Do you know an accessibility champion?
The City of Vaughan wants to recognize
accessibility champions that are helping to pave the way to a barrier-free
community! An accessibility champion is someone who advocates for an accessible
city. Or a group working to advance inclusivity practices. Or a business that
has created a fully accessible work environment. Does this sound like a person
or business you know? Nominate them for a 2022 Vaughan Accessibility Champion
Award before the deadline of Friday, Oct. 28.
Established in 2019 by Vaughan’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, this annual award honours businesses, groups and individuals helping to create an accommodating and inclusive community for all.
Learn more about the awards – and how you can submit a nomination – below.
Categories:
Vaughan Accessibility Champions can be nominated in the following five categories:
- Individual or Group
- Small Business (1 to 99 employees)
- Medium Business (100 to 499 employees)
- Large Business (more than 500 employees)
- NEW: Youth Leadership (ages 14 to 24 years)
For the 2022 awards, the business categories have been updated to match the Province’s definition of small, medium and large-sized businesses. In addition, a new category has been added – youth leadership! This is an opportunity to recognize the bright and passionate youth who are using their talents to positively impact accessibility in Vaughan.
Eligibility:
Individuals or businesses being nominated for an Accessibility Champion Award must provide goods or services to people with disabilities in Vaughan and go above and beyond to enrich the lives of people with disabilities. Examples of this include a business that has implemented significant accessibility upgrades or an individual who has secured and/or invented a product or service for people with disabilities.
Nomination process:
In addition to the categories, the application form has also been updated to clarify the nomination criteria and simplify the process. To submit a nomination for the 2022 awards:
- Visit vaughan.ca/accessibility.
- Click on the categories to review the award information packages. The packages outline the eligibility, consent and conflict of interest.
- Have the nominee sign the Consent and Conflict of Interest Declaration Form in the applicable award package.
- Complete the nomination form and submit it with the signed declaration form and any supporting documents which speak to nominee’s accomplishments.
Selection process:
Recipients will be selected by the Vaughan Accessibility Advisory Committee during the Friday, Nov. 4 committee meeting. The successful candidates will be notified soon after.
Award ceremony:
Award recipients will be honoured at an award ceremony in December, that will align with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Details will be posted to vaughan.ca/accessibility once available.
The Vaughan Accessibility Champion Awards is one way the City is fostering an inclusive community for all. The awards also align with several priorities outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan, including enhancing citizen experience, contributing to an active, safe and diverse community, and city-building that fosters community well-being in public spaces. Learn more about how the City is championing accessibility in Vaughan’s Accessibility Plan (PDF) and the Accessibility Policy (PDF).
Visit vaughan.ca/accessibility to learn more.
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