Honouring Vaughan’s 2020 accessibility champions
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Four outstanding individuals and businesses recognized with the City’s annual award on International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The City of Vaughan hosted the 2020 Vaughan Accessibility Champion Awards this afternoon to celebrate four deserving individuals and businesses who advocate for accessibility and inclusion, and provide goods or services to people with disabilities within the Vaughan community. The ceremony was also held on Dec. 3 in recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. A virtual ceremony was broadcast live and the full event is available at vaughan.ca/accessibility.
The four recipients of the 2020 Vaughan Accessibility Champion Awards are as follows:
- Jess Silver, founder of Flex for Access Inc. in the individual with a disability category. Although Jess was born with cerebral palsy and has encountered many challenges, she strives to create inclusion for all through her company Flex for Access.
- SMILE Therapy for Kids in the small business with fewer than 20 employees category. SMILE Therapy for Kids worked with the City of Vaughan to start this company nearly three years ago. The City provided one-on-one mentorship for six months to help them begin their business journey and continue to help children reach their best potential.
- The Crystal Ladder Learning Centre in the medium or large business with 20 or more employees category. This special-needs and regular development centre provides therapy for children with autism and other disabilities in various communities.
- Bobby Singh in the individual category. Bobby is a successful entrepreneur, business professional, policy consultant and academic, and is a champion in advocating for Canadians living with disabilities.
Today’s virtual ceremony was hosted by Brenndon Goodman, vice-chair of the Vaughan Accessibility Advisory Committee, and included virtual greetings from Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua who congratulated the award recipients on their meaningful work to create inclusive opportunities throughout the city. The event also featured a celebratory message from Regional Councillor Linda Jackson, chair of the Vaughan Accessibility Advisory Committee. In addition, recipients of the 2020 Accessibility Champion Awards provided remarks about the importance of inclusion efforts.
To help protect the community from further transmission of COVID-19, many services and programs have transitioned online – including this virtual accessibility celebration.
The City recognizes the importance and value of diversity in the community, and the role everyone plays. The Vaughan Accessibility Champion Awards support 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), Accessibility Policy (PDF) and at vaughan.ca/accessibility.
QUOTE
“Vaughan is a city where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can thrive. Our mission is to foster a barrier-free community that is diverse, inclusive and welcoming. Today, we were pleased to honour the outstanding citizens, businesses and organizations in our community that demonstrate what it truly means to be an accessibility champion. This year’s Vaughan Accessibility Champion Award recipients are making a positive difference in our city and beyond. Their meaningful work is promoting independence, building welcoming spaces and creating opportunities for everyone to succeed. Congratulations to all this year’s honourees, and thank you for everything you do to advance accessibility in Vaughan. Together, we will continue moving our city forward without leaving anyone behind.”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- Four deserving individuals and businesses have received recognition from the City as part of the 2020 Vaughan Accessibility Champion Awards.
- The annual award honours citizens, groups and organizations that go above and beyond the call of duty to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the Vaughan community.
LEARN MORE
- City of Vaughan’s Accessibility and Diversity webpage
- City of Vaughan’s 2020 Accessibility Champion Awards broadcast
- City of Vaughan’s COVID-19 webpage
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