S.C.A.P.D.'s Role in Community Development
One of the first acts that our Association undertook in the early
years was to organize a workshop for community members to assist in identifying
and priorizing needs in the City of Barrie for adults with physical disabilities.
This tradition of working with community members to identify problems and work
cooperatively to find solution that will assist individuals with disabilities
has continued throughout the history of our Association.
Following are some examples of the projects and partnerships we
are currently involved with:
Simcoe County Accessibility Network
Over the past few years, the staff and volunteers of our Association
have worked with municipalities and public sector institutions throughout Simcoe
County and surrounding municipalities to establish and support Accessibility Advisory
Committees, as required under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We are an
active member agency within the United Way of Greater Simcoe County, working
with other community agencies to build a strong healthy community. We have been
active participants with the District Health Councils when they were functioning
across Ontario, and more recently with the Local Health Integration Network
for North Simcoe Muskoka, as they undertake improvements to the delivery and
planning of our local health service system. We have also established and maintained
strong networks with similar groups and agencies across Ontario, working towards
the same goals. We continue our commitment to working in partnership with community
groups, agencies and businesses to make our communities in Simcoe County welcoming
for all citizens.
Special Needs Housing
The Special Needs Housing Committee was formed in 2005 as a result
of the Association's recommendations to create a centralized wait list and a
process that would allow individuals with physical disabilities a one step process
to locate accessible rent geared to income housing within Simcoe County.
The Simcoe County Association for the Physically Disabled in partnership
with representatives from Barrie Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation, Simcoe
County Housing Corporation, Breaking Down Barriers and the Canadian Paraplegic
Association agreed to;
- Create a centralized inventory of barrier-free/modified units available
in the County.
- Create a process for assessing accessibility needs
- Create a centralized waiting list
The County of Simcoe had a Special Needs Housing Audit completed
to inventory and evaluate the current modified units within the County of Simcoe,
which was completed in April 2007.
Next Step
- Applicants requiring special needs housing soon will be placed on a
centralized wait list with Simcoe County Housing Corporation. Individuals
will no longer be required to go to each housing provider to be placed
on their waiting list.
- Applicants who require special needs housing will have to complete a
housing needs assessment (this will allow the system to match the appropriate
applicant to the appropriate vacancy). The individual will be able to
complete the assessment on-line or by calling the SCHC for assistance.
- Check the County of Simcoe's web page for further updates on progress
towards these goals and new operating procedures, at www.county.simcoe.on.ca
Thumbs Up (accessibility consultation)
An accessibility process which evaluates a business premise
under specific, defined categories which, when met, assure that that business
is accessible to people of all abilities. The business is visited, assessed
and recommendations are submitted to the business owner, if applicable,
to enable the business to be considered accessible.
When the business meets the standards outlined, an especially
designed decal indicting that this is an accessible location is placed
in a prominent location.