Terms of Reference
Terms of Reference
Consumer Access
Group
December 2023
Objectives
The
objectives of the Consumer Access Group (CAG) are to:
· Bring
together national blindness-related organizations to discuss, develop, and
advocate position statements on equal and equitable access to goods and
services for Canadians who are blind, deafblind, and partially sighted;
· Provide the
Canadian public, service providers and governments a consistent view on issues
identified by CAG; and
· Coordinate advocacy efforts, pool resources, and present a united stance to effect change.
Guiding Principles
1.
The operations of the Consumer Access Group
will be conducted in a manner based on mutual respect. Disagreements will be
addressed through respectful dialogue.
2.
Plans of action will be carried out in a manner
conducive to a positive image of Canadians who are blind, deafblind, and
partially sighted.
3. Member organizations will share with the other CAG members, information relevant to the work of the Consumer Access Group.
Structure
1.
The Consumer Access Group shall be jointly coordinated
and facilitated by the member organizations.
2.
The consumer Access Group will operate using a
consensus model.
3.
Membership in the Consumer Access Group shall
be determined by the current member organizations. The mandate of any
organization seeking membership must affect the lives of blind, deafblind, and
partially sighted Canadians.
4.
Organizations shall be permitted to designate one
organizational representative and one alternate for a minimum of one-year
commitment.
5.
If an organizational representative misses two
consecutive meetings, CAG shall consider requesting that their organization send another
representative who will commit to the objectives and principles of CAG.
6.
An individual shall not be permitted to
represent more than one organization at the same time.
7.
The frequency of meetings is to be determined
by the volume and urgency of issues with a minimum of five meetings held each
year. The meetings shall be held via the most appropriate means as resources
allow.
8. The Consumer Access Group will determine the method by which issues are communicated to stakeholders.