The Chatham-Kent Accessibility Advisory Committee 2023 award winners were recognized in front of Chatham-Kent Council on Monday, August 14, 2023.
Back on May 16, 2023, the Chatham-Kent Accessibility Advisory Committee held their annual awards ceremony.
Three distinct awards were given to businesses and individuals who go above and beyond to ensure all Chatham-Kent residents feel welcome and included.
The Dr. Veronica Vaughn Most Accessible Business of the Year Award celebrates a business that stands out for providing an accessible facility and accessible customer service. This award was given to New Beginnings ABI & Stroke Recovery Association for going above and beyond to improve the lives of their clients by enabling life skill practice, providing vocational programming and assisting with the navigation of community health and social program services.
Amanda Perini, Executive Director for New Beginnings said, “Being given this award validates the work we are doing for our members and our community. The individuals we serve have varying degrees of ability and we are always looking for new and innovative ways to support them. By collaborating with community partners, we can identify and address accessibility needs within our organization and throughout Chatham-Kent. We are proud to be part of such an inclusive community and are committed to advocating for the needs of stroke and brain injury survivors and their caregivers and families.”
The Sheila Lindsey Powers Accessibility Advocate Award celebrates an individual who stands out as an advocate for the inclusion of people with all abilities. This award was given to Ann Mackenzie for her dedication to supporting all those in need, and her commitment to ensuring people of all abilities achieve their education goals.
The Sid Ebare Perseverance Award celebrates an individual who stands out as a person who perseveres beyond their limitations to participate in community life. This award was given to Jaden Nussey for promoting inclusiveness and friendship through the initiation of a new group program for Chatham-Kent youth living with one or more disabilities. This group program focuses on establishing, building and maintaining relationships. Jaden’s goal is to ensure anyone who lives with disabilities knows and understands they are not alone.
The Chatham-Kent Accessibility Advisory Committee is a working committee of the Chatham-Kent Council that advises and assists municipal departments in promoting and facilitating a barrier-free Chatham-Kent for citizens of all abilities (universal accessibility).
“Being selected as the Council liaison to the Accessibility Advisory Committee has already been such a rewarding and educational experience for me,” said Councillor Alysson Storey.
“I’ve seen first-hand the hard work these committee members put in to ensure that municipal services and facilities are accessible and inclusive to those with disabilities. Through these awards, we also recognize the compassionate individuals across Chatham-Kent who are ensuring our community as a whole is doing the same. A community that includes people of all abilities is a healthy, safe and successful community.”
For future nomination information, and to learn more about the work of the Chatham-Kent Accessibility Committee, click here.
Photo: Alysson Storey, Councillor liaison to the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Amanda Perini, representing the New Beginnings Acquired Brain Injury Association, winner of the Dr. Veronica Vaughn Most Accessible Business of the Year Award, Ralph Roels, member of the Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Ashley Gialelem, member of the AAC, Bonny Pigeon, member of the AAC, Ann Mackenzie, winner of the Sheila Lindsey-Powers Accessibility Advocate Award, Mayor Darrin Canniff, and Jaden Nussey, winner of the Sid Ebare Perseverance Award.
