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FALL 2020
CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME
WELCOME TO THE HALL OF FAME
Meenu Sikand Martha Sandoval Gustafson Tim Cormode 201091 WhyNot_Layout 1 20-10-14 9:03 AM Page 2
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IN THIS ISSUE CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME WhyNot. Magazine / FALL 2020 MESSAGES Greetings from The Honourable Julie Payette, Governor 5 Published by the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons, General of Canada, Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell, The Honourable David Crombie and The Honourable Vim Kochhar 6 Garamond Court, Suite 265, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 1Z5 WELCOME TO THE HALL OF FAME Telephone (416) 760-7351 6 Celebrating the 27th Annual Canadian Fax (416) 760-9405 Disability Hall of Fame inductions E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.cfpdp.com THE TRADITION CONTINUES facebook.com/cffpdp 11 Meet the Hall of Fame’s 2020 inductees twitter.com/cffpdp N NSPIRATION IN NCERTAIN IMES Publisher: Deborah Lewis A I U T 15 The Canadian Disability Hall of Fame Editor: Christine Payne Publication Coordinator: Rob Ham AN UPDATE 17 Design & Production: Craig Allen Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons Sales: CFPDP Printing: Thompson Printing, Paris, Ontario
The reproduction of articles from WhyNot Magazine, with the exception of copyright , material, is welcome provided the source is Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons a charitable organization founded in 1985, assists people with physical disabilities to live fuller lives. Its mission is to create awareness in the public, acknowledged. Additional copies of WhyNot. business communities and government of the abilities of persons with disabilities and their needs in Magazine are available from the Publisher at a the areas of housing, employment, education, accessibility, sports and recreation and research. In cost of $3.00 each plus shipping and handling. the past 35 years, the Foundation has raised substantial funds, which it has distributed to a wide variety of organizations and events. These include the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame, the Eternal Flame of Hope, the Rotary Cheshire Home, the Canadian Helen Keller Awards Luncheon, Cover: The 2020 Award Winners. the annual Great Valentine Gala, the King Clancy Awards, the Corporate Awards, A Seat at the Table, the WhyNot Marathon, the first Canadian Marathon for the Paralympics, Jeff Adams’ CN Tower climb, Rolling Rampage Wheelchair 10K Road Race and Rolling Rampage on the Hill. Registered Charitable Number 121270037RR0001
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MESSAGES
Congratulations to The COVID-19 pandemic the inductees at the has revealed just how 27th Annual Canadian much we depend on one Disability Hall of Fame. other. As we continue to Every year, the recover, we must strive Canadian Disability to build back better: Hall of Fame recognizes within reach is a fully exceptional Canadians inclusive world that who have truly made makes the most of the a difference for people with disabilities. Each inherent resilience of humanity. individual has opened doors in the areas of In many ways, to do so means following the sports, education, employment or housing, to examples set by the well over 100 members name a few. And though they have all forged of the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. Each their own paths, they share a commitment to embodies the highest ideals of altruism through equality, fairness and accessibility. their actions aimed at enriching the quality of Today, three new Canadians enter the life for people with physical disabilities. Without Hall of Fame: them, our schools, businesses, and communities Tim Cormode, builder. would not be the same. Martha Sandoval Gustafson, athlete. As Honorary Patron of the Canadian Founda- Meenu Sikand, achiever. tion for Physically Disabled Persons, I proudly All of the inductees this year have made their add my voice to the chorus congratulating this mark. They have led by example, and contributed year’s hall of fame inductees. I hope that this on scales both large and small. Most of all, each recognition will encourage them to persist in one of them has been essential to improving their drive for a more just and resilient society. their community and our country. And may the rest of us be inspired to demand Congratulations to all the inductees! I wish equity and inclusion in all things. you all the very best! This comes with my best wishes for an enjoyable celebration. The Honourable Julie Payette The Governor General of Canada The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
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CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME
Located in downtown Toronto on the ground floor of Metro Hall, 55 John Street, the Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding achievement in sports, health and rehabilitation, science and medical research, advocacy, public policy, volunteerism As Chair of the Canadian It gives me great pleas- and community service. Disability Hall of Fame, ure to warmly welcome HONORARY PATRONS I am delighted to an- you to our 27th annual The Honourable nounce and honour our induction celebration Julie Payette 2020 inductees. Each of for the Canadian Governor General of Canada these individuals was Disability Hall of Fame The Honourable selected from a deep (CDHF). Each year, we Elizabeth Dowdeswell Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and distinguished group pay tribute to a group The Honourable of achievers, nominated of truly exemplary role Henry N. R. Jackman for helping to make our world a better place. models, and this year is no different. Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Meenu Sikand is an award-winning disability The Canadian Foundation for Physically The Honourable rights advocate, transformational leader, Disabled Persons (CFPDP) was founded in 1985 to David C. Onley champion of accessibility and diversity, sought- help people with disabilities live fuller lives. As a Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario after speaker, and overall changemaker who has national organization, we are proud to shine a CHAIR made a widespread impact in our communities. spotlight on the great achievements and contri- The Honourable David Crombie Martha Sandoval Gustafson is Canada’s second butions that people with disabilities are making FOUNDING CHAIR The Honourable Vim Kochhar most-decorated Paralympian and an incredible in our country. And while there is considerable Chair, Canadian Foundation multi-sport athlete. At 70 years young, she strength in each of these individuals, there is for Physically Disabled Persons remains an active parasport competitor and even more strength in numbers when we work has more than 200 medals from international, together. Your ongoing support is helping to SELECTION BOARD national, and provincial events. raise our voice for collective good and ensures Cindy Accardi And Tim Cormode, founder of “Power to Be,” that all Canadians have the opportunity to reach Program Analyst, has combined nature and adventure to help wholeheartedly for their dreams. As a commu- Ministry of Community and Social Services more than 8,000 people of varying abilities build nity, we are making wonderful progress towards The Hon. Con Di Nino Former Senator confidence and achieve their dreams. an even more inclusive society. Thank you for The determination and commitment of helping us drive this meaningful change. John Downing Former Editor, Toronto Sun these three extraordinary Canadians has brought CFPDP offers heartfelt thanks to the valued Dr. Arlette Lefebvre positive change and made a significant differ- patrons and sponsors who continue to support Psychiatrist, The Hospital for Sick Children ence across our country. It gives me tremendous the CDHF, which is recognized nationwide as a Debbie Low pleasure to see their achievements recognized, permanent exhibit celebrating accessibility, CEO, Canadian Sports Institute Ontario celebrated, and preserved in the Hall for future inclusivity, leadership, inspiration, and service. Dr. Jamie MacDougall generations. I also want to thank the Honourable David Psychologist, As always, I would like to take this opportu- Crombie for chairing the Selection Board of Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf nity to thank the members of the Hall of Fame’s the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. Janice Martin Selection Board for your valued contributions. Former Disability Consultant, Ministry The Honourable Vim Kochhar of Training, Colleges & Universities We also gratefully acknowledge the commitment Chair, Canadian Foundation for and ongoing efforts of the Canadian Foundation Physically Disabled Persons Joanne Smith for Physically Disabled Persons team. Fruitful Elements Jeff Tiessen The Honourable David Crombie, President, Chair, The Canadian Disability Hall of Fame Disability Today Publishing Group Mark Wafer President, Megleen Inc. Fall 2020 WhyNot.5 201091 WhyNot_Layout 1 20-10-14 9:03 AM Page 6
CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME Welcome to the Hall of Fame Photography by Steve Blackburn The Canadian Disability Hall of Fame honours its newest inductees for their ongoing leadership
IN 1993, more than a quarter century ago, the quality of life for people with physical disabilities and Canadian Disability Hall of Fame held its inaugural for the roles they played in advocating the disability induction ceremony. In 2020, inductees will be rights movement in Canada. celebrated online and will join the other 114 inductees The scope and depth of the contributions made by on display at Toronto's Metro Hall. these individuals is astonishing – the quality of This year 3 remarkable inductees will be honoured, the nominations this year was remarkable and the both for their contributions to sports, enriching the selection was not easy. Every year the number and
Front : Tracy Schmitt, Bradley Bowden, Richard “Bear” Peter Back: Dr. Charles Tator, Hon. David Crombie, Hon. Vim Kochhar, Andrea Nalyzyty, Deborah Lewis, Brian MacPherson
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impact of the nominees grow. Dorothy Price, Former Executive never dared imagine we might The Canadian Disability Hall of Director with Deborah Lewis, come this far, being able to recog- Fame is a public awareness-build- Executive Director, CFPDP nize and increase awareness for ing initiative of the Canadian people with disabilities has been Foundation for Physically Dis- most rewarding.” says Kochhar. abled Persons (CFPDP). Founded The 2020 Hall of Fame in- 37 years ago, CFPDP creates and ductees include an incredible supports a wide range of initia- medal winner and Paralympian, tives designed to improve the lives Martha Sandoval Gustafson, dis- of people with physical disabili- ability advocate Meenu Sikand ties. In its efforts, the organization and Tim Cormode who founded consistently seeks to put the Power to Be. emphasis on a person's abilities – “It’s amazing learning about rather than disabilities – and to the many candidates and the recognize and celebrate their achievements of the 2020 in- achievements and contributions to society, all of which ductees” said Crombie. the inductees have also demonstrated. “I’ve been doing this for 27 years, and each year our This year the number of inductees rises to 117, and Selection Board does an incredible job of reviewing the Honourable Vim Kochhar, founder of the Disability the nominations. I look forward to celebrating the Hall of Fame, said “We didn't want what is happening inductees and inspiring others to continue to in the world to impact our ability to recognize and cele- contribute.” he said. brate Canadians dedicated to inclusion.” On October 29th, 3 new members will be inducted into “When we started the project back in 1993 I would the CDHF, alongside over 114 other inspiring Canadians.
Jennifer Robbins, Executive Director, Canadian Helen Kellar Centre
Dr. Mohammed Lachemi, President & Vice-Chancellor, Ryerson and Bonnie Mactavish, Al Kowalenko, Joan Mactavish, Hon. Vim Kochhar Hon. Sabi Marwah
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REAL ESTATE DEVELDEVELOPERSOPERS AND FIFINANCIERSNANCIERS
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Honourable Honourable Vim Kochhar, David Crombie, Chairman, Chairman, CFPDP Canadian Disability Hall of Fame
Major Beverly Ivany, Director, CFPDP
Left to right: Cpl Botsiev; Sgt Turner; Sgt Lima; CWO Gliosca; LCol Perry; HCol Panday; Capt Bowerman; Sgt Tsui; Sgt Davis-Kelly; and Cpl Lui. 32nd Service Battalion, 4th Canadian Division, Canadian Armed Forces
WhyNot Magazine Team: Herb and Margaret Thompson, Deborah Lewis, Craig Allen, Patrick Allosery
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To subscribe, visit nationalpost.com/exclusiveoffer For advertising and marketing solutions, visit postmediasolutions.com 201091 WhyNot_Layout 1 20-10-14 9:03 AM Page 11 THETRADITION CONTINUES MEET THE CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME 2020 INDUCTEES This year’s Hall of Fame inductees continue a great tradition of athletic excellence, advocacy and leadership.
CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME
MARTHA SANDOVAL GUSTAFSON Athlete Chantal Petitclerc. Seemingly with no limits to her abilities, Gustafson even once participated in a swimming event ew athletes have had as long a career as Martha Sandoval when she was five months pregnant with her son, Chris. FGustafson. Born in Tampico, Mexico in January 1950, At the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships, she began training in her mid-20s after being inspired by Gustafson won bronze in shot put and set a champi- a group of people playing wheelchair basketball. onship record. That same year, she won gold in the shot “I was taking some secretary put at the Canadian Track and courses at a rehab centre,” says Field Championships. In 2019, Gustafson. “I saw people playing not long before her 70th birth- basketball in old chairs and it day, she was the oldest member just caught my attention. I of the Canadian Parapan Am thought, how can they play in a team in Lima, Peru. And to this wheelchair like that? So, then I day, she remains an active paras- started being involved in sports port athlete. in Mexico City.” “I get [teased] about my age She continues, “They encour- sometimes,” she says. “Just re- aged me, and I became involved cently, a woman who was starting in the team slowly. I started train- on my team, said, ‘Why are you ing in 1974, for the whole year, still competing? You have so many but did not compete. In my mind, medals?’ I said, ‘It's not because I you have to train before compet- have medals, or I don't have ing. In 1975, I started competing medals; it's because I want to do it in nationals, and then they chose for myself. And I want to compete, me to go to the [1976 Summer to always try harder, because I Paralympics] in Stoke Mandeville, represent our country.” England.” Gustafson took home As a still young septuagenar- three gold medals that year, and ian, Gustafson stresses the impor- won a total of 12 Paralympic tance of staying active as one ages medals for Mexico. – and at any age. On cold winter days, she can often be The talented, multi-sport competitor has come a long found in a curling rink. way since then, moving to Canada to get married and raise As for why it is important to showcase athletes with a family. All that time, she continued training and com- disabilities, Gustafson emphasizes that we all feel better peting – this time wearing the maple leaf. Gustafson ad- when we are active and doing things with family or friends. mits to getting chills when she thinks about how she is “I try to encourage people to do something that they like, representing her new home country. Among her notable any kind of sport; [it could be] table tennis,” she says. accomplishments, she won six golds and one silver for Showing few signs of slowing down, Gustafson has Canada at the 1984 Summer Paralympics. turned her attention in part to a new sport, and it is one In total, Gustafson has 200+ medals from international, she invented herself. national, and provincial events across a range of sports, “It’s called Race Wheels,” she says proudly, explaining including track and field, swimming, and table tennis. She that it is kind of like race walking for able-bodied peo- is ranked as Canada’s second most-decorated Paralympian ple, only this is for people who use a manual wheelchair, with 19 medals, 12 gold and seven silver. This ties and they can only use one hand at a time. “They also Gustafson with Yukon swimmer Stephanie Dixon, and is have to wear a helmet, just in case,” adds Gustafson. just two shy of Quebec’s legendary wheelchair track athlete As an international competitor, Gustafson has met many
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interesting people and travelled to people of varying abilities build places she might never have seen confidence, make connections, were it not for sports. She beams and achieve their dreams. With a with pride over photos of herself small government grant, and after with Prince Charles and Sir Ludwig his time in Colorado, Cormode “Poppa” Guttmann, the founder founded Power to Be, a non-profit of the Paralympic Games and a organization that helps people pioneering neurologist who trans- who are facing cognitive, physical, formed the way patients with spinal financial, and social barriers to cord injuries are treated. access nature. Like so many others, both athletes “I came back from Brecken- and fans, Gustafson is now eagerly ridge and started the business waiting to travel to the Tokyo with the passion, the understand- Olympics which, unfortunately, were ing, and the inspiration to get it postponed until the summer of 2021 done,” he says. because of the pandemic. But, in Cormode continues, “It’s not the meantime, she is excited about just about having an opportunity being inducted into the Canadian to kayak for the first time and then Disability Hall of Fame. building that skill to potentially “My God, I can't believe it! It is like independently kayak on their own, a dream,” she exudes. “I am so happy, or going camping on their own. but I never expected this.” Those would be some of the outdoor skills [that participants TIM CORMODE Builder learn], but I think the other skill is an understanding of perseverance. I think that when you get out for the first time e’ve all heard of people who have an “aha moment,” or continue to participate in these types of activities, you Wwhich has been described by Merriam-Webster as “a start to feel confidence in yourself. You really start to moment of sudden inspiration, insight, recognition, or see what's possible versus what's not possible, and a little comprehension.” Such moments can change one’s life and activity can go a long way in someone's life.” even make the world a better place. Twenty-five years after Cormode’s visit to Breckenridge, When Tim Cormode was 28 years old, he took a three- Power to Be is about to build its own $14-million, world- month outdoor leadership program at the Yamnuska class facility near Victoria, British Columbia to further Mountaineering School in Canmore, Alberta. It was there, enhance the experiences it already offers. on the side of a mountain, that he suddenly realized exactly “Power to Be is really about what the magic of the out- what he wanted to do with his life. doors means to all of us and its importance to our society,” “I wasn’t sure where my life was going, and I just says Cormode. “I'm so driven by spending time in the out- suddenly thought how cool it would be to help all the doors. I think Power to Be represents the evidence-based people I had worked with experience the benefits of the results of the amount of time I've spent in nature, and the outdoors, as I was doing right then and there,” he recalls. ideas that I've generated to help make this possible.” Up to that point, Cormode had spent considerable time While Cormode’s own enthusiasm tends to keep him working with young adults with disabilities, both in a in the limelight, he humbly acknowledges the help and community-based summer program when he was still dedication of those around him, including the entire Power in high school, and at a group home throughout his to Be team, the program participants and their families, as university years. well as his own parents, who served as early role models He knew his dream was a big one, but he did not working in healthcare. hesitate to pursue it. “My parents taught me the value of giving back,” he Not long after experiencing his “aha moment,” Cormode says proudly. “That inspires me to work harder and do maxed out his credit card to get a flight to Colorado, where more to help others, but we would not exist today if it he spent two weeks volunteering as a camp counsellor at weren’t for the many volunteers and staff who have put the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center. At the time, so much energy and time into this organization. They Breckenridge was a one-of-a-kind facility providing outdoor bring passion and create a really caring environment. You education and accessible experiences for people with might say that Power to Be is itself a family, a place where disabilities. people feel they belong.” As an outdoor enthusiast himself, Cormode saw an To date, Power to Be has helped more than 8,000 opportunity to combine nature with adventure to help people belong, empowering them to learn new skills and 12 Fall 2020 WhyNot. 201091 WhyNot_Layout 1 20-10-14 9:03 AM Page 13
reach their full potential time, we can work on creating through a variety of adapted the space for those missing outdoor activities. voices so we are not only “Power to Be has been my speaking for those who are life project,” says Cormode. absent but we are actually “It has brought me joy and actively promoting those inspired me to go out and do voices to become engaged and good things every single day. speak for themselves.” But I just can't echo enough When she is not on the that this award really is not road championing accessibil- just for me and my team; it’s ity and inclusivity, Sikand really about and for all the serves as the executive lead for participants who have come equity, diversity, and inclusion out, put their best foot for- at Holland Bloorview Kids ward, and inspired us to do Rehabilitation Hospital in the work that we do.” Toronto. She is also the founder of Accessibility for MEENU SIKAND All, a non-profit organization Achiever that works to identify, address, and meet the needs of margin- ince an unexpected spinal alized communities. Scord injury during surgery “I wanted to create an left her paralyzed at the age of 22, not long after organization where we could talk about accessibility for all, emigrating to Canada from her native India, Meenu Sikand without any exceptions, without any exclusion, and raise has dedicated her life to helping people with disabilities, the voices of those whose voices are not around the table both at home and abroad. It is not a life that she expected or not heard,” she says. or planned for, but it is one that she has embraced with her While Sikand works on behalf of all people with disabil- whole heart. ities, she has a special interest in issues that are specific to “I remember waking up one day in the hospital and immigrants and persons of colour. thinking ‘I'm going to be a burden on everyone,’” says “I think at the beginning, when I started to join others Sikand. “I was not sure what a person with a disability in the disability community, I realized that they really did would aspire to, what a life with a disability would mean.” not understand the issues that were specific to immigrants For Sikand, it turned out to be a life filled with what she or persons of colour. There were silos, but in my own calls accidental advocacy. community there is cultural relevance and a sensitivity to “I think in exploring and setting a vision for myself, I my own cultural-based needs. To this day, I go to large realized the barriers I was facing were not unique to me; events and I am the only one who is speaking as a person they were experienced by others as well. Therefore, I of colour. I want to see that changed. I want to see young decided not only to speak for myself but to speak for those people and women with disabilities who are also persons whose voices remain silent due to systems perpetuating of colour or minorities or immigrants as part of this discrimination and oppression. I have multiple identities. conversation because they have a lot to offer. We all come I am a South Asian woman, an immigrant, a parent, a care- to this country, we have something to offer, like our family giver, a person with a disability, and a professional. So, network, our culture, and our own understanding of what I wanted to make sure that I use my privileges to amplify it means to have a disability.” the missing voices in these categories, and the collective After three decades of working to improve the lives of gains we make, benefit all of us, without excluding some.” people with disabilities, Sikand is thrilled to be inducted Today, Sikand is an award-winning international disabil- into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. ity rights advocate and a sought-after speaker who has “It's good to be recognized for the work that I am so travelled the world providing education on disability-related passionate about and thinking that we are finally at a stage topics ranging from mental health and cultural competen- where we're not excluded because of our differences. We cies to parenting and race. are celebrated because of our differences. I think that is a “I think that inclusion, acceptance and respect for differ- lifetime dream for me, when inclusion is celebrated. This ences is so important for us as individuals and as a society,” honour is a validation. I am proud that my homeland sees she says. “If we are privileged enough to be in a position to me not as a burden, but as a contributing member of society make that happen for others, we should make sure we are who has helped make my adopted country a better place. an ally and amplify the voices that are missing. At the same That is truly an honour.” Fall 2020 WhyNot.13 201091 WhyNot_Layout 1 20-10-14 9:03 AM Page 14
CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME FORMER INDUCTEES
Margaret McLeod Rev. Stephanie McClellan Archie Allison 1993John Gibbons Counsel 2002Jo-Anne Robinson 2011Benoît Huot Lieutenant Colonel Edwin A. Baker Robert Steadward, Ph.D. Brian McKeever Rick Hansen Mae Brown and Joan Mactavish Robin McKeever Robert Wilson Jackson, M.D. Celia Southward Joanne (Bouw) Berdan André Viger 2003Jack Donohue Ann Caine Arnold Boldt Brian Keown 2012Tracey Ferguson 1994William Cameron Dr. Charles Tator, M.D. Robert Hampson Beryl Potter Joyce Thompson Carlos Costa Rev. Robert L. Rumball 2004Johanna Johnson Raymond Cohen Bruce Halliday, M.D. David Lepofsky, LL.B., LL.M 2013David Crombie 1995Albin Théophile Jousse, M.D. Henry Wohler Stephanie Dixon Jeremy Rempel Ramesh Ferris Peter Eriksson Mona Winberg Jerry and Annie Johnston 2005Lucy and Robert Fletcher Arlette Lefebvre, M.D. Chantal Petitclerc Sudarshan Gautam 1996Joanne Mucz Patrick Jarvis The2014 Honourable Vim Kochhar Vicki Keith Munro Mark Wafer Jeneece Edroff Walter Wu Elisabeth Walker-Young 2006Michael Edgson Chris Williamson Jeff Adams June Hooper 1997Alice Laine/Audrey Morrice Steven Fletcher Lauren Barwick David Onley 2015Bernard Gluckstein Elizabeth Grandbois William John (Whipper Billy) Watson Rick Mercer 2007Joanne Smith Edmund Henry (Harry) Botterell M.D. Lauren Woolstencroft Terry Kelly The1998 Honourable Lincoln Alexander 2016Tim Frick Adrian Anantawan Gary Birch, Ph.D. Marni Abbott-Peter 2008Linda Crabtree Frank Bruno Dr. Geoff Fernie Todd Nicholson H. Clifford Chadderton Daniel Westley 2017Jim Sanders 1999Leslie Lam Shirley Shelby Jeff Healey Pier Morten Rob Snoek 2009David Hingsburger Allan Simpson Diane Roy James G. Kyte Sarah Thompson Gary and Jill Taylor 2018Alvin Law 2000Sam Sullivan Rt. Honourable Brian Mulroney Colette Bourgonje Eugene Reimer 2010Alan Dean Morris Milner, Ph.D. Brian MacPherson David Shannon 2019Tracy Schmitt Amy Doofenbaker, DVM Jeff Tiessen Richard “Bear” Peter 2001Tom Hainey Bradley Bowden Ivy Granstrom Jamie MacDougall, Ph.D.
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An Inspiration in Uncertain Times The Canadian Disability Hall of Fame
By Hon. David Crombie
global pandemic. An historic reck- complete with honoured guests Betty and oning with systemic racism. These Rolly Fox, parents of the incomparable are just two of the momentous Terry, and the inspiring words of guest events in this past calendar year speaker Rick Hansen. that have turned life on its head From the beginning, it was the objective andA ushered in challenges, change and also of the Hall of Fame to give permanent opportunity. For all of us, as we seek to tribute to outstanding Canadians who have weather the uncertain times ahead and made extraordinary contributions to bring meaning and hope to a new – and enriching the quality of life for people ever-evolving – normal, guidance and with physical disabilities. Recognizing inspiration can be found in the examples excellence in sport, with its unique ability set by those who have faced the most personal of to transcend social, cultural and physical barriers while challenges, head on, in their own lives. For that also emphasizing the values of inclusion and adaptability, inspiration, you need not look any further than the was an important part of that. But the founders also Canadian Disability Hall of Fame, found in Toronto’s wanted to celebrate those in the field of medicine and Metro Hall or online at Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. health care whose work enhances the lives of people There, you will find 117 magnificent, true stories of with disabilities; those who increased opportunities courage and commitment, of family and community, of in the crucial worlds of education, employment and hope and achievement. housing; and finally, those who are an inspiration to Bricks and mortar since 1994, the Hall began life people with disabilities. even earlier as a cherished idea in the hearts and minds And this they have done for more than a quarter of a of Founding Chair Vim Kochhar and his fellow century now, stewarding this incredible legacy of human members of the Don Valley Rotary Club. Indeed, the effort and achievement and adding to it each year by Club funded and nurtured the initiative directly for welcoming new members and stories, from which we several years before launching the first of the now can all draw encouragement, insight and inspiration to annual fundraising luncheons at the Royal York Hotel, face the future, whatever it brings.
Ed Sweeney, Betty Fox, Hon. Vim Kochhar, Hon. Hal Jackman, Canadian Disability Hall of Fame at Metro Hall, Toronto, ON Hon. David Crombie, Rolly Fox, Alan Tonks
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CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 SPONSORS
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UPDATE
board. This fall the campaign Sikand, Disability rights advocate, resumed with a online social media transformative leader, and cham- campaign and 6 full-page PSA adver- pion of accessibility and inclusivity. tisements in the Globe and Mail in September. The advertisement generated interest from corporations and a number of individuals with Seat at the Table disabilities submitting applications. In January 2020 the CFPDP was We look forward to working with preparing for the first Selection Board a number of corporate boards in Canadian Helen Keller Centre meeting for the new social-change the coming months to increase The 16th annual award luncheon project “A Seat at the Table.” With no representation of disabled persons. planned for May 22, 2020 was or little representation of people with postponed due to the global disabilities on corporate boards the pandemic COVID-19. The annual CFPDP launched this program advo- CHKC award luncheon honours cating for greater diversity on boards organizations and individuals who in Corporate Canada. have made a tireless effort to From over 80 applications change lives in the deafblind com- made in 2019 from people with munity. This year the recipient is physical disabilities the Selection The Bank of Canada who remains Board chose 8 candidates to present a world leader in providing full and to corporate boards. The CFPDP independent access to Canadian goal is to encourage Corporate Canadian Disability Hall of Fame bank notes by blind and partially boards to review more candidates Many of the CFPDP ongoing sup- sighted individuals. with a disability for consideration porters continued to support the The Bank of Canada was the first when recruiting new board mem- Canadian Disability Hall of Fame in in the world to offer tactile mark- bers. The list of 8 qualified individ- 2020 with over 90% contributors ings for totally blind persons and uals with extensive corporate coming back. On October 29 the high colour contrast for those with experience chosen by the selection CFPDP will install plaques recog- partial sight enable each person to board included a female and one nizging the 3 selected inductees as efficiently control and use their French speaking individual. the Canadian Disability Hall of money with ease and confidence. In spring, when CFPDP was ready Fame continues to grow. We look forward to welcoming to launch the campaign, the COVID- The 2020 inductees are being Tiff Macklem the new Governor of 19 pandemic hit which delayed the added: Tim Cormode, Founder of the Bank of Canada who will be push to corporate Canada to recruit Power to Be, Martha Sandoval presented with the 2020 Canadian someone with a disability to their Gustafson, Paralympian, and Meenu Helen Keller Centre Award.
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A Seat at theTable Call For Applications Qualified persons with disabilities who are interested in joining a corporate board should contact us.
A PROJECT OF
www.cfpdp.com • email: [email protected] 2021 CALL FOR CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME SPONSORED BY THE CANADIAN FOUNDATION NOMINATIONS FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED PERSONS THE CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME recognizes distinguished Canadians who have made significant contributions to assisting or enhancing the lives of physically disabled persons. Both physically disabled and non-disabled persons may be inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. Individuals are inducted into one of three categories: Builder, Achiever or Athlete. Nominations are considered on the basis of information provided. Please submit as detailed an account of the individual’s background as possible, including a résumé or biography and any additional material, such as newspaper clippings, testimonial letters, etc. Please include your name, address and phone number. Nominations to be submitted no later than May 21, 2021. Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons – E-Mail: [email protected] • Website: www.cfpdp.com
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Congratulations to this year’s inductees to the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame.
We salute Canadians who are making extraordinary contributions to help enrich the quality of life for people with physical disabilities. 201091 WhyNot_Layout 1 20-10-14 9:03 AM Page 20
Bravo!
Congratulations to the amazing 2020 Canadian Disability Hall of Fame Inductees, including Tim Cormode, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Power to Be.
Through our longstanding support of Power to Be and the Adaptive Recreation Program, we have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact Tim and the entire Power to Be team are making in people’s lives.
On behalf of CIBC and the CIBC Children’s Foundation, we are proud to celebrate the incredible accomplishments and commitment of this year’s inductees through their contributions to a more inclusive Canada.
You are an inspiration and we are proud of your passion, commitment and dedication.
The CIBC logo is a trademark of CIBC.