2024 Accessibility Champion Award Winners announced at the Town of Orangeville

On May 29, Mayor Lisa Post and Councillor Rick Stevens hosted the 2024 Accessibility Champion Awards at Orangeville Town Hall, recognizing those who demonstrate a passion for making an accessible community.

“Access Orangeville was thrilled to receive eight outstanding nominations for the Accessibility Champion Awards this year,” said Councillor Rick Stevens, committee Chair. “The organizations and individuals recognized go above and beyond to ensure our community is inclusive and accessible.”

During the event, Mayor Post also proclaimed May 26 to June 1, 2024 as National Accessibility Week, promoting inclusion and accessibility in all communities and workplaces, celebrating the progress that has been made, and inspiring everyone to further break down accessibility barriers.

This year’s award recipients are:

James Jackson

James Jackson has continued to take on bigger roles in helping make Orangeville more accessible over the past few years. As current co-chair of Access Orangeville and chair of the Community Improvement Committee, he is always ready to help others on the journey towards accessibility.

The Healing Moon

The Healing Moon continues to go above and beyond when it comes to providing a safe, inclusive shopping experience. They work with local support businesses to ensure customers with neurodiversities and disabilities can receive service in inclusive ways, as well as hosting community classes where all are welcome.

B Social – Community Living Dufferin (CLD)

B Social has been servicing Dufferin County at café locations and concession stands for the past five years. Launched in 2018, B Social is an initiative run by CLD in partnership with Family Transition Place and Dufferin Child and Family Services. The initiative was created to provide equal opportunities for members of the community with barriers to employment. It is a nonprofit entity under CLD providing paid employment and job training in various venues in Dufferin County to those looking to enter or re-enter the workforce in an environment suited to meet each person’s individual needs. As of 2024, B Social employs over 30 people.

Nominations for the Accessibility Champion Awards are announced annually in the Spring, with the award presentations held during National Accessibility Week. Follow the Town on social media or online at orangeville.ca for next year’s announcement.