Award of Excellence

The Rick Hansen Foundation has become a Canadian icon of efforts to progress on inclusion, equity, and diversity for children with disabilities. Hansen himself has a personal magnetism that inspires people and provides them with new perspectives on what it means to be an advocate and changemaker ...

Award of Excellence

A landmark Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario decision ensuring access to public washrooms. An innovative Disability Law course at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Clear masks provided across the University Health Network’s Toronto hospitals to support patients with hearing loss who rely on lipreading. Comprehensive policy reforms at Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls guaranteeing greater accessibility for children with mobility issues ...

Award of Excellence

Psychologist Jessica Brian is not only one of Canada’s most highly cited researchers, but also an extraordinarily effective advocate who has devoted her career to improving early diagnostic assessment, intervention, and health services for children with autism and other developmental conditions ...

Advocacy Award

In a more inclusive world, authenticity might not require bravery. In the world we live in though, sharing one’s experiences of disability and ableism sometimes demands reserves of exceptional confidence and self-assurance. Five young recipients of Empowered Kids Ontario Scholarships stepped up this year, discussing their vulnerabilities and aspirations in a powerful podcast-style series about building inclusivity, overcoming barriers, and creating spaces for safe and meaningful engagement. Their openness offered validation and empowerment for many listeners to their conversations ...

Advocacy Award

As the Disability Reporter and host of Disabilities Beat for the NPR and PBS affiliate Buffalo Toronto Public Media, investigative journalist Emyle Watkins gives voice to some of the most underserved community members of Southern Ontario and Western New York: people living with disabilities, chronic health, and mental health conditions ...

Advocacy Award

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital has been instrumental in advocating on behalf of children with disabilities who “age out” of the pediatric system. The hospital is working to change the policies that often leave young adults unable to access vital services during their crucial transition years of young adulthood ...

Advocacy Award

Jays Care Foundation turns baseball from a game into a game-changer. With outstanding dedication to equitable access, belonging, quality physical activity, and resiliency, Jays Care makes sport and physical activity affordable and accessible for tens of thousands of young people across Canada. In addition to dedicated programs for girls, Indigenous youth, and other groups who face systemic barriers to play, the Foundation’s adaptive Challenger Baseball program creates a space for children, youth and adults living with physical and cognitive disabilities to find community and belonging, alongside a love of the game ...

Advocacy Award

In just a few years since its creation, Stories for Caregivers has grown to become the Canada’s largest online community for people who care for kids and adults with disabilities, developmental needs, or other medical complexities. Built on a foundation of storytelling, it provides people who often feel isolated with community, empathy, support, and a sense of belonging ...

Partnership Award

Forethought rather than afterthought: that’s the guiding principle of a groundbreaking research partnership between Ontario Tech University and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. This collaboration is helping to ensure new “explainable AI” tools are transparent, inclusive, and equitable. Their work will shape recommendations for a national standard for disability-inclusive AI, by building accessibility into technology from the start rather than as an afterthought ...

Leadership Award

In 2020, during the height of pandemic isolation, Clovis and Sherron Grant launched a support group for Black parents of children with a disability. Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support has since helped empower, educate, and enlighten more than 250 families ...

Leadership Award

Newcomers to Canada whose families include kids with disabilities often find it daunting to navigate barriers related to language, culture, and unfamiliarity with protocols for accessing services.

Founded on principles of equity and advocacy, SMILE Canada Support Services is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to supporting underserved racialized and newcomer children and youth with disabilities, as well as their families ...

Leadership Award

Nearly 14 years ago, Luke Anderson found unexpected success bridging one type of barrier. His commitment to overcoming others is stronger than ever ...

Rising Star Award

Many award recipients this year are notable for their work ensuring new generations of advocates carry on the work to make Ontario more inclusive and accessible. Talina Papazian is part of that new generation. The 19-year-old author, volunteer, and educator began her journey with inspiration from with her younger brother who has a hidden disability ...

Service Award

Brendon Pooran is a fierce advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. He created PooranLaw to provide support to this community and to influence disability law and policy throughout Canada. He uses the law as a tool to advance equity and inclusion for people with disabilities. Brendon’s unique combination of legal expertise, integrity and empathy has provided many families with the knowledge and options they need to ensure their loved ones will have the care, financial security, and quality of life they deserve ...

Service Award

No term describes Dave Schaller better than “power lifter.” Not only can he bench press hundreds of pounds balancing the bar with his right hand and stump he was born with, but he has also raised up hundreds of children and youth with disabilities through the programs, teams, and other activities he has championed ...