Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness
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The Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness (MACAI) provides strategic guidance, and recommendations to Council on policies, programs and designs to improve accessibility and inclusion for community members living with disabilities in Maple Ridge.
The MACAI aims to advance accessibility and inclusion for present and future citizens of Maple Ridge, removing barriers that prevent full participation in all aspects of community life, resulting in awareness and equity for all.
Committee Responsibilities
Organize and host the annual City of Maple Ridge Accessibility Award(s)
The MACAI will meet on the third Thursday of January and every-other month thereafter at 7:00 pm except in June (committee will not meeting in June, July or August). Additional meetings may be called at the discretion of the Chair for urgent matters provided that administrative and staff liaison supports are available. All meetings are open to the public and held at the City of Maple Ridge, City Hall, in the Blaney Room.
Agendas are typically available one week prior to a meeting. Meeting minutes are available following approval, and can be found on the Council Meetings & Documents page of the site, in the Past Meetings section.
The MACAI is comprised of the following members, with the goal that at least half the membership is comprised of: persons living with disabilities; those who support persons with disabilities; or members of an organization that supports persons with disabilities.
Two members of Council (non-voting)
One representative of Fraser Health (or alternate);
One representative of the Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living (or their alternate);
One representative of the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie, Seniors Network (or their alternate);
One School District No. 42 Board Trustee (or their alternate);
Three members at large with the goal of representation from youth and senior communities, and expertise in accessibility and inclusivity, and where possible, at least one member who is an Indigenous person.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the MACAI committee, please email committeeclerk@mapleridge.ca for more information.
To learn more about Accessibility and Inclusion programs and initiatives in Maple Ridge, to offer feedback, or to explore MACAI's impact on our community, visit our Accessibility and Inclusion webpage.
MACAI Accessibility & Inclusiveness Awards
Once a year, MACAI reaches out to the people of our community to identify and nominate Community Champions who have made a positive difference in the lives of individuals living with disabilities within our community.
Criteria
Community Champions are defined as those who are making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, through their work, advocacy and care. Nominees include:
Individuals, of all abilities, that live and/or work in Maple Ridge
Individuals that support, honor and/or advocate for persons' with disability(ies)
Recognition
Recipients of the MACAI Award are recognized and presented with a small token of appreciation at the City of Maple Ridge Canada Day Celebration, July 1st. Everyone is welcome to join in this recognition and celebration!
