Durham celebrates accessibility champions on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Whitby, Ontario – In recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, the Disability flag will be raised at Durham Region Headquarters.

Each year, the local Accessibility Advisory Committees (AACs) nominate individuals, businesses or services based on their efforts in identifying, removing and preventing barriers for individuals living with a disability.

On November 7, the 19^th Annual Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Forum was held and nine accessibility champions were honoured with an Accessibility Award. This award recognizes their dedication to removing barriers and making the region more accessible for everyone.

Town of Ajax

Community Living Ajax-Pickering-Whitby Supported Employment Program – led by Eric Smigielski and Nancy Anthony, Employment Support Professionals. Community Living Ajax-Pickering and Whitby has provided professional employment support to the community since 1985, removing barriers to employment inclusion for people with disabilities. Their program helps to make independence for people with developmental disabilities possible so they may live full lives and be effectively, safely, and inclusively supported in their own communities.

Township of Brock

St. Joseph's Parish – led by Father Oswin Fernandes. St. Joseph’s Parish, in Beaverton, works to ensure that all persons within the community are aware of their responsibilities to foster an accessible and inclusive environment for persons with disabilities. As part of this work, the parish underwent a $1-million-dollar renovation to bring accessibility to its parishioners and visitors.

Municipality of Clarington  

Newcastle Griddle – owner, Mr. Karan Sinna, and his team are committed to providing heartfelt and exceptional customer service and inclusion for people with disabilities at their restaurant. Their commitment to creating a community meeting place where everyone is welcome is evident in their recent upgrades, which include an accessible patio, ramp and accessible washroom.

The Regional Municipality of Durham

Doreen Hume-McKenna – Regional Housing Coordinator and Durham Region Accessibility Advisory Committee member. Doreen worked at the Back Door Mission as a Regional Housing Coordinator with Durham Mental Health Services; and was an active member of the Durham Region Accessibility Advisory Committee from 2019 to 2023. Doreen initiated and distributed weekly COVID-19 service updates, sharing crucial information with a wide range of partners serving people who were vulnerable to access care and connection. She volunteered on the Boards of Grandview Children’s Centre for eight years, and was Chair for two of the five years she was on the Ontario Association of Children’s Rehabilitation Services Board.

City of Oshawa

David McKay – Chair of the Communication Sub Committee and Vice-Chair of the Ontario Association for Amputee Care (OAAC). Over the past 10 years, David McKay has served as the Chair of the Communication Sub-committee and served as Vice-Chair of the OAAC while on the committee for six years.  During his tenure as Chair of the Communication Committee, he was instrumental in the creation of a series of social media messages that increased accessibility awareness. He played a key role in the employment of people with disabilities through his work as an Employment Councillor with the Durham Region Unemployment Help Centre.

City of Pickering

Tammy Lyle-Gravlev, Community member, has been a long-time representative of the Pickering Football Club and a long-time member of the Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee. She is a dedicated professional with a track record spanning more than 25 years in the fields of sport administration, therapeutic recreation, and special events co-ordination. She has collaborated with various stakeholders, such as the Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee, to create opportunities for people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds to engage in sports and recreation. She has designed and implemented therapeutic programs that prioritize the well-being and holistic development of participants.

Township of Scugog

The Piano Inn and Café – owner Christy Stone-Curry and her team are dedicated to ensuring their patrons can easily access their welcoming café environment. They have achieved this through installations to their historic building that included a front doorbell to notify staff when patrons require assistance; entrance and bathroom handrails; a braille menu; and accessible chairs.

Township of Uxbridge

Precious Minds Support Services – led by Executive Director, Chas Harding. Precious Minds has served the North Durham Community since 1999. They are dedicated to supporting children, youth and young adults with disabilities. Most notably, they creatively analyze barriers and develop programs to overcome those barriers and nurture a respectful and welcoming environment for their program participants. The Skills for Life Adult Day Program, Precious Minds Summer Camp and Parkside Café have created places for young adults to enjoy recreational activities, build social connections, strengthen independent living skills, and prepare for employment.

Town of Whitby

Melly’s Workplace, Market and Café – owner Ellen McRae and her team are building a culture of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a workplace, café and market that recognizes talent and inspires community. They train adults with disabilities to work in the food service and retail industry, with the goal of competitive employment, to help improve the lives and support networks for everyone who lives and works in Durham Region.

Quotes

“Congratulations to the remarkable recipients of the 2023 Durham Region Accessibility Awards. Your achievements set a standard for us all, as we all have a role to play in ensuring that the region is accessible for everyone who works here or accesses our services.”

-        John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“Being an inclusive community helps to ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging. These award recipients are an inspiring example for us all; breaking down barriers and paving the way for a future where everyone can thrive. Thank you for helping to ensure Durham Region is a caring community—one where every person is treated with dignity and respect.”

-        Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer

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