TTY and that renovation to the
Wellesley library to be completed this Fall will ensure the building will be mostly
barrier free.
5.0 ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Sharon Ward-Zeller to adjourn the July meeting. All
were in favour; carried.
6.0 NEXT MEETING
August 24 at Kitchener City Hall, Conestoga Room, Main Floor from 1:30-
3:30 p.m. Parking and bus passes will be available.
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