REGION OF PEEL ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Transcription

1 REGION OF PEEL ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA AAC - 4/2015 DATE: TIME: LOCATION: 1:30 PM 3:30 PM Council Chambers, 5 th Floor Regional Administrative Headquarters 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A Brampton, Ontario MEMBERS: C. Belleth; A. Brar; R. Chopra; F. Dale; M. Daniel; M. Dytyniak; D. Farrace; A. Groves; N. Husain; R. Khedr; M. Mahoney; J. McArthur; M. Palleschi; T. Tamlin; U. Tibbin Naz Husain, Chair to preside. 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA For inquires about this agenda, or to make arrangements for accessibility accommodations for persons attending, please contact: Meenu Sikand, Accessibility Planning Specialist at (905) , Ext or by at [email protected] Some meeting information may also be available in alternate formats, upon request. Please contact: Veronica Montesdeoca at (905) , Ext or by at [email protected]

2 AAC - 4/ November 5, PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES 4.1. Minutes of the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC-3/2015) meeting held on September 17, 2015 (Receipt recommended) 5. DELEGATIONS 6. REPORTS Accessibility Compliance Report to the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure (For information) 6.2. Accessibility Planning Program Update - November 2015 (For information) 7. COMMUNICATIONS 7.1. Michael Dytyniak, Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee Member, Letter dated September 30, 2015, Advising of his Resignation from the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (Receipt recommended) 7.2. Veronica Montesdeoca, Legislative Technical Coordinator, Memo dated October 1, 2015, Regarding the 2016 Meeting Schedule for the Region of Peel AAC (Receipt recommended) 7.3. Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, News Release dated October 5, 2015 titled Ontario Ensuring Workplaces are Accessible by Launching Compliance Audits (Receipt recommended) 7.4. Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, Letter dated October 14, 2015, Inviting Nominations for the 2016 David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility (Receipt recommended) 8. OTHER BUSINESS 9. NEXT MEETING Thursday, February 18, :30 3:30 p.m. Council Chamber, 5 th floor Regional Administrative Headquarters 10 Peel Centre Dr., Suite A Brampton, ON 10. ADJOURNMENT

3 4.1-1 REGION OF PEEL ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES AAC - 3/2015 The Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee met on September 17, 2015 in the Regional Council Chamber, 5th Floor, Regional Administrative Headquarters 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A, Brampton. Members Present: Members Absent: Also Present: C. Belleth; A. Brar; F. Dale; M. Daniel; D. Farrace; A. Groves*; N. Husain; R. Khedr; M. Mahoney*; M. Palleschi*; T. Tamlin R. Chopra; M. Dytyniak; J. McArthur; U. Tibbin Region of Peel: L. Graham-Watson, Commissioner of Corporate Services; J. Smith, Commissioner of Health; K. Lockyer, Regional Clerk and Director of Clerk s; A. Adams, Manager, Access to Information and Privacy; M. Sikand, Accessibility Planning Specialist; H. West, Legislative Specialist; K. Dubuque, Legislative Specialist; V. Montesdeoca, Committee Clerk; S. Valleau, Legislative Assistant; H. Gill, Legislative Assistant Chaired by Naz Husain 1. CALL TO ORDER Naz Husain, Committee Chair of the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) called the meeting to order at 1:33 p.m. Councillor Mahoney arrived at 1:35 p.m. Councillor Palleschi arrived at 1:35 p.m. 2. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - Nil * See text for arrivals See text for departures

4 4.1-2 AAC 3/2015 Thursday, September 17, APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by F. Dale; RECOMMENDATION AAC : That the agenda for the September 17, 2015, Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be amended to include an additional communication from Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, regarding The Path to 2025: Ontario s Accessibility Action Plan, to be dealt with under Communications Item 7.3; And further, that the agenda for the September 17, 2015, Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be amended to include an oral update by Dely Farrace regarding the Town of Caledon AAC meeting held on September 10, 2015, to be dealt with under Other Business Item 8.1; And further, that the agenda for the September 17, 2015, Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting, be approved, as amended. 4. PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES 4.1. Minutes of the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC- 2/2015) meeting held on April 30, 2015 Received 5. DELEGATIONS - Nil Councillor Groves arrived at 1:40 p.m. 6. REPORTS 6.1. Peel Regional Paramedic Services Thomas Reporting Station (R3) - Site Plan Review Presentation by Jason Witalis, Project Manager, Kleinfeldt Mychajlowycz Architects Inc. and Rene Masad, Director, Real Property Asset Management Moved by F. Dale; RECOMMENDATION AAC : Received That the site plan for the Peel Regional Paramedic Services (PRPS) Reporting Station located at Erin Mills Parkway and Thomas Street, Mississauga, Ward 11, hereinafter referred as Thomas Station, as

5 4.1-3 AAC 3/2015 Thursday, September 17, 2015 presented to the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), be supported; And further, that notification of the AAC s support for the subject site plan, be provided to the City of Mississauga, Planning and Building Department. Jason Witalis, Project Manager, Kleinfeldt Mychajlowycz Architects Inc., provided an overview of the accessibility features for the Peel Regional Paramedic Services (PRPS) Reporting Station located at Erin Mill Parkway and Thomas Street in the City of Mississauga. In response to questions raised by Committee members, Janette Smith, Commissioner of Health Services, stated that the reporting stations house equipment and provide resources for Paramedics. Paramedics use the stations to get equipped and prepare themselves for their assigned post. She noted that technicians also use the facility to provide cleaning, disinfecting and overall maintenance of the equipment. Janette Smith noted that the satellite stations are smaller in size and used by paramedics to work on reports and take breaks between calls. She further explained that due to the physical nature of the job as part of the essential duties, there are no Region of Peel Paramedics who have a disability. Committee Members commended the presenters on the report and presentation Peel Regional Paramedic Services Satellite Stations - Site Plan Review Moved by A. Groves; RECOMMENDATION AAC : That the site plans for the Peel Regional Paramedic Services (PRPS) Satellite Stations identified in the report of the Commissioner of Corporate Services, titled Peel Regional Paramedic Services Satellite Stations Site Plan Review, be supported; And further, that notification of the AAC s support for the subject site plans be provided to the area municipalities Planning and Building Departments. At the request of the AAC Chair, Rene Masad, Director, Real Property Asset Management provided an overview of five satellite stations. He explained that the site plans for the five satellite stations are similar in design, layout and accessibility features and are in line with the Peel Regional Paramedic Services Satellite Station Accessibility Features Checklist. A question was raised as to who would be responsible for ensuring that the checklist is applied to future satellite stations. Rene Masad, Director of Real Property Asset Management undertook to ensure that the checklist is used Accessibility Planning Program Update - September 2015 Received Meenu Sikand, Accessibility Planning Specialist provided an update of the tasks undertaken by the Accessibility Planning Program since its last update to the Committee in April 30, Committee members who participated in the Supportive Housing in Peel consultation commended staff for including the AAC in the consultation and requested that an update be

6 4.1-4 AAC 3/2015 Thursday, September 17, 2015 provided regarding the Peel Housing and Homelessness Plan, as well as, updates relating to the Affordable Housing Guidelines and Standards for townhomes and apartment buildings. The Accessibility Planning Specialist undertook to follow up and bring back the information to a future AAC meeting. Meenu Sikand provided an overview of the 2015 International Day for Persons with Disabilities event to be held on November 30, 2015 at the Mississauga Valley Community Centre from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. She stated that the theme for the event will be Tapping into the Billion Dollar Market which aims to highlight the Employment Standard under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The following AAC Members volunteered to assist with the event: Mary Daniel, Dely Farrace, Councillor Groves, Rabia Khedr and Councillor Mahoney. 7. COMMUNICATIONS 7.1. Jonathan Lebi, Director, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Letter dated June 12, 2015, Acknowledging Receipt of Correspondence dated May 22, 2015 to Minister Ted McMeekin, Regarding Telephone or Video Conference Participation by Appointed Members of Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committees Moved by M. Mahoney; RECOMMENDATION AAC : Received Whereas the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, does not include provision for appointed members of municipal advisory committees to use telephone or video conferencing to participate in meetings; And whereas, some citizen members of the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee may, as a result of their disability, find it difficult to attend meetings from time to time; And whereas, the Region of Peel supports accessibility and removing such barriers that limit a member s ability to actively participate in meetings; And whereas, the participation of these members is critical to the work of these committees to remove barriers; And whereas, the Region of Peel Procedure By-law requires members to be present to participate in meetings; And whereas, the Councils of the City of Mississauga and the Town of Richmond Hill adopted resolutions encouraging the Ontario Government to make the appropriate legislative amendments to the Municipal Act 2001 to make it easier for citizen members of municipal Accessibility Advisory Committees to participate in meetings; Therefore be it resolved, that the Ontario Government be requested to implement appropriate legislative amendments to the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 to permit

7 4.1-5 AAC 3/2015 Thursday, September 17, 2015 telephone and video conference participation by appointed members of municipal accessibility advisory committees; And further, that a copy of this resolution be sent to all Peel-area MPPs, the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga, the Town of Caledon and the Town of Richmond Hill, for information. Several AAC members noted that the recommendation adopted by Regional Council through the Region s AAC at its meeting on April 30, 2015 differs from the wording and intent from several other municipalities including the City of Mississauga and the Town of Richmond Hill. The City of Mississauga recommends that appointed members of municipal AAC s be permitted to participate in meetings through telephone and video conference, whereas the Region of Peel s request is broader and recommends including members of all municipal advisory committees. Members further noted that the Region s recommendation may be too ambitious and may make it more difficult to achieve the desired action from the Provincial government. Members suggested that it would be prudent to make a more targeted request that the Provincial government make the required changes for municipal AAC s only, in order to ensure a higher probability of success. See also Other Business Item Sonya Pacheco, Legislative Coordinator, City Clerk's Office, City of Brampton, Letter dated July 10, 2015, Providing a Copy of the City of Brampton Resolution Regarding the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 Additional Item Item 7.3 Received 7.3. Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, Presenting The Path to 2025: Ontario s Accessibility Action Plan Received 8. OTHER BUSINESS Additional Item Item Town of Caledon AAC Update (Oral) Received Dely Farrace, Vice-Chair of the Region s AAC and Vice-Chair for the Town of Caledon AAC informed that at its meeting held on September 10, 2015 the Town of Caledon AAC passed a similar motion to the one passed by the City of Mississauga regarding telephone and video conference participation by appointed members of municipal accessibility advisory committees. See also Communications Item 7.1

8 4.1-6 AAC 3/2015 Thursday, September 17, NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 1:30 p.m., Council Chamber, 5th floor, Regional Administrative Headquarters, Suite A, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton, Ontario. Please forward regrets to Veronica Montesdeoca, Committee Clerk, (905) ext or at 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:53 p.m.

9 6.1-1 REPORT Meeting Date: Accessibility Advisory Committee For Information DATE: October 28, 2015 REPORT TITLE: FROM: 2015 ACCESSIBILITY COMPLIANCE REPORT TO THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, EMPLOYMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE Lorraine Graham-Watson, Commissioner of Corporate Services OBJECTIVE To inform the Accessibility Advisory Committee of the 2015 Annual Accessibility Compliance Report to be filed with the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS The Region of Peel must file an Accessibility Report detailing its compliance with the Customer Service Standard and its obligations under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) by December 31, DISCUSSION 1. Background The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) came into effect on June 13, 2005 with the goal of making Ontario fully accessible by The AODA applies to all public and private sector organizations. It requires all public sector municipalities to file an online accessibility report with the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, which is tasked with enforcement of the AODA. The report will convey to the province that the Region of Peel continues to comply with the Customer Service Standard and is meeting the requirements under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. The report must be submitted to the province by a signing officer of the Region of Peel by December 31, Preparing the 2015 Accessibility Compliance Report The Region of Peel must use the province s online Accessibility Compliance Reporting tool (ACR) to file the report. The report consists of a number of questions that require either a yes or no response. The Region of Peel is indicating full compliance with all existing requirements related to the Customer Service Standard and Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. The questions and responses are attached as Appendix I for further reference. Information gathered for the report was obtained from relevant Regional programs including Emergency Management, Purchasing, Transportation/Transhelp, Real Property Asset Management, Accessibility Planning and Human Resources.

10 ACCESSIBILITY COMPLIANCE REPORT TO THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, EMPLOYMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE CONCLUSION The Region of Peel s 2015 Accessibility Compliance Report reflects full compliance and through this its ongoing commitment to accessibility for persons with disabilities. The Region of Peel will continue its efforts to identify and remove barriers to accessibility. Lorraine Graham-Watson, Commissioner of Corporate Services Approved for Submission: D. Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer APPENDICES 1. Appendix I - Accessibility Compliance Reporting Questions and Answers For further information regarding this report, please contact Please contact Meenu Sikand, Accessibility Planning Specialist, Accessibility Planning Program at extension 4778 or via at [email protected]. Authored By: Meenu Sikand - 2 -

11 6.1-3 Appendix I 2015 Accessibility Compliance Report to the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure 1. Does your organization provide and keep a record of accessibility training for employees and volunteers on the use of: 1) accessibility features and equipment, 2) acceptable modifications to deal with temporary barriers or equipment failures, and 3) emergency response procedures for persons with disabilities? (IASR s. 36) YES 2. Does your organization ensure that a support person accompanying a person with a disability is not charged a fare where a person with a disability has demonstrated a need for a support person? (IASR s. 38) YES 3. Does your organization s eligibility application and appeals process for specialized transportation services meet the requirements as described in the IASR s. 64 (1-8)? YES 4. Does your organization have a procedure for addressing temporary specialized transportation services based on emergency or compassionate grounds? (IASR s. 65) YES 5. Does your organization meet the specialized transportation booking requirements as described in the (IASR s. 71)? YES 6. Does your specialized transportation service ensure that the availability of services to persons with disabilities is not limited by either restricting the number of trips a person with a disability is able to request or by any other policy or operational practice? (IASR s. 72) YES 7. Is your organization providing ongoing training as required under the Customer Service Standard and are you continuing to meet the Customer Service Standard and Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations that have come into effect prior to the report? YES 8. Does your organization provide the required training on the IASR and the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with a disability? (IASR s. 7) YES 9. Does your organization ensure that its feedback processes are accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging accessible formats or communication supports upon request? (IASR s. 11) YES 10. Does your organization have a process to provide accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities in a timely manner and at no more than the cost for other persons who ask for the same information? (IASR s. 12) YES Does your organization provide its emergency procedures, plans or public safety information that it makes available to the public, in an accessible format upon request? (IASR s. 13) YES 12. Does your organization provide individualized emergency response information for employees that require it and does it review the information in accordance with the Employment Standards? (IASR s. 27) YES

12 Does your organization incorporate accessibility features into its procurement or acquisition of goods, services or facilities or provide an explanation if doing so is not practicable? (IASR s. 5) YES 14. Does your organization notify its employees and the public about the availability of accommodations in its recruitment processes? (IASR s ) YES 15. Does your organization provide its employees with updated information about its policies to support its employees with disabilities? (IASR s. 25) YES 16. When requested, does your organization provide employees with disabilities information in an accessible format or with communication supports? (IASR s. 26) YES 17. Does your organization develop and have in place a written process for the development of documented individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities? (IASR s.28) YES 18. Does your organization have a documented return to work process for employees who were absent due to a disability or require disability-related accommodations in order to return to work? (IASR s. 29) YES

13 6.2-1 REPORT Meeting Date: Accessibility Advisory Committee For Information DATE: October 28, 2015 REPORT TITLE: ACCESSIBILITY PLANNING PROGRAM UPDATE - NOVEMBER 2015 FROM: Lorraine Graham-Watson, Commissioner of Corporate Services OBJECTIVE To provide an update on the activities undertaken by the Region of Peel Accessibility Planning Program (AP) and the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) since the September 17 th, 2015 AAC meeting. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS The Accessibility Advisory Committee and Accessibility Planning Program were involved in various activities during this period, which are categorized as follows: o Consultation and Compliance Support provided to Regional Programs; o Community Events; and The report also references upcoming events. DISCUSSION 1. Background The main objective of the Region of Peel s Accessibility Planning Program (AP) is to ensure that Regional programs, services and facilities continue to be inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities. In order to accomplish this objective, the Accessibility Planning Program works collaboratively with all Regional departments and the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). 2. Activity List The following are the activities that the AP program and the AAC have been involved in since the last report was presented to the AAC on September 17, The activities have been divided into two categories: Consultation and Compliance Support and Community Events.

14 6.2-2 ACCESSIBILITY PLANNING PROGRAM UPDATE - NOVEMBER 2015 Consultation and Compliance Support a) Accessibility Compliance Report 2015 The Region of Peel is required to file an Accessibility Compliance report with the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure by December 31, This will be the third Accessibility Compliance report filed by the Region. The Regional Clerk will be filing the report on behalf of the Region of Peel using the province s online Accessibility Compliance Reporting tool (ACR). The AP program has coordinated with various regional departments to collect information needed to file the report. A report on the Compliance requirements has been prepared and is included in the AAC s November agenda package. b) Recruitment of the Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee The Region of Peel s TransHelp program is currently recruiting six new members for the Region of Peel s Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee. The AP program is assisting TransHelp with their outreach efforts to disseminate recruitment information to diverse communities in Peel. An was sent to all AAC members and other contacts of the AP program requesting that they share the recruitment information within their networks. c) AODA Design of Public Spaces The AP program is working with Regional staff to gather information as it relates to compliance with the AODA Design of Public Spaces standard. Regional departments must meet the compliance requirements of this standard no later than January 1, Community Events a) Supportive Housing Consultation in Peel The Region of Peel is in the process of conducting a Supportive Housing Review. SHS Consulting has been hired to conduct the review and has requested the assistance of the local municipal AAC s to provide input for an Assessment Tool that will be used to measure and record accessibility features in modified units in Peel. This tool will also assist the Region to create a catalogue that will be posted on the Region s website to be used by PATH, Housing Providers, Support Service Agencies and persons looking to rent a modified unit. The AP specialist coordinated with Supportive Housing Unit staff and members of the AAC to schedule a meeting to review the Assessment Tool. On August 24, Region of Peel AAC members, Naz Husain and Dely Farrace participated in the meeting where SHS Consulting led discussions regarding the following: o The goals for the Catalogue of Modified Units project as well as the schedule, and deliverables. o How the assessment will be carried out and training that will be provided. o The document that will be used to record accessibility features in buildings and units. o Key features that will be important for persons with disabilities to know

15 6.2-3 ACCESSIBILITY PLANNING PROGRAM UPDATE - NOVEMBER 2015 b) Peel Partners in Accessibility and the Joint AAC activities report On September 10th, AAC members and staff from the Region of Peel, City of Mississauga and Town of Caledon participated in the third meeting of the stakeholder group Peel Partners in Accessibility. The group continued their discussions on commemorating the 2015 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). The following speakers have been contacted and have tentatively confirmed: o Linda Soulier, Executive Director, Coalition for Persons with Disabilities o Patrick Rogerson, Retail Council of Canada o Tim Rose, Founder, Disability Positive Consulting o Alfred Spencer, Accessibility Directorate of Ontario David Pereyra and Jutta Treviranus from the Ontario College of Arts and Design have agreed to support this event and share resources from their Inclusive Design program. On September 22nd, members of the Peel Partners in Accessibility group visited the proposed event site, Mississauga Valley Community Center, to ensure that the site is accessible and suitable for the event. Upcoming Events a) 2015 International Day of Persons with Disabilities Day (IDPD) IDPD Event Details: o Date: Monday, November 30, 2015 o Time: 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. o Location: Mississauga Valley Community Center, 1275 Mississauga Valley Blvd. Mississauga, ON. The proposed theme for this year s event is Maximize Your Bottom Line: Tap into the $1 Billion+ Market A Peel Partner Will Tell You How! The event will focus on educating employers on hiring people with disabilities; dispelling the myths of hiring persons with disabilities and on effective employment practices. CONCLUSION This report summarizes the activities and consultations that the AP program and the AAC members have participated in. The AAC and AP program will continue to engage in activities that support the Region of Peel s primary accessibility objective of ensuring regional programs, services and facilities continue to be inclusive and accessible for all persons with disabilities and respond to evolving community needs. Lorraine Graham-Watson, Commissioner of Corporate Services - 3 -

16 6.2-4 ACCESSIBILITY PLANNING PROGRAM UPDATE - NOVEMBER 2015 Approved for Submission: D. Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer For further information regarding this report, please contact For further information regarding this report, please contact Meenu Sikand, Accessibility Planning Specialist, extension 4778, [email protected]. Authored By: Meenu Sikand, Accessibility Planning Specialist, Accessibility Planning Program - 4 -

17 MICHAEL L. DYTYNIAK JD., BA hon DELIVERED BY September 30, 2015 Veronica Montesdeoca REGION OF PEEL 10 Peel Centre Dr., Suite A, Brampton, ON L6T 4B9 Dear members of the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee; Re: MY FORMAL RESIGNATION FROM THE REGION OF PEEL ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE It is with sincere regret that I must submit my resignation from the Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee ( AAC ). Due to changing life circumstances and work commitments, I can no longer fulfill my responsibilities to the AAC. While my new full-time job (as a lawyer advocating for the interests of many clients with disabilities) is a positive development for me personally, it requires me to substantially reallocate my time and energy. Furthermore, because I am now spending a significant amount of my time living and working in Toronto, I do not feel it is appropriate for me to continue to represent the interests of citizens of the Region of Peel. My time on the AAC has been an honour and an invaluable learning experience. The work that the AAC does in important, and I am confident that the members of the committee will continue to boldly challenge the Region of Peel to become fully accessible and inclusive for everyone. Should appropriate opportunities present themselves, I would be happy to assist the AAC or individual members of the Committee, on an informal basis, in whatever way that I can. AAC members and staff at the Region should feel free to reach me at. Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at. I will remain committed to advancing the goals of accessibility and inclusion wherever I go. Sincerely, Michael Dytyniak, JD, honba REFERRAL TO RECOMMENDED DIRECTION REQUIRED RECEIPT RECOMMENDED

18 IF Region cf Peel WMkitt~ toil ~M For Ontarians w ith Disabilities To: Chair and Members of the Date: October 1, 2015 Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) From: Veronica Montesdeoca Subject: 2016 Meeting Schedule- Legislative Technical Coordinator Region of Peel AAC cc: Kathryn Lockyer File: Aretha Adams Meenu Sikand This is to advise that the 2016 Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) meeting dates have been scheduled. AAC meetings are scheduled for Thursday afternoons as follows: February 18, 2016 April 21, 2016 June 16, 2016 September 15, 2016 November 17, :30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 1 :30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 1 :30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Meetings are held in the 5 1 h Floor Council Chamber, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A, Brampton, unless notice is provided otherwise. Please feel free to contact me if you require additional information. Regards, Veronica Montesdeoca Legislative Technical Coordinator Legislative Services, Clerk's Division Phone: ext veronica. montesdeoca@peelreg ion. ca REFERRAL TO RECOMMENDED DIRECTION REQUIRED RECEIPT RECOMMENDED _./

19 7.3-1 NEWS Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure Ontario Ensuring Workplaces are Accessible by Launching Compliance Audits Province Takes Another Step Towards an Accessible Ontario by 2025 October 5, :00 A.M. Ontario is conducting targeted audits of retail companies with 500 or more employees to ensure workplaces and employee practices are accessible during a three-month audit blitz this fall. The Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure is leading the audits, with the goal of ensuring that employers are making accessibility a regular part of recruiting and supporting employees with disabilities. The ministry will check that large retailers meet requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), including: Creating and making public a multi-year accessibility plan that outlines the steps put in place to remove and prevent barriers for employees and customers. Developing customized emergency plans for employees with disabilities. The province has made resources available and worked with organizations to help ensure workplaces are accessible, and will continue to support businesses in these efforts going forward. Many of these resources were developed in collaboration with employers. The results of the audits will be available in Ontario's annual compliance and enforcement plan. Compliance with the AODA is an essential part of the government's goal of an accessible Ontario by Supporting an accessible province is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan. REFERRAL TO RECOMMENDED DIRECTION REQUIRED RECEIPT RECOMMENDED

20 7.3-2 QUOTES " I am excited by the progress Ontario has made towards its goal of becoming an accessible province by But it s clear we still have work to do, so we re working to increase awareness among businesses and provide them with the resources and support they need to comply. For those who continue to fail to comply, we will take steps to enforce the law. We all have a role to play in embracing accessibility and promoting a cultural shift in Ontario so that it becomes embedded in everything we do and is recognized for what it is an essential part of our future economic competitiveness in a dynamic economy and an inclusive society." - Brad Duguid Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure QUICK FACTS One in seven people in Ontario has a disability. Ontario has five accessibility standards: customer service, employment, information and communications, transportation and design of public spaces. Organizations that fail to comply could face inspections, notices of order, director s orders and prosecution. Penalties for not complying with the AODA range from $500 to $15,000 for corporations. LEARN MORE Resources and support to help you meet requirements before January 1, 2016 are available at Brigitte Marleau Communications Branch [email protected] Andrew Forgione Minister's Office [email protected]

21 Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure Office of the Minister Floor, Hearst Block 900 Bay Street Toronto ON M7A 2E1 Telephone: Facsimile; October 14, 2015 Dear Friends: Mlnlstere du Developpement economlque, de I'Emploi et de!'infrastructure Bureau du mlnlstre ゥヲゥ セ@Hearst, Be etage 900, rue Bay Toronto ON M7A 2E1 Telephone: T916copleur: Regional Municipality of Peel Olfioe of the Regional Chair OCT RECEIVED セ@MセM Ontario I am pleased to invite nominations for the 2016 David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility. This award recognizes Ontarians who have gone above and beyond to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Recipients can include individual volunteers or organizations that have made outstanding contributions and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment in the advocacy and promotion of accessibility and disability issues. Here is what you need to do to submit a nomination for this award: a) visit b) click on the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility Award Icon; c) download the appropriate PDF form; and d) fill out the form and submit it no later than December 3, Please review the eligibility criteria and instructions carefully. Detailed instructions on submitting your package can be found on the website. If you have any questions, contact the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat: Phone: Toll-free: TTY: [email protected] Thank you for supporting this program and for your interest in promoting accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities. REFERRAL TO Sincerely, RECOMMENDED Brad Duguid Minister DIRECTION REQUIRED RECEIPT RECOMMENDED. UCT: I 2015