Municipal Accessibility Advisory Plan

2008 Update

1.0 Definition Of A Disability

The Ontarians with Disabilities Act, (ODA), 2001 and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005 use the definition that appears in the Ontario Human Rights Code.

A disability means:

1. Any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device;
2. A condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability;
3. A learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language;
4. A mental disorder, or
5. An injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997; (�handicap�)

2.0 Background

The preparation of the Municipal Accessibility Plan is a requirement for local governments in Ontario under the provisions for the Ontarians with Disabilities, 2001 (ODA), and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005 of the Province of Ontario.

Legislation required that municipalities with a population over 10,000 must establish an Accessibility Advisory Committee and have a plan created by September, 2003. Although the Municipality of Callander has a population less than 10,000 Council passed a resolution to form a Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee.

3.0 Municipal Jurisdiction Participating In This Plan

4.0 Municipal Highlights

The Municipality of Callander is located along the Highway 11 corridor, abutting the southerly border of the City of North Bay. The municipality previously known as the Township of North Himsworth changed its name to The Municipality of Callander in 2002.

The Municipality has five family physicians, two dentists, one chiropractor and a massage therapist. All are located at the Callander Health Centre at 299 Main Street North. Callander also has the following organizations and services: two elementary schools, pharmacy, Credit Union, Royal Bank, library, museum, two community centres, tennis court, two outdoor rinks, two ball fields, soccer field, skateboard park, two parks of which one has a swimming area and a public beach.

5.0 Consultation Activities

Target Groups:
The groups that have been targeted are the general public, seniors and persons with disabilities.

Activities Conducted for Research:
The Working Group reviewed the 2007 Accessibility Plan Update and has made recommendations to address the barriers that exist.

Time Period of Activity:
The recommendations and work completed in 2008 have been included in the list of barriers identified in the original Plan.

6.0 Organizations and Agencies Services

Various organizations were contacted to collect information as well as services they provide to persons with disabilities.

1. Walk and Roll Mobility and Lifestyle Specialists
   98 Lakeshore Drive
   North Bay, ON P1A 2A6
   Phone: (705) 474-5619
   Fax: (705) 472-1743
   www.walkandroll.ca

Walk and Roll is a provider of mobility and lifestyle products and services, they offer a variety of ergonomic tools and lifestyle products such as lifts and ramps, bathroom safety equipment, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, repairs and accessories that provide comfort and ease to aide with daily living.

Walk and Roll is an authorized provider for:

• Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
• Workers Compensation (WSIB)
• Veterans Affairs (VAC)
• Blue Cross
• First Nations (NIHB)
• Most Major Insurance Companies

2. The Canadian Hearing Society
   101 Worthington Street East, Suite 432
   North Bay, ON P1B 1G5
   Phone: (705) 474-8090
   Fax: (705) 474-6075
   www.chs.ca

The Canadian Hearing Society is a non-profit organization, partially funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. The Society provides services that enhance the independence of deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people and encourage prevention of hearing loss. The Canadian Hearing Society provides counseling, consumer advocacy, employment services, community outreach programs, interpreter services, technical devices, sign language services and public awareness campaigns.

3. People for Equal Partnership in Mental Health (PEP)
   489 McIntyre Street West
   North Bay, ON P1B 2Z3
   Phone: (705) 494-4774
   Email: pepplace@bellnet.ca

PEP is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. PEP objectives are to:

• Assist and participate in the development of self-help groups;
• Encourage all psychiatric consumers to participate in the planning, management, evaluation and delivery of the mental health system;
• Make representation to the government for the enactment, repeal or amendment of legislation dealing with mental health issues;
• Network with other mental health consumer/survivors who are working to improve their lives;
• Sponsor and organize varied educational opportunities related to mental health issues and services.

4. CNIB Regional Office
   303 York Street
   Sudbury, ON P3E 2A5
   Phone: (705) 675-2468
   Toll Free: 1-888-675-2468
   Fax: (705) 675-6635
   www.cnib.ca

CNIB is a nationwide, community-based, registered charity and is committed to research, public education and the vision of health for Canadians. The CNIB provides vital programs and services, innovative consumer products and one of the world�s largest libraries for people with print disabilities. CNIB offers specialized programs and services for people of all ages and their families.

The CNIB�s vision rehabilitation program is the most comprehensive in Canada and includes:

• Low Vision Services, including professional assessments and instruction on how to maximize vision using everything from magnifiers and lighting to contrasting colours and textures.
• Training to help manage the essentials of daily living, with and emphasis on maintaining independence.
• Orientation and mobility instruction, focusing on how to move safely around the home, community, workplace or school.
• Training and support for accessible computer technology.

5. Community Living North Bay
   161 Main Street East
   North Bay, ON P1B 1A9
   Phone: (705) 476-3288
   Fax: (705) 476-4788
   www.nbdacl.org

Community Living North Bay provides quality services to persons with intellectual visibilities.

Services provided by the Community Living North Bay include:

• Adult Support Centre
• Community Alternatives Program
• Community Links Program
• Eleanor Broydell Resource Library
• Home Style Caf�
• Ontario Early Years Centre - Nipissing
• Ontario Early Years Centre - Nipissing Community Services Inventory
• Residential Services
• Resource Teacher Program
• Respite Services Service Coordination

6. Nipissing Association for Disabled Youth
   P.O. Box 1271
   North Bay, ON P1B 8K5
   Phone: (705) 474-7222
   Fax: (705) 474-6535
   www.nady.ca

The Nipissing Association for Disabled Youth (NADY) is a registered charity with the mandate to improve and implement services for disabled children and young adults requiring special needs in our community. NADY owns and operates a wheelchair accessible van, available to families for medical trips, recreational outings and NADY related programs. The Association offers recreational programs for children ages six and up and young adults with special needs in the community. Programs include Fun on Ice, Summer Day Camp, Saturday Recreation Program as well as ski activities at North Bay's Jack Pine Hill. NADY is also proud to host an annual Christmas Party, Family Picnic and boat cruise aboard the Chief Commanda II for all NADY and Easter Seal families.

7.0 History of Initiatives

This is the second update to the Accessibility Plan prepared by the Municipality of Callander. Many of the barriers identified in the original plan have been addressed. See Attached �Schedule A� for accomplishments.

8.0 Operational Review

The Working Group meets twice a year to review the Accessibility Plan as well as the project status. Should additional meetings be required, they will be scheduled accordingly.

9.0 Working Group

10.0 Barriers Identified & Actions Taken (2008)

11.0 Decision Making Review

The Accessibility Plan Update will be presented to Council for approval. Council will then identify available resources through the annual Budget process and delegate tasks to the appropriate department(s) for implementation.

12.0 Accessible Transportation Services

Transportation companies with vehicles equipped to transport people with personal assistive devices are as follows:

1. U-Need-a-Cab: 705-497-7777
   
   • U-Need-a-Cab operates a Para Taxi. The taxi will carry 1 wheelchair or 1 electric scooter or 2 folding wheel chairs. The driver of the taxi is trained in first aid and CPR. To ensure availability, reserve the taxi in advance. The taxi operates 7 days a week and is metered at the going rate per kilometer plus a drop off rate.
2. North Bay and Area Disabled Adult and Youth Centre: 705-474-3851
   
   • The North Bay and Area Disabled Adult and Youth Centre are a non-profit organization that is operated by and for people with disabilities in the area since 1978. One of the services provided is transportation for seniors and persons with personal assistive devices to medical appointments. Transportation services are available for shopping trips, medical appointments are priority requests. There is no fee for this service; however a donation is greatly appreciated.

Transportation for out of town medical appointments such as Toronto and Sudbury is available however a fee is charged unless the referring Doctor has provided a travel grant which the North Bay and Area Disabled Adult and Youth Centre will accept. The van is subject to availability, a person must call as soon as they have a scheduled medical appointment to book the van.

13.0 Monitoring Progress

The Municipality of Callander�s Accessibility Plan will set targets that are to be achieved with a specific time period: 1-6 months, 7-12 months and 13-48 months. The Working Group will continue to monitor projects identified to ensure the goals and objectives of this Plan are being attained.

14.0 Annual Accessibility Plans

Plans for the following years will highlight the tasks implemented during the current year and provide task recommendations for the next year.

Schedule A � Past Barriers Identified and Addressed

15.0 Summary

This Plan and Annual Updates have been prepared for The Municipality in accordance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

The Working Group has contacted and updated the contacts for local agencies and service groups that provide services for persons with disabilities.

The Working Group has identified barriers in all municipal buildings and has made recommendations to address these barriers.

For the remainder of 2008 and into 2009, one of the additional tasks for implementation of the Plan will be the preparation of an Accessible Customer Service Policy under Standards prepared and adopted under the AODA. The deadline for compliance under this Standard is January 1, 2010.

The Working Group recommends several approaches to the communication of the Municipal Accessibility Plan;

1. Callander's Website at www.mycallander.ca
2. Hard copies available at the Municipal Office
3. Hard copies forwarded to the Over 55 Club and Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 445.