Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Agenda Page 2 of 4 Thursday, February 14, 2013

Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee

Agenda

Date: Thursday, February 14, 2013 Time: 3:00 PM

Location: Essex County Civic Centre 360 Fairview Avenue West Essex, ON N8M 1Y6 Committee Room “E”, (located on the second floor)

** A ramp is located at the front (south) entrance of the building which provides access from the parking lot to the front entrance of the Civic Centre. The front entrance doors of the Civic Centre are equipped with automatic door opening controls. Once inside the front doors, an elevator is located to the left of the doors (next to the women’s washroom), which provides easy access to the second floor.

Electronic Agenda Instructions: Anything in blue denotes an attachment/link. By clicking the links on the agenda page, you can jump directly to that section of the agenda. To manoeuver back to the agenda page use the Ctrl + Home keys simultaneously OR use the “Bookmark” icon on the navigation panel to the left of your screen.

A) Call to Order

B) Recording of Attendance

C) Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

D) Adoption of Minutes

Moved by Seconded by THAT the meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adopted as presented. 2013-01-24 ECAAC Minutes

Corporation of the County of Essex, 360 Fairview Avenue West, Essex, ON N8M 1Y6 Phone: 519-776-6441 County of Essex Website 2 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Agenda Page 2 of 4 Thursday, February 14, 2013

E) Delegations and Presentations

A) Rob Maisonville, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer

Renovations to the Civic Centre, pending budget approval, are proposed to commence in 2013. Rob will be in attendance to provide the Committee with an overview of the proposed renovations and to provide some preliminary concept drawings.

F) Communications

A) Correspondence

i) Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Alliance (AODA)

Received e-mail copy of an Update from the AODA, dated January 25, 2013 regarding Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan makes landmark public declaration that public money should never be used to create or perpetuate barriers against people with disabilities.

AODA Update of January 25, 2013 - Minister of Finance Declaration re Money to Remove Barriers

Moved by Seconded by THAT the correspondence dated February 14, 2013, as listed be received.

G) Unfinished Business

A) Accessibility Workshop Planning

Report #2013-R003-ECAAC-0208-MB, dated February 8, 2013 regarding the 2013 Accessibility Workshop

Appendix 1

3 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Agenda Page 3 of 4 Thursday, February 14, 2013

Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Appendix 4

B) County of Essex Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

ECAAC members were provided with a draft of the County of Essex Multi-year Accessibility Plan at the January 24th, 2013 meeting and requested to review the document and provide any suggestions for revisions at the February 14, 2013 meeting. The draft Plan has been posted on the County of Essex for public comment since January 25th as well.

Draft Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for County of Essex

C) Proposed Amendment to the Barrier-Free Design Requirements set out in the Building Code Regulation (O. Reg. 332/12) under the Building Code Act, 1992

This item was deferred from the January 24th, 2013 ECAAC meeting to allow members additional time to review the proposed amendments and consultation paper.

The consultation will focus on potential updates and changes to current Code accessibility requirements in a number of key areas, including: renovations, barrier-free path of travel (common access and circulation), vertical access (elevators), visitable suites in multi-unit residential buildings, adaptable design and construction, visual fire alarms, washrooms and use of guidelines.

A number of other technical items are also included in this public consultation. These address new industry standards proposed to be referenced in Ontario's Building Code, and relate to items such as residential wood-burning appliances and exterior insulation and finish systems. It is expected that any potential changes to barrier-free requirements would be made through an interim amendment to the 2012 Building Code (O.Reg. 332/12). A consultation paper and details of

4 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Agenda Page 4 of 4 Thursday, February 14, 2013

the potential technical changes are available online until March 1, 2013 http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page10159.aspx.

H) New Business

A) Annual AAC YAK Newsletter

Articles or ideas for topics for articles for the annual AAC YAK newsletter are needed. Local AAC's have been contacted to request that they make a submission outlining their prior accomplishments or upcoming initiatives.

B) National Access Awareness Week(NAAW)

National Access Awareness Week will be May 26th to June 1st, 2013. The Committee will need to discuss possible activities and initiatives to promote NAAW.

I) Next Meeting Date

J) Adjournment

This document is available in alternate formats upon request.

5 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee

Minutes

Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 3:00 PM Room “D”, Second Floor Essex County Civic Centre 360 Fairview Avenue West Essex, Ontario

1. Call to Order

2. Recording of Attendance

Members Present: Linda Saxon (Chair) Charlie Wright (Vice - Chair) Christine Easterbrook Therese Lecuyer Rosemary Florence Mr. John Boyko Robert Bahry Also Present: Mary Brennan, County of Essex Sue White, County of Essex

3. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

There was no declaration of pecuniary interest.

4. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

Mrs. Brennan called the meeting to order and requested nominations for Chair for 2013.

Mrs. Lecuyer nominated Mrs. Saxon as Chair for 2013.

Mrs. Saxon accepted the nomination and, there being no further nominations, was acclaimed Chair for 2013.

Chair Saxon assumed the Chair and called for nominations for Vice-Chair.

Ms. Easterbrook nominated Mr. Wright for the position of Vice- Chair who accepted with thanks. There being no further nominations, Mr. Wright was acclaimed Vice-Chair for 2013.

6 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes Page 2 of 11 January 24, 2013

5. Minutes of the December 13, 2012 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC) meeting

1-13 Moved by Ms. Easterbrook Seconded by Mrs. Lecuyer THAT the minutes of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held on Thursday, December 13, 2012 be adopted. Carried

6. Delegations and Presentations

A) Phil Berthiaume, Emergency Management Coordinator, to provide an update and respond to questions regarding the development of the proposed Accessibility and Functional Needs Registry

i) Amendments to the Draft Registry and Consent Forms

ii) Next meeting of the Accessibility and Functional Needs Working Group is Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 1:30pm at the Essex County Civic Centre

Mr. Berthiaume reported that the concerns expressed by the Committee regarding the draft Registry and Consent forms had been discussed by the advisors of the project. He noted that the next meeting of the Accessibility and Functional Needs Working Group would be held on February 6, 2013 at 1:30 pm at the Essex County Civic Centre. At that meeting, the draft form with fictitious information would be used to populate a database and the information would be plotted on a map so that the Committee would have an idea of how the information would be laid out. He stated that this information would assist in decision making during an emergency event.

Mr. Berthiaume also reviewed the Vulnerable Persons Registry Status Update provided by the City of Sault Ste. Marie. He noted that with a population of 80,000 people, only 117 individuals were registered. He advised that they have built the platform and now they would like to sell the platform across the Province. He stated that it would

7 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes Page 3 of 11 January 24, 2013

6. Delegations and Presentations (Continued...)

perhaps be worthwhile unless the municipality already had a solid GIS mapping system in place as is the case in Essex County. He noted that the Vulnerable Persons Registry in Sault Ste. Marie was associated with a number of community support partners and had been advertised on their website and sent through community support partners.

Mr. Berthiaume stated that the proposed Accessibility and Functional Needs Registry initiative would require full support from County Council and support groups before it could proceed much further. Decisions such as how to advertise the registry form and how the data will be inputted into the database still needed to be made. One thought was to hire a summer student to input information into the database.

Discussion took place on whether there were going to be criteria established to determine who would be allowed to register or if anyone with any kind of disability or functional need would be able to register. Mr. Berthiaume advised that he did not anticipate establishing any hardfast criteria and that they would be relying on the community support partners to assist in identifying individuals who they would encourage to register and then other individuals or their family members who feel they should register.

Some Committee members expressed concern that individuals would think that if they registered, then they would get preferential 9-1-1 service. Mr. Berthiaume stated that the information on this Registry would not be available to 9-1-1. It would be used to assist emergency management decision makers during a major emergency event so that limited resources could be dispatched to where they were needed most. He noted that all the information received would be password protected and would not be accessible by the public. Mr. Berthiaume advised that the more information the Emergency Management teams have, the more efficient their response can be in the event of a disaster or major emergency

8 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes Page 4 of 11 January 24, 2013

6. Delegations and Presentations (Continued...)

event. It was suggested that the form should note that the registry did not mean the person was entitled to an enhanced 9-1-1 service or would be treated as a priority call. He stressed that this form was a planning tool for emergency management decision makers in the community.

Mr. Berthiaume stated that he hoped to present the Accessibility and Functional Needs Registry initiative to County Council in the Spring 2013 and has included funds in the budget for a summer student. He also advised that a Privacy Impact Assessment would need to be undertaken on this initiative. Mr. Berthiaume again invited any member of the Committee to attend the meeting scheduled for February 6, 2013.

7. Correspondence

A) Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance (AODA)

Received e-mailed correspondence from the AODA, dated January 7, 2012 re: Eric Hoskins and Gerard Kennedy are the third and fourth liberal party leadership candidates to make disability accessibility pledges - three other candidates have yet to answer our requests.

B) AODA Alliance

Received correspondence from the AODA Alliance, dated January 18, 2013 re: All Ontario Liberal Leadership Candidates have now made disability accessibility pledges - Harinder Takhar is final candidate to make Disability Accessibility Commitments.

C) AODA Alliance

Received e-mailed correspondence from the AODA, dated January 17, 2013 re: Charles Sousa is fifth Ontario liberal party leadership candidate to make disability accessibility commitments – only one candidate still to commit –and -

9 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes Page 5 of 11 January 24, 2013

7. Correspondence (Continued...)

watch AODA Alliance Chair's January 16 2013 interview on TV Ontario's "The Agenda with Steve Paikin" permanently available on Youtube.

D) Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO)

Received e-mailed copy of Accessibility Express, Special Edition, dated December 20, 2012 advising that the design of Public Spaces amendment to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation has come into force.

E) Ministry of Community and Social Services

Received e-mailed correspondence from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, dated December 21, 2012 announcing the launch of the 2013-14 EnAbling Change Funding Program.

F) Durham Deaf Services

Received e-mailed correspondence, dated January 10, 2013 regarding the availability of American Sign Language (ASL) Orientation DVD for Canadian Municipalities

G) AODA Alliance

Received e-mail correspondence, dated January 24, 2013, re: AODA Alliance presses McGuinty Government for specifics on how it plans to keep its oft-repeated election pledge to effectively enforce the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

H) AODA Alliance

Received e-mail correspondence, dated January 24, 2013, re: McGuinty Government commits that revamped accessibility council will develop new accessibility standards under the Disabilities Act – but no commitments on which new standards or by when – Manitoba Government pledges to introduce a provincial disabilities accessibility law in 2013

10 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes Page 6 of 11 January 24, 2013

7. Correspondence (Continued...)

2-13 Moved by Mrs. Lecuyer Seconded by Ms. Florence THAT the “American Sign Language Orientation” DVD be purchased from Durham Deaf Services at a cost of $30.00 (including shipping and handling). Carried

3-13 Moved by Mr. Bahry Seconded by Mr. Wright That the correspondence dated January 24, 2013, as listed, be received. Carried

8. Unfinished Business

A) 2013 Accessibility Workshop Planning

i) Report #2013-R001-ECAAC-0118-MB, dated January 18, 2013 regarding the 2013 Accessibility Workshop

 Appendix 1 - Summary of Accessibility Workshop Speakers 2004-2012

 Appendix 2 - Notes from Royal Canadian Legion Tour

ii) Speakers

 Spencer West – Possible Keynote: Mr. Bahry advised he had not yet received a response to the email sent to Mr. West but stated that he did have a friend who may be able to contact him.

 Joanne Smith – Certified Nutritional Practitioner: Ms. Easterbrook advised that she had not yet contacted her (website: www.fruitfulelements.com) but would try to have some information for the next meeting.

11 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes Page 7 of 11 January 24, 2013

8. Unfinished Business (Continued...)

 Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce Mrs. Saxon stated that they may be able to provide a speaker to talk about how businesses are removing barriers for people with disabilities. She stated that she would contact the regional chamber to see if they have a toolkit for businesses that is up to date.

 John Boyko – First Person Language presentation – perhaps in conjunction with Mrs. Saxon

 Parenting with a Disability – Ms. Easterbrook would look into a speaker for this session.

 Arthritis – Mrs. Lecuyer stated that she would like to see a session presented on arthritis. Mrs. Saxon suggested she look into getting a speaker to present on the attitudinal barriers people with arthritis face as well as with other visible and invisible barriers.

 Accessibility Experts – Mary Brennan advised that this company has partnered with the AMCTO to provide training on the accessibility standards and making documents accessible. She suggested that perhaps a local training workshop either before or after the workshop could be held to help reduce the fee.

 Mental Health Connections or OPP – Mrs. Saxon would get further information on this.

 Mayor Mike Bradley of the City of Sarnia – started “Mayor’s Challenge to Hire”. It was noted that he would be speaking next month at the Community Connections Luncheon on February 19, 2013. Ms. Easterbrook was asked to see if she could attend the luncheon or if an invitation could be sent to any of the Committee members to attend in order to

12 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes Page 8 of 11 January 24, 2013

8. Unfinished Business (Continued...)

determine if he might be a speaker the Committee would like to have present at the Workshop.

 Mark Wafer – owner of seven Tim Horton’s stores in the Toronto area who is an avid supporter and promoter of hiring employees with disabilities. If no one was available to speak from the Chamber of Commerce, the Committee felt Mr. Wafer could be a potential substitute presenter.

 The Committee felt that enough sessions on ‘employment for persons with disabilities’ had been held in the past and did not wish to pursue anymore speakers on that topic for this year.

iii) Venue for Workshop

Mrs. Saxon and Mr. Boyko reported that they had toured the Royal Canadian Legion Metropolitan Branch 594, located at 5030 Howard Avenue and felt it would be an appropriate venue for the Accessibility Workshop. They noted it was a new facility and was fully accessible with ample parking. They advised that a sound system was available for use at the hall as well as some audio visual equipment which would eliminate the need to rent that equipment from an external vendor. They provided a summary of the catering details as well. It was noted that there was a rental charge of $250 for the use of the Hall. Mrs. Brennan raised a concern that there would not be adequate time for the setup prior to registration opening on the day of the Workshop if the hall would not allow access until 8:00 a.m. Mr. Boyko stated that he would contact the hall and see if there was any flexibility on that time. Further discussion regarding workshop venues would be scheduled for the next meeting of the Committee. A date of

13 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes Page 9 of 11 January 24, 2013

8. Unfinished Business (Continued...)

Thursday, October 24th, 2013 was tentatively set for the workshop.

9. New Business

A) Windsor Essex Employment Group - Community Connections Luncheon

Received correspondence dated January 8, 2013 from the Chairperson of the Community Connections Luncheon, which is being held on February 19th, 2013, seeking either a financial donation or door prize for this event from the ECAAC. Guest Speaker at the event is Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley.

It was suggested that instead of a financial donation, an in-kind contribution of audio visual equipment for use at the event be provided. Ms. Easterbrook noted that the event was taking place at McKenzie Hall and that the Hall would normally charge for use of their audio visual equipment and speaker system. Mrs. Brennan noted that a projector and portable sound system could be provided for the event provided that they would not be required by County staff on that day.

4-13 Moved by Mr. Wright Seconded by Mr. Bahry THAT, in lieu of a financial donation, the County of Essex be requested to provide an in-kind contribution of the use of County audio visual equipment and/or the portable sound system for the Community Connections Luncheon to be held on February 19th, 2013. Carried

B) AODA Expert APP

Information was provided to the Committee regarding Global Learning, an organization focused on diversity and inclusion, who has created an App to help people find out more about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Included is full search capabilities based on key words and if answers can't be found, there is the

14 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes Page 10 of 11 January 24, 2013

9. New Business (Continued...)

ability to send questions to a panel of experts. This App is available from iTunes or Blackberry App World for $3.99.

C) Essex County Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Development

Mrs. Brennan advised that a copy of the draft Essex County Multi-Year Accessibility Plan had been distributed for the Committee’s review and discussion at the next ECAAC meeting.

D) Proposed Amendment to the Barrier-Free Design Requirements set out in the Building Code Regulation (O. Reg. 332/12) under the Building Code Act, 1992

Mrs. Brennan advised that the Province of Ontario is looking for comments on potential changes to the barrier- free design requirements in the Building Code.

She indicated that the consultation is to focus on potential updates and changes to current Code accessibility requirements in a number of key areas, including: renovations, barrier-free path of travel (common access and circulation), vertical access (elevators), visitable suites in multi-unit residential buildings, adaptable design and construction, visual fire alarms, washrooms and use of guidelines.

She further advised that a number of other technical items are also included in this public consultation. These address new industry standards proposed to be referenced in Ontario's Building Code, and relate to items such as residential wood-burning appliances and exterior insulation and finish systems. It is expected that any potential changes to barrier-free requirements would be made through an interim amendment to the 2012 Building Code (O.Reg. 332/12). She noted that the consultation paper and details of the potential technical changes are available online until March 1, 2013. The Committee was requested to review the consultation paper for discussion at the next ECAAC meeting.

15 Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes Page 11 of 11 January 24, 2013

10. Next Meeting Date

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Committee would be held on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

11. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

16 ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT ALLIANCE UPDATE

UNITED FOR A BARRIER-FREE ONTARIO

ONTARIO FINANCE MINISTER DWIGHT DUNCAN MAKES LANDMARK PUBLIC DECLARATION THAT PUBLIC MONEY SHOULD NEVER BE USED TO CREATE OR PERPETUATE BARRIERS AGAINST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

January 25, 2013

SUMMARY

On January 22, 2013, Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan gave an important speech at the prestigious Canadian Club. In his update on Ontario's economy and provincial budget, he made a landmark declaration, which all governments across Canada should follow. He declared: "Public money used for capital infrastructure or procurement of goods and services should never be used to create or perpetuate barriers against persons with disabilities." See the key passage of his speech, set out below. We congratulate and commend Minister Duncan for this important declaration. We thank him for including these resounding 25 words in such an important public statement about the Ontario economy. We shall build on Mr. Duncan's declaration in the weeks, months and years ahead.

For a podcast or webcast of Dwight Duncan's entire January 22, 2013 speech at the Canadian Club, visit http://is.gd/EyQqw7

Mr. Duncan has been a major supporter of our cause throughout his years in public life. Almost fifteen years ago, on October 29, 1998, during the Mike Harris Conservative Government, Dwight Duncan, then an opposition Liberal MPP, brought forward a resolution in the Ontario Legislature. His resolution called on the Government to pass a Disabilities Act that would honour the 11 principles that our predecessor coalition, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act Committee, had created. Those 11 principles aimed to ensure that the promised Disabilities Act would be strong and effective. As one of the most important events along the decade-long campaign to win the enactment of the AODA, on that day in October 1998, the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed Dwight Duncan's resolution. In the 1999 and 2003 Ontario elections, Dalton McGuinty promised a Disabilities Act that would fulfil the Duncan resolution. To this day, the 1998 resolution that Dwight Duncan championed on our behalf remains the eternal yardstick by which we measure actions taken under the AODA. To read the Ontario Legislatures October 29, 1998 resolution on the Disabilities Act that Dwight Duncan spearheaded for our community, visit http://www.odacommittee.net/oct-resolution.html

To learn more about the events leading up to the passage of the Dwight Duncan 1998 resolution on the Disabilities Act, visit http://www.aodaalliance.org/strong-effective-aoda/10022008.asp

17 To see how we used the Dwight Duncan 1998 resolution to mark progress over the following ten years, visit http://www.aodaalliance.org/strong-effective-aoda/10292008.asp

We shall strive to make Dwight Duncan's 2013 "no new disability barriers built with public money" declaration as enduring and as influential as his October 29, 1998 legislative resolution about the promised Disabilities Act. We call on all MPPs and all Ontario political parties to endorse this declaration.

Send your feedback to us at [email protected]

To sign up for, or unsubscribe from AODA Alliance e-mail updates, write to: [email protected] Please "like" our Facebook page and share our updates: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Accessibility-for-Ontarians-with-Disabilities-Act- Alliance/106232039438820

Follow us on Twitter. Get others to follow us. And please re-tweet our tweets! @AODAAlliance Learn all about our campaign for a fully accessible Ontario by visiting http://www.aodaalliance.org

KEY PASSAGE FROM DWIGHT DUNCAN'S JANUARY 22, 2013 SPEECH TO THE CANADIAN CLUB ENTITLED "FACING ONTARIO'S INCONVENIENT FISCAL TRUTH"

"People often say, is there anything you wish you could have done differently or done more of? And I'd like to speak for one moment about disability issues in this province. There are more than 1.7 million of us who have a physical or mental disability or a learning disability, and that number is going to grow remarkably as the population ages. In 2005, with the support of all the parties in the legislature, we passed the accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, which requires Ontario to become fully accessible to persons with disabilities by 2025.It is a human and economic imperative that we tear down the physical, the technological, the information, the bureaucratic, and attitudinal barriers that block persons with disabilities. For those of you who have an Apple iPhone, iPhone 5, do you know that it is fully accessible to the blind and the deaf? I didn't either until a very good friend of mine who is blind showed me. I'm technologically challenged in any event. I can't figure out the basics. And you know what? Not only does it not cost Apple, they make money from it. So this nonsense about the cost of it has got to stop. And that's why we passed the Disabilities Act. And as a government, my view is we need to prevent new barriers from being erected. Public money used for capital infrastructure or procurement of goods and services should never be used to create or perpetuate barriers against persons with disabilities. And we also have to address our families who have children, adult children in many instances with—I wish we could have done more. We've done a lot. There's still more to do. I'm sure all of you know somebody, that one family. Friends of mine, dear friends of mine haven't had a good night's sleep in 23 years. Twenty-three years. A little bit of respite care here and there. We've been able to help more, but there's still more to do. And if we stick to this, not as a political party, but as a culture; remember what Canada did in the 1990s getting back to balance. And I'm a Liberal, a partisan Liberal. I'm a Finance Minister from Windsor like Paul Martin, like Ernie Eves. If we take that same attitude that Canada took in 1990s here in Ontario to our deficit

18 and then our debt, in five or six years we will be looking at surpluses. We will be looking at the ability to do more for those families with those kids. We will be able to enter into collective agreements and see wages and real benefits rising in the public and broader public sectors. We can help that significant minority of Canadians who aren't saving enough for their retirement get there. That's what this is about."

19 about_joanne Page 1 of 1

Joanne Smith B.A., BRT Dip., CNP Joanne is a graduate of the Institute of Holistic Nutrition in Toronto: she also holds a degree in psychology from York University, as well as a diploma in radio & television broadcasting from Seneca College.

Joanne has dedicated her career to raising awareness of the issues concerning people with disabilities and as a Certified Nutritional Practitioner, she specializes in providing optimal nutritional health for people with disabilities. Her expertise in the disability community comes from her personal experience of living with a spinal cord injury for over twenty years, her role as a disability consultant for both the Toronto Board of Education & Air Canada, as well as her years as a Gemini award winning broadcaster who focused on telling in-depth stories about Canadians with disabilities. Joanne’s passion for assisting others with special needs has also been demonstrated through her years as a dedicated mentor and volunteer for the Canadian Paraplegic Association, Lyndhurst Rehabilitation Centre, Canadian Spinal Research Organization, Easter Seals and numerous other disability organizations across the country. Her commitment to raising awareness and improving the lives of Canadians with disabilities led to her receipt of the King Clancy Award in 2006, induction into Terry Fox Hall of Fame in 2007 and acceptance of the Gabriel Humanitarian Award in 2008.

Joanne fully understands the unique needs of people with disabilities and her nutritional consulting helps others live to their maximum potential. As a Certified Nutritional Practitioner, she works with you on creating individualized eating plans that will help you achieve optimal health and well-being.

20 http://www.fruitfulelements.com/about_joanne.html 08/02/2013 21 Impact January 2013 Page 1 of 3

Mary Brennan - Impact January 2013

From: "The Arthritis Society" To: "Essex County Council and Staff" Date: 25/01/2013 12:31 PM Subject: Impact January 2013

January 2013

Donate | Volunteer

Message from Janet Yale, president and CEO

Dear supporters,

Since joining The Arthritis Society six months ago, I have seen firsthand the commitment that each of you demonstrate in making The Society an authoritative resource of information, education and insight for the 4.6 million Get Connected Canadians living with arthritis. I would like to take a moment to reflect on three promises The Arthritis Society made in 2012. We will carry them through into the New Year.

Click Here

Arthritis takes a toll on working population

One in three respondents to the ‘Fit For Work’ survey conducted for The Arthritis Society reported that they stopped working because of their arthritis. The survey polled 1,057 Canadians living with arthritis to investigate, identify and better understand the impact of this chronic and debilitating disease. Alarmingly, nearly 60 per cent of those individuals who stopped working because of their arthritis were between the ages of 18 and 54.

Click Here

22 file://C:\Users\mbrennan\AppData\Local\Temp\XPgrpwise\51027B... 08/02/2013 Impact January 2013 Page 2 of 3

Arthritis Alliance Framework

Last September, the Arthritis Alliance of Canada launched a bold new framework to ensure that the 4.6 million Canadians living with arthritis benefit from improved policies and practices. As a member organization of the Arthritis Alliance of Canada, The Arthritis Society fully endorsed this progressive step that addresses the increasing burden arthritis has on Canadians living with arthritis, and on our healthcare system.

Click Here

Arthritis Needs Assessment survey results

From June to October of 2012 The Arthritis Society, in collaboration with Leger Marketing, conducted an educational needs assessment survey that asked Canadians affected by arthritis what education and information they would like from The Society. The results were very informative.

Click Here

Taking steps on Gout with Febuxostat (Uloric)

I was driving to the hospital one morning to start my clinic. While I was stopped at a red light my mind got to thinking about gout. I had recently reviewed some terrible cases of gout where entire joints had actually been destroyed. For the most part, I thought, gout is a completely treatable disease where joint destruction can be prevented. Why are some patients so debilitated by this treatable disease? There are many reasons, including a lack of recognition of the disease, poor adherence with therapy, ineffective therapy, intolerance to therapy, and lack of appropriate follow-up.1

Click Here

Gout is a painful form of arthritis that can affect different joints in the body

To learn more about how you can control this chronic condition, please click outwithgout.ca.

Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Contact Us

23 file://C:\Users\mbrennan\AppData\Local\Temp\XPgrpwise\51027B... 08/02/2013 Impact January 2013 Page 3 of 3

Join us in the fight to help the 4.6 million Canadians living with arthritis. Go to www.arthritis.ca The Arthritis Society emails newsletters and other information to individuals who have given us permission. We do not share addresses or other information with any third parties.

The Arthritis Society National Office 393 University Avenue, Suite 1700 Toronto ON, M5G 1E6

www.arthritis.ca

24 file://C:\Users\mbrennan\AppData\Local\Temp\XPgrpwise\51027B... 08/02/2013 Page 1 of 1

Mary Brennan - Fwd: RE: Request a Speaker

From: Mary Brennan Subject: Fwd: RE: Request a Speaker

>>> "Edie Forsyth" 08/02/2013 10:48 AM >>>

Absolutely Mary. I have it down for October 24th and then possibly to do training on the 25th. I’m already booked for day before for the 23rd. I can pretty well speak on anything so could tailor it to whatever you need. If you can cover my accommodation and travel and then I’m there next day for training on accessible documents I would only charge a $200 speaking fee. If I’m doing training the next day I would also have Cyndie Sproul with me and she could speak at the Opening Doors and Minds workshop too about her service animal and what he does and maybe a bit on service animal etiquette. Let me know what works for you.

Edie Forsyth Corporate Director Accessibility Experts Ltd. 905-718-3343 [email protected] www.accessibilityexperts.ca

25 about:blank 08/02/2013 DRAFT Corporation of the County of Essex

Draft – For Consultation January 2013

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2013-2017

This document is available in alternate formats upon request.

26 DRAFT

Table of Contents

Background ...... 1 Customer Service ...... 1 Information and Communications ...... 1 Employment ...... 2 Transportation ...... 2 Built Environment ...... 2 About Essex County’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan ...... 2 Statement of Commitment to Accessibility Planning ...... 3 The Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee ...... 3 The Essex County Accessibility Plan Working Group ...... 4 Accomplishments From Prior Accessibility Plans ...... 5 Description of the County of Essex ...... 7 Facilities Owned/Leased by the Corporation of the County of Essex ...... 8 Essex County Civic and Education Centre ...... 8 Transportation Services Facilities ...... 10 Sun Parlor Home for the Aged and Victoria Street Manor ...... 11 Emergency Medical Services Facilities ...... 12 Essex County Library Facilities and Services ...... 14 Outstanding Recommendations Approved in Prior Years Accessibility Plans 17 Accessibility Initiatives Identified in the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan ...... 17 Review and Monitoring of the Progress ...... 18 Communication of the Plan ...... 18 Feedback ...... 18 Schedule A - Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Initiatives 2013-2017 ...... 19

27 DRAFT

Background

Ontario currently has two active accessibility acts – the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

In 2008 the Customer Service Standard was the first accessibility standard under the AODA to become law. Designated public sector organizations were required to comply by January 1, 2010.

The Integrated Accessibility Standard (Ontario Regulation 191/11), which regulates Information and Communications, Employment and Transportation, came into effect on July 1, 2011 and is now law. Requirements under this standard will be phased in over time (2011-2021).

The purpose of the ODA is to improve opportunities for people with disabilities in Ontario by identifying, preventing and removing physical and other barriers that may limit opportunities for people with disabilities to fully participate in society.

Under the AODA, private, public and non-profit organizations are required to identify, remove and prevent barriers in order to make the Province accessible for all people with disabilities by 2025. Through the AODA, the provincial government has identified key areas for the development of “common” accessibility standards intended to set requirements across all organizations and sectors:

Customer Service

• Addresses how organizations are required to provide their goods and services in an accessible manner – influencing attitudes and behaviour.

Information and Communications

• Outlines how organizations are required to create, provide and receive information and communications in ways that are accessible for people with disabilities.

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Employment

• Builds upon the existing requirements under the Ontario Human Rights Code in relation to how to accommodate individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and employment relationship.

Transportation

• Intended to prevent and remove barriers in transportation, making it easier for everyone to travel in Ontario including people with disabilities, older Ontarians and families traveling with children in strollers.

Built Environment

• Intended to address access to and within buildings and outdoor spaces. The standards for public spaces will only apply to new construction and planned redevelopment. Enhancements to accessibility in buildings will happen at a later date through Ontario's Building Code, which governs new construction and renovations in buildings.

About Essex County’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

Under the AODA, accessibility planning requirements have be broadened from requiring annual Accessibility Plans to now requiring Multi-Year Accessibility Plans. This Multi-Year Plan outlines Essex County’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers and meet the requirements under the AODA, Accessible Customer Service Standard (Ontario Regulation 429/07) and Integrated Accessibility Standards (Ontario Regulation 191/11, as amended.) The Corporation of the County of Essex continues to identify new accessibility initiatives which have been incorporated in this Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for the period 2013 to 2017. This Plan was prepared by the Essex County Accessibility Plan Working Group, in conjunction with the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee. Public consultation was sought on the draft Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for a three week period prior to the Plan being presented to Essex County Council for adoption.

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Statement of Commitment to Accessibility Planning

Essex County Council recognizes that improving accessibility is important to all residents. Approximately 15.5% or 1.85 million people in Ontario have a disability – that’s one in seven. That number is expected to grow significantly in the next 20 years as the population ages.

The Corporation of the County of Essex, is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of persons with disabilities in a respectful, equitable and timely manner and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting accessibility requirements under the AODA.

The Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC) was established by Council resolution on September 18th, 2002. The Committee consists of 7 members representing the following groups: • 1 member from Essex County Council • 2 members who are professionals from the stakeholder community • 4 members who are people with disabilities The Director of Council Services/Clerk, Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer, County Engineer, Manager Planning Services and other County staff deemed necessary are identified in the Terms of Reference as technical support staff to the Committee.

The following individuals were appointed by County Council to serve on the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC) for the term January 1, 2011 to November 30th, 2014: • Linda Saxon • Charlie Wright (Council Representative) • Robert Bahry • John Boyko • Christine Easterbrook • Rosemary Florence *(appointed Feb. 2012) • Therese Lecuyer Members of both the previous and current Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committees (ECAAC) have been instrumental in continuing to identify for the County of Essex, the barriers that they believe should be addressed in the Essex County Accessibility Plans. Their recommendations have been taken into consideration and to a great extent, are the areas that have been addressed in past Plans. As well, they have continued to monitor

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the implementation of the recommendations identified in the previous Accessibility Plans and report annually to County Council on their progress.

In 2007, the ECAAC reviewed the original Terms of Reference that were adopted when the Committee was originally established in 2002. They were successful in having their recommended amendments to the Terms of Reference adopted by County Council, which has provided the Committee with some clearer guidelines as to their roles and responsibilities.

The Committee continues with the publication of the annual newsletter which they began in 2006. The ECAAC hosted a very successful 10th Annual Accessibility Workshop in October 2012. The workshop was attended by over 110 delegates and offered six informative concurrent workshop sessions and a keynote speaker. The ECAAC is looking forward to planning future Annual Accessibility Workshops and hopes to attract even more delegates every year.

The Essex County Accessibility Plan Working Group

The Director of Council Services/Clerk, Mary Brennan, is the Coordinator of the Accessibility Plan Working Group. The 2013-17 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Working Group consisted of the Essex County Management Team, as well as some senior managers. Working Group Title Contact Information Members

Director of Council Mary Brennan (519) 776-6441 Ext 335 Services/Clerk [email protected] Chief Administrative Brian Gregg (519) 776-6441 Ext 325 Officer [email protected] Director of Corporate Rob Maisonville (519) 776-6441 Ext 328 Services/Treasurer [email protected] Tom Bateman County Engineer (519) 776-6441 Ext 316 [email protected] Director Human Greg Schlosser (519) 776-6441 Ext 322 Resources [email protected] Randy Mellow Chief, EMS (519) 776-6441 Ext 300 [email protected]

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Working Group Title Contact Information Members

Administrator, Sun Parlor Bill MacDonald (519) 326-1215 Ext 202 Home [email protected] Manager, Planning Bill King (519) 776-6441 Ext 329 Services [email protected]

Phillip Emergency Management (519) 776-6441 Ext 243 Berthiaume Coordinator [email protected]

The members of the Working Group have each been responsible for the implementation of the recommendations approved in prior years Accessibility Plans, which fell within their realm of responsibility.

Accomplishments From Prior Accessibility Plans

Since September of 2003, when the first generation Accessibility Plan for the Corporation of the County of Essex was adopted by Essex County Council, the Corporation has been making every effort to implement the initiatives approved in the annual Accessibility Plans.

Many physical changes to County owned or operated facilities have been made to remove barriers. As noted in previous Accessibility Plans these have included: • the removal of the exterior lift at the Essex County Civic Centre and the installation of a new ramp • relocation of accessible parking at the Civic Centre, including line painting and signage • the construction of a family washroom on the main floor of the Civic Centre, complete with automatic doors • renovations to other existing washrooms within the Civic Centre to make them more accessible • additional automatic doors were installed at the east entrance of the Civic Centre • ramp to the shade rock garden/fountain at the Civic Centre • adjustable table in the Civic Centre Cafeteria • replaced chairs in the Committee Rooms in the Civic Centre with chairs that are adjustable, swivel and have casters

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• renovations to County Administration reception desk to improve Accessibility • continuing renovations to the Sun Parlor Home for Senior Citizens in Leamington to improve the accessibility of that entire facility for the residents and visitors • renovation of County Council Chambers to remove physical mobility barriers and installation of FM system for audio enhancements • relocation of some branches of the Essex County Public Library to accessible facilities Other accessibility initiatives in previous Accessibilities Plans have included: • sensitivity training for County of Essex employees to enhance their awareness of accessibility issues and to provide them with knowledge on how to effectively serve people with disabilities and how to remove attitudinal barriers • the annual Accessibility Workshop, designed to provide a day filled with motivational/inspirational speakers and educators who focus on ways in which to make our communities barrier free from both physical and attitudinal barriers • partnership to provide a 211 service in Windsor-Essex County providing improved access to community, government, health and social services • continual expansion of the eBook and eAudiobook collections available through the Essex County Library website • implementation of employee return to work and accommodation policies for County of Essex employees • annual promotion of National Accessibility Awareness Week through activities and education such as wheelchair basketball games in schools and the production of a video identifying barriers within the County • annual publication of a newsletter providing information on activities of the Accessibility Advisory Committees throughout the region • development of Accessible Customer Service Policy, Practices and Procedures for services provided by the County of Essex and Accessible Customer Service training for all employees and Council of the County of Essex • formation of a working group to investigate the feasibility of developing a registry containing data related to functional and accommodation needs of some residents of Essex County, who choose to self-register, which would be accessed by emergency personnel in the event of disasters requiring such actions as evacuation • adoption of a County Wide Active Transportation Plan which sets out a framework for the development of trails throughout the County of Essex which are to be accessible

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• development of policies in accordance with the Integrated Accessibility Standard • commencement of employee training on how to create accessible documents • Emergency and public safety information developed by the Essex County Emergency Management Coordinator available in accessible formats • Essex County employees advised that workplace emergency response plans and information will be developed to accommodate any employees with disabilities specific accessibility requirements The Council of the Corporation of the County of Essex remains committed to ensuring that the facilities, services and programs provided by the County are available to all residents including people with disabilities. The process of identifying barriers is constant.

Description of the County of Essex

Essex County is Canada’s southernmost county, located on a peninsula of land surrounded by Lake St. Clair to the north, the Detroit River to the West and Lake Erie to the south. The County has a population of over 177,000 and an overall area of 1720 km2.

The Corporation of the County of Essex is an upper tier municipality comprised of 14 members being the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of each of the 7 local municipalities within the County of Essex. One of the 14 County Councillors is elected as the Warden who serves as the Head of County Council.

The Corporation of the County of Essex is responsible for providing services that are common to all municipalities in Essex County thereby minimizing the need for duplicate services and administration. These services include transportation services, libraries, homes for the aged, planning, emergency management co-ordination, community services, emergency medical services and general government administration.

As well, the County of Essex is a funding partner for regional services including social services, child care, social housing, public health, economic development, tourism and property assessment.

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Facilities Owned/Leased by the Corporation of the County of Essex

Essex County Civic and Education Centre

360 Fairview Avenue, Essex, N8M 1Y6

The building at 360 Fairview Avenue (also known as the Essex County Civic and Education Centre) became home to the County Administration offices in October of 1975.

The administrative offices for Essex County Council Services, Corporate Services, Engineering, Human Resources, Planning, Emergency Management Co-ordination, Emergency Medical Services, Community Services and the Essex County Library are all located in the Civic Centre. The County of Essex Council Chamber is also located in this building, as well as a number of Committee Rooms which are utilized by the owners and tenants of the building and other community organizations.

The building was a joint effort between the County Public School Board, the County Roman Catholic School Board and the Corporation of the County of Essex. In January of 1981, the Essex Region Conservation Authority became a partner in the ownership of the Civic Centre.

The capital costs and operating expenses are shared as follows, based on the square footage occupied by each partner:

Essex Region Conservation Authority 7.87%

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Greater Essex County District School Board 24.75%

Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board 16.54%

Corporation of the County of Essex 50.84%

The construction and joint furnishing debt was paid in full in 1996.

There are currently numerous tenants in the building. The Windsor Essex County Health Unit, the Essex County Federation of Agriculture, the Essex Windsor Solid Waste Authority, the Media Centre and Transportation Services are all located in the Civic Centre. The operation of the building is under the direction of the Building Management Committee and is governed by policies established by agreement among the four owners.

Renovations, alterations or improvements to the Civic Centre are approved by the Building Management Committee. The Corporation of the County of Essex is not able to unilaterally undertake renovations the facility.

Many of the barriers identified in the previous Accessibility Plans which related to physical accessibility barriers in the Civic Centre have been addressed.

The latest renovation to improve accessibility in the Civic Centre was in the Council Chambers. As the primary user of the Chambers, Essex County Council decided to proceed with renovations to the Chambers in 2010/11, at its own cost. Renovations were completed in March 2011.

The Civic Centre is an important gathering place for a broad array of the community and given that the Civic Centre is in excess of 37 years old, a number of significant deficiencies have been identified with the facility which must be addressed in the near future. Many are not accessibility related, however, the renewal and/or rehabilitation of the existing infrastructure will allow for an opportunity to remove additional barriers in the facility.

Pending budget approval for 2013 it is anticipated that renovations in the current year would focus on the South access of the building to provide ground level access at that entrance, with a new elevator to be accessible from ground level from inside the building, a new ramp to the patio area under the Council Chambers, and a new covered ramp at East entrance. In 2014, pending budget approval it is anticipated that a complete restoration of the parking lot with improved lighting and security cameras. It is anticipated that a proposal for the development of some trials around the facility will be considered as well. In 2015 and beyond the replace of

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plumbing fixtures with automatic features to improve accessibility and water savings is proposed.

Transportation Services Facilities

The Engineering, Transportation Planning and Construction Services Divisions operate from offices in Suite 201, on the main floor of the Essex County Civic Centre, 360 Fairview Avenue West in Essex.

The Maintenance Operation Division operates from four year round depots and one seasonal depot.

Year Round Maintenance Facilities:

• Maintenance Depot, 1941 Road 4 E, Kingsville

• West End Depot, 2100 Cty Rd 12, Essex

• West Pike Creek Depot, 11965 Cty Rd 42, Tecumseh

• Tilbury North Depot, 2400 Comber Side Rd, Lakeshore.

Seasonal Maintenance Facility:

• Harrow Yard, 970 Cty Rd 41, Harrow.

All Maintenance Depots have varying degrees of material storage, equipment housing, office and washroom facilities. These maintenance depots are not service locations that the general public would readily visit. Primarily, only roads maintenance staff have occasion to frequent these facilities.

It is anticipated that over the next two years, a new year round maintenance depot will be built to replace the West End Depot. While this facility will also only be accessed on a regular basis by County Employees, it will be constructed in accordance with the Integrated Accessibility Standard and any amendments to the Building Code which result from the Built Environment Standard.

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Sun Parlor Home for the Aged and Victoria Street Manor

The Sun Parlor Home for the Aged (SPH), located at 175 Talbot Street East in Leamington, was completed in early 1992. The Home has a capacity of 206 residents.

While the SPH was designed to exceed accessibility standards from the day when it was constructed in 1992, over the past decade, general wear on some fixtures and furnishings, as well as the increasingly frail nature of the residents, has created accessibility issues. To address these issues, a Home Improvement Committee was formed at the Sun Parlor Home. This Committee continues to investigate options for refurbishing areas of the Home, particularly with respect to enhancing the accessibility of the facility for residents, visitors and staff, and is always pleased to receive suggestions.

Some examples of improvements over the past several years have been the purchase of a new telephone system that included options for residents’ phones with louder volume controls, flashing ringers, programmable phone numbers and larger buttons; new flooring, doors equipped with automatic openers, doorway widenings, replacement of threshold moldings, accessible walkways in the courtyard, the relocation of accessible parking spaces from the side to the front of the building and the installation of some directional signage to reflect the changes.

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The Home encourages both management and staff to be “thinking accessibility” at all times. For example, new flooring was purchased for selected areas on a trial basis only. Although everyone liked its look, it was found to be a bit more difficult for some wheelchairs and lift devices to maneuver, due to its softer surface. As a result, the Home will be seeking a firm surfaced flooring as the home improvement project proceeds. Likewise, new dining room chairs will allow for easier sliding on the new soft flooring.

As always, on an individual resident needs basis, the Home makes every effort to facilitate the acquisition of a variety of assistive devices as may be required. The increasingly frail residents being admitted to the Home have many needs to be met. The Home has increased its planned purchase of electric hi-low beds such that with 2013 acquisitions 100% will be new beds. These have many benefits including being better for residents to get in/out as well as reducing the likelihood of falls.

As well as the enhancements to physical assistive devices and removal of physical barriers in the Home, the activation staff provide and coordinate a number of social activities and services designed to promote inclusiveness and enhancements to the quality of life of residents. Most recently, the services of registered Music Therapists have been engaged. Music therapy can improve motor, cognitive, emotional and interpersonal skills and has been proven effective in helping seniors with dementia and Alzheimers.

The Sun Parlor Home has also had a volunteer program in place for many years. In 2005, the Home’s volunteer program was featured in a video produced by Community Living Essex, entitled “Include Me”. Volunteers are always encouraged to participate at the Home through the part-time Volunteer Coordinator and an active Volunteer Auxiliary.

Since September of 1991, the Corporation has also operated a 14 bed supportive housing facility called the Victoria Street Manor. It is located at 184 Victoria St., Amherstburg. Like the Sun Parlor Home, as renovations are required at this facility, enhancements which are undertaken are done so with the goal of removing barriers to accessibility for residents, visitors and staff. For example, new flooring thresholds have removed the “bump” that was a hindrance to any wheeled device.

Emergency Medical Services Facilities

The administration offices for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), for Essex County, Windsor and Pelee Island are located on the ground level of the Civic Centre, Suite 115, located at 360 Fairview Avenue West, Essex.

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Beginning January 1, 2009, the County of Essex took over the delivery of Emergency Medical Services for the entire County. Previously, the County contracted with two private services and one volunteer service for the provision of EMS services throughout much of the County. There are EMS administrative offices and an ambulance base located at 920 Mercer Street in Windsor. This facility is a two-storey structure, not utilized by the general public. The majority of the administrative offices are located on the second floor of the building. While the budget for the renovations of the building in 2004 did not allow for the installation of an elevator to the second floor, additional office space and accessible washrooms were provided on the first floor.

There are currently two other ambulance stations in Windsor which are located at:

3180 Jefferson Avenue - The County of Essex leased this property until 2010, at which time it was purchased.

2620 Dougall Avenue - The County of Essex has a lease agreement for this facility.

Throughout the County, Ambulance stations are situated at the following locations:

• LaSalle Station – A new, joint Police, Fire and EMS facility is being constructed in 2013/14 by the Town of LaSalle, to replace the existing municipal complex.

• Leamington Station – This was the former Leamington Day Care building and renovated as an ambulance station in 2010. It is owned by the County of Essex.

• Lakeshore Station – This was a new station, constructed in 2011 on Renaud Line. This station is owned by the County of Essex.

• Tecumseh Station – This station is leased. It is located on Tecumseh Rd, near Shawnee. It is anticipated that renovations will be made to the former Tecumseh Day Care (on Lesperance Rd) in 2013 to replace the existing leased Tecumseh station.

• Kingsville Station – This station is located in a joint facility with the Town of Kingsville Fire Station on Division Road. This station is leased from the Town of Kingsville.

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• Harrow Station – This was a new station constructed in 2010 on Queen Street in Harrow. This station is owned by the County of Essex.

• Amherstburg Station – The County of Essex purchased the former AA & M Ambulance Station on Simcoe Street in 2009 and renovated it.

• Essex Satellite Station – In 2013, a new Essex EMS base is being located in the newly constructed joint facility with the Essex Centre Fire Station.

• Pelee Island Station – The Station on Pelee Island is located in part of the Medical Centre.

None of these ambulance bases are service locations that the general public would readily visit. Primarily, only EMS staff frequents these facilities however, the newly constructed bases and those that have been recently renovated, have been designed with accessibility features in mind. Future bases will be designed in accordance with the Built Environment Standard and amended Building Code, once enacted.

Essex County Library Facilities and Services

The Essex County Library operates a system of 14 branch libraries that provide library materials and services, free of charge, to all residents of Essex County. On January 23, 2013, the Essex County Library Board approved the following mission statement: Essex County Library welcomes you to a world of discovery, creativity and lifelong learning through accessible resources, programs and innovative services.

Library facilities are provided by the local municipalities with one facility located in each of Amherstburg, LaSalle, Leamington and Tecumseh, three facilities in both Essex and Kingsville and four in Lakeshore. The local municipalities are responsible for access into the buildings and for designating accessible parking adjacent to the facilities. While the local municipalities provide the facility for the Library Branches, the Essex County Library Board is responsible for furnishing the inside of the buildings with shelving, furniture, equipment, library resources and employs the staff who deliver all the services the Essex County Library provides.

Library administration offices are located in the lower level of 360 Fairview Avenue West, Essex in Suite 101. Administration, computer network services, ordering and processing of library materials are centralized there, so branches can focus exclusively on serving the public during hours that range from 59

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hours a week at the largest branches to 12 at the smallest. Only library staff has access to the library administration offices.

Beginning in 2008, the LaSalle, Leamington and Tecumseh branches began to have Sunday hours in addition to their regular weekday and Saturday hours of operation. Sunday hours are not, however, available during the months of June, July, August and September.

The Essex County Library is funded primarily through the County of Essex. A Library Board, appointed every four years by Essex County Council, in accordance with the Public Libraries Act, has 4 members from the current County Council. There are 3 lay appointees. The Board is responsible for setting policy and reviewing the overall performance of the Library. The Board’s budget is approved annually by County Council.

The local municipalities have been striving to address the physical barriers that exist in some of the older library facilities in order to make the buildings more accessible for all patrons. In some instances, like in the Town of Essex, library branches have been relocated to more accessible buildings. The McGregor Library was relocated to a new Community Centre, providing a larger, more accessible facility. The Town of Kingsville also opened a new library in March 2010, replacing the inaccessible Carnegie Library.

In 2012, the LaSalle Library temporarily relocated to an accessible building at Crossings Outlet Mall, while a new, accessibility facility is constructed to house that branch. As well, in 2014 the Town of Lakeshore will be constructing a new Library in conjunction with a multi-purpose recreation complex. Input was provided by the Essex County Library to ensure an accessible design for both branches. Shelving will be at a lower height (5 feet) and aisle widths increased to meet the AODA standards. In addition the reception desk and self-check computers will be wheelchair accessible. Planning is underway for a renovated facility in Woodslee. As municipalities upgrade or rebuild their library facilities, Essex County Library will ensure that they meet the AODA facility standards.

Over the past several years, the Library has been improving technology to enhance services for all patrons, as well as for staff. JAWS software, which was recently upgraded, is installed on computers at the Tecumseh, Essex and LaSalle Branches. There is a Braille printer at the Essex Branch. SARA, a scanning and reading appliance which makes printed documents accessible for people with low vision or who are blind through magnifying the print or having the document read out loud in 12 different languages, is available at the Leamington Library. Zoom Text, which provides computer access through an enlarged screen, is also available at the Cottam, Kingsville and Ruthven branches.

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The library website is controlled by third party software, the integrated library system, Sirsi Dynix. They have been consulted and the status of the website design is as follows. The first page of the website has been modified into columns. All other pages follow the pre-designed themes. As an American company, all pre-designed SirsiDynix themes are ADA-compliant at the Priority 2 level. This means that these themes, when displayed in the Searching interface, accommodate all web content accessibility guidelines published by the World Wide Web Consortium at the Priority 2 level, in conjunction with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1998 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. When loading the website, the default is to ADA mode "on" which specifies that the Searching interface for the profile opens in the mode that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA mode makes the Searching interface easier to navigate without a mouse. For example, item detail displays open on a new page instead of in a modal window, and the Select an Action menu in the search results and item detail display opens in a default drop-down list. The Essex County Library will continue to work with the vendor to ensure that the website improves and meets Ontario standards.

The Essex County Library Board continues to expand and enhance their online library services by providing eAudioBooks and eBooks available for download through their website. In 2011, the Essex County Library began offering a free online download music service. People are able to download up to three songs per week from the Sony Canada Music database. In 2012, digital magazines were also added to the collection, allowing residents to download current copies to their home computers or personal devices. As well, as the online resources available, the library has growing collections of books in large print format, audio books on CD and Playaways (self- contained preloaded MP3 players) and some DVD’s with closed captioning. The growth of the on-line, virtual collections has provided enhanced service delivery options for people who are not able to physically get to a library branch. Reference collections, which provide access to over 31,000 works ranging from encyclopaedias, journal articles and research papers are available through the library’s website. In addition for residents who do wish to get a print copy of a book or audiobook, but cannot get to a library branch due to medical reasons, staff at their local branch will deliver materials. Collections are also sent to local long term care facilities.

In 2012 the Essex County Library introduced a TTY service at the Tecumseh branch. The telephone number is 519-735-9831. In 2013, this service will be expanded to the LaSalle and Leamington branches, so that all residents in the County will have TTY access.

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As well as addressing the accessibility of services to the public, the Essex County Library has been addressing the accommodation requirements of staff. In 2011 one employee’s workstation was replaced in order to accommodate a disability. Included in the workstation is a larger, touch screen monitor; voice recognition software (Dragon Speak Pro) and an ergonomically designed mouse which utilizes the whole arm rather than just the wrist. Each year a staff workstation is evaluated by a qualified ergonomist.

In accordance with the Integrated Accessibility Standard, in 2011 the Essex County Library developed evacuation procedure documents for all its branches. These documents have been printed in large format and posted at the branches. They are also available in alternate formats upon request.

As part of the requirements under the Integrated Accessibility Standard, staff will receive ongoing training on the AODA legislation at regularly scheduled staff meetings. Policies are reviewed and all Accessibility policies are posted on the Library’s Intranet for staff to view. All new staff receive training on all Accessibility policies as part of their orientation to the Essex County Library.

Outstanding Recommendations Approved in Prior Years Accessibility Plans

Since the adoption the first Essex County Accessibility Plan, Essex County Council has made every effort to implement the approved recommendations. There are, however, some initiatives that have been identified in prior years’ Accessibility Plans which have not been completed. A complete report on the status of recommended initiatives in prior years Accessibility Plans was presented to Essex County Council at their meeting held December 6th, 2012.

As the County of Essex moves forward with multi-year accessibility plans, outstanding recommended initiatives from prior plans have been incorporated into the new multi-year plan.

Accessibility Initiatives Identified in the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

The attached Schedule “A” of the County of Essex Multi-Year Accessibility Plan outlines strategies and actions to prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities to be undertaken over the next five years. These

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initiatives include our strategy for meeting the timelines established in Regulations enacted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

Review and Monitoring of the Progress

The Multi-year Accessibility Plan will be updated at least once every five years. The Working Group will review the progress of the initiatives undertaken in the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan on an on-going basis. Progress reports from the Working Group will also be provided to the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee. Feedback from the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee on the progress of the initiatives will be reported to Essex County Council through their Committee minutes.

In December of each year, the Working Group will provide County Council with an evaluation and status report of the accessibility initiatives identified in the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan that were undertaken in the current year. This evaluation will be available to the public from the County of Essex website, or through other means, upon request.

The Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee will also complete a report on their accomplishments from the current year and provide it to County Council annually.

Communication of the Plan

Copies of the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for the Corporation of the County of Essex will be available at the County of Essex Administration Office located at 360 Fairview Avenue West, Essex, Suite 202 and at all branches of the Essex County Library. The Plan will also be posted on the Essex County website www.countyofessex.on.ca once approved. Copies of the Plan will be available in alternate formats, upon request.

Feedback

Essex County welcomes public input as feedback helps to identify areas where changes need to be considered and ways in which we can improve facilities, goods and services. Should a member of the public wish to provide general feedback, comments or suggestions on how to improve accessibility in our facilities, goods or services, please contact us through our Customer Services Feedback/Comment Process.

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Schedule A - Multi-Year Accessibility Plan Accessibility Initiatives 2013-2017

Accessibility Action to be Taken Timeframe Initiatives Accessible Customer Continue to deliver Accessible Ongoing Service Customer Service training to 2013 – 2017 Addressing any barriers all new employees and in the delivery of volunteers accessible goods and services to customers Ensure Vendor Accessible Ongoing Training Certificates are being 2013 – 2017 received. Review and update Accessible Ongoing Customer Service Policies and 2013 – 2017 Procedures as required Information and Training of employees on the 2013 Communications Essex County Integrated Addressing barriers to Accessibility Standard Policy providing information #12-001, on requirements of and communication in the Information and accessible formats Communications Standard including the use of accessible formats or communication supports. Continue employee training on 2013-2014 how to create accessible documents in WORD and PDF formats Develop and provide 2013 accessible Council/Committee report and policy templates to staff for use in preparing accessible documents for Council and the public Develop accessible document 2013 requirements for consultants and other third parties engaged to prepare public documents on behalf of the Corporation

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Accessibility Action to be Taken Timeframe Initiatives Monitor feedback process to Ongoing ensure that receiving and 2013 – 2017 responding to feedback is made available in an accessible format upon request or with appropriate communication supports Investigate options for 2013-2014 development of a new Corporate website which would conform with the World Wide Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) initially at Level A with the ability to increase to Level AA Monitor that content posted to 2013 the existing Corporate website confirms to WCAG 2.0 Level A, unless it is not practicable to do so Employment Training of employees on the 2013 Addressing barriers to Essex County Integrated employment with the Accessibility Standard Policy County of Essex for #12-001, on requirements of people with disabilities the Accessible Employment and addressing Standard. accommodation requirements of existing employees with disabilities Develop practices and 2013-2014 procedures to notify internal and external job applicants that accommodations for disabilities will be provided upon request

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Accessibility Action to be Taken Timeframe Initiatives Develop practices and 2013-2014 procedures to notify job applicants who have been invited to participate in the recruitment, assessment or selection process that accommodations for disabilities are available upon request Develop practices and 2013-2014 procedures for notifying successful applicants of the policy for accommodating employees with disabilities when offering employment Review of existing County of 2013-2014 Essex Accommodation Policy #08-003 in conjunction with requirements of Essex County Integrated Accessibility Standard Policy #12-001 to determine if additional practices and procedures are required regarding: • Informing new and existing employees of policies supporting employees with disabilities • Consultation with employees with disabilities in order to provide them with accessible formats and communication supports • Development of written individual accommodation plans for employees with disabilities

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Accessibility Action to be Taken Timeframe Initiatives Review of existing County of 2013-2014 Essex Early and Safe Return to Work Policy #08-001 in conjunction with requirements of Essex County Integrated Accessibility Standard Policy #12-001 to determine if additional practices and procedures are required regarding: • the documentation of a process for supporting employees who return to work after being absent for reasons related to their disability • that accessibility needs of employees with disabilities are taken into consideration if they are redeployed to another position Review performance 2013-2014 management process to ensure that accessibility needs of employees with disabilities are taken into account Review career development 2013-2014 and advancement practices and procedures to ensure that such opportunities, when available, take into account the accessibility needs of employees with disabilities

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Accessibility Action to be Taken Timeframe Initiatives Transportation The County of Essex does not Not Applicable at Not Applicable at this currently operate or contract this time. time public transit services or license taxicabs. Consultation on the Essex County Transit Assessment Report, exploring the possibility of the development of a public transit system throughout the County of Essex was undertaken in 2010. Essex County Council opted to not proceed with the implementation strategy on a County-wide basis. Local municipalities, however, may consider proceeding with their own public transit systems. If during the life of this multi- year plan a County-wide Transit Service were to be developed, the requirements of the Accessible Transportation Standard will be addressed in an amendment to this Plan. Procurement Development of practices to 2013 Practices ensure that accessibility Ensuring accessible criteria and features are being goods, services and taken into consideration in all facilities are purchased procurement practices in when available accordance with the Accessibility Standard Policy #12-001 Amend Essex County 2013 Purchasing Policy #04-002 to reflect requirements set out in the Accessibility Standard Policy #12-001 regarding the procurement of accessible goods, services and facilities

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Accessibility Action to be Taken Timeframe Initiatives Ontario Human Provide training to employees 2013 Rights Code Training on the requirements of the Increasing obligations Ontario Human Rights Code as of the ‘duty to it relates to people with accommodate’ disabilities Emergency Public As new emergency Ongoing Safety Information procedures, plans and public 2013-2017 Making this information safety information becomes available to the public in available, continue to ensure accessible formats that the information is developed in formats which are easily convertible to alternate formats upon request Multi-Year Review, consult on and update 2017 Accessibility Plan 5 year Multi-Year Accessibility Ensuring the Plan for the period 2018-2022 accessibility plans of the County of Essex continue to address the needs of the community Essex County Library Replacing door handles at 2013 Services and entrances to Library Facilities Administration Offices to Ensuring accessible levers facilities as branches are renovated or relocated to new facilities and expanding the large print and audio collections as well as other accessible services Procuring large screen 2013 computer monitors as workstations are replaced or touch screens is requested by staff

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Accessibility Action to be Taken Timeframe Initiatives Expanding and promoting the 2013 TTY Service to LaSalle and Leamington Libraries in addition to the current Tecumseh location Expanding the large print and 2013 audio book collections Opening of new LaSalle 2013 Library: • Shelves lowered to 5 feet to allow for ease of access • Aisle widths increased • Lower reception area and self-check machine Library website is controlled by Ongoing third party software, the 2013-2017 integrated library system, Sirsi Dynix Work which is compliant with American Disabilities Act Section 508. The Library with continue to work with this vendor to meet AODA website requirements Training on Library Ongoing Accessibility Policies and 2013-2017 communication supports for existing and all new employees. Opening of new Lakeshore 2014 Library: • Shelves lowered to 5 feet to allow for ease of access • Aisle widths increased Lower reception area and self- check machine

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Accessibility Action to be Taken Timeframe Initiatives Planning for new or renovated 2015 accessible library facility in Leamington subject to approval by the Municipality of Leamington Council Planning for renovations to 2016 Millen Centre – Woodslee Library, subject to approval by the Town of Lakeshore Council Sun Parlor Home Continued home improvement Ongoing Facilities and projects: 2013-2017 Services • firm surfaced flooring Continually enhancing • new dining room chairs the accessibility of the which will allow for easier facility and services for sliding residents, visitors and • purchase of additional staff electric hi-low beds subject to annual budget approvals Continued individual resident Ongoing needs assessments and 2013-2017 procurement of resultant assistive devices, subject to annual budget approvals Essex County Civic Renovations focusing on the 2013 Centre Renovations South access of the building to Removing barriers and provide ground level access at enhancing the that entrance, with a new accessibility of the elevator to be accessible from facility ground level from inside the building, a new ramp to the patio area under the Council Chambers, and a new covered ramp at East entrance, pending budget approval

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Accessibility Action to be Taken Timeframe Initiatives Restoration of the Civic Centre 2014 parking lot with improved lighting and security cameras, as well as the development of a proposal of some trials around the facility, all pending budget approval Replace of plumbing fixtures 2015-2017 with automatic features to improve accessibility and water savings, pending budget approval Essex County Annual Accessibility 2013-2017 Accessibility Advisory Workshops Committee Initiatives Continually promoting accessibility awareness Annual publication of AAC YAK 2013-2017 Newsletter Annual Promotion of National 2013-2017 Access Awareness Week and International Day of Persons with Disabilities through activities such as Wheelchair Basketball games and public presentations. Accessibility and Continued investigation of the 2013 Functional Needs feasibility of developing a Registry Working registry containing data Group related to functional and Providing additional accommodation needs of some data for emergency residents of Essex County, service providers in the who choose to self-register, event of a disaster or which would be accessed by large scale emergency emergency personnel in the event of disasters requiring such actions as evacuation

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Accessibility Action to be Taken Timeframe Initiatives If it is determined that it is 2014-2017 feasible to proceed with the development of an Accessibility and Functional Needs Registry, continued work by the Working Group will be required for the development of the registry, registration process, Privacy Impact Assessment, promotion, renewal process, etc. will need to be developed Transportation Build new west end 2013-2014 Services Maintenance maintenance depot in Depot accordance with Built Ensuring new facilities Environment Standard and meet Built Environment amended Building Code once Standard and amended enacted Ontario Building Code Emergency Medical New or renovated EMS bases 2013-2017 Services Base to be built in accordance with Construction and Built Environment Standard Renovations and amended Building Code Ensuring new facilities once enacted meet Built Environment Standard and amended Ontario Building Code

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Accessibility Action to be Taken Timeframe Initiatives Active Transportation A County Wide Active New initiatives related Transportation Strategy was to the development of approved by Essex County on and off road Council and local municipalities pedestrian and cycling in Essex County in 2012. facilities under the Implementation of the County’s jurisdiction will Strategy is phased over a 20 be accessible year period An Inter- municipal Active Transportation Committee is developing recommended policies and will guide the process of implementation. Requirements established in the Accessibility Standard for the Built Environment – Design of Public Spaces Standards (Part IV.1 of Ontario Regulation 413/12) will be incorporated into the implementation plans.