2021 Accelerating Access Virtual Conference

To determine whether to authorize one or more citizen members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee to attend the 2021 Accelerating Access Virtual Conference.

Financial

A travel allowance for citizen members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee in the amount of $3,500 is available in 2021 and the Committee may authorize distribution of these funds to citizen members of the Committee for attending programs related to the mandate of the Committee.

Policy/Strategic

Participation in the conference learning opportunity will provide additional knowledge to advance and accelerate accessibility by removing barriers in the community. This knowledge will assist Committee members to more effectively carry out their responsibilities to strategize and provide advice to move Regina towards becoming a more inclusive city to people of all abilities.

There are no environmental, legal/risk, accessibility or other impacts associated with this report.

Option 1: Approve the authorization of a set amount of funds to be allocated to a citizen member(s) to attend the 2021 Accelerating Access Virtual Conference from the Accessibility Advisory Committee’s travel allowance; or

Option 2: Deny approval for the authorization of any funds to be allocated to 2021 Accelerating Access Virtual Conference from the Accessibility Advisory Committee’s travel allowance.

The committee member(s) who attend the conference will share what they learn upon their return.

The Accessibility Advisory Committee is allocated an annual $3,500 travel allowance for citizen members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee.  The travel budget was established to allow citizen members of committees to attend conferences and workshops related to the business of the committee.  Participation in these types of programs provides members with additional knowledge on the business of the committee as well as the kinds of related activities being undertaken in other cities.

Appendix A provides information on the two-day 2021 Accelerating Access Virtual Conference being hosted by the Rick Hansen Foundation. The total cost for one person to attend this conference would be $120.

Pursuant to section 100 of The Cities Act, the Accessibility Advisory Committee is delegated

the authority from Council to approve of citizen member travel allowances within the sum approved by Council.

Respectfully submitted,

{Signature}

Prepared by: Amber Ackerman, Deputy City Clerk