Accessibility Committee Terms of Reference Policy (COM-20210309-01) — full text

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Town of Trenton POLICY NO. COM-20210309-01 APPROVED: 2021-03-09 PAGE 1 OF 4 ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE POLICY Introduction The Town of Trenton (hereafter "the Town") has established the Accessibility Committee as a standing advisory committee to provide Council with advice and recommendations on accessibility matters within the Town that may impede participation in everyday aspects of community living and to assist in the achievement of social, cultural, and economic well-being of people with disabilities. 1. Authority 1.1. Municipal Government Act The Town of Trenton is authorized to establish committees of Council, as per Part I, Sections 24- 27 of the Municipal Government Act. 1998, c. 18, s. 1. 1.2. Town Policies All committee work will be carried out in accordance with the Town of Trenton's Committee Procedural Policy (COM-20201013). Members are expected to operate in compliance with this policy and all policies, laws and regulations governing the Town. 2. Definitions Accessibility - The design of programs, services, or spaces for people with Disabilities. Accessibility Plan - A document that reflects the goals of the Town to be responsive to the needs to people with various abilities. Barrier - Anything that hinders or challenges the full and effective participation in society of persons with Disabilities including but not limited to a physical Barrier, an architectural Barrier, an information or communication Barrier, an attitudinal Barrier, a technological Barrier, a policy, or a practice. Disability - Includes a physical, mental, intellectual, learning, or sensory impairment, including an episodic disability; that, in interaction with a Barrier, hinders an individual's full and effective participation in society. Town of Trenton POLICY NO. COM-20210309-01 APPROVED: 2021-03-09 PAGE 2 OF 4 Intersectionality - The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. 3. Scope The Accessibility Committee provides advice to Council on identifying, preventing, and eliminating barriers faced by people with disabilities in municipal programs, services, initiatives, and facilities. The committee plays a pivotal role in helping the Town become an accessible community and meet its obligations under the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act. 2017, c. 2, s. 1. (NSAA). 4. Mandate 4.1 The Accessibility Committee is responsible to: 4.1.1 Promote public awareness and sensitivity about accessibility issues for persons with disabilities; 4.1.2 Encourage co-operation among all service and interest groups; 4.1.3 Communicate with Town Council with the making of recommendations on policy and legislation; 4.1.4 Identify and document relevant issues and concerns; 4.1.5 Create a community which provides access to housing, transportation, education, recreation and employment; 4.1.6 Recognize that the needs of all persons are constantly changing, growing and in need of refinement; 5. Goals & Objectives 5.1. Accessibility Committee goals include: 5.1.1. To advise on the development of the Town's Accessibility Plan which is intended to improve the quality of life for all residents of Trenton, including persons with disabilities; Town of Trenton POLICY NO. COM-20210309-01 APPROVED: 2021-03-09 PAGE 3 OF 4 5.1.2. To advise Council on the implementation and effectiveness of the Town's Accessibility Plan to ensure that it addresses the identification, removal, and prevention of barriers to persons with disabilities in Town by-laws, and all its policies, programs, practices, services and standards; 5.1.3. To advise the Council on issues and concerns (barriers) faced by persons with disabilities and the means by which the Town may work towards the elimination of these barriers; 5.1.4. To advise on matters of government policy (municipal, provincial or federal) affecting persons with disabilities and shall inform the Town about the impact of these policies; 5.1.5. review and make recommendations on barriers faced by persons with disabilities to existing facilities owned, leased, or operated (in full or part) by the Town; and 5.1.6. To receive and review information directed to it by Council, and to make recommendations as requested. 6. Guiding Principles 6.1. Values The Committee Procedural Policy Section 7.1 (Conduct of Members) will guide Committee efforts, promoting the highest ethical standards and professionalism while ensuring that the best interests of the community are met. 7. Number of Members 7.1. The Accessibility Committee will be composed of a minimum of: - Four (4) residents - One (1) member of Council 7.2. The Accessibility Committee shall be supported by: - Town Council - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Town Engineer Town of Trenton POLICY NO. COM-20210309-01 APPROVED: 2021-03-09 PAGE 4 OF 4 7.3. The Committee membership shall be a combination of persons with disabilities, seniors, and those with a strong understanding of the needs and concerns of a broad spectrum of people with disabilities, gained through personal or professional experience. A cross section of people shall be chosen to bring to the committee relevant technical and professional expertise as well as strong advocacy, communication, and organizational skills. CAO's Annotation for Official Policy Book Policy Number: COM-20210309-01 Date of Notice to Council Members of Intent to Consider (Minimum 7 Days): March 01, 2021 Council Approval: 2021/ 03/ 09 Y M D Date of Passage of Current Policy: March 09, 2021 Effective Date: 2021/ 03/ 09 Y M D I certify that this Policy was adopted by Council as indicated above. Supersedes Date: / / Y M D