Six individuals and one corporation were honoured by the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region, at the Country Hills Community Centre in Kitchener, Thursday, June 2, 2005.

A total of 28 nominations were received for seven categories in this year's awards, the seventh annual celebration to acknowledge positive changes towards greater independence for people with disabilities.

Since 1999, there have been 400 nominations recognizing the "countless contributions made towards creating a more inclusive community,"

2005 Award Recipients

Barrier Free Award
The City of Kitchener

Larry Lynch, Tim O’Brien, Don Moss and Councillor Christina Weylie worked with the engineering and community services departments to improve accessibility in Belmont Village in Kitchener. Changes included making parking spaces accessible, ramping entrances of establishments, repairing sidewalks and curbs and installing railings.

Community Partner Award
Grand River Transit

Grand River Transit was applauded for improving the accessibility of the conventional bus service in Waterloo Region. At this time 78 % of the existing fleet are low floor buses that can easily be accessed by people using wheelchairs or walkers. The drivers are pleasant and helpful, and go out of their way to be of assistance to all of their passengers.

Distinguished Volunteer Award
Mary Karen Gosselink

Mary Karen was very excited way back in 1981 when the concept of the first independent living centre in Canada came to Waterloo Region. As a home care occupational therapist, Mary Karen she was already working with clients to achieve maximum independence. The independent living concept seemed an answer to a prayer. Mary Karen got involved and stayed involved until just earlier this year.

Influential Advocate Award
Rose Padacz

As the director of the Office for Persons with Disabilities at the University of Waterloo, Rose demonstrates her commitment to improving the opportunities for persons with disabilities every single day. She is dedicated to providing information and assistance with the right support that empowers her 1300 students to follow their dreams.

Rose has also worked and volunteered as a board member at the Independent Living Centre until just last year. Early in her career she was involved in developing the first University project in Ontario offering attendant services to students on campus at U of W.

Outstanding Individual Award
Lesley Lynne-Davies

Lesley Lynne-Davies was instrumental in the establishment of the local Multiple Sclerosis Society, running the office from her home. Lesley created a resource centre that could respond to all people who would encounter MS in our region. The MS Society is now settled into a new and permanent accessible location that offers a list of services for people with MS and their families. This centre and the community is indebted to Lesley for her commitment throughout her entire career.

Skills Achievement Award
Shirley Weinert

As a teacher in the development class at MacKenzie King, Shirley focuses on the “whole” child promoting the integration of her students into the school’s community, whether that be through peer buddies at recess time, or participating in school assemblies and concerts. She continuously challenges her students to develop, and finds new and creative ways to incorporate strategies and tools into daily school life. Shirley works closely with the KidsAbility Centre for Child Development and others to provide exceptional service to her program and students.

Kim Miller Memorial Staff Recognition Award
Diane Peters

Diane is commendable in her commitment and integrity towards the independent living philosophy. Constantly cheerful in disposition, Diane has been an exemplary companion, and has contributed to making her consumer’s life easier and happier than it would be otherwise. Diane works to problem solve around technical aids and ideas that would increase her consumer’s independence.

Diane goes over and above and indeed, well beyond, what one normally expects from the more usual “come and go attendants”.

Nominations are accepted for individuals, organizations or businesses who help make the community “accessible for all”. Please consider providing us with potential recipients by using our Nomination Form or contact us for assistance.