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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday March 9, 2007 - 29 Closed captioning for regional meetings Regional council is making its meetings more accessible to those who are deaf or hard of hearing. At its Wednesday session, council approved using a closed captioning system for its broadcasts on TVCogeco. The service will likely be launched in May. "The implementation of closed captioning of council meetings demonstrates our commitment to making the municipal decision-making process accessible for all members of our community," said Regional Chair Gary Carr. Council also directed staff to investigate and report back on the cost and feasibility of offering video web streaming of standing committee and council meetings. Closed captioning is an assistive technology designed to provide access to television for people who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing. Others who may benefit from closed captioning are seniors with age-related hearing loss and new Canadians who are learning to speak English or have difficulty understanding spoken English. The implementation of closed captioning, which TVCogeco will help facilitate, supports the accessibility improvements that the Region has undertaken in recent years. The initiative will also position the Region to address the information and communication accessibility standards the Province has indicated will be developed and applied to both private and public sector organizations as part of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The service is expected to cost $10,000 to implement and then around $8,200 annually. Council meetings are taped by TVCogeco and broadcast three times during the week following the meetings on both TVCogeco 14 (Milton and Halton Hills) and TVCogeco 23 (Burlington and Oakville). Chamber hosts Indian Affairs Minister The Oakville Chamber of Commerce will host Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development on Thursday, March 15. The minister will speak on various business developments and opportunities in the north. Lunch will be served at the meeting that runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and which is sponsored by Policy Alliance Inc. It takes place at Homewood Suites by Hilton at 2095 Winston Park Drive. Cost is $15. Seating is limited so pre-registration is required. For information contact Jad at 905-845-6613, ext. 28 or e-mail jad@oakvillechamber.com. Turn your clock and check emergency kit The Canadian Red Cross is reminding Oakville residents to check their emergency supplies when they switch their clocks to daylight savings time March 11. "It's a good time to make sure you have everything you need if there is an emergency," said Azima Vadsaria, Coordinator, Disaster Management ­ Canadian Red Cross, Halton Branches. An emergency supply kit should include the following items: · First aid kit ­ make sure it's constantly restocked with items such as Band-Aids and antibiotic towelettes · Non-perishable food · Water · Flashlight with extra batteries · Tools and matches · Battery powered or hand crank radio with extra batteries · Blankets and extra clothes "It's also a good time to check batteries in smoke detectors," said Vadsaria. "You will feel confident heading into spring that you and your loved ones are prepared for any emergency." Visit the Canadian Red Cross web site at www.redcross.ca for more tips on preparing for a disaster or contact your local Red Cross office to learn about personal preparedness workshops, first aid and CPR courses taking place in your community. The Canadian Red Cross responds to thousands of disasters in Canada each year. 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