Sarnia has tweaked some accessibility award categories in hopes of drawing more nominations.
Sarnia has tweaked some accessibility award categories in hopes of drawing more nominations.
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“Last year, we had really specific categories that we felt maybe eliminated some individuals or some businesses that were doing great things in terms of accessibility,” said city human resources manager Tammy Broer of the awards, now in their 12th year.
So the city’s accessibility advisory committee revamped and pared back the categories to five this year, making them broader and more inclusive, she said.
“The hope is we’re going to get more. . . nominations,” she said after 18 came in for nine awards in 2023.
The awards recognize community businesses and individuals who’ve helped raise awareness and improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Sarnia has an overall older-than-average population, and accessibility can be an issue for many people, said Broer.
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“Businesses that help support accessibility and make it easier for everyone to participate in community activities, or go shopping, or anything they do in the community, that’s a really important part of Sarnia and something that really deserves to be recognized,” she said.
Nominations are open until Nov. 12 at 4 pm, and an awards ceremony is planned for Dec. 3, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, city officials said in a release.
Nominations can be made at sarnia.ca/accessibilityawards.
“If you know an organization, business or individual who takes the time and puts in the effort to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in our community, we want to hear from you,” said advisory committee chairperson Debbie Draganits.
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The city lists two award categories for businesses and employees, one for community leadership in inclusive programming for people with disabilities, one for the social service sector, and a memorial award named for late committee member Kevin Schenk. The memorial award recognizes a person with a disability who has inspired change and made the community more inclusive and accessible.
Details of the city’s progress this year on accessibility initiatives, including making public infrastructure more accessible, are expected early next year, Broer said.
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