Grey Highlands council is approving a multi-year accessibility plan for 2023 to 2027.
During a meeting on April 5, council received a report from Human Resources Manager Debbie Yip. It recommends council approve the Accessibility for Ontarians Disability Act (AODA) plan.
The report says the municipality is required to have a multi-year plan, with the most recent having expired at the end of 2022.
“The new multi-year accessibility plan will guide Grey Highlands beyond compliance and ensure that accessibility is integral to the municipality’s programs and services. This plan outlines steps the municipality can take to maintain compliance, meet changing regulations, and improve the accessibility of services,” says the report.
The report adds the previous plan helped identify and remove barriers in municipal services.
The AODA has set a roadmap for an accessible Ontario to be reached by 2025, which includes mandatory standards to be met in customer service, information and communication, employment, transportation, and design of public spaces.
The report identifies some of its goals to be met for this new multi-year plan, these include:
-Providing a refresher training to staff.
-Installing an accessible water fountain and bicycle repair and parking lot at Kimberley Hall.
-Arrange plain language training for staff.
-Ensure digital media is accessible.
-Continue maintenance and replacement of existing sidewalks to meet accessibility requirements.
-Ensure that the Road Safety Committee Partnership Committee is training on accessibility requirements so that recommendation coming forward have considered accessibility.
-Develop and accessible master trail plan.
-Consult with the Grey County Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee on new builds and site plans.
“Ongoing review and feedback are important for this plan to be effective. The Multi-Year Accessibility Plan should be considered a living document that is updated as required throughout the five-year plan period,” says the report.