1. Build an effective training and development program for staff.

• Provision of High/Scope training to all Early Childhood Education staff in Directly-Operated Child Care Centres that promotes the inclusion of all children through the use of pictures, symbols and textured materials in learning areas

• TransHelp is in the process of scheduling mandatory training for all Staff on the following courses: Assertiveness Training, Diversity Training, Email Management and  Non-violent Crisis Intervention

• Two Lunch and Learns entitled Effective Communication with People with Disabilities and How to Prepare Universal Accessible Promotional Materials presented at 3 Health offices by Peel Health in partnership with Accessibility Planning Program and the Accessibility Advisory Committee

June 2006 and
August 2006

• Pilot sensitivity training was provided for managers and supervisors.

• Community Development Officer provides training, guidance and mediation to staff as needed on diversity, access and equity issues

Ongoing

• Long Term Care Division has a Diversity Handbook for staff and is updating it to reflect current learning. 

• Five Resource Teachers visited Ont. Foundation for Visually Impaired Children Nursery School in High Park, Toronto, for hands-on experience and training related to visual impairments

Attitudinal
Policy/Practice

2. Ensure ongoing internal communication on accessibility.

• Staff participated in mandatory training on Addictions issues.

• Co-hosted and sponsored the International Day of Disabled Persons Event

• Presentations to Community Homes and Hospitals. Informed clients of our eligibility criteria, types of registration, and trip booking procedures.

• Promoted use of the Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) – Information sheets distributed on the bus and via Winter 2005 Newsletter.

Information
Technological

• Presented material about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to staff of the Region of Peel. Pamphlets and purple ribbons were given to staff to acknowledge this day.

• Presentation on Clean and Sober Thinking to self-help groups. These are independent groups for people with addictions which meet weekly in the Peel Region.  

• Program information from other service providers is made available to staff and clients at the DOCC centres, the Valley Infant-Parent Program and the Shelter programs (e.g. Peel Speech-Language Program, Food banks, Mental Health agencies)

• Community agency professionals attend staff meetings and provide in-service training sessions (i.e. Epilepsy Association, Ontario Foundation for Visually Impaired Children)

Attitudinal
Policy/Practice

• Employee office Wellness Committee has offered education and awareness sessions to staff including topics like the ABC’s of depression)

• Staff participated in a “Deaf and Hearing Cultural Exchange” coordinated through the Coalition for Persons with Disabilities Employment Access.

Social Services
Ontario Works
Public Works and
Children Services

• Staff participated in demonstration tables and attended International Day of Disabled Persons in December 2005.

Attitudinal

• Mood disorder Assoc. presentation at Staff Development Events (Divisional, Unit, Frontline Homelessness Forum)

Attitudinal

• Community partners attend staff meetings (i.e. legal services, assistants for clients with physically disables)

Attitudinal Policy/Practice

3. Develop accessibility standards and guidelines for all internal and external publications

• Children’s Services is currently in the process of costing out translations for publications in Braille and Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) accessibility.

• Added wheelchair access information to Heritage Museum building brochure.

• Outreach site for Early Literacy at Credit Valley Hospital has display board information that is easy to read in plain, clear language

• Significant financial resources are budgeted annually to ensure telephone and face-to-face interpretation is available to assist clients utilizing our programs. Culturally appropriate e translation of program brochures or educational materials is done when it is deemed necessary (e.g. Long Term Care (LTC) is working on translating information on LTC and the Adult Day Services into other languages).  Sign language is arranged upon request as well.

• Long Term Care Division has completed user testing on its website with the support of Communications.  This process allowed us to observe various users while using our site.  The original intent was to understand if our site was easy to use, however, as a by-product of this process, we have received valuable feedback on things like the font size and colour used on our site, the positioning of the links on the site, the photo selections, the type of information we should include, etc.  We are now working with Communications to prepare an action plan for next steps.

• Regional Clerk’s Office has ensured that all future orders for manager’s business cards will be printed in Braille

2. To improve accessibility of Regional programs, services and facilities

1. Ensure effective process in place to integrate AAC advice.

• Staff of the Access and Information Services Team (in the Business and Information Services Division) network and collaborate with the AAC as well as with the Accessibility Planning Specialist (e.g. on Lunch and Learn workshops).

• New seniors building in Brampton, John Street - AAC members consulted on all suite entrances & washrooms on handicap (turning radius and grab bars)

Physical

• Staff worked with members of AAC to review site and floor plans for the Joint Use Facility (JUF).  Some minor changes were suggested which would further improve accessible to this new building.  A successful presentation was made to AAC in May 2006 where the design was supported.

Physical

• Purchased electronic magnifying readers for members of AAC and also members of the public and staff using the Council Chambers.

2. Strengthen organizational processes that will support accessibility

• Presentation made to AAC identifying how Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards would be used as a minimum in all new construction projects at the Region, therefore, CSA standards are referred to as our minimum design guidelines. AAC supports this approach.

• Address needs of persons with hearing impairment through the sign language skills of a staff person.

• Preparing a report to council on the potential use of federal gas tax funding to improve accessible transportation.

• The new mobile dental clinic and the new Peel Youth Leaders (smoking cessation) have improved program access for clients that are a challenge to reach.

• Health Department is guided by Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guidelines 1997 – Equal Access Program Standard (e.g. #2 “When planning to use facilities and sites for mandatory public health programs, the Board of Health shall select those which are barrier-free and have suitable access”).

2. Strengthen organizational processes that will support accessibility

• A new accessible standard was developed for interior signage and was implemented at 2 Copper Rd.

• Compiled a list of short and long term recommendations that will serve to improve the Peel Children’s Water Festival.  These recommendations are based on the collective observations and experiences of teachers that attended the 2006 PCWF with students that have special needs as well as some members of the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee.

• Worked with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) to install audible pedestrian signals at several locations throughout the Region. Our Engineering and Construction division will continue working with the CNIB to meet their needs.

• Engineering and Construction has installed several “countdown” pedestrian signals in highly populated areas such as plazas, and seniors’ residences, as well as installing these signals by request.  Countdown signals show the allotted time to cross the intersection.

• Communication and outreach to the hospitals discussing how to enhance our service (discharge planning).

• Adapted approach to use pdf format wherever possible to increase accessibility to information

• Enables anyone to apply for a job via the internet in a fair manner without the need to come to headquarters to do so

• Tele-work Policy enhancement

Social Services
TransHelp

• Provided cross border transportation for Erinoak Summer program participants to Toronto, Burlington, Oakville and Milton.

• Improved scheduling of assessment applicants that helped reduce wait time and streamlined process. This was done by increasing the number of assessment dates we provided each month.

• Changes to the Interactive Voice Response System (IVR). Clients can now check pick up time information only after scheduling is complete.

Information
Technological

• Advance booking window decreased from two weeks to one week.

Information
Policy/Practice

• Ride Booking and Advance Cancellation Cut off time was moved from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm  Trip confirmation time changed from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

• Pilot Project – Availability of bus service on Saturday

• Communication and outreach to the hospitals discussing how to enhance our service (discharge planning).

• Needle disposal boxes made available at client service sites.

• Creation of the Youth Caseloads – for youths accessing social assistance

• Revised presentation for START* sessions to improve readability for clients with colour-blindness. *start application process for assistance

• Outreach Team has been equipped with mobile technological tools to improve service delivery and access to information for and about clients.

• Ontario Works is in the process of adding the Ontario Works 1-800 phone number and Caseworkers e-mail addresses to the business cards

• Employment services have been expanded to include Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) clients.

• Verification process of Ontario Works eligibility and assistance has been simplified to improve service.

Spring 2006/Ongoing

• Changes have been made to simplify the income reporting process.  Exception based income reporting was implemented resulting in a 40% decrease in the requirement of Ontario Works clients to submit Income Reporting Statements.

• Expanded service at the Employment Resource Centre to include weekend and evening service.

• Employment Resource Centres are no longer restricted to Ontario Works Clients and are now available to all community members.

• Program information from other service providers is made available in the Employment Resource centres.

• Ontario Works in Peel is one of the pilot sites for implementing an addictions initiative to expand service for clients with addictions issues.

• JobsNow – retention for clients with multiple barriers

• Plans underway to implement a Scent Sensitivity program

Physical
Attitudinal

• Support Information Sessions (for clients) and the new Family Support Unit brochure was reviewed for use of plain language.

• Simplification of brochures in the control clerk area

3. Develop a process for the reporting of barriers and accessibility

• Barrier Identification and Tracking Tool (BITT) application was presented to various groups within the Housing & Property department. This has heightened staff's awareness and sensitivities to accessibility issues. Property Managers were directed to keep accessibility in the forefront when taking actions on any reconfigurations and/or re-designs.

• Health has been working with the Accessibility Planning Specialist on the Barrier Identification and Tracking Tool (BITT) – the tool is in the process of being revamped.

4. Upgrade of technology to improve accessibility

• PercUP Computer upgrade included accessibility improvement such as voice activated software and higher quality screens.

5. Ensure accessibility while organizing corporate events and meetings.

• During Peel Health committee/ workgroup meetings with community partners, we ensure the needs of each internal and external committee member are assessed by the chair of the committee (prior to each meeting).

6. Ensure effective process in place to address facility and architectural barriers

• Accessibility is now considered in the early stages of construction for all Public Works facilities.  Recommendations made by the Joint Peel-Caledon Accessibility Advisory Committee at the Battleford Community Recycling Centre (CRC) are incorporated into the basic design of new CRC’s.

• Staff attended a training session on Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access

• Several modifications were made to leased premises at 11 Indell Lane during tenant construction to permit better accessibility while considering the short term of the lease.

• Kitchen in Council Lounge now wheelchair accessible through reconfiguration of furniture, appliances and fixtures

• Installed automatic door opener in Legislative Services area.

• Business and Information Services (BIS) team combined responsibility for facilities with responsibility for accessibility (as part of the diversity, access & equity portfolio) – which facilitates integration of issues and addressing of barriers.

• New office location at 55 Standish Court selected and developed as a barrier free site.

• Peel Manor has added several wider automatic doors to accommodate persons with physical disabilities.

• Long Term Care Division will begin a major redevelopment program at Sheridan Villa and planning phases are ensuring full incorporation of accessibility for any clients, staff or visitors with physical disabilities.

• Renovations to the Millcreek and Coventry Road Employment Resource Centres/Reception areas were discussed at an Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting and considerations were made for accessibility issues.

• Accessibility considerations were made when constructing Peel Youth Village (elevator, main door opener, barrier-free entrance Washrooms in House 3A are considered barrier-free and showers in public washrooms are also considered barrier-free).

Social Services
TransHelp

• Cut-out in concrete curb from courtyard to bus staging area.

• Placed visible signage in main hallways to advise of ‘uneven’ ground in certain areas as a short-term solution. A capital project solution is being considered as a longer term, permanent solution.

Physical
Awareness

• Reconfigured picnic tables in the common employee picnic area to allow for access of wheelchair at picnic tables.

• Installed paddle style faucets for accessible washroom sinks.

• Side-walk width increased in the front office to allow greater access to front office.

• Increased the size of usable area in the employee courtyard with the addition of twelve (12) 18’ inch square concrete slabs for safer access.

• Increased the number of accessible washroom stalls and installed new automatic doors for Men’s/Women’s washrooms

• Ontario Works Coventry and Millcreek ERC Centres, installed new furniture and ergonomic accessories. Information Technology (IT) installed flat screen monitors, special programs for visually impaired, and a TDD line at each site to assist visually and hearing impaired users.

• A standard process is in place to ensure site plans and drawings are reviewed by AACs at the Regional and Municipal levels.

• Copper Rd. – Awaiting implementing interior standard signage including tactile with the special addition of raised lettering and Braille on the main directory and washrooms where public frequents.

• Peel Health Dept 55 Standish – First trial with Herman Miller systems furniture barrier free reception area.

Physical

• Purchase new tables which are higher and thereby accessible to wheelchair users. 

Physical

• Installed a new fully accessible washroom on the 3rd Floor of the Peel Heritage Museum building.

Physical

• 10 Peel Centre Dr.: Re-install Evacuation Procedures at a lower level so people in wheelchairs can view them.

• 21 Coventry- Install horn strobes for hearing impaired staff. Installation of these devices is a pro-active measure and improves safety for all staff.

• Installed barrier free automated doors systems at: TransHelp, Wilkinson Shelter, 150 Central Park Drive, Mavis Shelter and 44 Peel Centre Dr.. This improved accessibility provides greater customer service to all clientele.

Fall 2005

• All handicap door openers are tied into the Access control system throughout all Regional facilities.

Jan-July 2006

• 10 Peel Centre Dr. new ramp and front entrance in progress. Extensive collaborative effort between AAC, Commercial Property Management (CPM) and architects. CPM received very positive feed back regarding their awareness and sensitivity to accessibility issues

Summer 2006

• New handicap door opener will be installed shortly and would be tied to the Access control system at the Customer Contact Centre at 10 Peel to accommodate new staff needs. 

• 10 Peel Centre Dr. - Install 2-way radios for the Fire Team on each floor to keep track and assist persons requiring assistance

• Capital project is in progress to address/upgrade barrier-free main entrance access at Howden, Greenbriar, Cooksville, Ernest Majury, Streets Ville and Ridgeway Child Care Centres. Consultant was secured and is currently assessing sites. Consultants recommendations with be tabled by Capital with the AAC. This is another example of the collaborative efforts and support of improved accessibility for all.

• To increase accessibility at Whillans Gate; Surveyor’s Point (apt #804)– strobe light in some units

• To improve accessibility at Lakeside Court, Fairview Place – handicap unit – installation of grab bars in handicap units for tubs and toilets.

• Installed automatic door openers in coordination with Caledon Community Service & Peel Living at Riverview, Walkers Road, Stationview Place, Maple & Pinnacle

• To accommodate a resident's need at Britannia – Approval given to replace a regular stove with an accessible stove.

• Installation of strobe light smoke alarms – one unit at Lakeview Promenade (A210) and one unit at Riley Court

• Installation of small ramp at unit front door for several units at senior building

• Proper illumination of lighting and signage in corridors has been upgraded to provide better visual accessibility  

• Installed automatic door openers at the front entrance of Erindale Terrace (two openers)

• Installed handrails in the common area corridors throughout Maplegrove. 

• To improve access at Central Park. Two automatic door openers were installed on the front doors.

• To improve access at Mchardy Court – ramps were installed outside ground floor apartment unit balcony doors – which lead to parking lot.

• Plans to install automatic doors at Fletchers View to provide access to recycling and garbage areas. 

• Feasibility and design work has been completed for installation of new elevators at Maple Grove and Jane to improve access for people with disabilities. Work tendered in 2006, installation scheduled for early 2007.

• Address needs of persons with hearing impairment through the sign language skills of a staff person.

• Peel Access to Housing (PATH) application form made available online and can be enlarged for easier reading for visually impaired.

3. To address policy issues and optimize advocacy efforts

2. Establish strong partnerships with other governments and organizations

• Peel Health staff participated in following external committees comprised of various stakeholders:

  • Regional Diversity Roundtable;
  • Ontario Public Health Association
  • Access, Equity and Social Justice Committee;
  • French Language Health Services group.   

• Community Development Officer (CDO) continue to consult with Local Health Integration Networks (LHINS) and other agencies on Incorporating Diversity into LHINS

• Within the Housing Initiatives Section, the Building Healthy Communities forum brings together key community groups to share valuable information as it relates to housing and related support.

• Made presentation about RAIN Program (Reaching Adolescents In Need) to the Building Healthy Communities network. The RAIN program is a pilot project of the Associated Youth Services of Peel (AYSP).  Through RAIN outreach workers meet with youth in the community including on the street, about the needs of youth with mental health issues. These youth are assessed and they are connected to appropriate services.

• Organized the private sector Builder Developer Forum on older Adults housing needs. 

• Policy staff led the coordination of two workshops in early 2006 that brought together many community agencies to discuss older adults' mental health and housing needs.

4. To build public awareness and knowledge of accessibility issues

1. Create opportunities for public involvement

• The Diversity, Access and Equity (DAE) Strategy is currently focussed internally but the focus will broaden to include external initiatives in the future.  

2. Implement an external communication and education strategy

• Enhancements to the External website include, font size changes, making forms available on line, reorganized to make information more straightforward.

Technological

• Participated in the annual Connections Resource Fair for Persons with Disabilities

• Participated in a Senior's Fair in Brampton. Provided Peel housing information for seniors in the Region of Peel. Seniors and community agencies were invited.

• Forum for accessibility features for older adults housing

• Had an information session at Community Care Access Centre (Homecare) about social housing within the Region of Peel. Health care professionals were invited.

• Workshop on mental health & housing needs of older adults