HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRAAC - 2006-09-28Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday September 28, 2006 Kitchener City Hall, Conestoga Room
PRESENT: Ian Ardill (Co-Chair), Taposhi Batabyal (Co-Chair), Brad Ullner, Sharon Giles,
Susan Harkins, Sharon Ward-Zeller, Saul Herzog, Frank Groenestege, Chris Douglas, Gail
Brunsdon, Councillor Jane Mitchell, Councillor Ruby Weber, Val Hummel, Lori Ludwig, Deb
Bergey, Ana Popa (MSW student), Kelly Steiss
REGRETS (MEMBERS): Carol Moogk-Soulis, James Hunsberger
REGRETS (OTHERS): Sparrow Rose, Councillor Barry Vrbanovic, Councillor Ian McLean,
Councillor Ron Hackett, Marvin Bosetti
ABSENT WITHOUT REGRETS: Allan Strong
1.0 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Ian welcomed everyone to the September meeting.
2.0 APPROVAL OF AUGUST MINUTES AND REVIEW OF SEPTEMBER AGENDA
• A motion was made by Sharon Ward-Zeller, seconded by Taposhi, to accept the
minutes of the August meeting. All were in favour; carried.
• A motion was made by Sharon Ward-Zeller, seconded by Chris Douglas, to adopt
the September agenda as submitted. All were in favour; carried.
3.0 BUSINESS ARISING
3.1 Kitchener Staffing Change -Ian
• Kelly Steiss will be assuming many of Margaret's former responsibilities, one of
which is GRAAC and the AODA.
• Ana Popa, an MSW student, will be doing a placement with Deb Bergey from now
until next June and will be attending the GRAAC meetings.
3.2 Update re Audit Consultant -Ian
• Kitchener, Waterloo and the Townships have chosen the Herrington Group to
carry out the audit on municipal facilities. Ian congratulated the municipalities on
choosing an organization in which all employees have a disability.
• Audits begin the first week of October in Woolwich.
• All facilities will be audited for all facets of accessibility. This is the first time that
facilities will be assessed by professionals.
• Cost associated with the audit will be covered by the individual municipalities.
Municipalities have budgeted for the audit which stems from the 2005 Plan.
• The outcome for the audit will be based on a ranking system from one to four
with one having legal consequences to four -not immediate.
September 2006 - GRAAC Minutes 1
Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday September 28, 2006
• The Request for Proposal states that the Herrington Group must consult with
GRAAC as part of the process.
3.3 GRAAC Spokesperson Reminder -Ian
Ian reminded members that, should they be asked to make a comment, they may
not speak on behalf of GRAAC without being authorized by GRAAC to do so. They
may give their opinion as an individual only. The Co-chairs can speak on behalf of all
members but it is better to have the consensus of all.
3.4 Winnipeg IT Hardwiring Conference Update -Ian
A decision was made that GRAAC members will not attend this conference as it will
not be of benefit to the committee.
Ian left the meeting at this point, and Taposhi chaired the remainder.
3.5 Highlighting GRAAC Achievements This Year -Taposhi
Each year, a list of GRAAC accomplishments is included in the Plans.
ACTION
Members are asked to bring their suggestions to the October GRAAC
meeting or a-mail the Co-Chairs with the information.
4.0 BUSINESS ARISING
N/A
5.0 OTHER BUSINESS
5.1 Sub-Committee Reports
5.1.1 Built Environment Sub-Committee -Carol Moogk-Soulis
No report.
5.1.2 Transit Sub-Committee -Sharon Ward-Zeller/Sharon Giles
The committee did not meet in September but will meet again on October 11.
5.2 Updates from Councillors
Ruby noted that plans for the library renovation are complete and have been
approved by Council. No start date has been set yet.
5.3 Co-Chair Reports
• Taposhi advised that the United Nations has reached an agreement regarding the
Human Rights Treaty. Courts ruled that interpreters must be provided for public
meetings.
September 2006 - GRAAC Minutes 2
Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday September 28, 2006
• The Elections Act makes it mandatory that accessibility be provided for electors.
If a person has a disability and is running in an election, it is considered a
campaign expense for any services that person needs.
5.4 Correspondence Received
N/A
5.5 Updates on Accessibility Plans
The Region's draft plan will be sent out to members to review prior to the October
meeting.
ACTION
Members are asked to call Deb should they want clarification on anything.
One hour will be set aside at the October meeting to discuss.
5.6 AODA Update -Deb
• Customer service standards are being developed and will be out shortly. The
updated transportation standards will be out in the new year.
• The Ministry will be holding public consultation meetings in the new year re: the
transportation review.
• Recruitment will shortly begin for the Information and Communications
Committee and the Built Environment Committee will begin recruitment Winter
2007; Employment will recruit in the Spring 2007.
6.0 NEXT MEETING
October 26 at Kitchener City Hall, Conestoga Room, Main Floor from 1:30-
3:30 p.m. Parking and bus passes will be available.
September 2006 - GRAAC Minutes 3