Presidential Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity & Accessibility (PACHREA)Accessibility Subcommittee

FridayNovember 16, 2012

2:00 p.m. – 3:40 p.m.

President’s Meeting Room, Bata Library

Minutes

Present: Associate Dean Jocelyn Aubrey (Chair), Robert Ballarin, Angie Best,Caleb Hunt, Anne Parsons,
RobyneShedden, Bill Gibson, Allison O’Neill (TCSA), Sean Daniels and Andrea Walsh

Regrets: Julie Smith.

Open Session

1.Welcome and Introductions

The Chair initiated a round of introductions and welcomed members to the meeting.

2.Feedback on Accessibility Audit

Robynereported that the presentation of the final draft audit by Advantage Accessibility occurred last Monday. The audit identified barriers on campus as well as identifying some positive action already taken at Trent in order to increase accessibility. Robyne reported a plan to meet with some committee members to plan priorities for action based on identified needs in the audit document. The need to inform departments of identified barriers was discussed. Robyne reported that it is not expected that departments make changes in isolation, but informing them of the need for changes will allow for necessary discussion. There may also be small changes that can be easily made by departments (i.e. changing configuration of furniture). Overall Robyne reported that there were no real surprises arising from the audit. A key finding and priority is to improve wayfinding and signage at building entrances; this is important as a safety issue. There was discussion regarding partnering with Trent’s colleges to ensure best practices when producing new signage. Sean discussed the potential value in electronic signage, such as those currently in the Athletic Complex. One piece of positive feedback was the signage at the Oshawa campus.

3.Trent University 2012-2017 Multi-Year Plan

Robyne reported that previous feedback on AODA implementation is that it cannot be handled by just one person or department because AODA changes are aimed at changing the culture on campus and must therefore be more widespread. This committee could be appointed as a “working group”.

  • There was discussion aboutcreation of a statement regarding Trent’s commitment to the AODA and whether this could come from section 6 of the Academic Plan. It was concluded by committee members that using only this statement is not broad enough. Julie is to work on this statement which will be submitted, in draft form, to the PVP in January 2013.
  • Robyneraised the issue of whether Trent’s AODA reporting should follow the calendar year or academic year. Bill highlighted benefits of following the calendar year and this was agreed upon by committee members.
  • There was extensive discussion on self-serve kiosks on campus as part of implementing the integrated standards of the AODA. Sean discussed the “papercut” initiative to address accessibility when using printers and photocopiers. There was also discussion of kiosks and study carrels in the library. Caleb discussed challenges of creating larger accessible spaces. Parking kiosks where also discussed and Bill will report on this next meeting. Sean will look into accessibility of student kiosks which are located across campus and are used to register for classes and similar functions. The accessibility of Emergency Stations and specifically issues with accessible approach to these stations was discussed and Robert and Sean will report further on these issues next meeting. Accessibility of ATM machines was also highlighted and Allison will look into this issue and report back, given that the TCSA maintains these machines.
  • AODA training was discussed. The next training is to include information on Human Rights. The committee discussed whether to have training specific to Trent or to work with the COU. COU is waiting to hear from Trent on whether there is a need for COU to create modules. Problems with previous training included inability to get certificates as well as no way to track completion of training. Caleb reported that “Blackboard” may be an option.

4.Updates (Robyne)

  1. Cross walk:Robyne briefly discussed implementation of pedestrian cross walk at Blackburn Hall. There has been positive feedback about this new feature.

b. Enabling Change Grant– submitted –Robyne reported no response to submitted grant.

5.Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 3:40p.m.

6.Next Meeting

December 13, 2012 – 3:00pm

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