Community leaders who are doing what they can to improve Chatham-Kent for people with disabilities have been recognized with awards by the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
The 2024 awards, recognizing to four individuals, were handed out at a recent council meeting.
Committee chair Sara Ebare said the awards are made to recognize and celebrate “people and businesses that are going above and beyond” to make the community more accessible.
“The more accessible we can make Chatham-Kent, the more welcoming and inclusive we are for everyone,” Ebare said in a media release.
“It’s good for business and it’s good for our society,” she said, while thanking everyone who submitted nominations as well as offering congratulations to the winners.
The Sheila Lindsey Powers Accessibility Advocate Award, presented to an individual who stands out as an advocate for the inclusion of people of all abilities went to Abigail McFadden. McFadden is a student ambassador at Ursuline College Chatham who helped facilitate the first-ever Disability Awareness Day at UCC and joined the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance as a patient experience advisor to help make the hospital more accessible and patient-centred.
The Sid Ebare Perseverance Award, presented to an individual who stands out as a person who perseveres beyond their limitations to participate in community life, went to Shelby Emery. Emery, a community advocate for persons with disabilities through her work at New Beginnings Acquired Brain Injury Association, teaches arts and crafts, volunteers with Come Together CK and shares her story to help others by way of motivational talks in the community.
Mark and Sara Popieul of No Frills grocery store in Wallaceburg received the Dr. Veronica Vaughn Accessible Business Award. The award is presented to a business that stands out by providing an accessible facility and/or accessible customer service. According to the committee the Popieuls go above and beyond to ensure everyone with disabilities can shop safely. No Frills staff help customers find items and provide detailed information about products, ensuring an inclusive and supportive shopping experience.
The opening of nominations for the 2025 Accessibility Advisory Committee Awards will be announced in early 2025.
Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings are held monthly September to June and are open to the public. For more information, contact AAC council representative Alysson Storey at Alysson.Storey@chatham-kent.ca or 519-350-5689.
