MEETING NO. 1

Members

Councillor V. Burke

Robert Hunn (Chair)

Bill Broger

Sidney Pollack

Carole Robertson

Prescott Harrison

Michael Khan

Ted Chivers

Others

Alan Wolfe, Project Coordinator

Eardley Adams, Project Coordinator

J. Carnegie, Director, Corporate Communications

D. Sewell, Assistant Communications Coordinator

Chris Raynor, Committee Clerk

The Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility convened at the hour of 3:30 p.m. with Mr. Robert Hunn in the Chair.

1. MINUTES OF THE MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE
MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 21, 2007

THE MARKHAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY RECOMMENDS:

That the minutes of the Town of Markham Accessibility Committee meeting held on November 21, 2007 be adopted.

CARRIED

2. DISABILITY AWARENESS AND ACCESSIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAINING

Ms. T. Robichaud, Changing Paces, presented an overview of the training offered by Changing Paces on Accessible Customer Service. It was note that the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities mandates such training. Topics included disability simulation exercises, general etiquette and courtesy, and addressing challenges. The training is a full day and it was noted that each facilitator has some form of disability.

There was general discussion surrounding the content of the training and the Committee requested that staff follow up with the Human Resources Department to gather information on the current situation relating to accessible customer service training in the Town. It was stated that the Town has a Diversity Coordinator and that accessibility may fall within the mandate.

3. UPDATE ON ACCESSIBILITY COORDINATOR POSITION

Councillor V. Burke advised that it is likely that an Accessibility Coordinator might be available through the Career Bridge Program. Career Bridge is designed to assist new immigrants to find employment and that applicants are often highly qualified. The Committee queried whether they can give input on appropriate candidates.

4. WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY

There was general discussion surrounding the Town’s website and its accessibility to persons with disabilities. The Committee agreed to form a Sub-Committee to work with staff on potential improvements.

5. ACCESSIBLE COMMUNICATIONS POLICY

Ms. J. Carnegie, Director, Corporate Communications, presented an overview of the proposed Multilingual and Accessibility Communications Policy. Committee suggested that language should be a factor when assessing candidates for the Committee and made a number of other suggestions and comments.

Committee noted that increasing community outreach is a future goal and that it will be useful to coordinate with certain Departments such as Corporate Communications and the Contact Centre.

6. PARKING ENFORCEMENT BLITZES

Consideration of this item was deferred to the February meeting.

7. PROCEDURAL RULES

Consideration of this item was deferred to the February meeting.

8. REVIEW OF MARKHAM ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES -
STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK REPORT

There was discussion as to whether the Accessibility Guidelines should be available in Braille. It was suggested that this is unnecessary when considering the audience for this documentation.

ADJOURNMENT

The Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility adjourned at 5:30 p.m.