Access and Inclusion Awards Recipients
2010
View 2010 awards (wmv video)
Organization Award: Canadian Barrier Free Design Inc.
Canadian Barrier Free Design Inc. (CBFD) was founded by Brad McCannell in 1990 and improves access for persons with disabilities by minimizing physical barriers during all stages of construction. CBFD was an early adopter of Universal Design and instrumental in bringing improvements to design and construction to benefit all communities including persons with disabilities. CBFD has helped make Vancouver one of the most accessible cities in the world, and has worked with the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Sky Train’s Millennium Line rapid transit expansion, the redevelopment of Vancouver’s international Airport, and the Greater Vancouver Transit Authority.
Individual Award: Heather McCain
As the Executive Director of Citizen’s Accessible Neighbourhoods (CAN), and through her other volunteer work on committees and boards, Heather McCain has been an exemplary role model for the community of persons with disabilities. CAN BC’s mandate is to support full inclusion within communities, including sport and recreational programs for those with a disability, improve access to information for those living with a disability or those who support someone with a disability, and work towards creating barrier free communities through the education, implementation and promotion of Universal Design.
Organization Honourable Mention: Vancouver Community College
Serving the needs of over 26,000 students, Vancouver Community College (VCC) has demonstrated its commitment to access & inclusion through many of its initiatives and programs. These include, but are not limited to, the following: VCC Diversity Network, VCC Mental Health Group, VCC Human Rights office, VCC Disability Policy, programs for the Visually Impaired and Deaf & Hard of Hearing and VCC Positive Space Campaign. VCC recognizes that a flexible and a creative response to the unique needs of students with disabilities is necessary to overcome barriers that may hinder success.
Individual Honourable Mention: Greg Travers
Greg Travers is a leader in the field of rehabilitation, and has worked diligently to improve the lives of thousands of persons with disabilities for the past three decades. Greg has worked for the BC Paraplegic Association, Neil Squire Foundation, Thompson Rivers University, and currently works for Canadian Council of Rehabilitation & Work as an Employment Co-ordinator and Manager. He also continues to volunteer a great deal of his time as an accessibility expert to different municipalities.
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2009
Inauguration of the Access & Inclusion Awards 2009
Organization Award: Street Youth Job Action Program, Family Services of Greater Vancouver
The Street Youth Job Action Program, Family Services of Greater Vancouver is a social enterprise initiative committed to helping youth help themselves by creating flexible, casual, temporary ‘work-today’ opportunities. The program provides pre-employment training opportunities for youth with multiple barriers to employment and is available to youth who are homeless or living in at-risk situations.
Individual Award: Pamela Andrews
Pamela Andrews was recognized for her diligence and sustained community involvement which have helped create an accessible and inclusive community in Vancouver and beyond. Pam specializes in accessibility, inclusive signage, wayfinding, structural accessibility and inclusiveness in new construction and renovation, and has worked extensively on volunteer activities. Her contributions have been instrumental in enhancing accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities in a variety of ways.
Organization Honourable Mention: Social Planning and Research Council of BC
Since 1966, Social Planning and Research Council Of British Columbia (SPARC BC) has worked with communities in building a just and healthy society. SPARC BC operates the parking permit program for people with disabilities, and delivers research and consulting services, including a community development education program that offers low-cost assistance in building local assets to address social issues.
Individual Honourable Mention: Shelley Hourston
As Program Director at the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities for more than 10 years, Shelley Hourston has published accessible consumer health information and provided health information and research services to people with all types of disabilities, as well as their caregivers and health care professionals. Her contributions in the areas of enhancing access and inclusion through improved health literacy demonstrate a significant personal commitment to her community.
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