HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRAAC - 2004-05-27
GRAND RIVER ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Thursday May 27, 2004 Catholic Family Counselling Centre
PRESENT: Susan Harkins (Chair), Councillor Ruby Weber, Kelly Steiss, Bart Toby, Christine
Broughton, Lori Ludwig, Jay Oswald, Kathy Glasser Carol Moogk-Soulis, Deb
Bergey, Taposhi Batabyal, Sharon Ward-Zeller, James Hunsberger, Daniel LaJoie,
Laura Fiorilla, Grace Niezen, Brad Ullner, Val Hummel and Gerald Moore
REGRETS: Gail Brunsdon, Katherine Elliot (WLU)
1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS – Susan Harkins
2.DELEGATION – John Joca and Mike Sima, United Taxi
Laura and Jay invited John and Mike from United Taxi to speak to the GRAAC.
?United Taxi is the only provider of accessible taxis in Waterloo region. In the past they
have received government assistance, now they are on their own. Last year they reduced
vehicles from 6 to 5. Their current dilemma is that they just purchased two commercial
vehicles through Liberty to replace two older vehicles. The new vehicles do not meet with
MTO or CSA standards for commercial vehicles (1” smaller for the lift door width) and they
are unable to put them on the road which leaves them with only 3 accessible vehicles.
Liberty would not take the vehicles back.
?They have met and spoken with Grand River Transit staff. In respect of the fact that they
have been the only provider of wheelchair vehicles they have asked for an increase in
volume of the Region’s business. Their shareholders have asked them to get an increase in
business to offset their costs of operating the vehicles. Currently, all three carriers are
sharing business equally, while United Taxi’s portion of that business also includes calls
from users of wheelchairs. They met recently with Ken Seiling and GRT staff and have not
received a response at this time. Dave Smith of GRT indicated they were working on a
solution to the problem.
?There was some confusion whether United Taxi wanted the Region to license their vehicles
or to provide increased business. They want all the business, but would settle for less.
When asked, they could not give a specific number. Sharon asked for clarification on the
cost for such vehicles compared to regular taxis. The average taxis costs $10,000
compared to cost of $55,000 for a van and since that vehicle is working 3 shifts per day,
the vehicle needs to be replaced more quickly.
?A suggestion was made by James to seriously recognize the company who has taken the
initiative to assist those with disabilities. He suggested writing a letter of support. Dan
agreed with this idea.
?Kathy suggested that more homework was needed before drafting this letter. The numbers
quoted are not clear. Susan would also like further clarification. There was concern about
the ramification to the other carriers with this letter and what precedent is being set. It
was suggested a letter could be sent with out a specific recommendation for an amount of
business increase, and the suggestion that if other carriers were willing to provide
wheelchair vehicles they could also receive an increase in business.
?A motion was made by Susan for James and or Brad to draft a letter, then circulate
amongst the committee with the question: who should this letter go to? Laura suggested it
should go GRT/Region (with a cc to Ken Seiling) and MTO. Laura was reminded that United
Taxi did not ask for a letter to go to MTO as they were embarking on legal action to settle
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GRAND RIVER ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Thursday May 27, 2004 Catholic Family Counselling Centre
that concern. Nine in favour, two opposed; Taposhi & Grace. They felt that this is only a
first step and that more research is needed a precedence is being set.
3.ADDITION/ADOPTION OF AGENDA – Susan Harkins
?A motion was made by Sharon, seconded by Taposhi to adopt the agenda.
?All were in favour; carried
4. ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES – Susan Harkins
?Change KW Counselling to Catholic Family Counselling Centre.
?A motion was made by Sharon, seconded by Kathy to adopt the minutes from the April
meeting as submitted. All were in favour; carried.
5.OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR – Susan Harkins
?Susan invited everyone to come to meetings for the half hour before the meeting to have a
social time.
?Susan also reminded GRAAC members that they cannot advocate on behalf of GRAAC unless
the committee has discussed the issue and made a decision.
6. OPENING REMARKS FROM THE VICE-CHAIR – Brad Ullner
?Brad reminded everyone that if they hadn’t signed the ‘Conflict of Interest’ statement they
should do so before leaving.
7. REGIONAL AUDIT TOOL – Deb Bergey
?Deb handed out DRAFT copies of the Regional Accessibility Survey Tool. Alternate formats
of the tool are available by contacting Deb. Deb gave an overview of what was in the tool
and asked the committee how they would like to give feedback on the tool. The tool
contains 4 sections: physical/ architectural, communication, technology and policy/ practice/
attitudinal. Some sections are quite large others are smaller. Deb has all summer to get
feedback so there is not a hurry to review the whole document at once. Deb suggested
that she could discuss one section per meeting over the summer so that it is not so
overwhelming. A couple smaller sections could be put together. Deb also informed the
th
committee that a Community Consultation was being held on June 29 at 99 Regina St for
local community agencies. If any members wanted to attend that session they could also
sign up for that to have an opportunity to give more in depth feedback. Contact Deb for
more information. The tool will be tested over the summer at the Region by completing
small surveys to determine how effective it is and if the tool needs revision.
?It was decided that Deb will present at the next meeting on the communication section of
the tool, she also reminded folks to read the introduction. Deb asked members to think of
any words they would like defined further as they are reading the tool.
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GRAND RIVER ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Thursday May 27, 2004 Catholic Family Counselling Centre
8. WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY ACCESSIBILITY PLAN – Katherine Elliott
?Katherine was unable to attend the meeting. Susan asked for general comments on the the
WLU plan. James commented that one goal stood out for him “to effectively accommodate
the needs of students with disabilities in all interactions from recruitment to graduation and
employment, so that students can be successful.”
?Susan felt it was a very good basis for the next plan, was not too long or overwhelming but
provided information to students and staff.
?Kathy commented that she would like to see a section for results, more of a work book
format with timelines.
?Taposhi commented that as a staff person working for the university, she finds the
administration building is extremely inaccessible and would like to see staff more involved in
the plan.
?Dan would like to see more comprehensive prioritization of issues and realistic costs.
?General comments that there is a desire to see more of the ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘where’ and
‘when’.
?Laura appreciated the opportunity to review the plan, however she felt it was not specific
enough and would welcome a chance to view it once the changes have been made.
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS – Taposhi Batabyal
?Taposhi is involved in the Rick Hansen ‘Wheels in motion’ event for spinal cord research in
most communities on June 13. It will be taking place on the afternoon for Waterloo and
the morning for Cambridge. Taposhi will be involved with the Elmira event. 50% of all
money raised comes back to the communities for quality of life of day to day living which
people like her can access to purchase things like wheelchairs.
?Toposhi encourages everyone to participate and is looking for pledges since she is dusting
off her manual wheelchair and going to try and do the 2k trail.
10. ACCESSIBILITY PLANS - All
?Susan pointed out that there are two other plans that have been given to the committee;
one being from the five cities along with the Regional plan. The committee hasn’t done
much advising yet since the committee is still in the learning process. Lori advised the
group that they are working on developing more detail with their plan and would like to
wait until the fall to discuss the joint plan, they would have a better handle on the situation
by then. There was a question about where the architectural barriers were addressed. Bart
explained that architectural plans were not addressed specifically, but rather their plan was
more of a broader plan which deals with things like curb cuts/man holes etc. It was
suggested that there is a fundamental issue for architectural needs to be addressed on
things like additions.
?Deb indicated that she could be ready to discuss the Region’s plan. Deb suggested that she
would like input earlier next year on draft action plans before the plan is finalized. It was
decided that Deb would do a brief overview of the Region’s plan for the next meeting.
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GRAND RIVER ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Thursday May 27, 2004 Catholic Family Counselling Centre
11. OTHER BUSINESS/ QUESTIONS - All
nd
?Laura advised members that June 2 was ‘Clean air day’ and asked the committee to
support the event, she provided the committee with buttons which would could entitle them
to a prize while riding GRT.
?Deb distributed Regional staff directories to all voting members. She will get more for non-
voting members. It is standard practice to give these directories to all Regional advisory
committees.
?Grace announced that there will be an evaluation of the ‘Ready Get Set Volunteer program’.
The report back to stakeholders is scheduled for June 24, 4-6 pm. Invitations will be
forwarded to committee members via e-mail and venue to be announced.
?Susan noted that she had received a letter from the Region indicating that the terms of
committee members had been approved.
12. NEXT MEETING
June 24, 2004 from 1:30-3:30 p.m at the Catholic Family Counselling Centre at 400 Queen
Street South in Kitchener
Motion to adjourn made at 3:32 pm
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