Huron County, Ontario – On Monday, November 20, 2023, the Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee (HCAAC) announced the award winners for Barrier Free Design in the Private and Public Sector as well as the winner of the 2023 Accessibility Champion award.
Carol Leeming is the 2023 Sandra Thompson Memorial Accessibility Champion Award recipient.
The Accessibility Champion Award was established by the HCAAC in 2022, to honor the memory of Sandra Thompson and to recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated each year on December 3. Sandra Thompson was dedicated to promoting accessibility in Huron County. She was a leader in the community and inspired others to improve accessibility in the region. She worked as the Accessibility Coordinator for the County of Huron until 2016.
Carol Leeming is a life-long resident of Huron County who grew up on a farm near Seaforth. She attended the University of Guelph where she received a BA in Geography and a master’s degree in Rural Planning. After graduation, Leeming worked as a Planner and Community Economic Developer with the Huron County Planning and Development Department. During her time as a planner, she served as the planning representative on the HCAAC.
In 2019, Leeming took on the position of HCAAC Accessibility Coordinator, a position she held until 2023.
Upon receipt of the award, Carol Leeming said, “The enthusiasm and dedication of the accessibility committee members has inspired me to be an accessibility advocate every day and to be a champion for accessibility forever.”
The Riverview Local Eatery is the winner of the Business Award of Merit for Barrier Free Design.
Curtis and Samantha Wells, owners of the Riverview Local Eatery, took outstanding care and effort with their restaurant renovations so that it may be enjoyed by everyone. Their renovations include new accessible door pads on all entrance doors, a patio suitable for diners with mobility devices, and an accessible bathroom which includes power door openers and closers. This space sets a high standard for the safety, independence, and dignity of all in Huron County.
Municipality of Central Huron is the winner of the Public Award of Merit for Accessibility Programming.
Central Huron was selected for this award for their outstanding effort in educating the public on the importance of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, International Accessibility Regulatory Standards and requirements, raising awareness and advancing understanding about the need for barrier free design and accessibility generally.
The Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh is the winner of the 2023 Public Award of Merit for Barrier Free Design.
The Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (ACW) has taken outstanding care and effort with their renovations so that their municipal services may be accessible to everyone. The Township was commended for their thoughtfulness in designing the public entrance, the staff entrance, the public washroom, staff washroom, and the reception area to create a welcoming and inclusive municipal services space that invites all people.
About the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3 December was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. In Ontario more than 24% of the population (aged 15 and older) identify as having a disability.
Learn more about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities: https://idpwd.org/
Learn more about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act: https://www.aoda.ca/
For more information about the Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee (HCAAC) visit: https://www.huroncounty.ca/administration/accessibility/