Just ahead of the International Day of People with Disabilities, the City of Sarnia paid special recognition to those businesses and individuals that strive to make the community more inclusive and accessible for individuals living with a disability.

The Sarnia Accessibility Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted the City’s 10th annual Accessibility Awards on Dec. 1 at the St. Clair Corporate Centre, welcoming award recipients to join for refreshments, an awards ceremony and a keynote address from local motivational speaker and mental-health advocate Dan Edwards.

“It takes effort at every level to create a welcoming and inclusive community where all individuals, regardless of ability, can live, grow and thrive,” said Accessibility Coordinator Dale Mosley, adding, “right across our community there are those who step up to create accessible, inclusive spaces, and today we thank them for that critical effort and hope their example encourages others to take action.”

This year’s awards recipients are outlined below.

Prelude to Excellence for a Large Business Award

This award recognizes businesses with 50 or more employees that create inclusive environments. This year’s award went to Penny Churchill and the Sarnia Observer.

Penny Churchill of the Sarnia Observer and SAAC member Joan Murchison.

Prelude to Excellence for a Small Business Award

This award recognizes businesses with less than 50 employees that create inclusive environments. This year’s award went to The Book Keeper.

Susan Chamberlain of the Book Keeper and SAAC member Heather Allen

Exceptional Leadership in Customer Service Award

This award recognizes business that provide exemplary service to people with disabilities. This year’s award went to The Mitton Village Collective.

Mitton Village Collective members and SAAC representative Debbie Draganits

Exceptional Accessible Physical Environment Award

This award recognizes forward-thinking inclusive design in build environments. This year’s award went to Bains BBQ.

Brendan and Elizabeth Bain of Bains BBQ with SAAC member Heather Allen

Creating Opportunities for an Inclusive Community Award

This award recognizes groups and/or individuals that provide community leadership in inclusive programming for individuals with disabilities. This year’s award went to hair stylist Keira Hong.

Keira Hong with SAAC member Dan Edwards

Going Above and Beyond Award

This award recognizes a business or individual who goes above and beyond in serving or assisting individuals with a disability. This year’s award went to the Lambton College Massage Therapy Clinic.

Monique VanHooft and Mel Johnson of the Lambton College Massage Therapy Clinic with SAAC member Kathleen Stinson

Outstanding Customer Service in a Social Service Sector Award

This ward recognizes individuals working in the social service sector who offer exceptional service for individuals with a disability. This year’s award went to the County of Lambton Community Paramedic Program.

Todd Martin and Joe Emilio of the Lambton County Community Paramedic Program with SAAC member Christine Wright

Kevin Schenk Legacy Award

A new award for this year, the Kevin Schenk Legacy Award provides posthumous recognition to individuals who inspire the community to make the city more inclusive and accessible. This year’s award will recognize SAAC member Kevin Schenk who passed away in 2022.

Cate and William Schenk, and Maggie Hulshof with SAAC member Coun. Brian White