Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA)

Introduction

The Corporation of the City of Cornwall (hereinafter referred to as the ACity of Cornwall@) supports the right of all persons to enjoy equal opportunity and to participate fully in the life of the municipality including persons with disabilities. The number of persons with disabilities is expected to increase as the population ages, since the incidence of disability increases with age. The right of persons with disabilities to equal treatment, without discrimination in accordance with the Human Rights Code, is addressed in a number of Ontario statutes and regulations.

The Council of the City of Cornwall is committed to working towards a city in which no new barriers are created and existing ones are removed. This responsibility rests with every social and economic sector, every region, every government, every organization, institution and association and every person in Cornwall and in Ontario.

The City of Cornwall is desirable in demonstrating continued leadership in improving opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA)

In December 2001, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) was passed into law. Its purpose is to improve opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of the province.

One of the requirements under the ODA is that Ontario government ministries, municipalities, hospitals, school boards, colleges, universities and public transportation organizations develop annual accessibility plans to make policies, practices, programs, services and buildings more accessible to people with disabilities. The plans must be made available to the public.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA)

In June 2005, the Ontario government took a strong stand on accessibility when it passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) into law.

The AODA lays out a comprehensive road map to make Ontario accessible to all people through the development, implementation and enforcement of new, mandatory accessibility standards for some of the most important aspects of people's lives.

Purpose of the Accessibility Plan

The purpose of the Accessibility Plan is to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of the City of Cornwall.

Municipal Accessibility Plan

Each year, the Council of the City of Cornwall receives an Accessibility Plan (hereinafter referred to as the APlan@) prepared by the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee.

The Plan addresses the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to persons with disabilities in the municipality's Bylaws and in its policies, programs, practices and services.

The Plan includes:

(a) a report on the measures the municipality has taken to identify, remove and prevent barriers to persons with disabilities;

(b) the measures in place to ensure that the municipality assesses its proposals for Bylaws, policies, programs, practices and services to determine their effect on accessibility for persons with disabilities;

(c) a list of the Bylaws, policies, programs, practices and services that the municipality will review in the coming year in order to identify barriers to persons with disabilities; and

(d) the measures that the municipality intends to take in the coming year to identify, remove and prevent barriers to persons with disabilities.

Informal Site Audit

In April 2003 staff and Council conducted informal site audits by way of responding to a survey with respect to municipal departments and municipally owned buildings (owned and leased) and, in particular, to assess any barriers that may exist and to provide any solutions to removing those barriers in order to comply with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2001. Informal site audits continue to be conducted in order to improve and update the Plan.

Priority List for 2011

Each year, MAAC reviews the list of identified barriers and puts into priority those it would like to have removed immediately.

MAAC has identified three such priorities for 2010.

1.Communication of Accessibility Features

2.Emergency Warning Systems

3.Scent Sensitivity and Reduction Guidelines

Barriers

All identified barriers have been grouped under each of the five standards that the Provincial Government will be issuing, namely:

• Accessible Built Environment
• Accessible Customer Service
• Accessible Information and Communication
• Accessible Employment
• Accessible Transportation

Built Environment

1.Colour / Tonal Contrast

Means to prevent and/or remove the barrier:

To develop guidelines for textural and colour systems to be used on, but not limited to, ground and floor surfaces, walls, doors, stairs and handrails including the use of colour contrast strips across all glass doors, mounted at eye level, as well as colour-contrasting doorframes and door hardware.

Indicators of Success:

• Cornwall Civic Complex
• A request has been made for the new offices being created at the Cornwall Civic Complex to include accessibility with respect to a textural and colour system to be used on, but not limited to, ground and floor surfaces, walls, doors, stairs and handrails including the use of colour contrast strips across all glass doors, mounted at eye level, as well as colour-contrasting doorframes and door hardware.
• A request has also been made for doors, door hardware, counters, entrances, glass doors, walls in an expectation of not creating any new barriers and that this building incorporate an accessible emergency warning system.
• The new accessible signage guidelinesshould be in place for this building and the parking will be looked at in order to determine if additional parking for people with disabilities is required (including the back area).
• New Arena: MAAC has been consulted on the design for the new arena and will continue to be included as the project progresses.
• All stair bull noses are painted with a yellow traffic bar.
• Attention is given in order to provide contrast at transition points.

Timing: Ongoing

Costs: Unknown

Status: Barrier is in need of removal.

2.Signage[m1]

Means to prevent and/or remove the barrier:

• To develop guidelinesfor all signage to be simple, uncluttered and incorporate plain language with the use of white symbols and raised tactile lettering with slightly smoothed edges (sans serif) on black background (with Braille if applicable); and
• That all entrances, public meeting rooms, toilet and bathing facilities and elevators carry this signage at all City Buildings.

Indicators of Success

Signage guidelinesare currently being developed and, pursuant to the 2010 Accessibility Plan, Council has approved a budget in order to implement such guidelines.

Timing:New signage will be installed late in 2010 and early 2011.

Costs:$10,000

Status:Barrier is being removed.

3.Emergency Warning Systems (PRIORITY FOR 2011)

Means to prevent and/or remove the barrier:

Develop a plan for the installation of emergency warning systems in all municipal building that will also serve the visually and hearing impaired.

Indicators of Success

• New Arena: A request has been made for an accessible emergency warning system to be installed.
• This item will be considered when any renovations are to be done.
• Some older buildings may require new wiring systems to accommodate.
• The Cornwall Civic Complex and Aquatic Centre have been retrofitted with the latest emergency warning system.

Timing: Unknown

Costs:Unknown

Status:Barrier is in need of removal.

4.Informal Audits[m2]

Means to prevent and/or remove the barrier:

That all monthly Health and Safety Committee inspections include the removal of physical barriers.

Indicators of Success

• The Health and Safety Committee ensures that all employees have safe access.
• Workers with a disability are provided with workplace assessments, accessible parking, appropriate workstation, etc.
• All workers with a disability who return to a modified or light duty position are assessed independently to identify how the City can best fit the workplace to them. These identified needs are implemented in order to allow the workers to return to gainful employment.

Timing:Ongoing

Costs:No monetary cost

Status:This barrier continues to be monitored.

5.Snow Clearing

Means to prevent and/or remove the barrier:

Monitor snow clearing guidelines, with input from MAAC, and the process to be used for streets, sidewalks and cross signals.

Indicators of Success

• The current course of action is to provide a hard surface for sidewalks. This could be either hard packed snow or cleaned down to the concrete or asphalt;
• Cross signals are cleared as part of the normal sidewalk clearing operation, however, they are sometimes refilled by the roadway plows as they complete their operations. In these cases, crosswalks and signal buttons are redone following completion of normal snow clearing operations; and
• Communicate yearly with MAAC

Timing:Ongoing

Costs:$25,000 and higher

Status:Although this barrier will most likely never be completely removed, efforts to continue to provide the best service possible will be monitored.

6.Accessible Dog Park[m3]

Means to prevent and/or remove the barrier:

To communicate regularly with the City’s Park and Recreation and the Dog Park Committee in order to ensure that all parking, pathways, entrances and park area are accessible.

Timing:Unknown

Costs:Unknown

Status:Unknown

Site Specific Deficiencies

Aquatic Centre

1.Washrooms and Change Rooms

Means to prevent and/or remove the barrier:

• That the accessible cubicle in the family change room be enlarged (in depth) to accommodate wheelchair users who do front-transfers.
• That another large accessible change room (deep enough to accommodate wheelchair users who do front- transfers) be added to the family change room.
• That a hand-held shower nozzle (or other device) be installed in the second accessible shower stall in the family change room.

• That the washroom cubicle in each change room (women's, men's, and family) be enlarged (in depth) to accommodate wheelchair users who do front-transfers.

Timing:Unknown

Costs:Unknown

Status:Unknown

2.Pool Equipment

Means to prevent and/or remove the barrier:

That a third adult aquatic/shower wheelchair (for transfers in/out of the adult leisure pool or for use in the accessible showers) be added to the existing Aquatic Centre compliment.

Indicators of Success

The Kinsmen Club of Cornwall has donated the amount of $3,000 in order to purchase a new adult aquatic/shower wheelchair.

Timing:Barrier is beingremoved.

Costs:$3,000

Status:Barrier is being removed.

Aquatic Centre

Additional Physical Barriers

Upon conducting an informal accessibility audit, the following additional physical barriers were identified:

• height of lockers in change rooms;
• counter height in change rooms;
• accessible washroom size;
• accessible change room size;
• push button on door leading from pool area to lobby;
• clearance at opening at tile wall;

• signage identifying elevator;
• push button on doors leading from change rooms to pool area; and
• push button on door to accessible washroom in reception area.

Cornwall Civic Complex

Additional Physical Barriers

Upon conducting an informal accessibility audit, the following additional physical barriers were identified:

• counter height at concession stands;
• counter height and access at ticket counter;
• push button on door leading to administration;
• ramp at emergency exit;
• emergency exit door width;
• direction of last leg of front ramp ;
• signage identifying elevator (at front entrance and in main area);
• signage identifying front ramp;
• outdated "handicapped" signage for washrooms (colour contrast, Braille and language);
• depth of downstairs accessible washroom doors; and
• back ramp ratio.

Cornwall Public Library

Additional Physical Barriers

Upon conducting an informal accessibility audit, the following additional physical barriers were identified:

• signage for "bus drop off" in order to eliminate car parking in the zone;
• having chairs with wheels in common area (easier to pull out);
• having a "cut out" in the curb from the sidewalk at the back entrance for wheelchair access to the ramp without having to maneuver in the traffic area;
• installation of automatic doors for washrooms;
• installation of door handle on the inside of the cubicle doors in the washrooms;
• lower counters in washrooms; and
• reposition the soap dispensers in the washrooms.

340 Pitt Street

Additional Physical Barriers

Upon conducting an informal accessibility audit, the following additional physical barriers were identified:

Fourth Floor Social Services

• counter height in washroom/under counter access;
• soap dispenser in washroom to be relocated, or another may be added;
• push button on door leading to offices;
• telephone to be addressed for those with disabilities i.e.: height and signage;
• table for magazines to be removed and made available for individuals using a wheelchair, or walker; and
• signage should be black on white lettering and to be incorporated according to a new signage guideline.

Third Floor Social Housing

• lower levered counter may be added at the social housing reception; and
• eliminate the magazine table, and place both chairs together allowing space to accommodate wheelchairs (Social Housing).

Third Floor Child Care

• bell to access reception area; and
• signage at reception area.

Building

• signage on posts for ramp access; and
• elevator door delay should be longer.

Accessible Customer Service

1.Scent Sensitivity and Reduction Guidelines(PRIORITY FOR 2011[m4])

Means to prevent and/or remove the barrier:

To create and implement Scent Sensitivity and Reduction Guidelines and to launch an educational program in order to provide a healthy, comfortable and safe work environment for all employees,clients and visitors alike.

Indicators of Success:

The Scent Sensitivity and Reduction Guidelines will be presented to MAAC and Administration for input early in 2011 and then presented to Council for approval.

Timing:Barrier is being removed.

Costs:Minimal

Status:Barrier is being removed.

2.Priority Seating[m5]

Means to prevent and/or remove the barrier:

To provide a priority seating area at all community events including seats that may be of the folding type in order to facilitate wheelchair access and stowage and separate spaces to accommodate wheelchairs and to provide signage to indicate the area and request to vacate seats for use by passengers with disability / mobility needs.

Indicators of Success:

This course of action is currently being implemented in City venues and at all major events hosted by the City.

Timing:Ongoing

Costs:Unknown

Status:Barrier continues to be monitored.

Information and Communication

1.Communication of Accessibility Features(PRIORITY FOR 2011[m6])

Means to prevent and/or remove the barrier:

To create and implement a communication plan to inform citizens and visitors of various accessibility features in buildings and services including but not limited to:

-customized assistance for all transit services

-community bus service

-Handi-Transit service

-conventional service

-accessible vehicles

-notice of disruption

-all barriers that have been removed and/or are being monitored

Indicators of Success

None to date as this a barrier newly identified barrier in the 2011 Accessibility Plan.

Timing:Barrier is being removed by creating documents in-house and posting information on website.

Costs:Unknown

Status:Barrier is being removed.

2.Incoming and Outgoing Communications[m7]

To create and implement corporate guidelines for font size and style for all incoming and outgoing communications.

Indicators of Success

None to date as this a barrier newly identified barrier in the 2011 Accessibility Plan.

Timing:Unknown

Costs:Unknown

Status:Unknown

Accessible Transportation

1.Transit Fares[m8]

Means to prevent and/or remove the barrier:

• To continue with the creation of the new Handi-Transit Service category for recipients of all reduced income disability programs to be equivalent to that of the seniors' category, making the Cash Fare, Monthly Pass and 10 Ride Card equivalents. Eligibility is to be reviewed on an annual basis;
• To offer fare parity for all categories of Conventional, Community and Handi Transit users with respect to Cash Fares and 10 Ride Cards; and
• To extend the new community monthly pass for recipients of all reduced disability programs.

Indicators of Success:

• The Community Pass is now a permanent project;
• A possible monthly Handi-Transit pass, with restrictions, can be explored; and
• A Community Pass for all reduced disability programs cannot be administered by the Transit Department.

Timing:Ongoing

Costs:Unknown

Status:Barrier continues to be monitored.

Section 46 of the Integrated Accessibility Standards States:

Fares

(1) No conventional transportation service provider shall charge a higher fare to a person with a disability than the fare that is charged to a person without a disability where the person with a disability uses conventional transportation services, but a conventional transportation service provider may charge a lesser fare for a person with a disability.

(2) Conventional transportation service providers that do not provide specialized transportation services shall make available alternative fare payment options to persons with disabilities who cannot, because of their disability, use a fare payment option.

(3) Conventional transportation service providers shall meet the requirements of subsection (1) by July 1, 2011 and the requirements of subsection (2) by January 1, 2013.

2.Taxi Coupon Program[m9]

Means to prevent and/or remove the barrier:

To introducing a Taxi Coupon Pilot Program, which allows registered Handi-Transit customers to take discounted taxi service as an alternative to Handi-Transit.

Indicators of Success:

Indications from communities with a taxi script are that it is very expensive to maintain. There are no accessible taxis in Cornwall at this time. The Taxi Coupon Program is not a program that can be explored at this time. Administration recommends leaving this issue to be addressed by the taxi companies with the new Transportation Standards being implemented under the AODA.