Ontario Honours Outstanding Accessibility Leaders

Province Announces Recipients of 2017 David C. Onley Award

Twelve people and organizations from across Ontario have received the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility.

Named after Ontario’s 28^th Lieutenant Governor, the award recognizes people that champion accessibility, raise awareness about the benefits of inclusion, and foster positive change in their communities. Their achievements help place accessibility at the forefront of Ontario’s communities and workplaces, improving the lives of people with disabilities across the province.

Her Honour the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, presented the awards today alongside the Honourable David C. Onley. Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Government and Consumer Services and Minister Responsible for Accessibility, delivered the award citations.

The recipients include:

• John Draper of Oshawa, who received the Role Model Award for his dedication to creating accessible and inclusive communities for people with disabilities through his program, ‘Together We Rock!’

• Kenneth J. Fredeen of Oakville, who received the Employee Engagement Award for his work as founder and chair of the Diversity Council at Deloitte LLP and commitment as President of Legal Leaders for Diversity and Inclusion. Mr. Fredeen is the General Counsel with Deloitte LLP.‎
• Alexander German of Whitby, who received the Youth Leadership Award for his coaching expertise in the world of competitive para sports and work as a sport assistant to Boccia player Deanna McInroy.

• Nine organizations from across Ontario that received the Champion Award for increasing accessibility in their communities.