ECAAC reviews 2022-26 accomplishments
A more accessible Essex County.
That has been the mission of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC) over the past four years and the goal is to continue that concept.
Members of the county’s accessibility advisory committee brought forth a list of accomplishments that has been achieved over the past four years as part of the Sept. 16 meeting of county council. With a municipal fall election, the committee wrapped up its 2022-26 term.
“Through the term, the ECAAC together with county departments and community partners have advanced the objectives of the multi-year accessibility plan and the county’s Strategic Plan,” said committee chair Dennis Sanson.
During the meeting, Sanson, along with co-chair Debbie Alexander and members Sherrie Currie, Diane Kirkbridge, Dr. Rachel Jewell, Julie Miles and Kingsville Deputy Mayor Kimberly DeYong, were presented with tokens of appreciation from the county.
Sanson reported that over the past four years, it was combined efforts that raised awareness, removed barriers and supported inclusive employment.
Alexander noted the county’s regional effort in such activities as the raising of the flag at the county administrative building to announce Accessibility Week. Dr. Jewell acknowledged the county’s ability to include the committee in important decisions when it came to making the building more accessible.
“There was practical input on how people arrive, move through the county spaces, including parking. The key is early consultation before barriers become part of the finished environment,” she said.
Over the past four years, the ECAAC has presented well-attended Fest-for-All festivals. The first was in Essex, last year in Amherstburg and recently in Kingsville at the Ridgeview Park in Cottam. Currie said that this event is one of the committee’s signature accomplishments.
“It showcases accessible services, recreation activities, products, demonstrations and practical information for people of varying abilities,” said Currie.
Mills said that what the ECAAC does goes well past events and also said how important regional partnerships are with such organizations as the Essex-Windsor EMS and the Essex Region Conservation Authority.
DeYong said that the success of the committee could not have happened without the support of county staff and said that recruitment for ECAAC members is now in process and anyone interested can reach out to the county.
“The county will refresh it’s multi-year accessibility plan in 2027 with consultation in customer service, information and communication, procurement and employment,” said DeYong.
ECAAC reviews 2022-26 accomplishments
By Fred Groves
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