Mayaan Ziv, Founder/CEO, AccessNow, provided a presentation entitled ‘Mapping our Cities for All Project’. The focus of the project was to establish the world’s go-to resource for accessibility information. The following was highlighted:
- Background information of AccessNow – who they are
- Providing access to all – establish greater inclusion
- Buying power of people with disabilities
- AccessNow application – available on IOS, android phones and the web
- enables people to engage with accessible experiences
- operates in more than 30 countries
- uses technology as a vehicle to create meaningful change for access and inclusion
- Details of project and how it works
- partnered with Accessibilities Canada and funded by the Federal government
- Phase 1 - Mapping cities currently for accessibility in Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver of all commercial areas
- opportunity to feature Brampton in Phase 2 of the pilot program – outlined reasons to partner and participate
- partners in the programs include: Statistics Canada, Bell, CIBC and the Federal government
Committee acknowledged the presentation and suggested that the Planning, Building and Economic department consider accessibility of buildings when reviewing new development applications.
Committee was advised of the delegation’s request for in-kind support as outlined in the presentation, such as, media and public relations, City staff volunteers, data on the accessibility of City facilities, and space to be utilized by staff from AccessNow during the mapping process.
The following motion was considered: