FOURTH MEETING OF THE

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY

 

TOWN OF MARKHAM

York Room, Markham Civic Centre

Wednesday, April 23, 2003

 

MINUTES

 

Members                                                                                              Regrets

Robert Hunn (Chair)                                                                         Sharon Prasow

Barbara Howe (Vice-Chair)                                                                 Martha Shultz

Connie Weber

Dr. John White

Carole Robertson

Frank Zambri

Councillor S. Daurio

 

Staff

Shirley Marsh, Planner

Yvonne Hurst, Committee Clerk

 

Guests

Cathy McComiskey, Jillian’s Place

Debora Manni, Jillian’s Place

 

The meeting convened at the hour of 7:05 p.m.

 

1.            MARKHAM CENTRE

 

            David Clark, Town Architect was unable to present an overview of the Markham Centre Development due to illness.  The presentation will be rescheduled.

 

2.            ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE THIRD

            MEETING OF THE TOWN OF MARKHAM ADVISORY

COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY – MARCH 26, 2003

 

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY RECOMMENDS:

 

            That the minutes of the Third meeting in 2003 of the Town of Markham Advisory Committee on Accessibility held on March 26, 2003 be adopted.

 

            Carried.

 

 

 

3.            UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Web Site – Accessibility

 

Councillor Daurio advised that he is working with staff with regards to making the  Town’s web site accessible.  He is attempting to have the Town’s web site accessible without the users having to purchase a software program.  He will report further at the Committee’s next meeting.

 

 

            Cedarcrest Automatic Doors

 

Councillor Daurio reported that he has asked staff why the automatic doors at Cedarcrest were not included in the budget and is presently waiting for further information.

 

 

            Town of Markham Accessibility Plan

 

There was no further information on the progress of the Accessibility Plan.  The CAO is appointing one member from each department to ensure that changes support accessibility issues and do not undo work that has already been put in place.  The Committee expressed concerns that a draft plan was not yet available for review. 

 

It was noted that, if a draft plan was not received by the Accessibility Committee by May, it would be difficult commenting prior to September due to the summer recess.

 

The Committee concurred that a request be made to have a presentation at the next Accessibility Committee meeting on the progress of the Accessibility Plan.

 

 

Therapeutic Pool

 

Councillor Daurio noted that, at this time, the therapeutic pool was still included in the facility plans for construction by November, 2004.  It is hoped that the Town will be able to offer programs for persons with disabilities in the therapeutic pool. 

 

The Committee asked if an opportunity would be given for input into the design as it relates to disability issues.  Accessible washrooms are an important item as many times the design of these washrooms does not allow full accessibility.  Councillor Daurio indicated that the architect will attend a committee meeting to receive comments and suggestions on disability issues related to the facility.

 

 

4.            OTHER BUSINESS

 

            Resignation – Councillor Khalid Usman

 

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ACCESSIBILITY RECOMMENDS:

 

THAT the resignation - Councillor Khalid Usman as a member of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility be received.

 

            Carried.

 

 

5.         NEW BUSINESS

 

            PRESENTATION – JILLIAN’S PLACE

 

Cathy McComiskey and Debora Manni were in attendance to provide information on the facility called Jillian’s Place.  Ms. McComiskey noted that there are very few programs for people with disabilities after 8 years of age.  She noted that there is still a strong need for social interaction for children right through to their adult years.  The facility, Jillian’s Place, is named after an 11 year old in Markham with multiple disabilities. 

 

Ms. McComiskey noted that the programs that would be offered are very different from those offered at Variety Village.  It is also very time consuming to go to Variety Village to participate in their programs.  For a one-hour program it would take a half day when traffic and distance to the facility are taken into consideration.

 

Ms. McComiskey pointed out a number of issues that need to be addressed for persons with disabilities:

1)                 appropriate washrooms are a ‘huge’ issue.  There is a need to provide  sufficient space for a cot to recline persons with certain disabilities;

2)                 some persons with disabilities are unable to sit/stand quietly during a movie and become isolated from their families and others;

3)                 there is a need for families to be able to enjoy a group outing by all going to one place to enjoy a leisure activity

4)                 other accessibility issues include accessible entrances, accessible telephones, drinking fountains, and eatery tables.

 

She noted that the proposed Markham area east facility that is scheduled for construction in 2006 would present an ideal opportunity for the Town to allocate some space within the structure to be known as ‘Jillian’s Place’. The location, with its other facilities (e.g. swimming pool) would allow persons with disabilities to become involved in other programs in addition to those housed at Jillian’s Place.

 

Ms. McComiskey stressed that the programs to be offered are not ‘therapy’ but for ‘social interaction’.  This social interaction is needed by persons of all ages and families find that there is added strength in socializing with other families who are facing the same challenges.  The centre would be a positive step for Markham and would draw from all areas of York Region. 

 

Ms. McComiskey noted that fund raising and grant applications would proceed as soon as space was obtained from the Town.  She noted that the plans outlined to the committee were long-term and could only be accomplished a little at a time.  To start she is looking for some space at the Markham area east facility so that some basic programs could be implemented.  A Snoezelin room, a large multi-purpose room and an accessible washroom would be a satisfactory starting point.  She outlined the success of the Snoezelin rooms and noted that a room could be constructed with a modest budget.

 

She concluded by stressing the importance of raising awareness of issues related to accessibility (not just being wheelchair accessible).   She noted that the programs are designed to be ‘inclusionary’ not ‘exclusionary’ and support social interaction for all ages. 

 

6.         NEXT MEETING

 

The next meeting is scheduled for WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2003 AT 7:00 PM

            IN THE ONTARIO ROOM.

 

7.            ADJOURNMENT

 

            The Advisory Committee on Accessibility adjourned at the hour of 8:35 p.m.