David C. Onley Award Celebrates Contributions of Individuals Across the Province
TORONTO – The Ontario government is recognizing the exceptional contributions of three individuals with the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility. The award recipients include leaders who champion accessibility, raise awareness about the benefits of inclusion, and foster positive change in their communities with their work helping to improve the lives and experiences of people with disabilities in Ontario.
“The recipients of the David C. Onley Award reflect the strength and resilience many of us have come to value more than ever in these challenging times,” said the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “I am delighted to congratulate them on their hard work, innovation, and promotion of inclusion that is vital to a strong and successful province. May their examples inspire Ontarians to continue to work together for a future that works for everyone.”
Individual recipients in each of the following categories are:
- Youth Leadership – PrincessNikita Layne-Austin from Toronto received the award for her inspiring volunteer work and dedication to making life better for all those around her.
- Employee Engagement – Charlene O’Reilly from Huron County received the award for her unwavering leadership and passionate volunteerism to advance accessibility at the 100th International Plowing Match & Rural Expo in Walton, Ontario.
- Role Model – Ian Parker from Toronto posthumously received the award for his visionary work in establishing the Direct Funding program as an option for the delivery of personal care for Ontarians with disabilities.
“I am delighted to congratulate these worthy award recipients,” said the Honourable David C. Onley. “Given our challenging times, the leaders we’ve recognized today are to be especially applauded for their ongoing diligence in helping to make accessibility a way of life throughout Ontario. They are doing their part to help us build an inclusive province filled with social and economic opportunities for people of all abilities.”
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will host a virtual recognition ceremony for the award recipients in late June.
“I am proud to recognize the latest recipients of the David C. Onley Award,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Their determination to champion accessibility is unwavering, and their efforts have changed lives in meaningful and positive ways. They are shining role models for all Ontarians, and we applaud their important contributions.”
Ontario thanks the recipients for their tireless work in supporting their local communities and for bringing accessibility to the forefront as champions of inclusion while they work to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Please visit Ontario’s website for more information on how to recognize an exceptional individual or organization for the David C. Onley Award.
Quick Facts
- The David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility was created in 2014 to honour the province’s first Lieutenant Governor with a physical disability.
- The Honourable David C. Onley served as the 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario from 2007 to 2014. Mr. Onley championed disability issues for many years and adopted accessibility as the overarching theme of his mandate.
- Recipients are chosen by an independent selection committee with representation from a range of disability stakeholders.
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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