DOCUMENT 1
2007
CITY OF OTTAWA
MUNICIPAL ACCESSIBILITY PLAN
(COMAP)
Submitted by
The Accessibility Steering Committee
In collaboration with
The City of Ottawa Accessibility Advisory Committee
January 2007
Aussi disponible en français
This document is available in alternate format upon request.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements and Messages
1. Introduction
2. Vision of
Accessibility
a. Provincial Accessibility legislation
b. Why is Accessibility Important?
3. Making the City of
Ottawa More Accessible
a. City Facilities and Buildings
b. Getting Around
c. Paths and Walkways
d. Employment
e. Information
f.
Transportation
g. Housing
h. Active Living
i. Partnering for Greater Accessibility
4. Making it Easier to
Participate in City Affairs
5. Changing Times,
Changing Minds
6. Working Together for Accessibility
7. Meeting the
Challenges
8. Staying on Track
a.
Review and Monitoring
b.
Measuring Progress
c.
Distribution of the Report
APPENDICES:
Appendix 1 - Accessibility Steering Committee Membership
Appendix 2 - Accessibility Advisory Committee Membership
Appendix 3 - Persons with DisABILITIES: A Community Coalition Membership
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - 2006 Departmental Achievements
Attachment 2 - 2007 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 2007.
Many individuals gave their time and expertise, including:
Ottawa residents who participated in roundtables, focus groups, surveys, interviews;
Members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC)
Members of the Community Coalition
City of Ottawa staff
Members of the Accessibility Steering Committee (ASC)
The ASC also thanks:
Victor Emerson - AAC
Dianne Urquart - SPC
Ric Sinclair – AAC
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
For three years now in my role as a member of the Accessibility Advisory Committee I have provided my advice and feedback as staff members develop the City of Ottawa’s Annual Accessibility Plan. Over that time it has become evident to me that the development of an Annual Accessibility Plan is an evolving process and the lessons learned in each successive year have resulted in a marked improvement in the COMAP. As someone who appreciates a logically structured approach where a baseline has been established and measurable targets identified, I believe there is still room for improvement in this regard. That being said, I am consistently struck by the volume of work and obvious commitment on the part of the City towards achieving this goal.
The COMAP 2006
provides a detailed portrait of activities in every department of the City that
are directly related to the inclusion goal.
The range of activity involved indicates a clear understanding that
accessibility is about much more than ramps and elevators. Staff sensitivity training, improvements in
the way information is provided and the development of alternative
communication modes, development of inclusion supports in recreational
programs, implementation of Employment Equity plans are but a few examples of
the comprehensive nature of the ongoing effort. The involvement of all departments illustrates the full
engagement of the City and a high level of commitment, which gives me
confidence, that in good time Ottawa will become a truly inclusive City.
Terry Gilhen
Chairperson
Accessibility Steering Committee
Message from the Co-Chairs, Accessibility Steering Committee
As Co-Chairs of the Accessibility Steering Committee, welcome to the City of Ottawa’s 2006 Accessibility Report.
The Accessibility Steering Committee is an inter-departmental committee comprised of management representatives and a representative from the Accessibility Advisory Committee whose mandate is to set the corporate direction and make strategic decisions related to accessible services in the City of Ottawa.
Over the years, it has not always been easy to balance competing expectations, but we believe that the City of Ottawa in partnership with the Accessibility Advisory Committee have been considerate about balancing the needs of all our residents.
In 2006, 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.
The management team at the City of Ottawa continues to play an active and public role in making the business case for accessibility. This is reflected in the City’s policies, programs and outreach efforts to ensure that accessibility is part of daily life. As a result, we are committed to enhancing the ability of residents and employees to fully participate in everything we have to offer.
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
ASC ASC
1. Introduction
The City of Ottawa has made great progress in promoting a barrier-free city for residents, employees, and visitors. In accordance with Ottawa’s 20/20 vision, the City Corporate Plan, and Council’s direction on promoting accessible services and programs, the City will continue the on-going process of creating a caring and inclusive community. The City remains committed to enhancing the ability of residents and visitors to participate fully in everything Ottawa has to offer.
Under the
Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA),
municipalities are required to prepare annual accessibility plans and to make
these plans available to the public
(Ontarians with Disabilities
Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, Chapter 32, Section 11).
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) received Royal Assent on June 13, 2005. While the AODA is now law, the provisions of the ODA remain in effect until the ODA is repealed.
This is the City of Ottawa’s fourth Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP)
as required under the ODA. Similar to
the ODA, the AODA requires annual plans and public reporting. In addition, the AODA requires compliance
with standards in the areas of Customer Service, Information and
Communications, Employment, the Built Environment, and sector-specific areas, such
as Transportation.
This report describes the status of work undertaken in 2006 to identify,
remove, and prevent barriers that limit the participation of residents and
visitors who have disabilities. Secondly, it describes projects and multi-year
initiatives that will be undertaken in 2007, to bring the City of Ottawa closer
to its goals of being inclusive and fully accessible. Thirdly, the report describes how the City is preparing to meet
legislated requirements of the AODA. As
a result, COMAP is both an annual report and a blueprint of where the City is
heading.
COMAP is about 'made in Ottawa' solutions; it is about being accountable
to and working with Ottawa citizens to implement Council’s directive to enhance
accessibility and inclusion throughout the City. COMAP is
a public document directed to Council and to the community at large.
2. Vision of Accessibility
In 2003, the City of Ottawa introduced Ottawa 20/20, a framework for
managing growth over the next 20 years in ways that reflect the qualities most
valued by citizens. Among the
principles identified in Ottawa 20/20 was the importance of creating a caring
and inclusive city. Ottawa
20/20 is the foundation for the City’s Corporate
Plan, individual and departmental strategic plans, and COMAP.
COMAP is aligned with the City’s Human Services Plan for the City of
Ottawa adopted by Council in May 2003, which aims to create a city by the year
2020 that is vibrant, safe, healthy, inclusive, equitable, prosperous, and puts
priority on its people.” COMAP links o
these strategic directions and describes the work of City departments to enhance participation of residents with
disabilities through the identification, removal, and prevention of barriers.
The City recognizes that accessible and affordable
programs and services, facilities and infrastructure are essential to persons
with disabilities to ensure economic and social inclusion and quality of life.
The City further recognizes that inclusion means all citizens regardless of the
type of disability, visible or non-visible.
COMAP is a collaborative effort of six City
departments working together on accessibility planning through the leadership
of the Accessibility Steering Committee (Appendix 1) and in consultation with
the Accessibility Advisory Committee (Appendix 2) and Persons with
DisABILITIES: A Community Coalition (Appendix 3). It is a demonstration of how
the new City of Ottawa works together to achieve real social and economic
inclusion for Ottawa citizens.
Provincial Accessibility Legislation
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) was
enacted to achieve an accessible province by the year 2025. This legislation mandates accessibility of
goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures,
and premises. It applies to private,
public, and voluntary sectors.
The AODA sets forward a process of developing and regulating provincial
accessibility standards in the areas of Customer Service, Information and
Communications, the Built Environment, and Employment, as well as
sector-specific groups, such as Transportation. Each area will call for the identification, removal and
prevention of barriers. Provincial legislation provides that "a barrier is
anything that prevents a person with a disability from participating fully in
all aspects of society because of his or her disability, including a physical
barrier, architectural barrier, an informational or communications barrier, an
attitudinal barrier, a technological barrier, a policy or a practice". [1]
Customer Service standards are expected to become regulatory mid-2007.
Proposed standards concentrate on achieving fully accessible customer services
within three years for large municipalities. Specific requirements include
employee/volunteer training, customer feedback channels, as well as tracking
and reporting mechanisms. Regulated standards in Information and
Communications, and `Transportation, are expected within the following year,
with standards in the Built Environment and Employment following shortly thereafter.
Why is accessibility important?
Residents and City staff have determined that significant barriers continue to exist and that they limit opportunities for work, study and/or many day-to-day activities. These barriers prevent the involvement of many citizens with disabilities in economic, recreational, cultural and employment opportunities. The continued identification and removal of these barriers will ensure greater inclusion, providing both residents and the City as a whole with economic and social benefits.
While accessibility initiatives may be driven by the needs of persons with disabilities, once they have been implemented, these accessibility features are of benefit to the broader community. In addition, the concept of disability does not simply refer to an “anonymous someone” who has a life-long condition. Rather, disabilities can be permanent or temporary (such as a broken leg). Residents of Ottawa have a one in five likelihood of having a disability at some point in their lives.[2]
The population percentage of seniors living in Ottawa is increasing at a faster pace than any other city in Canada, with the exception of Calgary. An increasing number of Ottawa residents will experience disability as a natural result of aging and will automatically benefit from increased accessibility throughout City services.
Two examples illustrate the benefit of accessibility features to the general population.
• Curb cuts. A curb cut is the scalloping of a sidewalk at a crosswalk that enables persons who use wheelchairs to move easily between the sidewalk and the street. Once curb-cuts began appearing on sidewalks around the world, it was discovered that, in addition to removing a barrier for a person using a wheelchair, the curb-cuts also pleased tourists pulling wheeled suitcases, parents pushing strollers, and many other people. In short, this barrier-removing design met the needs of broad segments of the general population.
• Closed-captioning. Closed-captioning is the feature in which the voice track of television shows is displayed in print at the bottom of a television screen. Designed to make it possible for persons with impaired hearing to enjoy television, closed-captioning has also found broad application in health clubs (where the TV no longer has to compete with voices) and in airports (where the TV sound can be disruptive).
Accessibility features designed for persons with low vision - such as large, high-contrast letters and numbers - also benefit people viewing the lettering in low-light conditions. Accessibility features designed for persons with poor grip strength also benefit persons with small hands. Accessibility features designed for anyone with a recognized disability will almost certainly benefit older adults. In short, although accessibility may be driven by the needs of persons with disabilities as a human-rights issue, accessibility is a good investment that benefits all residents of the City of Ottawa and is pleasing to visitors, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
At the same time, the number of people who experience barriers first
hand is quite significant. As reported
by Statistic Canada, 15.5% of Ottawa’s total population has activity
limitations. [3] This is similar to the national figure of 15
% of the population. Over two thirds of
people who report having a disability, experience mobility limitations; 30%
report a hearing loss; 17% have vision loss; 15 % report psychological
disabilities and close to 13% report learning limitations.
Enhancing accessibility throughout the City will not only increase
opportunities for individuals to access employment, but it will also enable
employers to hire new employees from what is largely an untapped labour market
resource. As reported in Our Social Capital and drawn from Statistic Canada
research, 40% of people with disabilities over 15 years old participate in the
labour force in Ottawa compared to 70% of the general population.[4]
3. Making the City of
Ottawa More Accessible
The City of Ottawa has been active in identifying and removing barriers
that have traditionally limited the participation of residents and visitors.
This is an on-going process in the City’s programs, services, and
infrastructure. Examples considered in
detail below include:
·
making City
buildings more accessible;
·
making City
recreation areas and pathways more accessible;
·
making housing
more inclusive;
·
making employment
more diverse;
·
making transit
services and intersections more accessible
City facilities and buildings
Progress in 2006
In 2006, 1,100 physical
barriers were removed from 50 City facilities, and an additional 10 City
buildings were audited, improving accessibility for people with diverse
disabilities. Retrofitting City facilities to improve accessibility is an
on-going effort. 2006 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 varied in size and cost, ranging from the
replacement of door handles from knob to lever, to an elevator installation at
the Nepean Sportsplex.
Plans for 2007
The City of Ottawa will continue to remove barriers that have been
identified through accessibility audits carried out in City buildings. In 2007,
the City anticipates removing 1,300 barriers and auditing an additional 50
facilities. Retrofit projects will be
identified using newly developed guides and policies designed to ensure that
building accessibility funds are applied to projects with the highest
priority. As well, City of Ottawa
Accessibility Design Guidelines will be introduced for construction projects.
Several accessibility
audits were conducted in police facilities in 2005. Due to large operational construction projects in 2006, the
implementation plan for the recommendations will start in 2007.
Getting Around
Progress in 2006
Intersections
In 2006, 42 Audio Pedestrian Signals were installed at traffic
intersections bringing the total number to 262. Twenty-five percent of all intersections with traffic lights are
now equipped with Audible Pedestrian Signals.
These units indicate through sound when the lights have turned green,
letting pedestrians know it is safe to cross the street.
Plans for 2007
In an attempt to address concerns related to the wave effect of sidewalk construction as it dips and raises to accommodate driveways, the City tested a new design which ramps only the beginning of a driveway. With this design, the sidewalk remains level, enabling greater ease and safety for wheeling and use of walkers. The City will continue to explore benefits offered by such new designs.
Paths and
walkways
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.
In partnership with the Senior Citizens Council of Ottawa and members of
the Ottawa Community Support Coalition, the City of Ottawa is planning to help
with snow clearing for seniors and citizens with disabilities in 2007. This is similar to the Snow-Go Program of
the former City of Ottawa.
Employment
Progress in 2006
Employment was one of four main areas of concern identified by citizens with disabilities during extensive and varied discussions held with the community during 2006. In 2006, the City launched an outreach recruitment program, which included radio advertising and career advertisements in community newspapers representing various diversity groups. Job posters featuring employees from diversity groups including persons with disabilities were developed. The goal of the outreach program is to increase the number of applications from persons with disabilities for employment with the City of Ottawa.
Plans for 2007
Work is underway
to determine if the City’s workforce is representative of the community it
serves. A Diversity training program is also being developed for management and
staff. Delivery of the training will
begin in 2007 for the management group and thereafter for staff. The training will include information about
disabilities, accommodations, and the benefits of having a diverse and
inclusive workforce.
Information
Information services were identified as another of the four most
important city service areas for citizens with disabilities (according to focus
group participants, Corporate Training Needs Identification - Disability and
Inclusion project).
Progress in 2006
In 2006, City staff reviewed how information is delivered and whether
people who experience communication barriers have equitable access. Input from residents with disabilities was
instrumental in this review by identifying where improvements are
required. This review and its resulting
initiatives will ensure a strong foundation for meeting AODA standards in
Information and Communications, which will be developed in 2007.
Plans for 2007
In response to the Information Services Evaluation, areas where barriers
were identified will be reviewed and solutions put in place. Some initiatives for 2007 include:
- exploring new adaptive technology, such as computer mounted TTY systems that link TTY calls directly into the computers of City staff and Councillors,
- auditing web posted documents and sites to determine current level of accessibility and what is required to meet new standards,
- updating the Multiple Formats Policy to reflect community identified needs and new technologies that enhance accessibility to information, and
- providing OC
Transpo’s on-line trip planner in an accessible format.
City staff providing information through 3-1-1 received training in 2006
on customer service for persons with disabilities. Similar training will be
delivered in 2007 to staff providing information at the City’s Client Service
Centres.
Transportation
Progress in 2006
As of September 2006, 65 % of the City’s transit fleet is made up of
low-floor buses. The low-floor design
considerably enhances the accessibility of the buses, ensuring that buses can
accommodate mobility needs of persons who are using wheelchairs, scooters or
other mobility aids. This accessible
design benefits many transit users, including parents and caregivers with strollers,
young children, seniors and individuals with temporary injuries.
The Community Pass pilot project, which reduces the cost of transit by
more than 60% for people with disabilities who have a low family income, was
introduced in 2006 and was a tremendous success. In the first seven months,
4,300 individuals purchased community passes.
Within an evaluation of this project, a majority of customers
highlighted desirable changes in their personal finances, mobility and sense of
well-being.[5]
Another successful initiative to support
increased use of the bus system has been the Travel Training program. The program helps people
plan a bus trip, learn how the transit system works and gain
increased confidence and independence. Five
hundred individuals from community agencies and schools representing different
disabilities are, or will be, participating in this program during 2006-07.
A new sensitivity training module was purchased from the Ontario
Community Transportation Association. The ‘Skilform’ course outlines the
knowledge skills and understanding to serve passengers with disabilities. It was introduced in the training program
for new bus operators, as well as in refresher training for experienced bus
operators.
Effective
September 1, 2006, all new taxicab drivers in the City of Ottawa are required
to successfully complete the Accessible Taxicab Drivers' Course in addition to
the Basic Taxicab Drivers' Course. The one-week Accessible course covers topics
such as Human Rights, Disability Awareness and Passenger Safety, and provides
hands-on instruction on the proper loading and unloading of wheelchairs or
other assistive devices.
Plans for 2007
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, all buses will be low-floor.
Renovations to transit stations will continue to address accessibility issues.
As directed by the City’s Transportation Committee, options will be developed in 2007 to improve Para-Transpo services; particularly how to reduce the number of trip refusals and make the reservations lines more user friendly. As well, Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) will be installed in all Para-Transpo vans. These systems will improve scheduling by providing dispatchers, booking agents and customers with continuous information about vehicle locations and estimated times of arrival.
Plans for a Taxi Voucher program for Para Transpo registrants to provide
opportunities for spontaneous travel at a reduced taxi fare, are being
developed for consideration by Council as part of the 2007 Budget.
A
harmonized Taxi By-Law came into effect January 1, 2006. This by-law change was adopted to meet the
identified need for 160 more accessible taxis for citizens and visitors who
experience mobility barriers. Forty new
accessible taxi plates will be issued every year between 2006 and 2009, meeting
the required total of 185 accessible taxis.
Housing
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 2006, Council approved
176 units, which are scheduled for completion in 2008-2009. Nine of these units are fully accessible and
89 are classified as ‘visitable’, i.e. accessible for people visiting the
unit.
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 through community and recreation centres,
parks, and other City facilities.
Progress in 2006
The inclusion of people with disabilities is facilitated through
progressive programs such as “Shared Care” - in which specially trained staff
provide assistance to summer camp to ensure the full inclusion of special needs
children. One hundred and eighty (180)
special needs children participated in an average of three weeks of summer camp
in 2006. Programs are also offered which specifically address issues related to
fibromyalgia, heart health, post stroke, infant development and low intensity
programming.
During this year’s popular Dragon Boat races, City staff rolled out a
“state of the art” beach access mat enabling people who use mobility aids, such
as wheelchairs, to move right to the water’s edge.
The community gardens at Jill Brown Park have become more inclusive,
welcoming a greater number of citizens through the installation of pathways,
sidewalk depressions, curb cuts, traffic control signage, and visual tactile
hazard indicators.
On December 5th, City employee Catherine Anderson-Dolinci received the
Education Award for Excellence, Celebration of People Awards, for her work in
providing inclusive services. Catherine
co-ordinates the City’s Community Arts Program that provides visual arts
workshops, delivered by professional artists, for persons with disabilities.
Plans for 2007
With financial assistance from the Ministry of Health and Long Term
Care, the City will evaluate integration programs delivered to persons who have
had a stroke and individuals with acquired brain injuries. Recreational and fitness programs will
continue to become more inclusive through staff training, increasing the
inventory of accessible fitness equipment, incorporating accessible play
features into renovation projects within parks, and working closely with
community partners through special needs advisory committees.
Partnering for Greater Accessibility
The City works in partnerships with other organizations to achieve
greater accessibility. With the generous support of the Rotary Club of
Nepean-Kanata, the accessible Rotary Centennial Playground at Brewer Park was
fully upgraded. The Orleans Parks and
Recreation Association helped purchase of accessible Nu-Step work out equipment
and the CrabTree Foundation provided a significant grant for the purchase of
Adaptive Technology for several library branches. Partnership with the Community Access Program, Industry Canada
continues to enable the City to purchase adaptable desks and chairs for
computer workstations in library branches. Partner contributions play a
significant role in providing inclusive and equitable access to City
services.
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 People with Disabilities.
4 Making it Easier to
Participate in City Affairs
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 depend on. Partnerships are essential as the City moves forward towards
greater inclusion and access. In a real and practical sense, tapping into the
knowledge and every day experiences of persons with disabilities, results in
better solutions and efficient allocation of resources. The City taps community experience in a variety
of ways.
Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC): The AAC provides an essential link for City
staff in accessing community knowledge on specific issues related to improving
accessibility. The AAC is provincially
mandated to “advise Council in each year about the preparation, implementation
and effectiveness of its accessibility plan.” [6]
Community Consultation:
In 2006, the City held roundtable discussions with community leaders and
agencies, gathered input through surveys and focus groups, participated in
meetings of the Community Coalition and consulted with individuals who have
expertise because of personal experiences with disability.
City of Ottawa staff wishes to build on these relationships and will
increase efforts to work with members of the public who have personal
experience with and knowledge of disability and accessibility related
issues. In 2007, the AAC and the
Corporate Interdepartmental Accessibility Steering Committee will jointly host
a public forum on accessibility. This
forum will gather input from individuals, agencies and organizations with
distinct expertise in the area of accessibility and inclusion, thereby
providing opportunities for the community to guide the City’s work on
accessibility.
Accessibility
in the Electoral Process: Under leadership of the
City Clerk's Office, the City continues to improve accessibility to the
electoral process. The City now offers
Braille candidate listings, large print ballots, and templates for persons with
vision loss. Touch-screen voting technology, designed to further enhance
accessibility and protect voter privacy, will be explored in 2007.
5. Changing Times, Changing Minds
The City of
Ottawa is committed to enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors to
City infrastructure, services and programs. The inclusion of residents with
disabilities is a corporate-wide vision shared by Council and staff. Bringing this vision into reality requires
the attention, dedication and skills of all City staff.
City staff’s knowledge of and sensitivity towards disability-specific issues are essential components of achieving this vision.
Progress in 2006
In 2006, residents with disabilities and City staff identified
disability related knowledge and sensitivity gaps that affect service
delivery. Recommendations were made to
incorporate knowledge and awareness training into on-going training
opportunities, develop and deliver skill training in specific service areas,
develop and deliver accessibility planning and ensure staff are familiar with
legislative requirements on delivery of accessible customer services.
Disability specific training is currently provided to Para-Transpo
drivers, OC Transpo, 3-1-1 agents, Internet Technology web specialists, and
Parks and Recreation staff. Through
diversity training, managers are receiving information about AODA and inclusion
practices.
Other staff training programs are being expanded to include disability
related etiquette, awareness of different disabilities and related
accommodation requirements, and ways to provide technical and personal
supports.
Plans for 2007
In 2007, training modules will be developed for front-line staff and management on inclusion technologies and skills, accessibility planning and AODA compliance.
An on-line resource is being developed for all staff and councillors to provide a central location for policies, regulations, and accessibility design standards, as well as information about barriers faced by persons with different types of disabilities. This resource tool is being developed in response to the need identified by community and City staff for more knowledge about how to provide accessible services.
The AODA Customer Service Standards, expected in the winter of 2007,
will require municipalities to provide accessible customer services. A
component of this standard is training for staff and volunteers. The City of
Ottawa is placing itself on the ‘ready’ and is moving into the arena of
accessible services as a general course of doing business.
6. Working Together for
Accessibility
The City of Ottawa will continue to provide leading edge policies and
accommodations while working with other sectors in making Ottawa the most
accessible City in Canada.
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.
Building partnerships with these organizations, will allow resources,
knowledge and tools to be shared, resulting in the most 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 citizens and visitors.
Following partnership work with the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres on a national three-day crime prevention and independent living symposium held in 2005, the Ottawa Police Service utilized the symposium report findings as well as other resources to develop a comprehensive Organizational Framework for Accessibility (OFA) to ensure it meets the objectives and requirements of the AODA. The police service will undertake internal and external consultations on the draft OFA in early 2007 in preparation for its approval and implementation.
In 2006, the City of Ottawa Accessibility by Design Award was presented
to Barry
J. Hobin & Associates Architects recognizing their innovative application of universal design features in
the Glebe Community Centre. Through
this annual award, the City promotes and encourages architectural and interior
designs that eliminate barriers and incorporates access for residents and
visitors with disabilities.
The City of Ottawa is committed to sharing information about its
efforts, plans, and challenges. In
2007, the Accessibility Steering and Accessibility Advisory Committees will
jointly host a public forum. This forum
will provide an opportunity for the community of persons with disabilities, as
well as other interested sectors to voice concerns, share ideas and work
together in determining strategic directions.
In 2007, information sessions will be provided to Planning and Infrastructure Approvals staff on universal design, accessible design, and AODA requirements. This will enable staff to answer questions and promote universal design to planners, architects, and building designers.
7. Meeting the Challenges
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)
requires municipalities to become fully accessible by 2025, with five-year
incremental targets, starting in 2005.
In preparation for AODA compliance, City Council approved the hiring of
a Corporate Accessibility Specialist in 2005 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 community of persons with disabilities. An Accessibility Specialist with Transit
Services and an Inventory Officer with RPAM provide departmental and technical
accessibility guidance.
Compliance with the AODA will require additional resources within
departmental budgets that are specifically earmarked for accessibility. Accessibility projects include:
·
retrofitting
existing City facilities and infrastructure to improve physical access to City
buildings;
·
ensuring that new
designs meet standards;
·
improving access
to transit services;
·
accommodating
disability-related needs at public meetings;
·
ensuring
information services are accessible;
·
identifying and
removing barriers from City services;
·
providing
opportunities for all citizens to participate in health, wellness and fitness
programs, cultural and City events and educational programs.
Significant portions of accessibility budgets are one-time
investments. For example, the facility
accessibility budget within the Real Property and Asset Management branch
enables identification and removal of barriers by retrofitting existing
buildings. Once each project is completed, continued maintenance and vigilance
to ensure new barriers are not created, will become part of general operating
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. An
Accessibility Lens, as applied by governments and organizations, is a way to
determine accessibility implications of reports, motions, policies, procedures
and decisions. It is useful in avoiding
costly ramifications of inadvertently introducing new barriers, i.e. non-compliance
penalties, or redesign and retrofitting after completion of project.
Customer Service standards, the first set of AODA standards, will be
established as enforceable regulations in 2007. It is anticipated that these
standards will require staff training, delivery of accessible customer services
and provision of alternative services while adaptations for accessibility are
being made. While the City of Ottawa is well positioned to comply with the
standards, additional work is required to be fully up to speed. The remaining AODA areas of compliance will
follow within three years.
8. Staying on Track
REVIEW
AND MONITORING
In 2006, a process for monitoring and reporting on the status of accessibility projects was introduced. COMAP will continue to be monitored and reviewed on a quarterly basis, reviewed bi-annually by the Accessibility Steering Committee (ASC) and incorporated into the annual budget cycle.
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 who will guide and advise the ASC.
MEASURING PROGRESS
Working closely with the community, City staff will identify performance
indicators to effectively monitor and report on progress and demonstrate that
efforts to improve accessibility result in real and positive changes for
people’s lives.
These indicators will become part of the annual reporting on City
services providing a way to measure increased accessibility of City
services. These measures will include
citizen feedback about satisfaction with the accessibility of City services, as
well as participation in economic, educational, recreational and cultural
opportunities offered its residents.
Incorporating accessibility indicators and measurements into the City’s
annual reporting process, will help make accessibility a regular part of
day-to-day business.
DISTRIBUTION
OF THE REPORT
The City of Ottawa Municipal Accessibility Plan (COMAP) 2007 will be shared with the community of persons with disabilities, as well as the general public through various avenues and formats. It will be available on the City of Ottawa’s external Website, ottawa.ca in accessible .pdf and html. It will be available at the Main Branch of the Ottawa Public Library on Metcalfe St., five primary library branches (Greenboro, Cumberland, Beaverbrook, Centennial, and Ruth Dickinson (Barrhaven), and Client Service Centres (Orléans, Ottawa City Hall and Ben Franklin Place) in standard, large-print, and Braille formats. Copies will be distributed to the Accessibility Advisory Committee, People with Disabilities: A Community Coalition, the United Way of Ottawa, Social Planning Council of Ottawa, media and the business community. Copies will be made available in the format requested.
Feedback, ideas and suggestions are welcomed.
Please forward to:
Accessibility Steering Committee
Corporate Services
City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, ON, K1P 1J1
City of Ottawa: Making Accessibility a Part of Everyday
Business
APPENDIX 1
2006
CORPORATE INTERDEPARTMENTAL
ACCESSIBILITY STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Linda Anderson Manager, By-Law Services, Community and Protective
Services
Gerry Champagne Manager, Client Relationship Management,
Information Technology Services
Gord Diamond Director, Transit Services, Public Works & Services
Leslie Donnelly Manager, Policy Coordination and Outreach,
City Manager Office
Lois Emburg (Co-Chair) Manager, Human Rights and Employment Equity,
Corporate Services
Stephen Finnamore (Past Chair) Director, Real Property Asset Management
(RPAM), Corporate Services
Helen Gault Manager, Transit Service Planning & Development,
Public Works and Services
Alf Gunter Accessibility Advisory Committee
Pierre Jolicoeur Manager, Comprehensive Asset
Management,
Real Property Asset Management
Eric Katmarian Manager, Operations Planning, Research and
Technical Services, Service Operations, Public Works and Services
Danielle McDonald Manager, Client Relationship Management, Internet Technology Services
Peter Mabee Manager, Client Services & Public Information,
Corporate Services
John Moser Director, Planning & Infrastructure Approvals,
Planning and Growth Management
David Pepper Director of Community Development, Executive
Services, Ottawa Police Service
Kelly Robertson (Co-Chair) Division Manager, Parks and Recreation,
Community and Protective Services
Advisors:
Philip Clarke Director, Client Services and Public Information
Corporate Services
Mary Reid Corporate Accessibility Specialist
Kathy Riley Accessibility Specialist, Transit Services,
Public Works and Services
Dianne Urquart Social Planning Council of Ottawa
APPENDIX 2
2006
ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Active Members: Reserve
Members:
Gwen Bell, Past Chair Lori
Howell
Derek Beardsley
Jack Donegani
Victor Emerson
Terry Gilhen, Chair
Alf Gunter
Keith Hobbs
Andrew Katz
Helen Lenthall-Thivierge
Rick Sinclair
James St. John
Council Liaison/Staff Members:
Lois Emburg Manager
Human Rights & Employment Equity
Carole Langford Advisory
Committee Coordinator
Mary Reid Corporate
Accessibility Specialist
APPENDIX 3
Persons with DisABILITIES: A Community Coalition
Membership List - 2006
Alzheimer Society of Ottawa
Canadian Hearing Society
Canadian Mental Health Association
Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario
Carleton University/Algonquin Attendant Care Services
Catholic Family Services of Ottawa
Causeway Work Centre
Citizen Advocacy
City of Ottawa
Disabled Persons Community Resources
Head Injury Association
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ottawa
Neil Squire Foundation
Ottawa Independent Living Centre
Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa
Rehabilitation Network of Ottawa-Carleton
SCO Health Service
Service Canada
Social Planning Council
Stroke Survivors Association
The Ottawa Hospital
The Ottawa Rotary Home
United Way/Centraide Ottawa
Visiting Homemakers Association Health & Home Support
Vista Centre