Honouring Vaughan’s 2022 accessibility champions

Dec. 12, 2022 2:00 p.m.
​Two recipients recognized with the City’s annual award


Congratulations to this year’s accessibility champions! They are people who advocate for an accessible city, groups working to advance inclusivity practices and businesses that have created an accessible work environment. Today, the City of Vaughan celebrated the 2022 recipients of its annual Accessibility Champion Awards. 

The following two recipients were presented with the 2022 award in recognition of their efforts to foster a barrier-free community:

  • Charles Camilleri in the individual or community group category. Since 2003, Charles has used a powered wheelchair. But he did not let his disability stop him from being active in the community and making a difference. Over the past 17 years, Charles organized indoor bocce games for seniors, taught chess at the library, helped with hosting the City’s annual Winterfest event and sat on the Accessibility Advisory Committee, advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. Among his many community contributions, he also co‐founded Hangin’ Out Together, a free social drop‐in and excursions program for people with disabilities.
  • Human Endeavour in the small business with one to 99 employees category. Human Endeavour is a registered charitable organization located in Vaughan. Established in 2004, it develops innovative and non-traditional solutions for the social and economic inclusion of newcomers, people with disabilities and vulnerable communities. Programs and services are open to members of all abilities. Examples of work include using technology to reduce barriers for people with disabilities, providing placement and employment opportunities to people with disabilities, improving accessibility for seniors, raising awareness about accessibility and disability, and much more. 

The community was invited to make nominations for the 2022 awards during September and October. The Accessibility Advisory Committee selected the recipients during the Nov. 30 committee meeting. The recipients were officially honoured during a ceremonial presentation at the Monday, Dec. 12 Committee of the Whole (2) meeting. It included remarks from Mayor Steven Del Duca, who congratulated the award recipients on their meaningful contributions to advancing accessibility in the community. The ceremonial presentation was also held in honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which the City commemorate each year on Dec. 3. 

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. 

The Accessibility Champion Awards is one way the City is fostering an inclusive community for all. 

QUOTES

“On behalf of Members of Council, I am pleased to congratulate the City of Vaughan’s 2022 Accessibility Champions Charles Camilleri and Human Endeavour. The unwavering dedication, determination and compassion of individuals like Mr. Camilleri and the dedicated team at Human Endeavour give me hope for the future. Our community is collectively better, thanks to their efforts. Vaughan’s ambitious mission is to foster a barrier-free community and create a completely accessible city by 2025. We are fortunate to live in a community where neighbours support each other, and I am proud of the contributions made by our Accessibility Champions. With their support, our goals are closer than ever.”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca 

“As chair of the City of Vaughan’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, I am pleased to congratulate the 2022 Accessibility Champion Awards recipients! They demonstrate what it means to be leaders in accessibility by promoting independence, building welcoming spaces and creating opportunities for everyone to succeed. Through these annual accessibility awards, the City gets to formally recognize their contributions and encourage others to follow in their footsteps. We all have a role in making Vaughan a better place to live, work and play for all.”

- Deputy Mayor, Local and Regional Councillor Linda Jackson 

QUICK FACTS

  • Two recipients received the City of Vaughan’s 2022 Accessibility Champion Award.
  • 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. 

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