Accessibility Champion Awards announced for 2022

The Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (Dufferin and Orangeville) announced the recipients of the 2022 Accessibility Champion Awards.

At a ceremony at Orangeville’s Town Hall today, Committee Chair Lisa Post said it’s a pleasure to recognize organizations and individuals who go above and beyond to ensure our community is inclusive and accessible. She also expressed appreciation to committee members for the work they do in championing accessibility awareness.

The recipients of the Accessibility Champion Award are:

Branching Out Support Services Participants

The day service participants of Branching Out Support Services are being recognized for championing issues of accessibility. The adults at the Branching Out day program volunteer for a number of causes that make Orangeville a safer and more accessible place. Participants volunteer weekly at the food bank (both inside in the winter and growing food at the garden in the summer), for the BIA, and the library – and they spend time doing community beautification. Their very presence and deep connection to helping their fellow community members makes their lives a statement of inclusivity, accessibility and belonging in Orangeville.

Kimberly Van Ryn, Executive Director, Branching Out Support Services

As Executive Director of Branching Out Support, Kimberley knows and understands that support professionals can only ever empower people to create accessibility and inclusivity in their own lives. She leads her organization to ensure that everyone has opportunities. Branching Out Support Services provides multiple services and activities to individuals in Dufferin County with neuro diversities. Group sessions, one-on-one activities, evenings and weekends. Kimberly is also working on creating a community kitchen where individuals can learn cooking skills. During COVID, Kimberly and Branching Out Support Services supported many families through the pandemic lock down with virtual activities. 

Active Lives Canada

Active Lives is a program for adults with exceptionalities that operates out of Dufferin County. The program includes all people regardless of their abilities and helps them to be the best they can be every day. With new Executive Director Howard Dalal, it has become a more inclusive organization and one that emphasizes the strength of the individuals not their disabilities. Active Lives Canada helps so many young adults reach their potential and gives their caregivers peace of mind, knowing their young adults are treated with dignity and the utmost care.

Award recipients received a certificate and a small financial contribution to each organization to help continue their accessibility work.