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EmailA Look to the Future
The following identifies the opportunities for improvement that are planned or are under review for both the coming year and future years. Implementation will coincide with the Centre's 2007/2008 fiscal year.
The list is not meant to be comprehensive but rather to provide the reader with an impression of Baycrest's future commitment and actions towards continuously improved accessibility, and to ensure flexibility as we continue to seek stakeholder involvement.
Utilizing the key questions below as a guide, the Environmental Team will conduct an environmental scan and satisfaction survey to formally engage our stake holder groups in evaluating the results of our initiatives to date and identify new or persisting barriers to accessibility.
User feedback will be sought to evaluate such areas as the main cafeteria, public elevators, public and common areas, Synagogue, Financial Services Cashier office, etc. The findings will provide the basis for the capital planning related to renovation and modification initiatives for the coming years.
In addition, specific activities identified earlier to be followed up on include:
Information Access – Can you find out what you want to know about Baycrest?
A comprehensive review is being undertaken with the Resident and Family handbooks.
Wayfinding – Can you find out how to get to where you want to go within Baycrest?
A review of internal signage, and those located throughout the exterior grounds, was undertaken across Baycrest. Signage is being upgraded as appropriate in a phased fashion to aid wayfinding for persons with or without visual and/or cognitive impairments. A working group has been formed with representation from OT, Psychology to follow up on the recommendations from last year’s wayfinding report. A high priority in this regard is our directional Site Map and the Main Centre’s main floor plan.
A review is underway of informal posted, paper signs in the Apotex. These signs will be removed, permanent signs posted as appropriate and a “Posting” Policy developed.
Physical Access – Can you get there?
The multi-year Terrace Redevelopment Program was initiated to upgrade all resident apartments. New additions include improved lighting; accessible shower stalls in the washrooms, grab bars, new accessible kitchen appliances with front controls, etc. To date, 85 out of 203 apartments have been completed. It is expected that an additional 25 apartments will be upgraded over the coming year.
The 2nd floor outdoor patio between the Hospital and Brain Health Complex is currently being renovated and will be completed in 2007. It will include a single level fully accessible walking surface, custom benches and sitting areas that will accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, etc. and a sun shelter. A powered door operator will be installed on the main entrance door to this renovated patio.
Passenger elevators in the Brain Health Centre will be renovated resulting in better response time, reduced entrapments, fewer failures, handicap control buttons, larger floor indicators and audio floor indication.
The installation of a powered door opener at the Khedive entrance.
Communication Access – Can you communicate with Baycrest Staff and Volunteers?
Upgraded intercoms will be installed in 8 elevators at Baycrest.
Upgraded intercoms are also being trialed and considered for the Parking Lot.
Critical written materials may be designed in such a way that they are accessible for clients with communication and cognitive disorders, e.g. consent forms in an ‘aphasia friendly’ format with large print, simple words and pictures to facilitate comprehension.
Client feedback will be elicited and incorporated in the monitoring as well as planning of accessibility initiatives at Baycrest.
Ensure new Fire and Emergency Response procedures introduced at the Terrace are appropriate and effective for all clients, including those with hearing problems. The Hard of Hearing Club has suggested inviting the new Fire Marshall to meet with them to discuss their special needs in this regard.
Investigate improving Winter Garden acoustics in response to client feedback around are difficulty to hear or participate in religious services and other events held in this area. This has been identified by the Residents’ Council, and in a ‘Speak Your Mind’ concern. Although limitations are imposed by the Orthodox requirements of services at Baycrest, solutions in other Orthodox settings may hopefully be employed here.
Accessing Services – Can you use essential services at Baycrest (i.e. washrooms, telephones, cafeteria, etc.)?
Additional transport “courtesy” wheelchairs are expected to be placed at the main entrances, to be available for use by anyone entering Baycrest.
Clients in wheelchairs have identified the need for a bar to assist them in getting on and off the seat, so that they are able to use the washroom independently.
Occupational Therapy is consulting in the purchase of appropriate dining room tables for the Day Centre for Seniors.
Safety – Can your safety be ensured?
Hard of hearing clients have requested visual as well as audible fire alarms in public washrooms.
Corporate, Policy Development, Advocacy, Education and Research
Educational materials on the client touch screen kiosk in the Brain Health Centre waiting room will be expanded to include access to additional information on a variety of topics of identified interest to clients, families
The Brain Health Centre will pilot small computer tablets that feature touch screen options for viewing interactive conversations with clinicians/researchers. The tablets will be available in the waiting areas and provide an alternate technology option to access information.