Recognizing Vaughan’s 2024 Accessibility Champions!
Congratulations to the 2024 Accessibility Champions – the people who advocate for an accessible city, groups working to advance inclusivity practices and businesses that have created an accessible work environment!
Today, Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council recognized the City of Vaughan’s 2024 Accessibility Champion Award recipients during a special ceremonial presentation at the Committee of the Whole (1) meeting.
Established in 2019 by the City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, these awards are presented every other year to businesses, groups and individuals helping to foster an accessible environment in Vaughan.
This year, five recipients were presented with the 2024 award in recognition of their efforts to create a barrier-free community, including:
- Anthony D’Ambrosio in the Student category. Anthony uses his experience of being diagnosed with synovial sarcoma and undergoing a left lower leg amputation to bring awareness to supporting research and accessibility for individuals with amputations. He passionately advocates for the Terry Fox Foundation by speaking at elementary and high schools to inspire students to actively participate and contribute to this important cause. He is also a Patient Peer at St. John's Rehab Hospital where he serves as a peer mentor for amputees.
- Deborah Helfand in the Individual category. Living with borderline personality disorder, Deborah plays a crucial role in changing societal perceptions, and promoting a more accessible and understanding community. She began working with Developing and Nurturing Independence (DANI), an agency committed to supporting adults with developmental disabilities, as a waitstaff member in the DANI Café. She worked her way up to now managing the cafe and turning it into a training ground for other individuals with developmental disabilities. She also does advocacy work and speaks at large events, empowering individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Kayla Children’s Centre in the Medium Business category. Kayla Children’s Centre was founded in 2017 as a school, therapy clinic and recreational centre for children with disabilities and complex medical needs. The centre supports children ages six weeks to 21 years old who have a wide range of disabilities, and provides a variety of specialized programs that enable them to flourish academically, socially and emotionally. Offerings include a licensed daycare, on-site therapy clinic, adapted sports, a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy centre, personalized family supports and so much more.
- Mobile Radiance Dental Hygiene Services in the Small Business (For-Profit) category. Mobile Radiance Dental Hygiene Services provides people with access to quality and barrier-free dental hygiene care in their homes or at work. The owner, Manuela Rosatelli, services many aging patients and/or their caregivers, in the comfort of their homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals and rehabilitation centres. She also provides a holistic service to the community as she is a coach/consultant, trainer, mentor and speaker.
- Sara Elizabeth Centre/Blue Veil Charity in the Small Business (Non-Profit) category. Founded in 2006 as part of Blue Veil Charity, the Sara Elizabeth Centre is a non-profit committed to empowering youths and young adults facing physical and mental challenges. The centre works to remove accessibility barriers and foster an inclusive community where unique talents thrive. Its programs go beyond education, focusing on arts, life skills and technology.
The City invited residents and community organizations to submit nominations for the 2024 awards throughout January and February. The City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee selected the recipients during the March 25 committee meeting, and the award recipients were recognized today for their meaningful contributions to advancing accessibility in the community.
Learn more about the City’s Accessibility Champion Awards at vaughan.ca/accessibility.
QUOTES
“The City of Vaughan is committed to building active, engaged and inclusive communities – we want to ensure our city is vibrant, diverse and equity-based for everyone. I am pleased to recognize the 2024 Accessibility Champions who are helping us make this goal a reality: Anthony D’Ambrosio, Deborah Helfand, Kayla Children’s Centre, Sara Elizabeth Centre/Blue Veil Charity and Mobile Radiance Dental Hygiene Services. These individuals and businesses are making a meaningful difference in Vaughan, and our community is better thanks to their dedicated efforts. Congratulations to all our accessibility champions, and thank you for helping to ensure Vaughan remains a place where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can thrive.”
- Mayor Steven Del Duca
“The Accessibility Champion Awards were created to recognize individuals and businesses demonstrating exemplary dedication to advancing accessibility in our city. This year’s honourees are promoting independence, making welcoming and accessible spaces and creating equitable opportunities for everyone. Accessibility planning is an essential part of Vaughan’s future, and we are committed to working with residents, businesses and visitors to remove barriers and build a more inclusive society for all. I want to thank all our 2024 Accessibility Champions for continuing to support our efforts; we are grateful for all you do.”
- Ward 5 Councillor Gila Martow
QUICK FACTS
Five recipients received the City of Vaughan’s 2024 Accessibility Champion Award during a special ceremonial presentation at the May 7 Committee of the Whole (1) meeting.
The awards are presented every other year to residents, groups and organizations that go above and beyond the call of duty to foster an accessible environment in Vaughan.
LEARN MORE
City of Vaughan’s Accessibility Champion Award webpage
