By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The agenda for Northumberland County council’s May meeting contained kudos for seven recipients of its Helping Hands Award.
This award is presented to staff members “to recognize their efforts at embracing accessibility by going above and beyond mere compliance with accessibility legislation.”
Excellence in information and communications – Digital and Document Accessibility Specialist in Communications and Information Technology Cara Timmermans made improvements to the county’s web content and training, as well as supporting staff on accessible digital document creation, improving council document accessibility, and conducting regular reviews of web pages and documents.
Excellence in information and communications – Community and Social Services Customer Service Representatives Ashley Postma, Jackie Diminie, Jaclyn McDougall and Kathryn Larcher exhibit dedication to ensuring all CSS documents and web content are accessible to people of all abilities, “actively participating in document remediation and collaborating to establish a streamlined process to manage a substantial volume of documents.”
Excellence in customer service, in information and communications, and design of public spaces – Golden Plough Lodge Administrative Clerk A.J. Wood went above and beyond to assist residents, as well as their family members and staff, with resolving issues. “He spends time with residents and offers a helping hand to zip up coats, assist residents to exit and enter the building, and help residents to call their family members.” Wood goes out of his way to help residents and families find information, and also works to update GPL documents to an accessible format. And he makes a point of ensuring all areas in the front lobby and office areas offer clear pathways for residents who use walkers and wheelchairs.
Excellence in customer service, in information and communications, and design of public spaces – Ontario Works Manager Jen Glover supports staff in the development of accessible documents for public facing websites and staff reports. She plays a pivotal role in providing recommendations on design options for Community and Social Services public areas and staff work spaces, advocates for solutions that foster inclusivity and accessibility, and demonstrates a commitment to accessibility standards and inclusive practices.
The announcement was made in conjunction with council’s declaration of May 26 to June 1 as National AccessAbility Week in Northumberland County.
Several other such proclamations were made at that council session for the coming weeks.
May 19 to 25 – Paramedic Services Week (in recognition of the Northumberland’s 130 full- and part-time paramedics at six bases throughout the county)
May 19 to 25 – National Public Works Week
June 2024 – National Indigenous History Month
June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 2024 – Seniors Month
June 2024 – Pride Month (the Pride Flag will be raised on the community flagpole to mark the occasion from May 31 to June 1)
