Part 2: Health Care Communication, Deaf Access, and the Accessibility Gaps Still Facing the County - 11/17/2025

Although the Accessibility Advisory Committee did not reach quorum on November 17, 2025, the discussion that unfolded before adjournment clearly reflected the priorities, lived experiences, and advocacy focus of the members present.

Photo: PEC Council

View the entire PEC Council Meeting; or view our recap >

Even without formal motions or votes, the conversation revealed where attention is being directed and what accessibility issues remain unresolved in Prince Edward County.

Councillor Kate MacNaughton, serving as chair, managed the meeting procedurally while also participating in the broader discussion. She emphasized compliance with the County’s procedural bylaw, explaining that the committee required six members to proceed and confirming that only four were present. While actively attempting to secure quorum through calls and emails, she made clear that no committee business could advance without proper attendance. Her role underscored the structural challenge advisory committees face when participation gaps prevent formal action.

One committee member shared updates from their involvement with the Quinte Health Accessibility Committee, including a recent tour of the new hospital facility. The discussion highlighted improvements in physical design, including high ceilings, modern engineering, and a more welcoming atmosphere compared to older hospital infrastructure.

At the same time, members raised unresolved accessibility concerns, particularly around communication access for Deaf patients, noting that reliance on phones or indirect communication remains inappropriate and undignified.

This speaker pointed out that current systems still rely too heavily on phones or indirect communication methods, especially during late night or emergency situations. They described this approach as inadequate and lacking basic dignity, stressing that Deaf patients should not have to rely on intermediaries to communicate their needs. They shared that discussions are underway to explore direct video-based communication tools, particularly as the new hospital prepares to open. For Deaf residents in Prince Edward County, this issue directly affects safety, independence, and equitable access to care.

Jane Lesslie contributed to the conversation by reflecting on how accessibility work can scale beyond one committee or municipality. She noted that insights and advocacy efforts developed locally can influence rural best practices across Ontario, particularly when committee members are also involved in provincial or regional initiatives. Her comments highlighted how advisory committees, even when limited by procedural constraints, can act as incubators for broader systemic change.

Another recurring theme was the ripple effect of accessibility advocacy. Committee members spoke about how lived experience informs better design, better policy, and better outcomes, not just locally but across sectors like health care, transit, and public services. This framing reinforced the idea that accessibility improvements rarely begin with votes alone. They often begin with sustained conversations, shared experience, and persistence.

There was also informal discussion about hospital infrastructure longevity, including design materials such as mass timber construction. Members expressed cautious optimism about sustainability and durability, while also acknowledging that newer building methods have yet to prove themselves over decades of use. This concern matters for residents because accessible infrastructure must not only meet today’s standards, but remain functional and inclusive long into the future.

As it became clear quorum would not be achieved, members briefly assessed whether any agenda items required immediate attention. Jane Lesslie asked directly whether any matters were time sensitive. It was noted that major items like the Parks and Recreation Master Plan had already been endorsed, and that other updates were informational rather than urgent. This assessment helped reassure the public that no critical accessibility decisions were being delayed as a result of the adjournment.

Councillor MacNaughton ultimately confirmed that, under the procedural bylaw, the meeting had to be adjourned. She committed to consulting with the Clerk’s office and committee members to determine whether a special meeting would be called or whether outstanding matters would be deferred to the January 19 meeting. Her closing remarks acknowledged the frustration of the situation while thanking members for their patience and continued engagement.

For residents of Prince Edward County, the takeaway from this meeting is less about what was decided and more about what remains pressing. Communication access in health care, especially for Deaf residents, continues to require attention. Advisory committees remain dependent on consistent participation to function effectively. And much of the real work of accessibility continues to happen through advocacy, collaboration, and lived experience, even when formal meetings cannot proceed.

In that sense, the meeting illustrated both the limits and the importance of advisory committees. Accessibility does not pause when quorum is missing, but turning insight into action still depends on showing up, being counted, and being heard.

---

Disclaimer: This article is based on a meeting with an approximate duration of 24: 03. Due to the length of the meeting, our team was not able to independently review the full recording in its entirety. As a result, we relied on software-generated transcription, automated summarization, and automated recognition of speakers and participants, which may not be entirely accurate. All transcriptions, summaries, and related content are prepared by our team in good faith and on a reasonable best-efforts basis. The content is provided for general informational purposes only and is intended to support public understanding of the topics discussed. While reasonable efforts have been made to present the information accurately, automated processes may result in errors, omissions, or unintended misinterpretations. This article does not constitute an official, certified, or verbatim record of the meeting, and it should not be relied upon as such. Readers are encouraged to consult original source materials, official minutes, or recordings where available for confirmation or clarification. Questions, requests for clarification, or suggested corrections may be submitted to hello@pecconnect.ca for review and consideration.