Accessibility annual awards presented this week

Many Calgarians work in various ways help make life better for persons with disabilities. Every year around the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, City Council presents awards on behalf of the Advisory Committee on Accessibility. These awards recognize individuals or groups who have made an important contribution to improving the lives of Calgarians with disabilities.

Recipients with Mayor Nenshi receive their ACA awards
on behalf of their teams. L-R: Ken Uzeloc, Calgary Fire Dept;
Norma Jean Hogg, Westside Rec Centre; Mayor Naheed
Nenshi; Karim Rayani, Access Calgary; and Tom Sampson,
Calgary Fire Dept.

This year, that awards ceremony was held on Monday, Dec. 8 at Council. Three awards were presented: an Advocacy Award, an Access Recognition Award and the Ella Anderson Accessible Transportation Award.

These three awards acknowledge only a small fraction of the total effort contributed by Calgarians to the well-being of Calgarians with disabilities.

The Access Recognition Award
This year the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) took home the award for their work in quickly crafting an emergency plan, helping to evacuate and find affordable and accessible accommodation for individuals with disabilities during the October power outage.

The Advocacy Award 
Darrin Horsman was recognized for his work as a personal training coordinator for the fitness centre at Westside Recreation Centre. Darrin supports people with disabilities in their fitness programs to improve their physical health and well-being.

The Ella Anderson Accessible Transportation Award 
This award was created in memory of Ella Anderson who was a valued City employee with a deep commitment to persons with disabilities. She served on the Advisory Committee on Accessibility. Sadly Ella passed away in 2012.

This year the award went to Calgary Transit’s Travel Training program, operated by Access Calgary. This program provides training for individuals with disabilities, seniors and citizens who require assistance to learn how to use Calgary Transit fixed route buses and CTrain services.

More information about the Advisory Committee on Accessibility.

Submitted by Peter Jacoby, Community and Neighbourhood Services