Accessibility Champion Award

The Accessibility Champion Awards celebrate individuals and businesses that foster an accessible environment in Vaughan.

Nominations for the 2026 Accessibility Champion Awards are now open. Submissions will be accepted until Wednesday, Feb. 18. 

 

Accessibility Champions can be nominated in one of the following categories:

 

Nomination Process:

  1. Click on a category above to review the award package. Each package outlines eligibility, consent and conflict of interest.
  2. Have the nominee sign the Consent and Conflict of Interest Declaration Form in the package.
  3. Complete the nomination form and submit it with the signed declaration form and any supporting documents that speak to the nominee’s accomplishments. 

 

To learn more about the award, read the Terms of Reference (PDF). If you require assistance or would like an alternative format of the nomination form or award packages, call Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or through TTY at 1-866-543-0545, or email accessibility@vaughan.ca.

 

The successful nominees will be notified at the end of April, following ratification at Council. Award recipients will be honoured at a ceremonial presentation at the Council meeting on Tuesday, May 26.

 

Past Recipients

  • Anthony D’Ambrosio in the Student category. Anthony uses his experience of being diagnosed with synovial sarcoma and undergoing a left lower leg amputation to bring awareness to supporting research and accessibility for individuals with amputations. He passionately advocates for the Terry Fox Foundation by speaking at elementary and high schools to inspire students to actively participate and contribute to this important cause. He is also a Patient Peer at St. John's Rehab Hospital where he serves as a peer mentor for amputees.
  • Deborah Helfand in the Individual category. Living with borderline personality disorder, Deborah plays a crucial role in changing societal perceptions, and promoting a more accessible and understanding community. She began working with Developing and Nurturing Independence (DANI), an agency committed to supporting adults with developmental disabilities, as a waitstaff member in the DANI Café. She worked her way up to now managing the cafe and turning it into a training ground for other individuals with developmental disabilities. She also does advocacy work and speaks at large events, empowering individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Kayla Children’s Centre in the Medium Business category. Kayla Children’s Centre was founded in 2017 as a school, therapy clinic and recreational centre for children with disabilities and complex medical needs. The centre supports children ages six weeks to 21 years old who have a wide range of disabilities, and provides a variety of specialized programs that enable them to flourish academically, socially and emotionally. Offerings include a licensed daycare, on-site therapy clinic, adapted sports, a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy centre, personalized family supports and so much more.
  • Mobile Radiance Dental Hygiene Services in the Small Business (For-Profit) category. Mobile Radiance Dental Hygiene Services provides people with access to quality and barrier-free dental hygiene care in their homes or at work. The owner, Manuela Rosatelli, services many aging patients and/or their caregivers, in the comfort of their homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals and rehabilitation centres. She also provides a holistic service to the community as she is a coach/consultant, trainer, mentor and speaker.
  • Sara Elizabeth Centre/Blue Veil Charity in the Small Business (Non-Profit) category. Founded in 2006 as part of Blue Veil Charity, the Sara Elizabeth Centre is a non-profit committed to empowering youths and young adults facing physical and mental challenges. The centre works to remove accessibility barriers and foster an inclusive community where unique talents thrive. Its programs go beyond education, focusing on arts, life skills and technology. 
  • Charles Camilleri in the individual or community group category. Since 2003, Charles has used a powered wheelchair. But he did not let his disability stop him from being active in the community and making a difference. Over the past 17 years, Charles organized indoor bocce games for seniors, taught chess at the library, helped with hosting the City’s annual Winterfest event and sat on the Accessibility Advisory Committee, advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. Among his many community contributions, he also co‐founded Hangin’ Out Together, a free social drop‐in and excursions program for people with disabilities.
  • Human Endeavour in the small business with one to 99 employees category. Human Endeavour is a registered charitable organization located in Vaughan. Established in 2004, it develops innovative and non-traditional solutions for the social and economic inclusion of newcomers, people with disabilities and vulnerable communities. Programs and services are open to members of all abilities. Examples of work include using technology to reduce barriers for people with disabilities, providing placement and employment opportunities to people with disabilities, improving accessibility for seniors, raising awareness about accessibility and disability, and much more. 
  • Elio Riggillo in the individual with a disability category. Elio works at the Canadian Helen Keller Centre as a consumer relations co-ordinator. In his role, he actively provides training, education and support for the deaf and blind community.
  • Meenu Sikand in the individual category. Meenu is the founder of Accessibility for All, a not-for-profit organization working towards inclusion for people with disabilities and racialized communities. As an immigrant and individual with a visible disability, Meenu advocates for accessibility through education, inclusion and awareness initiatives.
  • John Groe in the small business with less than 20 employees category. As a father of a daughter with a physical disability, John founded Accessible Daily Living over a decade ago. His company provides services, consultation and management of all construction related to public or residential accessibility modifications.
  • ViBE Dance and Fitness Studio in the medium or large business with 20 or more employees category. For more than 20 years, Marnie and Rena Schwartz have created a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone at their studio. Their philosophy is to inspire others to dream big, be accepting and inclusive, and treat people the way you want to be treated.
  • Jess Silver, founder of Flex for Access Inc. in the individual with a disability category. Although Jess was born with cerebral palsy and has encountered many challenges, she strives to create inclusion for all through her company Flex for Access.
  • SMILE Therapy for Kids in the small business with fewer than 20 employees category. SMILE Therapy for Kids worked with the City of Vaughan to start this company nearly three years ago. The City provided one-on-one mentorship for six months to help them begin their business journey and continue to help children reach their best potential.
  • The Crystal Ladder Learning Centre in the medium or large business with 20 or more employees category. This special-needs and regular development centre provides therapy for children with autism and other disabilities in various communities.
  • Bobby Singh in the individual category. Bobby is a successful entrepreneur, business professional, policy consultant and academic, and is a champion in advocating for Canadians living with disabilities. 
  • Nickie Saladino – An educational assistant at Blessed Trinity Elementary School, Nickie works with children with a variety of disabilities.
  • Reena – A non-profit organization established in 1973 by parents of children with developmental disabilities as an alternative to institutions, Reena promotes independence, personal growth and inclusion.
  • Vaughan Mills Mall – As a fully accessible building, the mall has several accessibility features, including family restrooms, as well as wheelchairs and scooters.