Brampton is a Mosaic, and the City of Brampton is dedicated to identifying opportunities to increase accessibility and a sense of belonging for all across its diverse community. One of the ways the City is doing so is through the Accessibility Awards, a civic recognition program that recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations in Brampton who demonstrate a commitment to accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Established in 2018, the Accessibility Awards highlight achievements and contributions made by accessibility champions who are preventing and removing barriers, accommodating persons with disabilities, acting as an accessibility ambassador, providing employment support for persons with disabilities, providing exemplary accessible customer service, providing assistance for independent living and, new this year, for accessible programs or initiatives.
Mary Iusso, owner of Cristina’s Tortina Shop, was a 2018 winner of a City Accessibility Award in the Business category. Cristina’s Tortina Shop is a unique cupcakery dedicated to creating equal employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome, Autism and other exceptionalities and showcasing their capabilities. Mary started the business for her daughter, Cristina, who has Down syndrome. Cristina often works alongside her mom at the cupcakery after school and on weekends in all areas of the business.
“Being recognized by our unique community and our peers means a lot to us,” said Mary. “The Accessibility Awards are a reminder to keep at it, that people are paying attention and that your voice is being heard.”
New this year, the awards program has been updated to include self-nominations. In order to be eligible for an award, a nominee must be a resident of Brampton, a community or non-profit organization operating in Brampton, or a business owner in Brampton. The achievements and contributions of nominees must benefit the Brampton community.
“As a member of the City of Brampton's and Region of Peel’s Accessibility Advisory Committees, I am proud of the work people across our city are doing to make Brampton accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities,” said Pat Fortini, Regional Councillor, Wards 7 & 8. “If you know of a person, business or organization in our community who are champions of diversity and working to make a difference in our community, please nominate them for an Accessibility Award. Together, we can make Brampton more accessible for people of all abilities.”
The City is dedicated to ensuring people of all ages and abilities enjoy the same opportunities in Brampton, and is building accessible spaces for people of all abilities. It takes the community working together to increase accessibility for all.
“An accessible community is one that is compassionate and inclusive,” said Mary. “Normal is just a word, and not a means to measure someone by. We must understand that just because people don't all look the same, talk the same, walk the same, see the same, hear the same, think the same, learn the same, etc., it doesn't mean that they are lesser than or different. When you create a place for all people to reach their full potential, then you have created an accessible place.”
Know someone who is working to make a difference? Residents can submit nominations for the Accessibility Awards until March 31.
More information on the Accessibility Awards and the online nomination form can be found at www.brampton.ca.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Megan Ball
Media Relations, City of Brampton
905.874.2143 | megan.ball@brampton.ca
