DOCUMENT 1
2008
CITY OF OTTAWA
MUNICIPAL ACCESSIBILITY PLAN
(COMAP)
Submitted by
The Accessibility Steering Committee
In collaboration with
The City of Ottawa Accessibility Advisory Committee
November 2007
Aussi disponible en français.
This
document is available in alternate format upon request.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements and Messages
1. Introduction
2. Vision
a) Commitments to Accessibility
b) Provincial Goals and Legislation
c) Vision to Action
3. Making the City of Ottawa More Accessible
a) City Facilities and Buildings
b) Sidewalks and Intersections
c) Paths and Walkways
d) Employment
e) Information Services
f) Transportation
g) Housing
h) Active Living
4. Changing Times, Changing Minds
5. Working Together for Accessibility
a) Accessibility Through Partnerships
b) Building Accessibility Throughout Ottawa
6. Meeting the Challenges
7. Staying on Track
a) Review and Monitoring
b) Distribution of the Report
APPENDICES:
Appendix 1 - Accessibility Steering Committee - Membership
- Terms of Reference
Appendix 2 - Accessibility Advisory Committee - Membership
- Terms of Reference
Appendix 3 – AccessAbility Day Proclamation
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - 2007 Departmental Achievements
Attachment 2 - 2008 Departmental Initiatives
Acknowledgements
The Accessibility Steering Committee would like to thank everyone who contributed to the development of the City of Ottawa’s Municipal Accessibility Plan 2008.
Many individuals gave their time and expertise, including:
Ottawa residents who participated in the community forum, roundtables, focus groups, surveys, and interviews
Members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC)
Members of Persons with DisABILITIES: A Community Coalition
City of Ottawa staff
Members of the Accessibility Steering Committee (ASC)
The ASC also thanks:
Victor Emerson, Chairperson, Accessibility Advisory Committee
Copies of the report can been obtained from the City of Ottawa.
Tel: 3-1-1
TTY 613 580-2401
Email: 311@ottawa.ca
Internet:
www.ottawa.ca/residents/accessibility
City
of Ottawa: Making Accessibility a Part
of Everyday Business
Message from the
Chair, Accessibility Advisory Committee
Accessibility affects all people. It is generally true that persons with disabilities are at the greatest disadvantage when accessibility is lacking, and for this reason persons with disabilities are usually in the vanguard of the accessibility movement. However, it is also generally true that improvements in accessibility generate benefits that are felt by all people, not only by persons with disabilities. Although the classic example of this is the curb-cut – which facilitates transportation by persons in wheelchairs or scooters but also benefits parents with strollers, lawyers pulling document cases, and tourists with wheeled suitcases – there are many other examples where accessibility improvements have been of benefit to the citizenry at large and have also made the accessible environment a more welcoming place for tourists and other visitors. Not only is accessibility a human-rights matter of leveling the playing field – it also makes good business sense.
The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) has two opinions about Ottawa’s commitment to accessibility – one related to the strategic vision at the City’s senior levels, and the other related to the working level.
At the working level, the role of the Corporate Accessibility Specialist (CAS) has been of great value to the City, and we applaud Council’s creation of both this position and the position of Transportation Accessibility Specialist (TAS) at OC Transpo. At each month’s AAC meeting, we see evidence of the effort being put forward by the Corporate Accessibility Specialist and the Transportation Accessibility Specialist, who do an outstanding job of keeping the AAC informed of accessibility progress in their respective domains. More important, they serve as enablers to help make accessibility “everyday business” in the City, helping branches identify and address barriers. The COMAP identifies many of the areas “touched” by the Corporate Accessibility Specialist, and it is heartening to see improvements in so many of these areas, including: training of front-line staff; auditing City facilities and modifying them for accessibility; installing audible pedestrian signals at intersections; making the City’s website more accessible; and many other areas. These activities are all of great value, and the AAC supports them wholeheartedly.
However, the excellent work being done by staff could have greater impact with strategic guidance, and the AAC sees a need for a greater commitment to accessibility at senior levels within the City.
As a keynote example, in 2007 we were disappointed to observe OC Transpo defend its practices in a human-rights accessibility case before the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA). Not only was this losing case fought against a blind citizen who was simply asking that OC Transpo implement a policy that had been on its books for 20 years, but it left the City of Ottawa with a human-rights black eye and incurred costs that must be borne by Ottawa taxpayers. A senior-level accessibility champion in the City would have had the influence to ensure that the original complaint was treated as a stimulus for positive change rather than as a nuisance, and both the image of Ottawa and the well-being of its citizens would have benefited from such an enlightened and informed approach.
We are similarly concerned by the City’s current emphasis on “zero increases”, which seems to imply that the City will be looking for opportunities to contain or cut expenses. This approach will take place at the same time that provisions of the provincial accessibility legislation (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, or AODA) come into force. Some aspects of the AODA have already been implemented, and others will roll out in 2008 and beyond. Failure to conform to the AODA can result in substantial, and in some cases recurring, financial penalties. To the extent that the City’s approach to accessibility will be consistent with the approach used in the CTA case (above), Ottawa taxpayers will be at risk of seeing their taxes increased to pay for the City’s legal fees and penalties rather than to pay for compliance with provincial accessibility legislation. This is not a strategy for success by any criterion. The AAC would prefer to see a senior-level accessibility champion helping to steer the City’s planning in a proactive manner. Whether this “senior-level champion” is an individual, an office, or some other entity is clearly Council’s decision, but the AAC is, of course, prepared to advise Council on this matter.
It is not difficult to identify areas where senior-level guidance would benefit the progress of accessibility in the City. The AAC believes that the City of Ottawa must be prepared to re-engineer itself to ensure that accessibility is incorporated into the City’s corporate culture in a manner that assigns a priority to the safety, security, and quality of life of its citizens and visitors. For example:
§ Currently, Audible Pedestrian Signals are being installed at new intersections and intersections where work is scheduled. While it is encouraging to see this occurring, the installation guidelines risk ignoring the needs of the community. Priority should be assigned to those intersections where the greatest risk exists, and where the greatest benefit will be realised by the greatest number of people, such as at busy downtown intersections.
§ Until visible fire alarms are installed, persons with a severe disability of hearing are at risk of being unaware that a fire alarm has been sounded. The City needs to fast-track implementation of this basic safety measure in City facilities.
§ Persons with a disability of hearing are at a disadvantage when attending public meetings on City premises. Although there are ad hoc solutions available, such as the provision of sign-language translators or the use of text displays, the City needs a plan that will address these needs on an on-going basis. Ultimately, all City meeting rooms should be able to accommodate persons with a hearing disability.
The COMAP shows how much has been accomplished and how much work is in progress by the City’s various branches. However, without a strong senior-level accessibility advocate who has influence over the City’s strategic decisions, we believe that the Corporate Accessibility Specialist runs the risk of being tasked with “plugging holes in the dike”, when what is needed is input to the overall design of the dike.
Fundamentally, the AAC believes that accessibility must exist as an integral component of all City development rather than as a budget line item that can be increased or decreased depending on temporary financial pressures or reassignment of priorities. This AAC vision assumes an accessibility champion’s influence over difficult decisions about funding. The AODA mandates a staged timeline for accessibility implementation to 2025, and the AAC sees the need for senior guidance at the municipal level to ensure that accessibility initiatives form part of mandatory as opposed to operational spending, and to ensure that the City’s evolving strategic plan includes accessibility in manageable increments; in other words, the City needs someone who can ensure that Ottawa conforms to, or anticipates, AODA requirements while coping with provincial funding challenges. Of course, the AAC – a provincially mandated committee that exists to advise City Council – stands willing to assist in this effort.
Experience can be a great teacher. All humans, and all human organizations, make mistakes; successful leadership can be seen as the ability to learn from these mistakes in a manner that avoids similar mistakes in the future. The AAC looks to those responsible for setting the City’s priorities to learn from experience – and perhaps especially the painful precedent set in the CTA decision – and to give greater emphasis to a strategic approach to accessibility that ensures that all the citizens of Canada’s capital city enjoy equal protection of their basic rights and equal opportunity to participate in municipal activities. Influence over municipal strategy enables the accessibility champion to extend Council’s vision and to make Ottawa a beacon of accessibility in a manner that is fiscally responsible.
We believe that the City of Ottawa has the vision and the expertise to take this step. Until such time as this occurs, we congratulate the City on its accessibility progress to date, and emphasise our support for the initiatives outlined in the 2008 COMAP.
Victor Emerson
Chair
Accessibility Advisory Committee
Message from the Co-Chairs, Accessibility Steering Committee
As Co-Chairs of the Accessibility Steering Committee, we are pleased to present the City of Ottawa’s 2008 Accessibility Report.
More than ever, accessibility is playing a major role at the City of Ottawa. We know that the future depends on our ability to deliver excellent “accessible” services to the community that we serve.
The City of Ottawa values customer differences and fairness for all. We are continuing to learn to value and capitalize on the contributions of all residents and employees to help us better meet our goals. In partnership with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, the City is very proud of the projects and activities that have been implemented this past year. In 2007, each department or service area in the City of Ottawa has made significant contributions towards achieving a barrier-free community. This report highlights some of our initiatives and achievements in each of those areas.
Making accessibility and inclusion a part of our everyday business at the City of Ottawa helps us to constantly seek ways to better serve our clients.
Regards,
L. Lois Emburg Kelly Robertson
Co-Chair Co-Chair
Accessibility Steering Committee Accessibility Steering Committee
1. Introduction
Since its first accessibility plan in 2003, the City of Ottawa has moved
steadily towards providing a higher level of accessibility to its services,
programs and infrastructures. Commitments from Council, City staff and
partnerships with private and community groups are leading the City towards
making accessibility a part of everyday business.
Under the Ontarians with Disabilities
Act (ODA), municipalities are required to develop and make public annual
accessibility plans showing how barriers are being identified, removed and
prevented. This requirement will
continue under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
(AODA).
The City of Ottawa Municipal
Accessibility Plan 2008 (COMAP) is both a report on actions taken in 2007 and a
plan for 2008, providing information about initiatives for the next 1-3 years. The report satisfies the provincial
requirements. However more importantly, it speaks to all residents, visitors
and employees about the City’s commitment to remove barriers that limit their
participation in Ottawa life.
Developed by the Accessibility
Steering Committee (ASC), in consultation with the Accessibility Advisory
Committee (AAC), COMAP 2008 reflects feedback from the broader community and
City staff as well as requirements of provincial accessibility legislation and
standards. COMAP 2008 identifies
initiatives required to meet customer service standards, ensuring that the City
is ready for the 2010 deadline. As last
year’s COMAP set the ground work for customer service standards, the 2008
report signals preparations for the information and communication standards.
2. Vision
a) Commitments
to Accessibility
The inclusion of
citizens with disabilities is a corporate-wide vision shared by Council and
staff. Bringing this vision to reality
requires the attention, dedication and skills of all City staff. The goal is to have accessibility become
everyday business at the City of Ottawa.
This is being accomplished through a review of policies and procedures
governing how the City does business, and through a concentrated effort to
increase the knowledge and skill base of all City staff about how to identify
and remove barriers and provide accessible municipal services.
While numerous achievements in accessibility are documented in this
report, the City is aware that not all barriers have been identified or
removed. Efforts will continue so that participation of residents and visitors
with disabilities will not be limited in any way. Diligence is also required to prevent the introduction of new
barriers as services are enhanced and new technologies introduced.
In 2007, Council embarked on an exercise to identify the strategic
direction for the next four years. The
2007-2010 City Strategic Direction[1] describes
the continued commitment to greater inclusion and better access. The City
Strategic Direction has identified priority areas that include efforts to:
·
have the entire
transit fleet accessible by 2017,
·
ensure people who
are economically disadvantaged are included in the work of Council and policy
development,
· ensure that everyone has the opportunity to take part in cultural and recreational programs,
· recognize and balance the needs of all citizens as they access City services, and
· develop a 10-year renewal plan for sidewalks, street signals and stop signs that will fully close the infrastructure renewal gap by 2017.
The Strategic Direction will guide the City in implementing its long-term vision as described in Ottawa 20/20[2]. The vision is to build:
· a responsible and responsive city,
· a caring and inclusive city,
· a city of distinct, livable communities,
· an innovative city where prosperity is shared among all, and
· a healthy and active city.
b) Provincial
Goals and Legislation
The Province of Ontario enacted legislation in 2005 designed to achieve
a fully accessible province by 2025.
Through the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
(AODA) the province will develop, implement and enforce standards for
accessibility related to goods, services, facilities, employment, accommodation
and buildings. The AODA mandates both the public and private sectors to
provide access to goods and services, buildings and facilities, structures and
premises, workplaces and accommodations.
An accessibiltiy standard has been
regulated for customer service, is proposed for transportation and in the
process of development for information and communications, the built
environment and employment. All
accessibility standards will be in place by 2010. Compliance deadlines for the
standards will range from 3 to 18 years.
The City of Ottawa has endorsed this legislation and is preparing for
full compliance within the required timeframes.
The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service3,
regulated in 2007, requires municipalities to be in compliance by January 1,
2010. Specifically, there is
requirement to:
- establish
policies, practices and procedures about how services are provided to
persons with disabilities,
- provide
training to all staff who deal with members of the public about the
provincial accessibility legislation and regulations, and how to deliver
accessible services (communication, assistance for people using service
animals, technical devices or support persons),
- provide
training to all staff involved in policy development,
- ensure policies
and practices do not impede supports provided to individuals by their
service animals and personal support staff,
- provide notice
of temporary disruption of services,
- provide a way
for people to give feedback about the accessibility of services, and
- prepare and
make available documents about how these standards are met.
Standards for information and communications are currently being developed. These standards will require technical and policy solutions in order to provide equitable access to information whether delivered by print, electronically, in person, Internet, public meetings or telephone.
A public review of the proposed transportation
standard has been completed and the provincial government is currently
reviewing the feedback received. The
Initial Proposed Transportation Standard calls for accessibility of public and
private transit systems within the next 18 years4.
Provincial committees are developing standards
for the built environment and employment. These standards will be completed by
2010.
COMAP 2008 identifies initiatives required to meet the customer service
standards ensuring that the City is ready for the 2010 deadline. As last year’s COMAP set the ground work for
customer service standards, the 2008 report signals preparations for the
information and communication standards.
The City of Ottawa remains committed to accessibility goals of the AODA
and will continue to work with the provincial government on the development and
implementation of these standards. The City reviews and submits feedback to
proposed standards as they are developed.
The City also provides a representative to the committee developing
standards for information and communications.
c) Vision
to Action
The City of Ottawa’s approach to moving its vision of full accessibility
into action is to work with the community of persons with disabilities. The
City recognizes the expertise and knowledge of citizens who experience
disability-related barriers on a daily basis.
Through the AAC, community coalitions and meetings with individuals with
specific expertise, the City receives ongoing advice about barriers, where they
are, how they can be removed and how the City can best avoid introduction of
new barriers. As a rule, solutions addressing the needs of persons with
disabilities will benefit the whole community.
In addressing barriers, the City has a cross-disability focus to ensure
that inclusion is achieved for all citizens regardless of type of
disability. Efforts to remove barriers
are structured by a vision that accessibility is for everyone – that services
are equally available to people regardless of their disability - mobility,
sensory (vision or hearing loss), mental
illnesses, cognitive, health related, environmental or multiple. Barriers that limit the participation of
people with non-visible disabilities are of particular concern as these are too
often unrecognized and historically lost in the process of removing barriers.
A theme running throughout many of the 2008 initiatives is providing
appropriate tools to staff so hey have the knowledge and skills necessary to
ensure infrastructure, services and programs are barrier-free and
inclusive.
3.
Making the City of Ottawa More
Accessible
a)
City
Facilities and Buildings
Progress in 2007
In 2007, over 1,000 physical
barriers were removed from various City facilities, and an additional 50 City
buildings were audited, improving accessibility for people with diverse
disabilities. Retrofitting City facilities to improve accessibility is an
ongoing effort. Retrofit projects included washroom upgrades, installation of
power door operators, asphalt pathways, tactile signage, new ramps, and
accessible parking areas. Retrofits were made to recreation centres, community
centres, museums, pools shelters, arenas, youth centres, parks, and sports
centres. These efforts vary in size and cost, ranging from the replacement of
door handles from knob to lever, to elevator installations.
Plans for 2008
The City of Ottawa will continue to remove barriers that have been
identified through accessibility audits carried out in City buildings. In 2008,
the City anticipates removing another 500 – 800 barriers and auditing an
additional 50 facilities. Retrofit
projects will be identified using the newly developed guidelines and policies
designed to ensure that building accessibility funds are applied to projects
with the highest priority.
Barriers identified in previous accessibility audits of Ottawa Police Service facilities will be removed through retrofit and renovations projects at the Elgin Street and Greenbank Street locations.
b) Intersections and Sidewalks
Progress in 2007 and Plans for 2008
In 2007, nine Audio Pedestrian Signals (APS) were installed at traffic
intersections bringing the total to 323.
These units indicate through sound when the lights have turned green,
letting pedestrians know it is safe to cross the street. Thirty-one per cent of all intersections
with traffic lights are now equipped with Audible Pedestrian Signals, well
ahead of the initial goal of 26% by 2010. APS units installed in 2007 were in newly
built intersections or intersections being reconstructed. The City recognizes the need for APS
installations in more densely populated and visited areas and will proceed with
retrofitting as resources allow.
A new
design has been adopted by the City of Ottawa to improve pedestrian sidewalk
movements when crossing driveway accesses.
The new "ramp-style" vehicle access design allows for flatter
sidewalks at entrances and has been the City" standard since 2006. Dozens of installations have been
constructed throughout the City with generally good reviews from pedestrians.
c)
Paths and Walkways
Progress in 2007 and Plans for 2008
The City of Ottawa is creating a Master Pedestrian Plan, designed to guide the City in the planning, design and implementation of pedestrian facilities and programs with an emphasis on making walking and combined walking/transit a viable alternative transportation mode. This plan will improve mobility and ultimately improve access for all citizens, including citizens with disabilities.
A new
partnership called
the Snow Go Program between the City of Ottawa, the
Senior Citizens Council of Ottawa and members of the Ottawa Community Support
Coalition is helping seniors and persons with disabilities to have snow cleared
from their driveways and walkways. This partnership includes the
3-year pilot Snow Go Assist Program that offers financial assistance to
eligible low-income seniors and persons with disabilities for snow and ice
clearing.
d)
Employment
Progress in 2007
Employment continues to be a main area of concern as identified by citizens with disabilities. An outreach recruitment program designed to encourage persons with disabilities to apply for City positions was continued in 2007. Diversity training in how to work more effectively and sensitively within a diverse workforce was provided to managers and directors.
Plans for 2008
The City wants to determine if its workforce represents the community; whether the workforce is diverse and inclusive of persons with disabilities among other groups as identified in the Equity and Diversity Policy. In 2008, a self-identification survey will be distributed to all staff to determine how diverse the workforce is.
Working with the Ministry of Community and Social Services, job opportunities will be promoted to persons with disabilities.
e)
Information
Services
Information services had been identified as a primary service area for citizens
with disabilities (focus group participants, Corporate Training Needs
Identification - Disability and Inclusion project, and community forum – June
5, 2007).
Progress in 2007
The 2006 Evaluation of Information Services explored whether persons with
disabilities have equitable access to City of Ottawa information. Recommendations from this report were put
into action in 2007:
·
TTY lines coming
into the 3-1-1 contact centre are being routed to the agents’ computer
monitors, providing TTY callers with direct and real time access.
Troubleshooting this installation will help the City in extending this
technology to other areas, with the ultimate goal of having all public numbers
available to TTY callers.
·
An audit of
ottawa.ca is identifying barriers and specific ‘coding’ changes required for
the City to meet international standards for accessible websites as described
by the W3C consortium[3].
·
The OC Trip
Planner, available through the OC website, is now fully accessible for people
who use screen readers, such as JAWS.
·
A redesign of
ottawa.ca to improve usability, has improved access for persons with
disabilities. Browsealoud software is now available from the site enabling
people with low vision or literacy challenges to have text on the monitor read
out loud and/or highlighted. Other
usability improvements include:
o increased white space to reduce clutter on main page,
o improved navigational tabbing on index pages for screen readers, removed drop-lists for gateway services (helpful for screen readers), removed gateway colours reducing the visual confusion, improved consistency of the site, i.e. one banner for each gateway, created a better navigation system,
o enhanced colour contrast throughout the site,
o enabled changing of font size, and prioritized page layout for screen readers.
These improvements will also help prepare the City to meet the
provincial standards for information and communications expected in 2008.
Plans for 2008
Recommendations of the Information Services Evaluation – 2006 will
continue to be implemented through:
- piloting the
computer-mounted TTY system that links TTY calls directly to computers of
City staff,
- removing barriers to websites and
web posted documents as identified in the accessibility audit, and
- updating the Multiple Formats Policy
to reflect community identified needs and new technologies that enhance
accessibility to information.
Emergency preparedness guidelines that address needs associated
with disability will be integrated into the City’s “Are You Ready” public
education campaign.
f)
Transportation
Progress in 2007
As of December 2007, 70.7 % of the City’s transit fleet will be made up
of low-floor buses, up from 57% in 2005. The low-floor design enhances the
accessibility of buses, ensuring they can accommodate mobility needs of people
who are using wheelchairs, scooters or other mobility aids. In addition, this accessible design benefits
many transit users, including parents and caregivers with strollers, young children,
seniors and individuals with temporary injuries that affect mobility.
The Community Pass pilot project, which reduces the cost of transit by
more than 60% for persons with disabilities who have a low family income, was
introduced in 2006 to become a tremendous success. This project has over 6,000
residents utilizing community passes.
Another successful initiative to support increased use of the bus system
has been the Travel Training program. The program helps people who are new to public transit to
plan a bus trip, learn how to use the transit system and/or gain increased confidence and independence in using public
transit. Five hundred individuals with various
disabilities participated in the program during 2006-07.
In response to a human rights complaint, the Canadian
Transportation Agency (CTA) directed OC Transpo to apply a long-standing policy
of calling out major stops. As a
result, a number of steps have been taken, including a two-hour training course
for 1,800 OC Transpo staff on:
·
the need
to call out stops,
·
sensitivity
issues,
·
priority
seating, and
·
use of
the ramp.
This will result in OC Transpo being easier to use by persons with
disabilities. In addition, the calling out of stops is being monitored and
regular reports will be provided to Council and the CTA.
In response to citizen feedback and identified barriers within transit stations, accessibility audits are being carried out and barriers are being removed. Elevators are checked on a daily basis and repaired as a priority call. New procedures were put in place to inform bus drivers of out-of-service elevators so that passengers can be re-routed and not find themselves stranded.
As directed by the City’s Transit Committee, options were developed in 2007 to improve Para-Transpo services. A report was submitted and improvements implemented throughout 2007. Further improvements will be made in 2008. These improvements will reduce the number of trip refusals and make the reservation lines more user-friendly. In 2007, all Para-Transpo vehicles were equipped with Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). These systems will improve scheduling by providing dispatchers, booking agents and customers with continuous information about the location of Para-Transpo vehicles.
In July 2007, City Council approved amendments to the Taxi By-Law
2005-481 aimed at improving accessible taxicab service in the City of
Ottawa. The accessible taxicab fleet will increase to 105 by the end of
2007 (from 25 in 2006), with 40 new accessible taxicab plates issued per year
until 185 accessible taxicabs are in operation
Accessible taxicabs have to be in service a minimum of 10 hours a
day, 5 days a week, whereas previously many accessible taxicabs were on the
road only 8 hours a day, creating service blackouts. Taxi brokers who are
not able to provide immediate accessible service are now required to refer the
request to another broker. Accessible taxicab service must be provided to
individuals with a persistent physical, mental, psychiatric or sensory
disability or with an injury causing mobility impairment, whether or not the
individual requires a wheelchair.
The taxi by-law describes service standards for accessible taxi
services; ranging from securing mobility aids to avoiding scented products.
Plans for 2008
OC Transpo will extend accessible bus routes by continuing to purchase
only low-floor buses whenever routes are expanded or current buses are
replaced. By 2014 there will be enough
buses to run fully accessible daytime services; by 2017 the entire fleet will
be low floor.
Audits and renovations to transit stations will continue to address
accessibility issues. In particular, the lifecycle replacement program of
passenger elevators that prioritizes according to maintenance and reliability
records, will replace two elevators at Tunney’s Pasture Station and two
elevators at Westboro Station.
The Travel Training program will be expanded to provide sessions
specifically for seniors.
OC Transpo and the GPS industry are
working to ensure riders who carry personal GPS units will have access
to updated co-ordinates for bus and transit stations by the end of 2008.
g)
Housing
Progress in 2007 and Plans for 2008
The City of Ottawa continues to develop new affordable housing units with the inclusion of units that are accessible for tenants with physical disabilities. In COMAP 2007, the City of Ottawa Housing Branch committed to seeking approval for 176 new housing units in 2008-2009. This number has since been revised to 271 new units with the expansion of the Beaver Barracks affordable housing project to 195 from 100 affordable units. Eighty percent of the Beaver Barracks units will be visit-able, i.e. accessible for people visiting the unit but not fully accessible for living there, and 20% of the units will be accessible. In the fall of 2007, proposals were sought for the development of the remaining 76 new housing units to be built in 2008-2009 through three new housing construction projects. Approximately 5% of these units will be fully accessible and a significant portion will be visit-able.
h)
Active
Living
The importance placed on providing opportunities for active, healthy
lifestyles is clearly evidenced through the sheer number and variety of
programs and activities offered in community and recreation centres, parks, and
other City facilities.
Progress in 2007
Recreation and Parks staff
continued to work with community partners to address service and program gaps.
In 2007, additional social recreation and day programs for youth/adults with
developmental disabilities were provided, the annual Special Needs Camp Fair
informed families with special needs children/adults of various summer camp
options, the effectiveness of City programs was evaluated, and the purchase of
French language resources for autism programs was supported.
Plans for 2008
In preparation for compliance with provincial accessibility legislation,
Parks and Recreation will review policies and procedures to ensure they fit
with new Customer Service Accessibility Standards.
Safe and enjoyable participation by special needs groups in City
recreational facilities is another priority in 2008; guidelines will be
reviewed and new procedures developed.
Changing Times, Changing Minds
City staff’s knowledge of and sensitivity towards disability-specific issues is essential to achieve full accessibility. The need to ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills necessary for delivering accessible services was also recognized in the provincial Customer Service Accessibility Regulation 429/07. This new accessibility standard requires municipalities to provide training to all staff involved in delivering public services and/or developing policies.
Residents with disabilities and City staff identified knowledge and
sensitivity gaps affecting service delivery through the Identification of
Training Needs – Disability & Inclusion, 2006. Their recommendations were to build knowledge and skill
development opportunities into on-going training and orientation sessions.
Progress in 2007
New training modules
in the Delivery of Accessible Services were developed in 2007 as recommended in
the Identification of Training Needs, 2006 study and as required by the
Customer Service Accessibility Standard Regulations. The training will give
front-line staff the skills necessary to ensure services are accessible to
people with different kinds of disabilities through:
·
helping staff
understand their role in making sure everyone can access City services,
·
learning about
disability-related etiquette,
·
building
awareness of different disabilities and related accommodation requirements, and
·
learning how to
provide technical and personal supports.
The training will also help staff understand their role in making sure
their specific service area follows the AODA and Accessible Customer Service
Regulations 429/07.
An on-line resource was developed in 2007 for City staff and Council members. The Intranet Accessibility Resource tool provides a central location for accessibility-related policies, procedures and guidelines, as well as information about:
· disabilities,
· barriers faced by persons with different types of disabilities,
· disability-related accommodations,
· how to provide accessible services,
· community and government resources, and
· relevant legislation and regulations.
In 2006, City staff providing information through 3-1-1 received
training on communications and customer service for persons with disabilities,
particularly communication tips for people who experience communication
barriers. In 2007, City staff providing information at Client Service Centres
received similar training.
Plans for 2008
The Customer Service Accessibility Standard became law in the summer of
2007. This standard, the first of the
AODA accessibility standards, requires municipalities to provide training in
AODA compliance and training in how to provide services that are accessible to
persons with disabilities. In 2008, new accessibility training modules will be
available to build into existing staff development and orientation sessions or
to be offered as stand-alone sessions.
In 2008, training modules will be developed to help managers become
familiar with regulations connected to the AODA and ensure that their area of
operations follows provincial standard(s) as relevant.
4.
Working
Together for Accessibility
Residents with disabilities have clearly indicated the desire to be
involved in City planning processes to help increase accessibility. The community offers a wealth of knowledge
and experience that Councillors and City staff depend on. In a real and practical sense, tapping into
the knowledge and every day experiences of persons with disabilities results in
more effective solutions and efficient allocation of resources. The City accesses community experience in a
variety of ways.
Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC): The AAC provides an essential link for City
staff to access expert knowledge on specific issues related to
accessibility. The AAC is mandated by
the Province to “advise Council in each year about the preparation, implementation
and effectiveness of its accessibility plan.” [4]
Moving into 2008, the AAC, a volunteer committee, is striving to ensure that
its effectiveness is increased through tighter alignment with the City’s
decision timelines. Moreover, the AAC
has been forced to restrict its activities somewhat pending the end of the
recruiting freeze.
Community Consultation:
In 2007, the AAC and ASC co-hosted a Community Forum for People with
Disabilities, gathering feedback on the City’s direction on accessibility issues. Ideas and concerns about accessing City
infrastructure and services were shared and documented. Participants discussed how the community and
City staff can best work together to identify barriers and solutions to their
removal. Suggestions by participants on how to improve future forums will help
ensure consultations are consistently accessible and conducive to sharing ideas
and experiences. Feedback on City services received at this forum has been
incorporated into the COMAP 2008 initiatives and will continue to guide
accessibility planning for the City of Ottawa.
The City also consulted individuals and community leaders who have
specific areas of expertise in accessibility and inclusion. This takes place throughout the year by City
branches and offices.
a)
Accessibility
Through Partnerships
Partner contributions play a significant role in providing inclusive and equitable access to City services. The City works with a number of organizations to achieve greater accessibility.
With the generous support of the Rotary Club of Nepean-Kanata, the
Rotary Centennial Playground at Brewer Park completed a second phase of
upgrades to enhance accessibility.
Through a
partnership with the Orleans Parks and Recreation Association a pool lift will
be purchased for the Bob MacQuarrie Complex.
Adaptive technology, including DAISY
players and assistive software was purchased for the Ottawa Public Library
through generous donations from the Crabtree Foundation. Adaptable desks were
purchased for all library branches, designated as CAP sites, with funds from
the Community Access Program, Industry Canada.
The City is also pleased to work in partnership with Persons with
DisABILITIES: A Community Coalition and the United Way Impact Council on
Removing Barriers and Increasing Participation for Persons with Disabilities.
An Organizational Framework for Accessibility (OFA) developed by the
Ottawa Police Service grew from partnership work with the Canadian Association
of Independent Living Centres. This framework will be implemented in 2008.
In partnership with Algonquin College, architecture students are invited to audit city buildings for washroom and entrance accessibility and submit design drawings that remove the identified barriers. This partnership assists students in learning concepts of Universal Design and promotes accessibility to an audience that will impact how our future buildings are designed.
b)
Building
Accessibility Throughout Ottawa
Moving towards greater inclusion, the City knows it is not working
alone. Universities, hospitals, schools, volunteer organizations and business
communities are working towards the same goal.
Networking with these organizations will enable knowledge and tools to
be shared, resulting in a more economical and effective use of resources. It will also mean a more coherent approach
to enhancing access and improving the quality of life for Ottawa’s citizens and
visitors. Sharing resources and information with other sectors is becoming
increasingly important as all groups ”ramp up” to meet goals of full
accessibility.
In 2007, the City of Ottawa was pleased to share knowledge and expertise
through presentations at various provincial and international conferences,
including the International Facilities Management Association. Numerous conferences focused on the
integration of children and adults with disabilities into recreational
opportunities, as well as a number of health, transportation and accessibility
planning conferences. Networking
continues with the Association of Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario
(AMCTO), the Ontario Network of Accessibility Specialists and the Association
of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to minimize duplication of effort and ensure
greater quality of services.
In 2007, preparations were made to deliver information sessions to Planning and Infrastructure Approvals staff on universal design, accessible design, and AODA requirements. These sessions are scheduled for early 2008 and will help staff answer questions and promote Universal Design to planners, architects and building designers.
Promoting and celebrating the move towards greater accessibility and
inclusion, the City was pleased to partner with Disabled Persons Community
Resources (DPCR) in the annual AccessAbility Day. As the community host for this event, DPCR brought a wealth of
expertise and leadership. The day featured a presentation for community and
business leaders, public events offering the vibrant music of Maria Hawkins, a
visual arts collection of the Community Arts Program, children’s entertainment,
film and an information fair.
Once again the City is pleased to be a part of the Celebration of People
Awards ceremony marking the International Day for Disabled Persons. The
contribution of persons with disabilities towards technological advances,
improving public services for all citizens and advancing ‘standards’ gives much
cause to celebrate.
5.
Meeting
the Challenges
As described earlier in this report, the Accessibility for Ontarians
with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) requires municipalities to become fully
accessible by 2025. Accessibility
standards have been regulated for customer service and are in development
stages for information and communications, the built environment, employment
and transportation.
The Customer Service Accessibility Standard, the first set of AODA
standards, was established in July 2007.
The City must be in full compliance by January 1, 2010, a deadline that
poses significant challenges. While the
City is well positioned to comply, additional work is required to be fully up
to speed. As four more AODA standards
will be made regulatory by 2010 it becomes crucial that the City be able to
respond in ways that are effective and efficient. While the Ministry of
Community and Social Services is developing resources to assist in meeting AODA
standards, the Province of Ontario does not provide financial support for
compliance obligations.
Compliance with the AODA will require additional resources within
departmental budgets that are specifically earmarked for accessibility. These
projects will include:
- review of
city-wide, departmental and branch policies, procedures and practices,
- provision of
training to front-line staff, managers and senior staff,
- retrofitting
existing City facilities and infrastructure to improve physical access to
City buildings,
- ensuring that
new designs meet built environment standards,
- improving
access to transit services,
- accommodating
disability-related needs at public events and meetings,
- ensuring all
information services and communication systems are accessible,
- identifying and
removing barriers from City services, and
·
providing
opportunities for all citizens to participate in health, wellness and fitness
programs, cultural and City events and educational programs.
Significant portions of accessibility expenditures are one-time
investments as they involve retrofitting or one-time equipment
installations. Once completed, the
continued maintenance and vigilance to ensure new barriers are not created will
become part of general operating budgets.
Training in the delivery of accessible services and application of
accessibility into policy development is also primarily a one-time expenditure;
as accessibility knowledge and skills are maintained through regular orientation
and cyclical training processes, as well as on-line resources. As accessibility
becomes everyday business, costs are minimized and absorbed into operational
budgets.
The development and implementation of an Accessibility Lens, as directed
by Council (October 2006) will enhance the City’s ability to incorporate
accessibility at the front end of projects, programs and policies. The
Accessibility Lens, applied by governments and organizations, is a way to
determine accessibility implications of reports, motions, policies, procedures
and decisions. It is useful in avoiding
the costly ramifications of inadvertently introducing new barriers, incurring
non-compliance penalties, or requiring redesign and retrofitting after the
completion of a project.
6.
Staying on
Track
An Accessibility Specialist with Transit Services and an Inventory
Officer with Real Property and Asset Management provide departmental and
technical accessibility guidance in areas that are complex and multi-layered.
The availability of in-house expertise is essential to the continued movement
towards full accessibility.
In 2005, City Council approved the hiring of a Corporate Accessibility
Specialist to facilitate accessibility planning, lead the City's response to
AODA, ensure staff have adequate knowledge for delivery of accessible services,
and provide an essential link between the City and the community of persons
with disabilities.
As provincial standards are developed and implemented, the City of
Ottawa will respond in a co-ordinated approach across all branches. Wherever appropriate the response will be
corporate-wide, reducing the risk for duplication or confusion, while ensuring
effective and efficient use of resources.
a)
Review and Monitoring
COMAP will be monitored quarterly, reviewed bi-annually by the Accessibility Steering Committee (ASC) and incorporated into the long-range and annual budget cycles.
This review will:
- ensure steps are being taken to remove barriers identified in the previous year,
- provide regular updates for each initiative,
- include an updated inventory of barriers, and
- evaluate actions taken on the year's current plan.
Bi-annual status reports will be provided to the Accessibility Advisory Committee, which will guide and advise the ASC.
b)
Distribution of the Report
The City of Ottawa Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP) 2008 will be shared with the community of persons with disabilities, as well as the general public, through a number of avenues and formats. COMAP 2008 will be posted on the City of Ottawa’s external website (ottawa.ca) in accessible .pdf and .html. Copies will be distributed to the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Persons with DisABILITIES: A Community Coalition, Social Planning Council of Ottawa, the United Way of Ottawa, the media, local businesses and development associations. Copies will be available at all public libraries and Client Service Centres. Upon request, copies will be available in Braille, large print, and electronic format (CD) in a timely fashion and every effort will be made to provide copies in other alternate formats as requested.
Feedback, ideas and
suggestions are welcomed.
Please forward to:
Accessibility Steering Committee
c/o Mary Reid
Business Transformation Services
City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON, K1P 1J1
City of Ottawa: Making Accessibility a Part of Everyday
Business
APPENDIX
1
2007
CORPORATE INTERDEPARTMENTAL
ACCESSIBILITY STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP*
Member
|
Position
/ Representing |
|
Lois Emburg Co -Chair |
Program Manager, Human Rights & Employment Equity Employee Services, Business Transformation Services |
|
Kelly Robertson Co-Chair |
Division Manager, Parks & Recreation, Community & Protective Services |
|
Linda Anderson |
Manager, Enforcement & Inspections Community & Protective Services |
|
Steve Box |
Manager, Policy Co-ordination and Outreach City Manager’s Office |
|
Karen Currie |
Manager,
Development Approvals Planning, Transit
& the Environment |
|
Laurie Fenton (Alternate for David Pepper) |
Community Developer Ottawa Police Services |
|
Helen Gault |
Manager, Transit Service Planning & Development Planning Transit & the Environment |
|
Victor Emerson |
Chair, Accessibility Advisory Committee |
|
Pierre Jolicoeur |
Manager, Comprehensive Asset Management, Real Property Asset Management Business Transformation Services |
|
Eric Katmarian |
Manager, Operations Planning, Research & Technical Services, Service Operations, Public Works and Services |
|
Danielle McDonald – a designate |
Manager, Client Relationship Management Information Technology Services |
|
Chris Wightman |
Manager (A), Communications, Client Services & Public Information, Business Transformation Services |
|
David Pepper |
Director, Community Development & Corporate Communications, Ottawa Police Services |
|
|
|
Advisor/Guest
|
|
|
Ann Marie Foley |
Director (A), Client Services &
Public Information Business Transformation Services |
|
Mary Reid (Secretariat) |
Corporate Accessibility Specialist, Client Services & Public Information, Business Transformation Services |
|
Dianne Urquhart |
Persons with DisABILITIES: A Community Coalition |
Kathy Riley |
Accessible Transit Specialist, Transit Services Planning Transit & the Environment |
* As of October 16 2007
CORPORATE INTERDEPARTMENTAL
ACCESSIBILITY
STEERING COMMITTEE
TERMS OF REFERENCE
VISION
Our vision is to demonstrate strategic leadership in
addressing accessibility issues in City services, programs, by-laws, policies
and practices for visitors, residents and employees with disabilities within
the City of Ottawa.
MISSION
Our mission is to strive towards maximizing the
potential for full participation and inclusion of persons with disabilities,
visiting, living and working in the City of Ottawa.
MANDATE
The mandate of the Accessibility Steering Committee
(ASC) is to set the corporate direction and make strategic decisions related to
accessible services in the City of Ottawa.
The ASC will direct the former Accessibility Task Force (to be
restructured into a working group) to develop a Municipal Accessibility Plan on
an annual basis that identifies barriers to accessibility and strategies to
remove existing barriers and prevent the creation of future ones.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The ASC shall be responsible to ensure that it:
a)
Works
collaboratively with the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) to develop an
annual City of Ottawa Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP);
b)
Develops
an implementation plan for barrier identification and barrier removal;
c)
Provides
a forum for accessibility issues to be raised by departmental reps to discuss
possible resolutions;
d)
Responds
to accessibility issues that are not department specific, but rather to the
COMAP or corporate policy or practice concerns; and
e)
Establishes
continuity through an oversight role for implementing annual COMAPs through
regular monitoring and quarterly reporting.
MEMBERSHIP
The ASC shall be comprised of at least one management
representative from each portfolio (department) and a representative from the
AAC.
Portfolio (Departmental) representatives should include
the following liaisons:
1 from Public Works & Services
2 from Community & Protective Services (By-law
Services & one other)
2 from Planning, Transit and the Environment (Transit
& one other)
1 from Employee Services
1 from Information Technology Services
1
from Real Property and Asset Management
1 from Police Services
1 from City Manager’s Office
1 from the Accessibility Advisory Committee
Director, Real Property Asset Management (RPAM), will
act as the Chair of the ASC during its inception. However, it is proposed that
the Chair will rotate on a yearly basis.
The lead department shall be the Corporate Services Department [Business
Transformation Services] with a reporting relationship to the Chief Corporate
Services Officer [Executive Director, Business Transformation Services]. The ASC shall report through the Corporate
Services and Economic Development Committee to Ottawa City Council.
FREQUENCY
The ASC shall meet
bi-monthly (every two months) or as specified by the Chair of the Committee.
Note:
Revised January 29,
2007 to reflect branch restructuring. (Transit Services moved from PWS to
PT&E)
APPENDIX 2
2007
ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Active Members: Reserve
Members:
Victor Emerson, Chair
Derek Beardsley, Vice-Chair
Terry Gilhen, Past-Chair
Gwen Bell
Susan Brunet
Jack Donegani
Alf Gunter
Keith Hobbs
Andrew Katz
Helen Lenthall-Thivierge
Rick Sinclair
Council Liaison/Staff Members:
Lois Emburg Manager,
Human Rights & Employment Equity
Carole Langford Advisory
Committee Coordinator, Clerk’s Office
Mary Reid Corporate
Accessibility Specialist
Kathy Riley Transit
Accessibility Specialist
ACCESSIBILITY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Approved by Council May 9, 2001
Amended December 3, 2003
(As per Council approved Governance Report)
Amended
January/February, 2007
Amended
May 9, 2007
MANDATE
The mandate of the Accessibility Advisory Committee is defined by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act; briefly it is to advise Council and staff to ensure that persons with disabilities have the same level of access to municipal services and programs as do those without disabilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Accessibility Advisory Committee shall be responsible for:
1. providing advice and recommendations to City Council on the preparation, implementation and effectiveness of the City's Accessibility Plan prepared pursuant to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). This shall include, but not be limited to:
a)
consultation with
the community, groups and organizations to capture and communicate emerging
issues to City Council and the City administration;
b) Evaluation of:
a.
by-laws and regulations which have an impact on citizens with
disabilities such as parking, zoning, sidewalk ramping, obstructions on
sidewalks, etc.);
b.
policies and programs which promote awareness of, and equal access to, municipal
services for citizens with disabilities in the areas of communication and
delivery of goods, services, accommodations, employment, membership and
participation within the City.
2. reviewing
site plans and drawings and providing advice to
Council on accessibility issues relating to buildings, structures or premises:
I. owned or leased by the City of Ottawa; or
II. which are subject to a Municipal Capital Facilities Agreement; and
III. any other project that is specifically identified by City Council as a P3 project.
ORGANIZATION
The Accessibility Advisory Committee shall have a maximum citizen membership of between 9 - 15 citizen members, including:
· Up to 14 residents at large will represent the full range of disabilities (i.e. blind/visually impaired; mobility limited; deaf/hearing impaired; developmentally delayed; learning disabled; mental health disability; and environmental sensitivity). A majority of the members of the committee shall include persons with disabilities
· 1 member from the Disabled Persons’ Community Resources
· A minimum of one citizen appointment representing the rural community
Both the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Ottawa City Council shall approve all appointments to the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
In addition, the Accessibility Advisory Committee shall also have in a resource, liaison and/or advisory capacity, the following:
· 1 Staff representative from the Corporate Services Department (non-voting)
· In addition, staff resources from the following departments will be invited to attend Committee meetings, as required: Corporate Services Department, Employee Services Branch, Planning, Transit and the Environment Department, (Transit Services); Community and Protective Services Department (By-law Enforcement Services) (non-voting)
LEAD DEPARTMENT/REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
The lead department for the Accessibility Advisory Committee shall be the Corporate Services Department. The Accessibility Advisory Committee shall report through the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee to Ottawa City Council, however may report to another Standing Committee where appropriate, depending on the issue.
WORKPLANS AND ANNUAL REPORTS
The Accessibility Advisory Committee must
report annually to City Council through the Corporate Services and Economic
Development Committee (timing to be determined by the Chair, Advisory Committee
Coordinator and City Clerk) on the activities of the Committee in the current
year and on the Committee’s work plan for the following year.
APPENDIX 3
AccessAbility
Day 2007 Proclamation
|
AccessAbility Day August 22, 2007 WHEREAS, the City of Ottawa respects the
need to create an awareness day to promote accessibility for persons with
disabilities; and WHEREAS, accessibility is important to everyone of
all ages and people of all abilities to ensure quality of life for all; and WHEREAS, AccessAbility Day will celebrate and recognize
the strengths and needs of everyone living in our community; THEREFORE, I, Larry O’Brien, Mayor of the City of Ottawa, do hereby proclaim August 22, 2007 as AccessAbility Day in the City of Ottawa. |
|
Journée de
l’accessibilité Le 22 août 2007 ATTENDU QUE la Ville d’Ottawa
respecte le besoin de créer une journée de sensibilisation afin de promouvoir
l’accessibilité pour les personnes handicapées;
ATTENDU QUE l’accessibilité est importante pour tout le
monde peu importe l’âge et les habilités de chacun afin d’assurer une qualité
de vie à tous; ATTENDU QUE la Journée de l’accessibilité célèbrera et
soulignera les forces et les besoins de tout un chacun dans la communauté; PAR CONSÉQUENT je, Larry O’Brien, maire d’Ottawa,
proclame par la présente le 22 août 2007 Journée de l’accessibilité à
Ottawa. |
Larry O’Brien
Mayor / Maire