COAAC E-Newsletter May 2006 - Vol.2, Issue 2 Our website: www.contaac.ca Message from the New Editor: Susan Brunet Hello everyone: This is my first e-newsletter I have put together as the new editor. I am from the Ottawa Region. I was the Publisher of the Ottawa Mobility News, my own initiative which was a newspaper for people with disabilities. It was a monthly 20 page publication which helped promote the quality of life for persons with disabilities, featuring news, all kinds of options and opportunities for persons with disabilities. I was also able to co host the first Accessibility Day for The City of Ottawa in August of 2004 with my business. I am also a member of the City of Ottawa ACC. As I did most of the work and editorial and layout and marketing on the newspaper, I could not keep up, and had to quit because of my health. As I still like to keep busy and contribute I volunteered to become the new editor of the COAAC e-newsletter. I as well volunteer as a mediator on the behalf of people with disabilities when there is a conflict which has taken a long time to resolve with corporate entities. I would like to thank Geof our webmaster, who has been a wonderful help, he has given me some great tips and has helped COAAC so much and coordinated everything well with everyone. Geof is also expecting a new baby anytime, so the timing of this new e-newsletter is perfect. Congratulations Geof! I look forward to working with the rest of the team in the future. I have tried to condense this newsletter as much as I can with news briefs and directions to the full stories as we have had a lot happen since the last e-newsletter, sorry it is so long. I would like to start sending out this newsletter as a bi-monthly e-newsletter, until September where I would like it to be monthly. I have tried to make the new layout easier to follow by giving more of a guide to where the information is located; I hope it can be used more effectively. I believe the COAAC has tremendous potential. It can be a very effective tool for advocates and AAC members so that they may share information, ideas and solutions. Please feel free to send in comments or suggestions. I have a pretty thick skin and as I am doing this as a volunteer, I am willing to take a 50% pay cut for any mistakes I make. (smile). Please feel free to contact me at either omobility1@yahoo.ca or ottawamobility@sympatico.ca. In this issue: 1. COAAC Discussion Forum News a. The Forum b. Further info was submitted by BlueNorthern c. Who Are Our Members? d.New Listserv Rules and Protocols 2. AODA Updates a. New link to Standard Committee Members b.McGuinty Government Human Rights reform Fact Check Bill 107 c.Current Rights d. Solutions to make Bill 107 Better 3. Government News a. New Minister of Community and Social Services b.Building independence and support for people with a developmental disability c.Forwarded info from Shelly Martel NDP d.Proposed amendments to Municipal Elections Act 4.Other News a.Warrens World moves to Ottawa b.New motorboat for Deaf Children c.Easter Seals and March of Dimes d.Fully Accessible Cruise Program 5. COAAC Members Forum Shared Information a.Should Personal Support Workers be regulated. b.Kingston’s New Accessible Transit Initiative c.New resolution by Town of Newmarket to deal with gas station accessibility d.Terminology e.Positive Accessibility Promotion f.Jerry Ford Posed question regarding accessible site planning g.March of Dimes Focus groups h.Caregiving at home i.Funding question posed by Geof j.Rick has asked for support on accessible phone issue k.Linda's column about phone accessibility l.Petition for Nobel Peace Prize 6. Members Accessibility Pet Peeves 7. Accessibility Success City Spotlight-City of Ottawa 8. New Resource Material 9. Upcoming Events 1.COAAC Discussion Forum News a.The Forum There was an issue of our Yahoo Discussion Forum's accessibility. As Geof is the Webmaster who specializes in accessible web sites, this was a serious issue for him. Since Geof is volunteering his services, and is the owner of his own company Badeyes, the company who makes our COAAC website accessible, any question of inaccessibility of our forum was an issue he dealt with very quickly and proffessionally.Our website is one of the most accessible in Canada ,thanks to Geof. The question was about our new Yahoo discussion forum, which was hard to join because of the link. Geof has as well added a new feature, Accessibility Options, on the site and Shane and I are signing up anyone as soon as they request. We were able to track down the person at Yahoo who handles group accessibility. Goef contacted Lucy at Yahoo, and it seems this accessibility issue is a common issue for all forums. Geof then provided a link in which we could sign anyone up manually as soon as new members request it to the forum. You will find that link on the home page of our COAAC website. Geof has been working as well with Yahoo and has sent many letters, here is one in which he contacted Yahoo and Lucy who is responding is the person who handles Yahoo's accessibility policies. Hello Lucy, My name is Geof Collis and I'm webmaster for the Coalition of Ontario Accessibility Advisory Committees (COAAC) website at www.contaac.ca. Susan Brunet asked me to follow up with you regarding the image verification system that Yahoo employs to discern between human and machine. The COAAC recently moved its mailing list to Yahoo not realizing that it uses the CAPTCHA verification system and as you may be aware, this is a very contentious issue in the blind, deaf/blind and partially sighted community as it discriminates against those who cannot read text in an image. Perhaps you have read the article at http://www.w3.org/TR/2005/NOTE-turingtest-20051123/ it gives a good overview of the problem and some ways to fix it. For the last 6 years, I have been an owner and moderator for a Yahoo group for the Blind and give them full credit for dealing with issues like this. Our group had a problem in the past with a blind issue and after writing to Yahoo to bring it to their attention, the problem was corrected. I also noticed that Yahoo has made inroads in making their website accessible to people like myself who use screen readers and would hope that they would see the problems with using CAPTCHA and correct it as well. If it continues then our group will have no choice but to seek a new forum and I would hope that it does not have to come to that conclusion. Thank you very much for your time and hopefully Yahoo will change this practice so that it does not exclude certain groups of internet surfers from benefiting from its valuable services. Cheers Geof Response from Yahoo Hi Geof - Thanks so much for detailed information about the type of problem you and your group have had with the CAPTCHAS put in place for verification purposes. CAPTCHAS are necessary to implement for spam reduction, which is a significant priority for Yahoo!. We know CAPTCHAS are inconvenient for vision-impaired users, so when a screen reader encounters a captcha on a Yahoo! site, it will also encounter a link to information about alternatives for vision-impaired users. The link is invisible to sighted users but accessible to screen readers and other assistive technologies. This page provides customer service information that allows users to complete their registration over the phone, including submitting feedback which is obtained via screen reading software on Yahoo’s registration form. Currently, users who submit the feedback form will receive a call back within 24 hours, usually within 8-14 hours. The feedback form also contains the direct number for our manual registration department and the form arrives within 5 minutes after submission. Most users call in directly instead of replying to the feedback form, and we certainly encourage you to do so. The number for customer care is (408) 349-1572. While we don't always have a solution for providing accessibility solutions, we are aware of the issues and are committed to resolving as many as possible. Yahoo! is committed to making its site accessible to the broadest possible audience and to continually improving the experience for users of all abilities. Kind regards, Lucy b. Further info was submitted by BlueNorthern, This is it folks, the news we have been waiting for...Those who are blind and or those with a vision impairment can bypass CAPTCHAs, using a specialized downloaded program. Details or the program will be available by the end of this month. Or so they say… Here are some related links on the story.... http://www.tdspodcast.com/2006/04/gmail-google-groups-and-google-home.html ,http://www.accessibilityblog.com/category/accessibility-news Seriously, I have doubts that this will work for the Deaf-blind. I would have to dig deep or wait for users to post their opinions in blogs or whatnots. Also, I'm unable to target the correct site where to get a download of this program. I have macular degeneration but it is not that bothersome, but I could use less obstacles getting to my e-mail! If anybody else has downloading problems too, please send me a note or post it up in our group. This is worth mentioning. I'll then contact Joe Clark to see if he has had any trouble. Know who the person is? He wrote the book, "Building Accessible Websites". I was just over at the local downtown Toronto Chapters bookstore, searching for a copy of his book, but I was told they were out of stock. I'm sure he'll drink to that when I get in touch! Memo: it’s priced at $55.00. Oh yikes! c.Who Are Our Members?, From the Editor Another issue we are dealing with is misconceptions over who can be a member of our COAAC Forum. Some members believed it was only people who are members of AAC's in Ontario and that members should identify themselves as to who and what organization they belong to. The COAAC mandate clearly states; The COAAC is a province-wide, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization comprised of Accessibility Advisory Committees (AACs) in more than 50 locations, and includes related organizations and interested individuals who are also committed to serving and meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. The Coalition has been established to provide a connection between the AACs, and to share experiences, achievements and problem solving. It also allows for the development of a consensus on matters of primary concern and the opportunity to reflect to the legislators what is really required at the grass roots level to serve and meet the needs of persons with disabilities. The Coalition and its eNewsletter are, in other words, a clearinghouse and an instrument for action. Given The COAAC mandate, anyone can participate who has an interest in serving the needs of persons with disabilities. Some members as well have asked that people participating in our forum identify themselves as to who they are and to what organization they represent. I believe that no member needs to identify himself or herself, if they choose not to. As there is an apprehension that participating could affect their livelihood. Some members may be afraid of being fired for their comments. There has been a lot of concern and frustration between AAC's and the City Councils that they serve. This I believe is only natural, given the fact that we are a newly mandated entity and currently developing standards. While we as members may see this as something that is moving painfully slow, some City Councils view this as fast and sweeping change. As we have to work together, we have to understand that this will take time and frustration on both parts is inevitable. This I believe is where COAAC can play a positive role in helping us share our experiences and helping to develop best practices. d.New Listserv Rules and Protocols We have as well developed some new best practices for participating in the Forum discussion. They are called Listserv Rules and Protocols. The following are guidelines and common online courtesies that should be observed when communicating on the COAAC listserv. Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourselves with these guidelines. Listservs are groups of people who send and receive messages through a single email address. Enter your listserv email address into your personal address book. When you send an email to this address it will be forwarded to everyone on the listserv. It is crucial to remember that even though you may be responding to a particular comment that one person says to the listserv, the message is actually sent as a separate email to every person on the list. The COAAC listserv is a benefit of membership. Only COAAC members may participate on the COAAC listserv. Vendors and/or companies are not permitted to use the listserv to send information promoting their products and services. This address should not be distributed to any companies for their use. Be courteous when replying to listserv messages. Do not challenge or attack other participants. If you wish to respond to something and you have to think twice about whether it might offend or embarrass someone, send it "offline" to only the intended recipient's email address. Send responses such as "thanks for the information" or "I agree" or personal comments to the appropriate individual's email, NOT THE ENTIRE LIST. This can be achieved by using the forwarding option and typing in or cutting and pasting in the email address of the individual to whom you want to respond. It is courteous to advise fellow listserv participants of lengthy messages at the beginning of your message, either in the subject line or in the beginning of the message body (e.g., "Long Message"). Do not post commercial messages ("spamming") on the COAAC listserv. This is the surest way to lose listserv participants. Please use discretion when using the COAAC listserv. If you wouldn't want your message read to the public, don't send it on the listserv since messages may be forwarded to non-intended third parties. Please send a new message if you are introducing a new topic or train of thought. It is easier to track information this way, rather than having to sift through several messages. Also, when responding to a message, remove all of the text and just keep the relevant parts to which you are replying. Don't use the listserv to forward Internet jokes and humor. This listserv should be reserved for the AAC networking needs of members. Disclaimers: COAAC reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership for members who violate these rules, and the association further reserves the right to discontinue the listserv if too many members complain about its usefulness. Remember that your comments could make you subject to libel, slander, and antitrust laws. Defamatory, profane, offensive, or illegal content and messages (including disclosures) are strictly prohibited. AODA Updates, Government and Other News 2.AODA Updates a.New Link to Standard Development Committee Minutes Here is a link to the Standard Development Committee Minutes, Accessibility Directorate of Ontario. The minutes are towards the bottom of the page. http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/accessibility/en/main/Std_Dev_Community.htm Shane has added this message as well for anyone trying to find them .I was on the Accessibility Ontario web site and I find it interesting that the minutes for the two Standards Development Committees are on the site, although they're not easy to find on the web site. Here's the url: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/accessibility/en/news/reference/transportation.htm b.McGuinty Government Human Rights Reform Fact Check Bill 107 This Fact Check is an attempt to help ensure that public discussion and debate on Bill 107 is based on accurate and complete facts Editors Comment: warning this is a fairly lengthily article GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: When introducing Bill 107, Attorney General Michael Bryant stated: “Today, with this bill, we would add a third pillar to the human rights system: full access to legal assistance. We would establish a new human rights legal support centre to provide information, support, advice, assistance and legal representation for those who are seeking a remedy before the tribunal.” FACT: • It is vital that all complainants have effective legal representation before the Tribunal. • Bill 107 doesn’t establish any Human Rights Support Centre • Bill 107 doesn’t guarantee discrimination victims legal representation, it only provides the Attorney General the ability to make agreements to pay organizations to give legal advice or representation. • Bill 107 doesn’t require the Attorney General to make any funding agreements or spend any money. • Even if the Attorney General agrees to fund an organization for legal services, under Bill 107 he or she can later withdraw that funding without notice or Legislative approval. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Bill 107 strengthens the Ontario Human Rights Commission. Attorney General Michael Bryant stated: “The Human Rights Code Amendment Act, 2006, if passed, would strengthen Ontario's human rights commission.” FACT: • Bill 107 takes away the Commission’s key investigation powers • Bill 107 reduces the Commission’s power to initiate its own human rights complaints • Bill 107 eliminates the Commission’s role as public prosecutor at all Tribunal hearings • Bill 107 seriously weakens the Human Rights Commission GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Attorney General Michael Bryant stated: “[The Commission] would have the ability to intervene in or initiate complaints on systemic issues affecting the public interest before the tribunal.” FACT: • Bill 107 doesn’t give the Commission the right to intervene in human rights cases that others bring before the Human Rights Tribunal • At most, the Commission may be able to ask to intervene • The Tribunal can always say no, unless the bill is amended to give the Commission the right to intervene GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Attorney General Michael Bryant stated: “The Commission will still have a critical role in resolving human rights complaints.” FACT: • Bill 107 takes away the Commission’s role in the resolution of most human rights complaints • Currently the Commission signs off on the settlement of a human rights complaint providing the Commission with the ability to include public interest remedies to prevent future discrimination. Most cases are now resolved this way. In contrast, Bill 107 excludes the Commission from most cases. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: “[U]under the bill, the tribunal would have the capacity to ensure that all relevant evidence is before it, and would be able to compel parties to provide this information within set time limits.” FACT: • The power to order the production of evidence is a common power of Tribunals and is only effective when parties are sophisticated enough to know what evidence to ask for. An unrepresented complainant gets no benefit from this. • The only way this statement can have significant meaning is if the Bill is proposing to make the Tribunal a public investigator. If so, this would cause significant unfairness. There must be a sharp separation between the public investigator that investigates illegal actions and the tribunal that receives and weighs evidence and decides the case. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: With Bill 107 “[a] new anti-racism secretariat and a new disability rights secretariat would be established within the human rights commission to ensure that Ontario and the Ontario Human Rights Commission entrench its long-standing commitment to addressing inequality in historically disadvantaged communities” FACT: • This is nothing new. Both branches within the Human Rights Commission existed at various times in the past, and under slightly different names. • Under Bill 107, they are far weaker, backed by far narrower powers. • The proposed Disability Secretariat largely duplicates, in a weaker form, the Government’s existing Ontario Disability Accessibility Directorate. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Attorney General Michael Bryant stated: Ontario Human Rights Commissioner Barbara Hall is supportive of moving forward on direct access.” FACT: • Ontario Human Rights Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall stated: “Recent reports suggest that I support the direct access model. These statements are inaccurate. I do not support any specific system, and will not until all of the parameters are made public. Any reform must be based on international principles and involve all affected communities.” GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Attorney General Michael Bryant stated that there is a community consensus around reform proposals in the 1992 Mary Cornish report on human rights reform. FACT: • There has never been a community consensus around the proposal to eliminate the Human Rights Commission as the key public investigator and public prosecutor of discrimination complaints. • There is significant opposition to the direction of the Government’s proposed reforms, which have been conveyed to the McGuinty Government and the Attorney General. • There are significant differences between the recommendations contained in the Cornish report and the provisions of Bill 107. Support for the Cornish report cannot be equated with support for the current government proposal. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Attorney General Michael Bryant said it takes an average of five years to resolve a human rights complaint. FACT: • While there is a backlog that needs to be addressed, the Government’s own statistics disprove its claim that it takes an average of five years to resolve a complaint: In 2004-05, of the 2,399 cases filed with the Commission: 2,117 cases were completed at the Commission: Average 12.9 months 143 cases were referred to the Tribunal: Average 27.6 months An additional 27 cases were sent to the Tribunal after a reconsideration by the Commission of a previous decision Number of complaints over three years old at the Commission: 85 (3 % of 2,880 active caseload) GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Attorney General Michael Bryant stated: under the current system, there is no legal representation to assist any human rights complainant at any stage in the human rights process. He also stated: “A complainant only receives legal support in the current system if they retain their own lawyer at their own expense.” FACT: • At present, in every case that goes before the Human Rights Tribunal, the Human Rights Commission provides a public prosecutor who has carriage of the case. They present the complainant’s human rights complaint. They seek a remedy for the complainant and are mandated to also seek public interest remedies to prevent future discrimination, whether or not the complainant seeks these. • The complainant can also bring their own lawyer if they wish, and of course, if they can arrange and afford to get one. However, the Commission’ prosecutor’s role is similar to that of a Crown prosecutor in criminal cases. They seek to prove through evidence and legal argument that the respondent violated the complainant’s human rights. • Bill 107 would take away the Commission’s role of a public prosecutor. • The current system is designed to allow an individual to navigate the system themselves. There should be more guaranteed supports in place. Bill 107 does not provide more support. It actually eliminates all guaranteed support. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Attorney General Michael Bryant stated Bill 107 will ensure that everyone who files a human rights complaint will get their “day in court”, a hearing before the Tribunal. He said his bill responds to the criticism that under the current system, the Human Rights Commission can decide a complaint won’t proceed and that there will be no hearing. FACT: • Bill 107 doesn’t guarantee that each human rights complainant will get a hearing before the Tribunal. To the contrary, s. 41 of bill 107 provides that the Tribunal can dismiss a complaint on several grounds without holding a hearing. As well, s. 34 allows the Tribunal to pass rules that provide that the Tribunal need not hold a hearing. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Attorney General Michael Bryant stated: under the current human rights system, most human rights complaints are resolved behind closed doors, but in contrast under bill 107, they will be resolved in the open, with the public able to see, thereby helping better root out systemic discrimination. FACT: • Under bill 107, there is no requirement that human rights complaints be resolved in open, public proceedings. To the contrary, most cases will likely be resolved under Bill 107 without public proceedings, as is the case now. • As noted above, the Tribunal has the power to dismiss complaints on several grounds, without holding a hearing. The Tribunal has the power to make rules limiting the availability of a hearing to persons whose complaints are not dismissed on preliminary grounds. • The tribunal properly has the power to mediate settlements. • Bill 107 doesn’t require that mediation to take place in public. To do mediation in public would substantially hamper the mediation process. • Currently the majority of human rights complaints are resolved through mediations, negotiations or conciliations either at the Human rights Commission or at the Tribunal and are not held in public. Bill 107 does not change this. • In the current system, the Commission reviews all settlements to ensure that they comply with the Human Rights Code. Under Bill 107, complainants do not have that protection. Settlements will be more private. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Attorney General Michael Bryant stated: under Bill 107, the Human Rights Commission will be able to go out and investigate systemic discrimination and to take action on it, for the benefit of the thousands or millions of Ontarians who face discrimination but aren’t among those bringing forward human rights complaints. FACT: • Bill 107 significantly weakens the Human Rights Commission’s capacity to investigate and prosecute systemic discrimination. It repeals the Commission’s statutory investigation powers in s. 33 of the current Human Rights Code. • Bill 107 also significantly reduces the power of the Human Rights Commission to initiate its own complaints. Currently, s.32 the Human Rights Code imposes no preconditions on when the Human rights Commission may launch its own complaint, and on what remedies the Commission can seek. • In contrast, Bill 107 only allows the Commission to launch its own human rights complaint in “systemic” discrimination cases, and only if the Commission hasn’t been able to address the matter under Part III of the bill, and only if the proceeding is in the “public interest”. The bill doesn’t define this term. • Under s. 43 of the bill, the Commission would only be able to seek remedies in relation to future practices. It cannot seek remedies to rectify or compensate for past discrimination. • In contrast, the current code doesn’t impose any such restriction on the remedies the Commission can seek when it launches its own human rights complaint. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Attorney General Michael Bryant stated that a benefit of Bill 107 is that it creates a new “Disability Rights Secretariat” which differs from the Ontario Government’s existing Disability Accessibility Directorate”. He said the existing Disability Accessibility Directorate doesn’t deal with matters that are a violation of the Human Rights Code, and doesn’t deal with matters affecting systemic discrimination. FACT: • The core mandate of the existing Disability Accessibility Directorate is to deal with key parts of the Human Rights Code’s protections for persons with disabilities, via developing accessibility standards that derive from the Code’s duty to accommodate, and to remove and prevent barriers against persons with disabilities. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Attorney General Michael Bryant said that one of the goals of Bill 107’s reform is to provide “due process” to those who appear before the Human Rights Tribunal. He stated: “The purpose of a direct-access system… is partly to provide access … give due process and give timely justice to those who appear before the Human Rights Tribunal.” FACT: • Bill 107 reduces, rather than assures, protections for “due process” for persons who appear before the Human Rights Tribunal. • Presently the Tribunal is required to comply with all the requirements for “due process” (i.e. a fair hearing) that are provided for in the Statutory Powers Procedure Act. In contrast, s. 38 of Bill 107 permits the Tribunal to make procedural rules that override and don’t comply with the Statutory Powers Procedure Act’s due process Requirements. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Attorney General Michael Bryant stated: Bill 107 isn’t taking Ontario down the road of the highly criticized reforms in British Columbia. He said that unlike in B.C. Bill 107 will provide legal supports and maintain the Human Rights Commission. FACT: • Bill 107 substantially resembles the widely-condemned changes to B.C.’s human rights system. • Both require human rights complainants to take their case directly to the Human rights Tribunal. • Both eliminate the role of the public Human Rights Commission as the public investigator of all non-frivolous human rights complaints. • Both eliminate the role of the Human Rights Commission as public prosecutor of all cases that go before the Human Rights Tribunal. • Contrary to the Attorney General statement, B.C. does provide limited funding for a legal clinic to give legal support within its limited budget for human rights complainants, and Bill 107 does not require the provision of legal supports, that is left to the discretion of the Minister of the day. • A difference between B.C. and Ontario is that B.C. completely eliminated its Human Rights Commission. In contrast Bill 107 leaves the Commission in place, but eliminates most of its powers and mandate. GOVERNMENT STATEMENT: Attorney general Michael Bryant stated: under the current human rights system, there is no access to justice. FACT: • While there is need to improve the current system, it is inaccurate to say that there is no access to justice under the current system. • The Human Rights Commission now reaches voluntary resolutions of more than 1500 cases annually. The law books contain many successful precedent-setting decisions that the Commission has successfully prosecuted before the Human Rights Tribunal. • What the current system needs is adequate funding and revisions to s. 36 of the Code so that the Commission takes more cases to the Tribunal. There is no need to eviscerate the Commission to solve the existing problems and improve access to justice. Attorney General, Minister Statement, Introduction of Bill 107, Apr. 26, 06 Section 46.1 of Bill 107 provides; 46.1 (1) The Minister may enter into agreements with prescribed persons or entities for the purposes of providing legal services and such other services as may be prescribed to applicants or other parties to a proceeding before the Tribunal. (2) An agreement under subsection (1) may provide for the payment for the services by the Ministry.” Attorney General, Minister Statement, Introduction of Bill 107, Apr. 26, 06 Attorney General, Minister Statement, Introduction of Bill 107, Apr. 26, 06 Ministry of the Attorney General, Bill 107 Backgrounder, Apr. 26, 06 Attorney General, Minister Statement, Introduction of Bill 107, Apr. 26, 06 Attorney General, Question Period in the Legislature on Apr. 10, 2006 Ontario Human Rights Commission’s website, under the heading: “Chief Commissioner clarifies that statements regarding direct access are inaccurate”, posted Apr. 13, 2006 Attorney General, Question Period in the Legislature on Apr. 10, 2006 x Some of the organizations opposed to bill 107 include: Disabled Women's Network of Ontario African Canadian Legal Clinic of Ontario Chinese Canadian National Council, Toronto Chapter Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario Metro Toronto Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic National Anti-Racism Council of Canada Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Alliance Canadian Arab Federation Autism Society of Ontario Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations Multiple Sclerosis Society League for Human Rights of B'nai Brith Canada Ontario Association of the Deaf Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf The Canadian Hearing Society Canadian Paraplegic Association Canadian National Institute for the Blind Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians Community Living Ontario Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers’ Support Group Urban Alliance on Race Relations Operation Black Vote Canada Aboriginal Legal Clinic Canadian Race Relations Foundation Community and Legal Aid Services Program, Osgoode Hall Law School Older Women’s Network National Organization of Immigrant and Visible Minority Women of Canada Native Canadian Centre of Toronto xi Attorney General, Minister Statement, Second Reading debates on Bill 107, May 8, 2006 Ontario Human Rights Commission 2006 statistics, http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en_text/news/e_may-06-facts.shtml Attorney General, Minister Statement, Second Reading debates on Bill 107, May 8, 2006 Attorney General, Minister Statement, Introduction of Bill 107, Apr. 26, 06 Attorney General, Minister Statement, Second Reading debates on Bill 107, May 8, 2006 Section 41 provides in material part: Dismissal of proceeding without hearing “41. (1) The Tribunal may dismiss a proceeding, in whole or in part, without a hearing, if, (a) the proceeding is frivolous, vexatious or is commenced in bad faith; (b) the proceeding relates to matters that are outside the jurisdiction of the Tribunal; (c) some aspect of the statutory requirements for bringing the proceeding has not been met; (d) the application is made under section 35 and the facts alleged in the application, even if true, do not disclose an infringement of a right of the applicant under Part I; (e) the application is made under section 36 and the facts alleged in the application, even if true, do not disclose infringements of a right under Part I that are of a systemic nature; (f) the application is made under subsection 45.1 (3) and the facts alleged in the application, even if true, do not disclose a contravention of a settlement; or (g) the Tribunal is of the opinion that another proceeding has appropriately dealt with the substance of an application.” Section 34 provides in material part: 34. (1) The Tribunal may make rules governing the practice and procedure before it. (2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the rules may, (a) provide that the Tribunal is not required to hold a hearing; (b) limit the extent to which the Tribunal is required to give full opportunity to the parties to present their evidence and to make their submissions; …” Attorney General, Minister Statement, Second Reading debates on Bill 107, May 8, 2006 Attorney General, Minister Statement, Second Reading debates on Bill 107, May 8, 2006 Section 33, which Bill 107 repeals, provides: “33.--(1) Subject to section 34, the Commission shall investigate a complaint and endeavour to effect a settlement. Investigation (2) An investigation by the Commission may be made by a member or employee of the Commission who is authorized by the Commission for the purpose. Powers on investigation (3) A person authorized to investigate a complaint may, (a) enter any place, other than a place that is being used as a dwelling, at any reasonable time, for the purpose of investigating the complaint; (b)request the production for inspection and examination of documents or things that are or may be relevant to the investigation; (c) upon giving a receipt therefore, remove from a place documents produced in response to a request under clause (b) for the purpose of making copies thereof or extracts there from and shall promptly return them to the person who produced or furnished them; and (d) question a person on matters that are or may be relevant to the complaint subject to the person's right to have counsel or a personal representative present during such questioning, and may exclude from the questioning any person who may be adverse in interest to the complainant. Entry into dwellings (4) A person investigating a complaint shall not enter a place that is being used as a dwelling without the consent of the occupier except under the authority of a warrant issued under subsection (8). Denial of entry (5) Subject to subsection (4), if a person who is or may be a party to a complaint denies entry to any place, or instructs the person investigating to leave the place, or impedes or prevents an investigation therein, the Commission may refer the matter to the Tribunal or may authorize an employee or member to apply to a justice of the peace for a warrant to enter under subsection (8). Refusal to produce (6) If a person refuses to comply with a request for production of documents or things, the Commission may refer the matter to the Tribunal, or may authorize an employee or member to apply to a justice of the peace for a search warrant under subsection (7). Warrant for search (7) Where a justice of the peace is satisfied on evidence upon oath or affirmation that there are in a place documents that there is reasonable ground to believe will afford evidence relevant to the complaint, he or she may issue a warrant in the prescribed form authorizing a person named in the warrant to search a place for any such documents, and to remove them for the purposes of making copies thereof or extracts therefrom, and the documents shall be returned promptly to the place from which they were removed. Warrant for entry (8) Where a justice of the peace is satisfied by evidence upon oath or affirmation that there is reasonable ground to believe it is necessary that a place being used as a dwelling or to which entry has been denied be entered to investigate a complaint, he or she may issue a warrant in the prescribed form authorizing such entry by a person named in the warrant. Execution of warrant (9) A warrant issued under subsection (7) or (8) shall be executed at reasonable times as specified in the warrant. Expiration of warrant (10) Every warrant shall name a date on which it expires, which shall be a date not later than fifteen days after it is issued. Obstruction (11) No person shall hinder, obstruct or interfere with a person in the execution of a warrant or otherwise impede an investigation under this Act. Idem (12) Subsection (11) is not contravened by a refusal to comply with a request for the production of documents or things made under clause (3)(b). Admissibility of copies (13) Copies of, or extracts from, documents removed from premises under clause (3)(c) or subsection (7) certified as being true copies of the originals by the person who made them, are admissible in evidence to the same extent as, and have the same evidentiary value as, the documents of which they are copies or extracts.” Section 32 of the Code now provides in material part: 32.--(1) Where a person believes that a right of the person under this Act has been infringed, the person may file with the Commission a complaint in a form approved by the Commission. (2) The Commission may initiate a complaint by itself or at the request of any person. Section 36 of Bill 107 provides: 36. (1) The Commission may apply to the Tribunal for an order under section 43 if the Commission is of the opinion that, (a) there are infringements of rights under Part I that are of a systemic nature and that the Commission has not been able to adequately address under Part III; (b) an order under section 43 could address the systemic issues; and (c) it would be in the public interest to make an application under this subsection…. (3) An application made by the Commission does not affect the right of a person to make an application under section 35 in respect of the same matter. Section 43 of the Bill provides: 43. On an application under section 36, the Tribunal may make an order directing any party to the application to do anything that, in the opinion of the Tribunal, the party ought to do to promote compliance with this Act in respect of future practices, if the Tribunal determines that any one or more of the parties to the application have infringed a right under Part I and that the infringements are of a systemic nature.” The Disability Accessibility directorate” was created under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2001. The McGuinty Government revamped and expanded its mandate one year ago under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005. Attorney General, Minister Statement, Second Reading debates on Bill 107, May 8, 2006 Section 38 of Bill 107 provides: 38. (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Statutory Powers Procedure Act applies to a proceeding before the Tribunal. Conflict (2) In the event of a conflict, this Act, the regulations and the Tribunal rules prevail over the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, despite section 32 of that Act.” See also s. 41 of Bill 107. Attorney General, Minister Statement, Second Reading debates on Bill 107, May 8, 2006 Attorney General, Minister Statement, Second Reading debates on Bill 107, May 8, 2006 Ontario Human Rights Commission Annual Report, 2004-2005 c. Current Rights Current Rights Rights After Bill 107 No Fees for Investigation, Representation or Mediation under the Commission Allows the Tribunal to charge you user fees for costs attached to your case. Ability of appeal to Tribunal if you believe the decision was unjust. Right to appeal is disallowed and all Tribunal rulings are final. Option to proceed to mediation with the Commission. Tribunal can now compel the complainant and respondent to participate in Mediation and Dispute Resolution. Commission has independent power to intercede on your behalf. Commission and Secretariats have no power to intercede on behalf of complainants at Tribunal. Commission compels respondents to provide remedy to complainants. No body to request public interest protection or individual remedies at the tribunal. d.Solutions to make Bill 107 better 1) Guarantee a full no-cost to complainant hearing following accepted legal procedures for every complainant who request one. 2) Ensure that a full hearing is heard within 90 days. 3) Secure full hearings and representation regardless of social status and income. Create a half measure, ensuring that those complainants who wish to opt for Commission mediation are able to gain access to this process instead of being forced to the Tribunal You can request a copy of Bill 107 in an alternate format by calling, Jason Murray at 416-326-7081. Here is also a facts on the issue as how it is going through it's reading from Parliament submitted by Linda Crabtree: May 21, 06 3.Government News a.New Minister Of Community and Social Services On April 5, 2006, the Honorable Dalton McGuinty appointed Madeleine Meilleur as Minister of Community and Social Services, and Minister Responsible for Ontarians with Disabilities. She will remain Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. Madeleine Meilleur was elected to the provincial legislature in 2003 after more than a decade in municipal politics. As Minister of Culture, Minister Meilleur spearheaded efforts to introduce a new and strengthened Ontario Heritage Act, concluding 30 years of efforts to provide better heritage protection. The new act received Royal Assent in April 2005, which brought Ontario in line with leading jurisdictions in heritage conservation. Minister Meilleur also championed a significant cultural initiative to increase Ontario’s film and television industry production in December 2004. She announced an increase in the tax credit for domestic and foreign productions, which has prompted unprecedented activity levels for the industry and an economic boom for the province. She also established the Minister’ s Advisory Council for Arts and Culture in July 2004, to strengthen arts and culture in Ontario. From 1991 to 2003, she represented the City of Vanier and the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton and served as a councilor in the new City of Ottawa. A registered nurse and lawyer specializing in labour and employment law, Minister Meilleur brought leadership to numerous committees and task forces. She was chair of the social services committee for the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton. She also served on the Ottawa-Carleton Regional District Health Council, the Champlain District Health Council, the Ottawa-Carleton Children's Aid Society and the Vanier Housing Corporation. A leader committed to building bridges between linguistic communities, Minister Meilleur represented council on the French-Language Services Advisory Committee. She was also a member of the board of directors of La Cité collegiate, the Ottawa Tourism and Convention Authority, the Centre d'Accueil Champlain and Opera Lyra Ottawa. b.Building independence and support for people with a developmental disability McGuinty Government’s Investments Create More Than 900 New Homes In Communities Across Ontario OTTAWA – The McGuinty government is giving hundreds of people with a developmental disability new opportunities to live with greater independence in their community, Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur announced today. “By providing new supportive homes for people with a developmental disability, we are giving them the opportunity to live as independently as possible and achieve their potential,” said Meilleur. As part of its plan to strengthen community supports for adults with a developmental disability, the McGuinty government is creating 2180 new residential spaces over five years – 1000 spaces for residents leaving the province’s three remaining government-operated institutions for people with a developmental disability and 1180 spaces for people who already live in the community but need additional support. More than one-third of these spaces are already up and running including 191 in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. “With these new spaces we can offer individuals long-term, personalized support and new opportunities for the future,” said Jean M. Bélanger, President of the Board of Directors of Ottawa Foyers Partage. “We are proud to be a partner in this initiative and help people who have a developmental disability be a part of the Ottawa community.” This is just one way the McGuinty government is working with individuals, families and community partners to build a more inclusive province for people who have a disability. Since 2003, the government has: * Provided $276 million in new funding to increase community-based supports for adults with a developmental disability * Improved employment supports for people who rely on the Ontario Disability Support Program * Passed the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act. “Our commitment to Ontarians who have a developmental disability and their families is clear,” said Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur. “Safe, supportive homes for adults with a developmental disability mean stronger, more inclusive communities for all Ontarians.” c.Forwarded Info from MP Shelley Martel, Nickel Belt, New Democratic Party of Ontario The following Questions were raised by Howard Hampton, MPP and NDP Leader, in the Ontario Legislature on March 29, 2006 Mr. Howard Hampton (Kenora-Rainy River): My question is for the Premier. You have proposed changes to the Ontario Human Rights Commission that are opposed by most individuals and non-government organizations that have worked with the human rights commission. Will you scrap these unfair changes that you are proposing, go back to the drawing board and work with Ontarians with disabilities, new Canadians and visible minorities to draft a plan for reform that will work at the human rights commission? Hon. Dalton McGuinty (Premier, Minister of Research and Innovation): To the Attorney General. Hon. Michael Bryant (Attorney General): Yesterday, I met with members of the human rights commission, and we talked about these changes, these reforms, that are so long overdue. I know the member will remember, because he was the Attorney General at the time, that Mary Cornish filed a report with the NDP government of Ontario, calling for direct access to the human rights tribunal, which we are seeking to move forward on, and a number of reforms which we're seeking to move forward on. These change are long overdue. They've been gathering dust throughout the time in which the NDP were in power and throughout the time the Conservative government was in power. I think everybody understands that the delays that are inherent in the system do not serve human rights in Ontario. Ontarians deserve to have the best human rights system possible, and we intend to move forward with reforms to make that human rights system all the better. Mr. Hampton: Well, Minister, the people who know the human rights commission the best are those Ontarians who have to go to it: Ontarians with disabilities, new Canadians, visible minorities. These are the people who say that your proposed changes are wrong and will make the situation worse. They say your cutbacks may mean certain victims of discrimination will have to hire their own lawyers or suffer the loss of their rights and their dignity. As a province, it is our duty to stand up for the vulnerable, not tell them to fend for themselves. These groups who are among the most vulnerable are asking you: Will you scrap your unfair and prejudicial plans, go back to the drawing board and work with Ontarians with disabilities, with representatives of new Canadian communities and visible minorities? Will you work with them to draft a plan that works, rather than your plan, which will make matters worse? Hon. Mr. Bryant: On the contrary, we've been working with those very groups that the member just refused to for well over a year, and consulting with them. If we piled up the reports of recommendations as to how the reforms should take place and what the reforms should be, you would see a consensus, and you will see that they're long overdue. That's why the Toronto Star, in their editorial of last month, said that the long-overdue reforms are welcome. That's why the chair of the Ontario Bar Association said that the changes proposed are timely and well designed to solve current system problems. That's why Ruth Carey, the executive director of the HIV/AIDS legal clinic, said that the government should be widely applauded for the proposed reform initiative, as giving people the right to a hearing is a matter of simple justice and fairness. d.Amendments to the Municipal Elections Act to allow equal participation for persons with disabilities Letter from ARCH 23 May 2006 Honourable John Gerretsen Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing 777 Bay Street, 17th Floor Toronto ON M5G 2E5 Dear Minister Gerretsen: RE: Amendments to the Municipal Elections Act to allow equal participation for persons with disabilities We are writing on behalf of the Board of Directors of ARCH Disability Law Centre to express our support of the request made by Toronto City Councillor Joe Mihevc and Toronto’s Disability Issues Committee that the Municipal Elections Act be amended to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities to all aspects of the election process. ARCH Disability Law Centre (“ARCH”) is an Ontario legal aid clinic that is dedicated to defending and advancing the equality rights of persons with disabilities. The ARCH Board of Directors has discussed the barriers that are currently present for persons with disabilities who wish to participate fully in the election process. Persons with disabilities are often deprived of their democratic right to be involved in the election process as candidates, volunteers and electors. The Municipal Elections Act must be reviewed to ensure that it is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Accommodations for persons with disabilities including volunteers, candidates and electors must be guaranteed in order to allow for full participation in accessible all candidates meetings, access to campaign offices and voting stations and in order to insure that ballots are available in accessible formats. Making such amendments to the Municipal Elections Act would demonstrate commitment and leadership by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in the Ontario government’s goal of achieving accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities as outlined in the AODA. A review of the Municipal Elections Act must be done in consultation with members of the disability community and ARCH would welcome an invitation to participate in that consultation. ARCH looks forward to hearing from you and engaging in further discussions on the need for amendments to the Municipal Elections Act so that we may work together to make the Ontario election process accessible to all Ontarians. Yours truly, Lana Frado Phyllis Gordon Chair, ARCH Board of Directors Executive Director, ARCH cc. Joe Mihevc and other Members of City of Toronto Disability Issues Committee Mayor David Miller and Members of Toronto City Council Premier Dalton McGuinty Hon. Madeleine Meilleur, Minister Responsible for Accessibility Directorate Ernie Hardeman, PC Critic for Municipal Affairs Michael Prue, NDP Critic for Municipal Affairs Catherine Dunphy, Chair, AODA Alliance Barbara Hall, Chief Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission John L. Hollins, Chief Elections Office, Elections Ontario Bernita Lee, City of Toronto Diversity Management and Community Engagement Unit Rose Bettencourt, City Clerks, City of Toronto Merle Macdonald, City Clerks, City of Toronto 4.Other News a.Warren's World sets its sights on Ottawa Accessibility advocate Warren Rupnarain is on his way to the nation's capital .March 8, 2006 He started in his hometown of Toronto, surveying federal election campaign offices to see how many candidates could roll out the welcome mat for wheelchairs. Now Ontario March of Dimes advocate Warren Rupnarain is taking his call for universal accessibility straight to Parliament Hill. Warren and the members of Warren’s World, a now internationally recognized advocacy initiative, are heading to Ottawa to encourage the new Prime Minister and his Cabinet to immediately introduce legislation that will advance a national disability act. “We want to open a constructive dialogue and build a working relationship with this new government,” says Warren, who uses a motorized wheelchair as a result of cerebral palsy. “We’re excited about contributing to something so essential to all Canadians.” In its election policy platform “Standing Up for Canada,” the Harper government promised to present a bill that would “promote reasonable access to medical care, medical equipment, education, employment, transportation, and housing for Canadians with disabilities.” The Warren's World team applauded the commitment, and now plans to meet with Members and Senators from every party to impress upon them the importance of making the legislation a priority in the coming session. “With a new government and a new session, we believe the time is right for turning promises into action,” says Warren. Warren's World began in January 2006, when the team visited 66 federal candidates’ campaign offices in the Toronto area, testing both the accessibility of the facilities and the attitudes of the politicians to national legislation. Their findings were posted daily on the website, and the project drew praise from politicians, commentators and the disability community. As an ambassador of Ontario March of Dimes, 23-year old Warren is continuing the provincial organization’s long-standing tradition of promoting the rights of people with physical disabilities in Ontario, while hoping to create the program’s first successful call for action on a national scale. “We’d like to get all Canadians involved in helping us demonstrate the need and the desire for this legislation,” says Steven Christianson, Government Relations Coordinator for Ontario March of Dimes. “We want it to represent the voice of the entire country.” Warren’s voice has already been heard across the country and has attracted attention from as far away as Los Angeles. The Warren’s World website, www.warrensworld.ca, has also had an overwhelming response to its online “click to vote” appeal calling for a national disability act. “We hope people continue to show their support for the act with their votes. We know the Prime Minister is listening,” says OMOD Vice President Ron Kelusky. “And we believe this is just the beginning.” Vote for a national disability act, read Warren’s blog and get the latest news on the project at www.warrensworld.ca. For more information contact: Steven Christianson Government Relations Coordinator Ontario March of Dimes Tel: 416-425-3463, ext. 326theadvocate@dimes.on.ca. b.New Motorboat to meet the needs of deaf Children TORONTO, May 18 /CNW/ -Some very happy deaf and deaf-plus kids are getting a preview look and feel of the $25,000 pontoon motorboat on which they'll be having fun this summer at their camp near Parry Sound, this Thursday. The Rotary Club of Toronto will present the motorboat, specially designed to meet the needs of deaf and 'deaf plus' children (children with multiple disabilities), to the Ontario Camp of the Deaf (OCD) outside the Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf (BRCD), 2395 Bayview Avenue (north of Lawrence Avenue) on Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. Both the camp and BRCD are part of the Rumball Foundation for the Deaf. "This contribution from the members and friends of the Rotary Club of Toronto is great news for the Ontario Camp for the Deaf and the hundreds of children who will be using its services during this and future summers," said Rev. Bob Rumball, founder of the Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf. "It is vitally important that these kids are able to receive a summer camp experience tailored specifically for their needs and abilities and the availability of special equipment such as this pontoon boat will certainly help make that happen." The Rotary Club of Toronto members raised the $25,000 to buy the boat with activities such as a special golf tournament arranged by the club's Children's committee. For further information: Contact information: Valerie Clarke, The Rotary Club of Toronto office, (416) 363-0604; Derek Rumball, BRCD, (416) 449-9651 and OCD (705) 378-2898; Len Knott, Rumball Foundation communications, (416) 488-7534 & (416) 988-3290 cell c.The Easter Seal Society, Ontario and Ontario March of Dimes to Explore Relationship Opportunities thanks to OTF Grant TORONTO, April 13 /CNW/ - The Easter Seal Society, Ontario (Easter Seals) is pleased to announce that it has received a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation in the amount of $449,200, over 30 months, to support an initiative which will include a feasibility study and provide organizational tools to explore a possible new working relationship between Easter Seals and Ontario March of Dimes (OMOD). Easter Seals and Ontario March of Dimes currently operate as independent charitable organizations, each offering services for individuals with physical disabilities. Easter Seals offers services for children and youth up to the age of 18 and Ontario March of Dimes offers services for both children and adults. "Ultimately, our goal in considering options for working together in the future is to provide a comprehensive and seamless continuum of services for children, youth and adults with physical disabilities in Ontario," said Greg Smith, Chair of the Board of Directors for The Easter Seal Society, Ontario. "Public consultation is an important component of the feasibility study and we will be actively seeking input from all stakeholder groups in communities throughout the province before any final decisions are made," said Andria Spindel, President & CEO of Ontario March of Dimes. The project will be led by a joint task force composed of volunteer board members and management staff from both organizations with the assistance of an external organizational consultant who will guide the process. The task force will gather input, consider data, evaluate models and recommend a variety of options for consideration by the Boards of Directors of both organizations. This project is expected to be completed over a thirty-month period, however decisions will be taken at the end of defined phases to determine whether further investigation should continue. For more than 80 years, The Easter Seal Society, Ontario has been assisting children and youth with physical disabilities by providing financial assistance for costly equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and communication devices. Easter Seals also operates two fully accessible summer camps where Easter Seals kids enjoy activities such as sailing, sledge hockey, and a high ropes course. There are currently over 20,000 children in Ontario with a physical disability. Ontario March of Dimes is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the independence and community participation of people with physical disabilities through a wide range of programs and services across the province. As the largest rehabilitation organization in Ontario, OMOD provides services such as financial assistance for assistive devices, recreation, employment preparation, training and placement, conductive education and peer support services to almost 25,000 people annually in 70 communities across the province. The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Culture receives annually $100 million of government funding generated through Ontario's charity casino initiative. The Foundation allocates grants to eligible charitable and non-for-profit organizations in the arts and culture, environment, human and social services, and sports and recreation sectors. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.For more information or to donate visit www.easterseals.org and www.dimes.on.ca. d.Fully Accessible Cruise Program Two programs of Ontario March of Dimes are partnering to take consumers on a fully accessible cruise, with the assistance of James Glasbergen, Director of Accessible Travel for Frederick Travel. Ontario March of Dimes’ Recreation and Integration Services helps to enhance the quality of life for people with physical disabilities through recreation, activities, friendship opportunities and social integration. Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Services enable continued community integration for people dealing with the effects of head injuries. The accessible cruise seemed a perfect blending of the two programs. Requests from consumers to Susan Jones, Manager of ABI Services, asking for a holiday program that would meet their specialized requirements led to the planning of this innovative cruise package. The cruise will travel for seven days around the Eastern Caribbean and participants will be able to partake in several excursions off the ship. Therse. Said one participant to Donna Mackay, Provincial Manager of Recreation and Integration Services, “Ontario March of Dimes has given me a gift.” Susan Jones remarks that, “Many of our consumers will not or cannot take holidays due to the concern that their needs won’t be properly met. This cruise will allow them to relax and fully enjoy their holiday knowing that they will be completely safe and comfortable.” Recreation and Integration Services is offering the cruise in addition to its Summer and Winter Holiday Programs that take place in Geneva Park, Orillia. This cruise will be a test program, with the hope that other kinds of trips will be offered to consumers on an annual basis. Donna Mackay says of the cruise, “Many of our consumers live in isolation, and require constant attendant care. This cruise will allow our participants to experience the kind of travel so many of us take for granted.” The trip will be departing Friday, March 31, 2006, returning Saturday, April 8. All costs are completely covered by the participants. For more information on Frederick Travel please contact 1-800-578-8958 or visit the website at www.worldonwheelz.com.For more information contact: Donna Mackay Provincial Manager, Recreation and Integration Services Ontario March of Dimes 416-425-3463, ext. 298 dmackay@dimes.on.ca or Ruth Kapelus Provincial Communications and Conference Assistant Ontario March of Dimes 416-425-3463, ext. 254 5.COAAC Forum Members Shared Information a.Should Personal Support Workers Be Regulated? This was sent out a bit late March 28 and we missed the deadline; By Lana Kerzner, Staff Lawyer * What is a personal support worker (> "> PSW> ">)? * How can we be assured that PSWs provide high quality service in a way that is accessible to all members of the public and is free from abuse? These are some of the important issues which are being addressed in an ongoing consultation. It is being conducted by the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council (> "> HPRAC> "> ), which is a body that gives advice to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care about the regulation of health professions in Ontario. In doing so HPRAC seeks input from a variety of sources, including the public. Many persons with disabilities receive services from PSWs. And for some, PSWs provide essential and intimate services on a daily basis. Ensuring that persons with disabilities receive a high quality of services in a way that promotes their dignity and autonomy is essential. As such, it is crucial that the opinions and perspectives of persons with disabilities be reflected in the HPRAC> '> s current initiative relating to the regulation of PSWs. In February 2005, HPRAC received a referral from the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care regarding PSWs. Specifically, HPRAC was asked to review the types of work that PSWs do. HPRAC was asked to make recommendations on whether all or some aspects of the work of PSWs > "> should be considered for regulation under the Regulated Health Professions Act.> "> (> "> RHPA> "> ) The RHPA provides a framework for regulating health professions in Ontario and addresses issues of public protection. There is currently no single definition or meaning of the term PSW. Different PSWs may do very different work. However, PSWs often provide support with activities of daily living, such as bathing, feeding and dressing. They may also provide other services, such as measuring blood pressure and administering medications. They work in a variety of places, such as in people> '> s own homes, group homes and hospitals. To date, the HPRAC has not consulted broadly with persons with disabilities. They have conducted preliminary interviews and held workshops with selected stakeholders. While some perspectives of persons with disabilities were raised, ARCH believes that the full range and depth of views and experiences have yet to be heard. The HPRAC only recently began seeking feedback from the general public, by way of a discussion guide, which was released on 20 February 2006. It is available on their website at: www.hprac.org (click > "> projects> "> ). ARCH encourages all persons and groups who have experience with and opinions about PSWs to participate in this consultation. Electronic submissions can be made to: HPRACSubmissions@moh.gov.on.ca. Alternatively, you can send a written response to: >> Sasmita Rajaratnam >> Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council >> 55 St. Clair Avenue East >> Suite 806 Box 18 >> Toronto, Ontario >> M4V 2Y7 >> The deadline for submissions is 15 March 2006. ARCH believes that this >> deadline is much too short, and does not provide a genuine opportunity to >> canvass the range of views that exist. If you want to express your views >> but find the deadline to be too short, you should contact HPRAC to let >> them know your concerns. In addition to the addresses above, you can >> reach HPRAC at: >> Telephone: 416.326.1550 >> Toll-Free: 1.888.377.7746 >> Fax: 416.326.1549 >> Additionally, if you would like to express your views but the format of >> the consultation is inaccessible to you, you should let HPRAC know what >> accommodations you require. This may include an opportunity to express >> your views orally rather than in writing, being granted extra time to >> make your submission or obtaining the discussion guide in an alternate >> format, for example, in large print.> >> You will have further opportunities to provide input. The HPRAC states >> that they will hold public consultations throughout Ontario in the spring >> of 2006 but they have not given any further details. We will write about >> these consultations in a future issue of ARCH Alert. >> ARCH made a submission to HPRAC on 11 November 2005. Our submissions >> contain recommendations designed to protect and promote the equality, >> independence and inclusion of persons with disabilities with respect to >> their receipt of services from health professionals, but does not talk >> about PSWs. The submission is posted on our website at: >> www.archdisabilitylaw.ca >> For more information about HPRAC, you can go to their website: >> www.hprac.org >> >> >> June Chiu >> Family Relations Co-ordinator >> Bloorview Kids Rehab >> 150 Kilgour Road >> Toronto, ON >> M4G 1R8 >> 416 - 425 - 6220 ext. 3319 >> 416 - 425 - 9332 (fax) >> jchiu@bloorviewmacmillan.on.ca b.Kingstons New Accessible Transit initiative Louise Rolling sent us this update on Kingston’s New Accessible Transit initiative with the following comment: I am forwarding an announcement of the Easier Access Trial that is starting next week. I also copied and pasted the attachment below. If you read it, you will see it clearly stated that they could not take wheelchairs. They are advertising that the front seat will be lifted up so people can stow their infant strollers, canes, and walkers. Anyone familiar with the interior of these accessible buses will recognize that this is the space normally designed for a wheelchair. I am hoping the people in Kingston who use wheelchairs, and have told me they want improved access to transit, will show up at this official launch and make their voices heard. I assume the mayor and media will be there. FYI, people with walkers have always been allowed on the bus. They just weren't guaranteed the bus would kneel, that it would be without an inside step, and they used to have to collapse strollers, walkers and bundle buggies and hold on to them. Louise Hello Friends of Accessibility in the City of Kingston, Starting Monday, April 3, all buses on Kingston Transit's Route 1 will be able to accommodate people who use walkers. The buses on this route will be low-floor, with wide doors and aisles, and a storage area for walkers, canes, infant strollers, etc. Kingston Transit will also introduce "bus hailing" kits for people with vision impairments. To learn more, please read the media release below, and the attached letter. These are significant improvements in accessibility in the City of Kingston, and we should be proud of Kingston Transit's initiative. You are invited to celebrate the official launch of the Easier Access service on Apr. 4, 11:00am to 11:30am, at the Kingston Shopping Centre Transit Passenger Terminal (rain or shine). I encourage you, and clients of your organizations, to use the Easier Access service. Increased ridership by people with disabilities on Route 1 will accelerate the process for expanding accessible service to other KT bus routes. Barry Kaplan Accessibility Co-ordinator Community Development Services Group Planning & Development Department City of Kingston 216 Ontario Street Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3 Phone: 613-546-4291 x.3182 Fax: 613-384-6645 Email: bkaplan@cityofkingston.ca Accessibility Website: http://www.cityofkingston.ca/accessibility/ c. A new resolution was made by the Town of Newmarket to deal with gas stations and accessibility On April 28th, The Council of the Town of Newmarket at its meeting held April 24th, 2006 adopted the following resolution: Whereas it is in the best interest to ensure accessibility to a full range of services and facilities for all members of the public; And Whereas the elderly and persons with physical disabilities or limitations require access to full service gas stations; And Whereas there are fewer gas stations in the Town of Newmarket and elsewhere in the vicinity, offering full service facilities; And Whereas the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Council of the Town of Newmarket endorse the Town of Markham's resolution with respect to this matter; Therefore Be It Resolved by the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Town of Newmarket as follows: 1. THAT the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute be requested to review with its members the need to ensure that all gas stations make provision for full service to patrons having special needs; 2. AND THAT the Province of Ontario be requested to address the issue of accessibility to gas station service in Provincial policies and guidelines pertaining to the accessibility needs of Ontarians; 3. AND THAT the Town of Newmarket Council and staff use all available tools to insure the provision of a full service component for all future gas station facilities in the Town of Newmarket; 4. AND THAT a letter be sent to all gas station operators in the Town of Newmarket requesting them to review their current operations to see what can be done to accommodate patrons with special needs; 5. AND THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute, the Province of Ontario, the Town of Markham and other York Region municipalities, the Newmarket Accessibility Advisory Committee and to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for e-mail circulation. VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.newmarket.ca d.Terminology Did you know that the term "hearing impaired" is viewed offensive by those with a hearing loss? Though once a preferred label, it is now a seen as a derogatory one. Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deafened peoples do not accept this term since it implies that an individual’s degree of hearing loss, mild or major, is impaired or defective. Here is some reference to the terminology we use within our Deaf communities, and some that we do not: http://www.cad.ca/english/resources/pp_terminology.htm People First Language http://www.wvddc.org/people_first.html Guidelines for Reporting and Writing about People with Disabilities http://www.thearc.org/misc/writingguides.htm The Right Words http://www.bcrehab.com/pdfs/The%20Right%20Words.pdf Legacies Inc. http://www.legacies.ca/pl_chapter_3.htm#Choosing%20the%20Right%20Words The Language Used to Describe Individuals With Disabilities http://www.asha.org/about/publications/journal-abstracts/submissions/person_first.htm Sensitivity for Persons with Disabilities Begins with People-First Language http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/lucasMRDD/PeopleFirst.asp Ragged Edge Magazine, Beyond the AP Stylebook: http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/mediacircus/styleguide.htm What is Wrong with the Use of these Terms: "Deaf-mute", "Deaf and dumb", or "Hearing-impaired"? http://www.nad.org/site/pp.asp?c=foINKQMBF&b=103786 Here are what other disabled people have to say about incorrect use of words that have been used to describe them: The Name Shame, by Tanni Grey Thompson http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/people/opinion/comment_apr_01.htm Breaking Down Barriers: 'Helpless-to-hero' stereotype is unfair and incomplete, by Tina Calabro http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04230/362659.stm e.Positive Accessibility Promotion Sent in from: Linda Crabtree You might like to take a look at www.accessibleniagara.com . It's the tourism website I've done for the last four years. I'm doing a major overhaul this summer on it. There are many guides published for various cities throughout the world. I have quite a big collection of other guides. I also publish a 40 page printed guide to Niagara for tourists with disabilities (printed 50,000 for 2006-7) that can be had by calling 1-800-263-2988 or by e-mailing gateway@tourismniagara.com The feedback has been terrific and I get calls all the time from people visiting who have used my guide to plan a truly accessible holiday in Niagara, especially at Niagara Falls. I'm also big on Universal Design and Visitability having studied it online through a course offered by Sheridan College several years ago. I've had people first terminology on my own site www.lindacrabtree.com for years. There are references to roll-in showers if you look at the hotels and scroll down to the bathrooms. A new hotel, Garden Hilton, in Niagara-on-the-Lake has roll-ins, I just don't have it up yet. Sent In from : Cindy, Chair Newmarket AAC I totally agree with you, Debbie...the glass is half-full educating in a "nice" way is what we have tried to promote here in Newmarket too. In fact, we have a brochure entitled "Empowering Change" that outlines how to advocate for change, how to write a letter, and to whom to write, when asking for change. Most people are very receptive to doing what they can. We too are in a small town and our Council and Mayor have been very receptive to promoting accessibility...I would say our site plan committee is very well trained at this point. The regional councilor, the Mayor and one other councilor all sit on our committee. I have been impressed in the past with Huntsville's accomplishments-and that continues. Sent from Debbie Kirwin Co Chair AAC Town of Huntsville As a small town, we have the advantage of getting to know the Town's staff > (political & otherwise). As a committee of council, we are the only one > not > chaired by a member of council (even though we do have a member on our > committee). > > Early on, we ran into communication problems. Our Mayor attended a couple > of > our meetings. As a result we were given direction on "procedures" (making > motions). We also decided to attend Council meetings to keep abreast on > Town initiatives. We find that just reading the minutes (which we now > receive having been added to the circulation list), provides us with > everything we need to know. We found that it is a two way street. Often > was > the case that the Town didn't know enough to ask us for advice on some > issues, so now that we know what's going on, we give advice (in the form > of > a motion) without having been asked. > > We were lucky this year to have won the bid for the first ever Winter > Paralympics Championship Games, including Curling, Swimming, Basketball, > Sledge Hockey, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing and Wheelchair Rugby. The > awareness it brought was outstanding. Having heard of the bid, I > contacted > the Bid Committee and told them they needed our advice. Thus I joined the > Committee and went on to be a member of the Organizing Committee as an > Advisor on Accessibility. Above that, I motored around the downtown > with > the Manager of the BIA and visited with the stores who were not > accessible, > promoting the use of temporary small yellow ramps with a handle and rough > surface for $25. Of course, some stores were impossible (too many steps). > A Grade Eleven class at the high school took on the construction of the 9 > ramps and were delivered in time for the games. I hope to replace these > ramps with a permanent solution by approaching the landlords. While we > are > only an "advisory" committee to the "Town", we sneak in advocacy whenever > we can. > > There are many other examples of our success, but the bottom line is > communication. Criticism must be constructive. Education is a must. The > glass is half full. Build a good working relationship does not come > about > by protesting, arguing or complaining. You do have to market it, by > showing > the benefits and offering advice on how to fix it. > Ha, am I preaching to the confirmed? > > Are you aware of the Access Guide Canada (www.enablelinkorg) then click > on > Access Guide Canada? It's an opportunity for towns/cities to promote > tourism with info on accessibility . It will publish whatever you send > them. We are working with our Chamber of Commerce on that initiative > along > with the Chamber's brochure 2006-2007 guide to business. > > Hope this helps someone! f.Jerry Ford Posed this question regarding help reviewing accessible site plans, here are the responses he received I am the AAC chair in Orillia, and we need to review a site plan in the coming months. Is there any resource person available in nearby communities that would be able to give us some assistance/direction? Hi, Gerry I'm right next door to you here in Kawartha Lakes. We have a site plan committee but I'm not a part of it if you contact our secretary, David Deluce at ddeluce@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca he might be able to help you out, tell him I sent you. Jerry, I'm on the Site Plan Review Committee in Huntsville. Our staff advisor (Town Director, Physical Plant) has given her tacit approval for us to use the City of London Accessibility Standards as the basis of our reviews. They are based on the Universal Design concept & are, hands down, the best in Canada. It would be helpful to have an individual with a technical background on your committee, as some people are overwhelmed by the details. I'm sure that you can obtain the standards by googling something appropriate. If they seem to be somewhat beyond what you're looking for, the Town of Peterborough Standards are excellent & more user-friendly. Dear Listmates, here is information on a forum being organized here in London. Please forward to other who may be interested in attending. Thanks, Kash The City of London has partnered with London's Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to bring to you London's first Accessibility Information Forum Wednesday, April 26, 2006. Presentations will include information on AODA Legislation, City of London's new release of the 2006 Facility Accessibility Design Standards (FADS) document,CMHC funding programs for housing persons with disabilities, Flexible Housing, CMHC research and accessible home adaptations The Forum will be held at the Earl Nichols Recreation Centre (Community Hall), 799 Homeview Rd, London.Registration is Free, and is available at www.london.ca/accessibilityforum .You can also download a copy of the forum's brochure from the above website. You can also register by: Phone: 519 661-2500 Ext. 5797 ,TTY: 519-661- 4889 ,Fax: 519-661- 5845 ,Email: cmckaig@london.ca Please inform us of any accommodations you will require to participate in this event. ASL Interpreters will be available. Please RSVP by April 21, 2006. Look for the 2006 release of the Facility Accessibility Design Standards coming to the City of London's website at soon! http://www.london.ca/Planning/accessibilitystandards.htm A (Kash) Husain Chair, City of London Accessibility Advisory Committee Phone: 519-472-7842 a.husain@ieee.org RE: Jerry and Doug & Accessibility Standards - At the urging of Accessibility Committees throughout Northumberland County, and with permission of the City of London, all the Mayors in their capacity as County Councillors, voted to adopt the City of London Guidelines for use in Northumberland County. Regrettably, the Ontario Building Code is still out-dated, so the better standards can only be suggested and most builders want the cheapest approach, as so use the OBA to ignore the better standards. Hi Doug, With respect to your first question, the new Code (this is based on my personal opinion, behind the scenes experience and insights only) could be considered more "in line" with the Universal Design concepts/approach, recognizing it's based on both "objectives" (e.g., there can be many design options used to achieve a solution and meet a specific need) as well as identifying prescriptive requirements found in older versions and that are also important for folks building things at the end of the day (e.g., "the mounting height for switches is 1200...." . That being said, outside of the folks who were involved in the accessibility subcommittee, the level of "buy in" for UD approach isnt likely too high at this stage, as the Code "domain" is a whole different breed of animals and realistically, for a wide range of reasons, the Code is not the best place to actually try and work UD in - it is purposely designed to address building "minimums", not just for accessibility, but all the other issues as well. Clearly, a big debate on that topic alone, as we all know, "minimums" can be far off the mark from an accessibility perspective. The new National Building Code (NBC), has been released since Nov/December last year. The National supersedes provincial codes and they likely will not differ too much from it, if at all. The latest information I've been told as of weeks ago, is that "SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT DIRECTION", it is expected that the next edition of the Ontario Building Code will be published in its consolidated format in summer, 2006. Furthermore, it is expected the next edition of the Ontario Building Code will come into force at the end of 2006. Prior to publication of the consolidated version of the next Building Code, it is also expected that the regulation is to be published in the Ontario Gazette as well as on e-laws.gov.on.ca on or before May, 2006. This is, of course, always "flexible" and based on what the government decides to do at the end of the day, which you expressed in your email as well. That being said, it looks very close after a looooong wait but I also don’t think there is anything to get too excited about, but maybe on the positive, there will be some pleasant surprises. I always like to focus on improvements, no matter how small and keep the big picture in mind that there are other vehicles to use to make things happen, the Code being a small piece of the puzzle. Hopefully, future AODA implementation and improvements to the legislation will also change this, which has been the case in other jurisdictions. This sent in from another member; A few months ago, Michael Sullivan (Ont Govt. Access.) stated the Building Code would be amended in the spring and there would be fundamentally no changes to accessibility issues. Michael, we have not heard from you for a while, can you elaborate if you are still reading the information here? We are not happy that the government is waiting for the creation of a Standards Committee before changing the act and getting their recommendations. There are many of us who are qualified to make helpful policy statements now. The min. change for now should be to apply the same standards that are expected of the gov't and agencies who do business with the gov't at one million dollars. This part of the law should be deleted and we should state that all buildings and renovations come under the same standards the government has set for itself. I understand this could cause undue financial hardship so this aspect of the code could come into effect in one year from the date of the Act with all new building and reno's to start complying on paper in six months. May I suggest the minimum square footage at 3300 sq. ft. as applied in some municipalities? Ok everyone, if Michael does not reply and the Alliance does not start writing letters soon, I think we should discuss the initiatives of this group. Perhaps a separate writing campaign. I have stated the bare minimums I would like changed this spring. The gov't will not likely take to a long list at this time but I do believe these minimums are doable. So, Michael if you are here please reply. The rest of us let's start talking because the code will not change for another two years. Letter from Penny LeClair asking for help on policies that ensure accommodation Hello everyone: I am not a policy writer. I would like to know if anyone lives in a city of Ontario that has a policy that would ensure that accommodation for access needs is provided for city services, including events sponsored by the city? Ottawa has some policies related to access needs, but not specific to having accommodations for things like attendant care, waved charges for the attendant at city operated facilities, ASL, loop systems, real time captioning, use of sights that are accessible, mobility concerns, use of sights easy to access with public transit. Ottawa has an alternative format policy, this is useful for those who can't read print. I see no other policy that guides decision making with respect to services offered. What policies/ policy covers these things for your city? Ottawa has material on inclusive design, but nothing saying anything should be followed! Thanks for helping me to gather a better understanding so that I can advocate using currently developed policies from other cities that have progressed further in this area of provision of needs through policies. Penny Leclair Ottawa penny.leclair@rogers.com Hi All For anyone interested I've posted information regarding the 2006 Census at www.contaac.ca/coaac/what/ I took a dry run of the site and wasn't impressed that they need to create 2 versions of the form, when it's only necessary to create one. I am also disappointed that they say the form is accessible for JAWS users of 5.0 and up, I still am using 4.51. They claim that the form is fully accessible but I did a quick check of the log in page and to no surprise, it didn't pass the minimum standards for web accessibility and one of the most important features of making forms accessible was missing on the very field you need to fill in to enter the form, one can only wonder if they've left it out on the entire form, if so, they cannot claim that the form is accessible. Cheers Geof Accessibility Consultant Badeyes Design & Consulting Phone: 705-357-2117 Fax: 705-357-1833 Url: http://www.badeyes.com Director at Large: Accessibility Consultants Association of Ontario (ACAOntario). g.March of Dimes focus groups related to customer service standards and AODA Doing Research through focus groups From: "Sheila Casemore" SCasemore@dimes.on.ca A colleague of mine is looking for people with disabilities to participate in one of AODA committee focus groups. If you wouldn't mind sending this out to your contact groups in the community, I would really appreciate it. The details are below. Thanks, Sheila I am on the Customer Service Standards Development Committee for the AODA. We have hired Price Waterhouse to run three focus groups of people with disabilities to find out about their customer service experiences and I was hoping you could put me in touch with some people who might be willing to participate. The dates for the focus groups are May 23 and 24. Times are not confirmed just yet, but there will be a group on each of those evenings and one during the afternoon of May 24. Participants who are selected will be paid $50 for a focus group that will last about one hour and a half. The location will be downtown at 400 University Ave. Accommodations, if they are identified, will be made to make sure this is an accessible meeting. Please ask your members to contact me by the end of this week so that I can forward their names, email address, and telephone numbers to Price Waterhouse. Someone from Price Waterhouse will then follow-up with the details and will make the selection of participants. I cannot share enough how important this is to our community. We need to make sure that our voices are heard to ensure the regulations that are being developed will meet the needs of people with disabilities across the province. If anyone has questions about the focus group, or about the process that we are going through with the Customer Service Standards Development Committee, please have them email me at kon@dimes.on.ca. Thanks again for your help. Brian ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Brian D. Kon Senior Consultant, Accessibility Services Ontario March of Dimes / March of Dimes Canada T: 647-298-3463 F: 416-425-1920 W: www.dimes.on.ca Accessibility is now law in Ontario. Learn more about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and how you can make your place of business more accessible to customers and staff. Call today to learn about Ontario March of Dimes' Sensitivity Awareness training or Barrier-Free Design audits at 647-298-3463. h.Caregiving at Home Alex Cukan, a journalist writing for United Press International, is writing a series of articles about the relationship of caregiving to home access. Below is an excerpt from one article in the series. More can be found by web searching for "Cukan" and "home access." ---------------------- ALBANY, NY, United States (UPI) -- Americans might not agree on much, but most agree they don’t want to end up in a nursing home -- not the greatest generation, not the silent generation -- and certainly not the baby boomers. Even if the nursing home is the 'Rocking Acres' mentioned in the Mighty Taco commercials broadcast on radio in Buffalo, N.Y..... ....With a shortage of facilities like Rocking Acres, many prefer the alternative of 'aging in place,' or growing old in one`s own home, and if help is later needed, someone is hired to work in the home. Because the federal government, or any level of government, has no plan for the aging baby boomers, that may not only be a preferred alternative for many, but the default alternative by the government, since it involves no government funds.... ....Currently, 80 percent of all care for aging parents is by family -- called informal care. That translates mostly into married middle-age women with a job and children, single women who work, single men who work and divorced men who work. Most people don`t choose to enter a nursing home; studies show that the elderly are placed in assisted living or nursing homes when the caregiver feels he or she can no longer provide care. Many in government and many who work in non-profit groups dealing with the elderly or disabled have told UPI`s Caregiving that the government cannot replace the more than $200 billion in labor contributed by informal caregivers -- about 18 percent of total national healthcare spending. So if a solution looms in the form of universal design -- or making a home accessible to make it safer for the elderly or the infirm to stay at home -- you`d think people would jump on it. Sadly, that’s no the case. The beauty of universal design is that almost everyone can use the facility or equipment whether a person has a disability or not. So one might expect that many aspects of universal design would have become standard in new U.S. houses. However, stepless homes with wide doorways and fancy grab bars in the bathroom are still the exception, not the norm. There have been many pilot projects and universal show houses built using universal design, and many have proven to be popular with people whether they needed the assistance or not, but this is still in the pilot phase. Many baby boomers just won`t admit that some day they may age. In addition, there are many misconceptions about universal design -- many think that the design changes will be more costly and that they might cause problems. But if the modifications are included when the house is built, the cost is minimal, according to Eleanor Smith, director of Concrete Change, based in Atlanta. 'Some people think that if there are no steps to the front door of a house, rain or snow will seep in, but I tell them, does water run into the front door of the new bank or the new restaurant that have stepless entrances? Water doesn`t run into your garage,' Smith told Caregiving. 'Even in the mega-mansions being built, the smallest door of the house is still the bathroom, and many are still not the 32 inches needed to have a wheelchair clear.' Many builders may perceive anything to do with disability will not be accepted by the public, or they say they don`t know how to market the new items; some say they will provide the features if asked, according to Smith. 'I suggest that they try it the other way around,' Smith said. 'Instead of offering a 28-inch bathroom door, because that`s the way it`s always been done, offer the 32-inch bathroom door by default. 'And if someone asks for a narrower door, then they can have it if requested.' -- Concrete Change thanks long-time disability rights activist Cyndi Jones, San Diego CA, for her observation that proper door widths and a zero step entrance should be routine construction practice in new homes, while home buyers who prefer narrower doors and steps at all entrances could then request "change orders" if they want narrower doors and/or steps at all entrances. i.Funding question posed by Geof and responses Hi, All Besides the Trillium Foundation and Industry Canada, does anyone know of places to apply for funding for various projects like summer students etc? Ministry of Health Promotion...try the "Experience Programme".... Tom Lannan Director of Community Services Division City of Port Colborne All libraries in Ontario (Canada???) seem to have endless sources of grants/subsidies when hiring summer students. Good news, bad news - most duties are accessible to all, but the pay is not terrific. Doug The publication you are looking for might be the one at http://www.mgpublishing.net/ Regarding government support of student summer employment http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/asp/gateway.asp?hr=en/epb/yi/yep/programs/scpp.shtml&hs=p\ xr the application date is passed but also there is info at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/organizations/menu.shtml#pifp ---Keith The book is called The Canadian Subsidy Directory - over 3000 funding sources (federal & provincial governments, foundations, associations etc.). Copies are available @ 1-866-322-3376 for $149.95 (tax in), which includes the CD ROM version. Alternatively, the disk is available @ a significant savings. Doug j.Rick had asked for Support on This Accessible Phone Issue I am not in the habit of forwarding such appeals, regardless of merit, but the survey launched by PIAC is opposed to the larger public interest. The money in question was collected via phone bills to provide access to those with hearing loss by the phone companies, who then did the minimum, required of them and held the balance in deferral, hoping to be allowed to profit from it. The CRTC turned them down, and directed the phone companies to spend the money on the purposes for which they were given permission to raise their rates in the first place. (You have been paying an extra fifteen cents on your phone bill for this.) I think they should be required to spend the money for the purpose intended. Read on down... From: Jim Roots I never send emails to such a long list of people, but this is both urgent and important. A law organization called Public Interest Advocacy Centre is attempting to challenge in court a CRTC decision that included about $33M for improving accessibility of telecommunications for people with disabilities. Some of that money will help to bring VRS (video relay service) to Canada. CAD is very deeply involved in this matter. PIAC is now conducting a two-question, on-line survey to see if the public supports its challenge. The first question asks what you think the money should be spend on. The second question asks if you support their challenge to the CRTC. So far, only a tiny number of people have said they want the money used for disability access. How tiny? SEVEN PERCENT!! At that rate, we are not going to persuade PIAC to support using some of that money to bring VRS to Canada. Please take 25 seconds to respond to the survey and boost the support for disability access. Here is the link: http://www.piac.ca/survey/crtc_deferral_account_what_consumers_want For the first question, I hope you will agree to click on the option, "improving access to telecommunication for people with disabilities”. For the second question, well, that is up to you, but I would encourage you to click on "NO". If too many people click on "YES", then PIAC will continue to challenge the CRTC, and the money for disability access will probably be frozen. If enough people click on "NO", maybe PIAC will withdraw its challenge, and the CRTC will be able to release the money. Thanks for your support. Please forward to other members of the Deaf, hard of hearing, and disability communities. k.Linda wrote about phone accessibility issues in her column; St. Catharines Standard - Feb. 2006 - Access Niagara- Linda Crabtree - You may laugh but I have ongoing nightmares about needing help and not being able to use the telephone. I keep dropping it, can’t push the buttons because my fingers are like mush, 911 is too drastic, and there is nothing but a recording on the other end when I push 0. An item in The Standard Business Section, Feb. 17, headed Cheaper phone rates may be on the way, caught my eye and upon reading it I realized that the CRTC has ordered telephone companies to spend a minimum of five percent of $650 million from special accounts to improve services for people with disabilities. That’s roughly $33 million. I spoke to several people at the CRTC to find out exactly what kind of improvements were needed and they sent me the website of the exact ruling, which I’ll give you below. While the CRTC doesn’t get into what is needed, they said they directed the various telephone companies to go out to people with disabilities through advocacy organizations to ask them what they want and need. I’m thinking it certainly wouldn’t hurt if we were proactive in this, if we went to the companies ourselves and gave them our opinions rather than waiting to be asked. I also found out that ARCH Disability Law Centre and the Canadian Association of the Deaf were involved in getting this ruling across. Lana Kerzner, staff lawyer at ARCH, said that telecommunications is not at all accessible to people with disabilities and she lead me to the proposal and some of the reasons. While by no means exhaustive, here are some of the problems faced by people with disabilities trying to use the telephone. Telephones, especially cell phones, are getting smaller. Persons with motor disabilities experience difficulties with key pad design as a result of the small buttons and spacing between buttons. Persons who communicate slowly or with irregular voice patterns find that the speed and inflexibility of some service programs cuts them off. Anyone with vision impairment or who is blind regularly face barriers in many aspects of their use of telecommunications, such as key pads which are not consistently designed, phones with touch screens and text messaging tools which are not offered with descriptive narration, and operating manuals not available in accessible formats. Persons with hearing disabilities experience difficulties with phones that are not compatible, or interfere with hearing aids and cochlear implants. And persons with cognitive disabilities such as those living with the effects of stroke, experience barriers with much of the current phone technology which is too complicated and time-sensitive for them to navigate. As the telephone companies delve into the problems people with disabilities have, I’m sure there will be many, ways telecommunications can be improved for the disabled community and seniors and in doing so, improve services and equipment for everyone. We’re way beyond being in awe of the fact that we can transmit the human voice. Now we need to make sure that everyone can communicate. For the ARCH proposal go to: http://www.archdisabilitylaw.ca/aboutARCH/litigation/cases/crtc_May_19_04/initialFund.asp and for the complete CRTC ruling go to: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2006/dt2006-9.htm Linda Crabtree CM, O.Ont., O.M.C., B.A., LL.D.(hon.) 1 Springbank Dr. St. Catharines, ON, Canada L2S 2K1 (905)685-0496 www.accessibleniagara.com www.lindacrabtree.com linda@lindacrabtree.com l.This is a petition asking The Nobel Peace Prize Committee to consider Canadian Stephen Lewis for the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize. Stephen Lewis is the U.N. Secretary General's special envoy for H.I.V. / A.I.D.S. in Africa. He has worked tirelessly for the recognition of victims of A.I.D.S. in Africa. He is working to obtain drugs for the treatment and prevention of this devastating disease and for financial assistance for those who are left to care for the children. He has visited and wept with the adults & the children who have been orphaned by H.I.V/A.I.D.S. He has consoled and supported the grandmothers who are attempting to rear these children. He has advocated for women's rights and the rights of workers in the sextrade, for the provision & use of condoms and cheap medications for their treatment. He advocates constantly, with tenderness, intelligence and a saintly zeal which is profoundly moving. Stephen Lewis needs recognition, not for himself but for his cause. We would ask the committee to seriously consider Stephen Lewis for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. As such, he and Africa would be put in the media spotlight, giving further credence to his campaign for change in the lives of the poor and marginalized on the continent of Africa. We are hoping you'll sign and forward this petition as well. So please, press "forward" and add your name to the petition. Send this to your friends ~ but once there are 50 names on the list ~you must return the petition to me: brigidk@nl.rogers.com Please do this as soon as possible to allow the committee time for consideration. In order to not have everyone's email address showing up every time this gets forwarded, hit the "Forward" button and highlight all the other addresses and then delete them. ( That way everyone gets an email without a bunch of other people's addresses on it! ) Editors Comment: I am sorry but I cannot post people names from the connection on this newsletter, I would suggest that if you are interested please contact brigidk@nl.rogers.com and ask for copy of the list. 6.Some Members Pet Accessibility Peeves I noticed on the minutes of the standards committee some ways they are looking at improving some situations. Is there any way of posting a suggestion to them? Here is why I ask....there is a suggestion of putting a chair in a fitting room to help with accessibility. This hits on my newest pet peeve. I am finding that the number of stores where I can buy clothes drastically reduced by a "no refund" policy-yet there is no accessible change room (I am a w/chair user) so I can try the clothing on...I regret that "a chair in a change room" does not make it accessible-Eddie Bauer warehouse has the idea-a wide low bench with hand holds on the walls and a huge fitting room so one can still see the mirror...any ideas to get this point across to stores and/or the standards committee? I'm tired of shopping only at The Bay, The Gap or Eddie Bauer-sometimes I need an up to date fashion fix...thanx... Penny I can't answer your question, but I learned a lot by reading what you shared. It is best when we know more about each other’s access needs, now I would advocate differently about changing rooms. For me I like more than two areas to hang things. Why, because I don't see and I like colours that matching an item put next to that. With only a few places to hang, I get them mixed up. Trying to get an electric scooter into a dressing room is almost impossible in most stores. I've found Winners is good but the clothing quality not good. I would like to shop The Bay and Sears but the aisles and dressing rooms are usually so constricting it is a disaster. I buy a lot of my clothes through Lands' End in the states through mail order and love them...they are knits and stretch as I need to stretch and they wash well and last forever. Too many retailers simply ignore the needs of pwds. I've tried on clothing in the street, believe it or not, in several areas of town. They call me the St. Kitts Flasher. It would be wonderful if someone on the standards committee would ask a whole raft of people with disabilities what their experiences are. The feedback sure would be an eye-opener. I wrote about family-style washrooms in my last newspaper column and one woman wrote that she was constantly activating the hand dryer trying to breast feed her baby in one because it was so small. Interesting. Linda Crabtree The biggest annoyance for me are places that have a nice power door and symbol that indicate they are accessible but they're not. They make the aisles too narrow or fill the aisles with boxes. To add to my frustration, a lot of stores are using their accessible change room for storage or they hinge the door so it swings inwards and you can't close it because your wheelchair is in the way. The room is big enough, but virtually useless. Another pet peeve is the fact that clothing sizes mean nothing anymore. I used to be able to go in and pick something off the shelf in my size and take it home without having to try it on because I knew it would fit. Now I can no longer do this because there is no consistency in sizes even within the same brand. I have basically given up on shopping because I get so fuming mad and frustrated. Louise 7.Accessibility Success City Spotlight In the City of Ottawa the beach just became more accessible through this joint initiative Ottawa - The City of Ottawa, with support from the Nortel Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and other interested organizations, has successfully obtained a state-of-the-art beach access tool that will be used at the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival. For the first time, festival spectators with mobility aids like wheelchairs will be able to enjoy beachfront seating at Mooney Bay and a great view of the fast-paced action of dragon boat racing. Testing of this new product, called Beachrings2, has took place at Mooney's Bay Park today. "The Beachrings2 System will provide a safe, comfortable setting for all local athletes and their families to enjoy the exciting races during this year's Dragon Boat Festival," said John Brooman, Executive Director of the Nortel Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival. "This technology will allow many individuals in our community an opportunity to be a part of this thrilling annual event". Beachrings2 provides an attractive, comfortable and slip resistant surface for people who use wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches, as well as for people with strollers, bicycles and emergency vehicles. It enables people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices to get to the water's edge. "This will provide an opportunity for greater access for all the residents for this great festival," said Marco Manconi, Project Manager with the City of Ottawa's Real Property Asset Management Branch. "It's great to be able to provide technology that helps our community." The Dragon Boat Festival, which runs June 24 and 25, 2006 at Mooney's Bay Park is a celebration of community, cultural diversity, sport and teamwork incorporating the widest range of public participation. Now in its 14th year, and one of Ottawa's leading festivals, public access is made better then ever. For more information please call 613-238-7711or visit www.dragonboat.com. For more information: City of Ottawa John Brooman Media contact Executive Director 613-580-2450 Nortel Ottawa Dragon Boat Race Festival 8.New Resource Material/ Reports Tutorials and tips on website accessibility Submitted by Geof For the time being, the UK has developed PAS 78 Guide to Good Practice in Commissioning Accessible Websites http://www.bsi-global.com/ICT/PAS78/index.xalter but it will cost them. I haven't read it but hear that it's a good tool. You will also find good tutes at http://www.w3schools.com/ and some helpful links on my site at www.badeyes.com/beyes/resources/ The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission has published its three-year plan, which contains social policy issues, including those concerning accessibility for persons with disabilities. Read it at the CRTC website at www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/publications/reports.htm#plans. A new issue of Breath & Shadow, a journal of literature and disability culture, is at www.abilitymaine.org/breath. This issue's theme is "Mortality." New Book About Living with Disability A new all-inclusive guide for people who have developed a disability and their loved ones is now available. After Disability: A Guide to Getting on with Life, by Lisa Bendall, former managing editor of Abilities Magazine, includes tips, strategies, resources and personal stories from Canadians living well with disabilities. Topics include self-advocacy, housing, health care, finances, employment, assistive devices and technology, family life, transportation, travel and recreation. The book has been endorsed by June Callwood, Patrick Watson, Jeff Adams and the Canadian Abilities Foundation's president, Raymond Cohen, with a foreword by CityTV's David Onley. The book is published by Key Porter Books, ISBN 1-55263-747-6, and is available for $19.95 at bookstores or online at www.amazon.ca. 9.Upcoming Events/ What’s New Therapeutic Recreation Ontario Conference May 31 to June 2, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON For more information about this trade show, please visit www.trontario.org/conferenceform.html. ALS: Strategies for Quality Living June 2, Toronto, ON This conference will help people living with ALS and their healthcare team make informed decisions about ALS management. Call 416-497-2267 ext 227. 23rd Annual McMaster Summer Institute on Gerontology June 5 to 7, Hamilton, ON www.socsci.mcmaster.ca/ (pdf). Weaving the Ties that Bind June 5 to 30 (self-paced), online This is a training course for facilitating social support networks, or "Circles of Friends." Time commitment: 20\u201325 hours. $250. E-mail inquiries@planinstitute.ca. Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion 2006 June 11, nationwide People of all ages and abilities will wheel, walk or run to raise funds to improve the quality of life of people with spinal cord injury and related disabilities. www.wheelsinmotion.org. R.A.M.P. (Ride Around More Places) Day June 11, Kitchener, ON ILCWR and Grand River Transit will show you how to use low-floor buses with a wheelchair. E-mail mailto:sandra@ilcwr.org. 2 Just Women & Just 2 Men: Benefit for AEBC June 11, Toronto, ON Benefit show for the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians. $18 advance, $20 door. www.blindcanadians.ca/bulletin. Forum: Developing a Universal Design Lens for City Planning June 13, Mississauga, ON This is a presentation by Paul Tubbe, President of PhoenixRising Solutions and Chair of Vancouver's Advisory Committee on Disability issues. Learn about accessibility, visitability and universal design. Call Natalie Raposo, 905-615-3200 ext. 5781, TTY 905-615-3411 or natalie.raposo@mississauga.ca. 4th Annual Rolling Rampage Festival of Wheels June 17, Toronto, ON 1K Relay and 10K wheelchair race. www.rollingrampage.com. Toronto Summer Institute on Inclusion, Community & Diversity July 8 to 13, Toronto, ON Want to meet remarkable people from around the globe. Want to eat, sleep and breathe inclusion? 150 hosts and participants will create a Learning Community. For more info, please visit www.inclusion.com/toronto-06.html. Festival of International Conferences on Caregiving, Disability, Aging and Technology June 16 to 19, 2007, Toronto, ON FICCDAT will include five important conferences and many joint events. For info, visit www.ficcdat.ca. Network, the magazine of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario, explores the connection between physical and mental health in its Spring/Summer 2006 issue. Read it online at www.ontario.cmha.ca/network. The Canadian Abilities Foundation and Active Living Magazine have joined forces to support Dr. Joel Katz in studying the experiences of people with various amputations who experience phantom limb pain. If you are willing to fill in a confidential questionnaire on your experience with this baffling pain, contact Dr. Katz at 416-736-2100, ext. 33125, pain@yorku.ca, or regular mail at Psychology Dept., York University, BSB 232, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3. The 11th Biannual National Education Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) National Conference (Nov. 10-12, Ottawa) seeks speakers. Deadline: June 2. For more information, please Visit www.neads.ca/conference2006/en/speaker_online.php. Community Learning Awards: Supported by the Office of Learning Technologies of the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and the Members of The Conference Board of Canada's Education and Learning Department, these awards recognize initiatives that enhance learning using technology. The focus is on community initiatives, delivered through partnerships, which help people develop skills and competencies enabling them to participate more fully in the community. Visit www.conferenceboard.ca/education/awards/community/default.htm TAPE Educational Services provides a full range of Continuing Education services and practical learning for those working in the health and human services. Certificate programs and workshops are designed using a case-based learning approach. For info, Visit www.advancedprofessionaleducation.com. The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario has launched an extensive, inclusive campaign to help people take control of their mental health. Take a snapshot of your mental health by taking a self-test online. The site also features helpful resources and fact sheets about mood disorders. www.checkupfromtheneckup.ca