BRAMPTON, ON (June 3, 2021) – Yesterday, during National AccessAbility Week, the City of Brampton announced the winners of its 2021 Accessibility Awards. The individuals and organizations recognized have demonstrated a commitment to accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities, and are working to benefit the Brampton community.
The following accessibility champions were recognized at today’s Brampton City Council meeting:
Michelle McLeod – Community Member category
Michelle helps clients develop recreational, leisure and life skills in order to integrate meaningfully into the community and help clients become independent. She advocates for them and aims to improve their quality of life. Michelle is recognized for preventing and removing barriers; accommodating persons with disabilities; providing employment support for persons with disabilities; providing exemplary customer service; and providing assistance with independent living.
Kerry’s Place Autism Services – Community Organization or Not-For-Profit category
Kerry’s Place Autism Services has continued to enhance its services and supports for the Brampton community, specifically focusing on increasing accessibility for those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including removing barriers such as participation in recreational settings. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kerry’s Place incorporated many accommodations to maintain community participation in a safe and meaningful way. They are recognized for preventing and removing barriers; accommodating persons with disabilities; acting as an accessibility ambassador; providing employment support for persons with disabilities; providing exemplary customer service; and providing assistance with independent living.
CSR Wealth Management – Brampton Business category
Frank Gasper is a financial advisor specializing in Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs). He is recognized for accommodating people with disabilities and providing exemplary accessible customer service. He's reached out to many people, held sessions to bring awareness, and strives to give people with disabilities better opportunities by dedicating himself to working with each individual to create and customize a profile that will ensure a financially stable future.
EMBRACE – Accessibility Program/Initiative category
Michelle Buckland founded EMBRACE in 2010 to bring out the best in people so that they can embrace their abilities and gifts and to inspire them to reach their goals through personal and professional development, accessibility integration, and impactful speeches. Michelle is devoted to being an ambassador and advocate, and her motto is “The only limitations we have in lifelong learning are the ones that we consciously set.” Michelle is recognized for preventing and removing barriers; accommodating people with disabilities; and providing employment support for persons with disabilities.
Brampton is a Mosaic, and the City of Brampton is dedicated to identifying opportunities to increase accessibility and a strong sense of belonging for all across its diverse community. 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.
The City and its Accessibility Advisory Committee are committed to ensuring people of all ages and abilities enjoy the same opportunities as they live, work, play, visit and invest in Brampton. For more information on accessibility at the City visit www.brampton.ca.
For more information on the Accessibility Awards and to learn more about the winners, visit www.brampton.ca
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Quotes
“Brampton is a Mosaic, and the City is dedicated to increasing accessibility and a strong sense of belonging for all in our diverse community. Thank you to the 2021 Accessibility Award winners who serve as champions for accessibility in Brampton, and thank you to the residents who recognized their efforts by nominating them. It takes the entire community to make our city inclusive for all.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“As a member of the City of Brampton's and Region of Peel’s Accessibility Advisory Committees, I am continually proud of the work Bramptonians are doing to make our community more accessible and inclusive for all. These award winners are champions of diversity and their work is making a difference in our city. By continuing to work together, we can make Brampton more accessible for people of all abilities.”
- Pat Fortini, Regional Councillor, Wards 7 & 8; Member, City of Brampton Accessibility Advisory Committee; Member, Region of Peel Accessibility Advisory Committee
“At the City of Brampton, we are dedicated to furthering the Term of Council Priority: Brampton is a Mosaic, and to ensuring people of all ages and abilities enjoy the same opportunities. Thank you to the 2021 Accessibility Award winners who are helping us increase accessibility in Brampton. This National AccessAbility Week, the City is proud to recognize the people, businesses and organizations who are committed to accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities.”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton
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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 650,000 people and 70,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca.
MEDIA CONTACT
Megan Ball
Senior Advisor, Media Relations,
City of Brampton
905.874.2143 | megan.ball@brampton.ca
