City of Belleville logo. Submitted.
The City of Belleville has released the following statement this morning.
Accessibility Excellence Awards Nominations Open
The City of Belleville’s Accessibility Advisory Committee is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2025 Accessibility Excellence Awards are now open.
The Accessibility Excellence Awards were first developed by the committee in 2023 with a goal of recognizing and highlighting local businesses and individuals who go out of their way to provide and advocate for accessibility provisions and acknowledge the AODA compliances that we all are bound by, in Belleville.
This year’s awards will be evaluated through the following categories:
*Built Environment: a building or space (indoor or outdoor) that was designed, modified or renovated to eliminate barriers and/or enhance access for people with disabilities.
*Customer Service: breaking down barriers that prevent customers with disabilities from accessing the services they need.
*Education: identifying and removing barriers to student participation in learning at all levels from kindergarten to post-secondary and adult education.
*Employment: employers making their workplace practices accessible to potential or current workers with disabilities.
*Information and Communication: accessible information and communication (both online and paper-based) which provide all people an equal chance to learn and be active in their communities.
*Transportation: conventional and/or specialized service providers who ensure barrier free travel for those with disabilities.
“We are recognizing individuals and businesses in our community who prioritize accessibility by following the guidelines under AODA because their efforts make a significant impact on creating inclusive spaces for people with all types of disabilities, both visible and invisible,” said Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair Councillor Barbara Enright-Miller. “These efforts help remove barriers and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in our community, whether in the workplace or public spaces. By acknowledging those who go above and beyond to improve accessibility, we not only celebrate their commitment to equality and inclusivity, but we also want to inspire others to follow suit, fostering a more compassionate and welcoming environment for all.
The important work being done in our community not only improves accessibility, it creates a more welcoming and inclusive Belleville for all. As a committee, we look forward to learning about the wonderful initiatives happening in our city and encourage everyone eligible for these awards to apply and/or nominate anyone you feel is deserving of such an award.”
Nominations submitted by the public will be accepted until May 8 at 4:30 p.m. Award winners will be announced at a special recognition ceremony on May 27 from 11 a.m. to noon in the Multipurpose Room at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre during National AccessAbility Week.
More details to come.
ASL interpretation and alternative formats of the nomination form are available by contacting accessibility@belleville.ca. Hard copies will be available at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre, downtown transit terminal and City Hall.
For more information and a link to the online form, visit: Belleville.ca/AccessibilityAwards.
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