05/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/07/2024 12:26
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:
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 honoureesare 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