Parasport Ontario Promotes the Joys Material, Is Welcome Provided the Source Is and Rewards of Active Participation in Sports Acknowledged

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FALL 2014

CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME

Welcome to The Hall of Fame Mark Wafer • Honourable Vim Kochhar • Elisabeth Walker-Young Sudarshan Gautam • Chris Williamson 142626 WN Fame-final_WN Fox 2003 14-10-27 8:45 AM Page 2 142626 WN Fame-final_WN Fox 2003 14-10-27 8:45 AM Page 3

IN THIS ISSUE CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME WhyNot. Magazine / FALL 2014 MESSAGES 5 Published by the Canadian Foundation Greetings from Governor General David Johnston, for Physically Disabled Persons, The Honourable David Crombie 6 Garamond Court, Suite 265, and The Honourable Vim Kochhar Toronto, Ontario, M3C 1Z5 ELCOME TO THE ALL OF AME Telephone (416) 760-7351 W H F 7 Celebrating the 21st Annual Canadian Fax (416) 760-9405 Disability Hall of Fame inductions E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.cfpdp.com THE TRADITION CONTINUES Meet the Hall of Fame’s 2014 inductees 11 Publisher: Dorothy Price Editor: Bill McOuat 16 A SALUTE TO OUR FOUNDER Publication Coordinator: Rob Ham The Hall of Fame honours its tireless founder and custodian with the Canadian Disability Design & Production: Craig Allen Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award Sales: Envision Inc. Event Co-ordination: City Events FAREWELL TO A FINE FRIEND 17 Printing: Thompson Printing, Paris, Ontario The CFPDP bids a sad farewell to longstanding Board member and steadfast friend Barrington Coke The reproduction of articles from WhyNot FUN FOR ALL Magazine, with the exception of copyright 18 ParaSport Ontario promotes the joys material, is welcome provided the source is and rewards of active participation in sports acknowledged. Additional copies of WhyNot. Magazine are available from the Publisher at a LEARNING INDEPENDENCE cost of $3.00 each plus shipping and handling. The Canadian Helen Keller Centre provides 22 members of the deaf-blind community with the skills Cover: Our 2014 Hall of Fame Winners they need to play an active role in their communities CFPDP 26 Mark your calendar for the CFPDP’s upcoming events in 2015

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, business communities and government of the abilities of persons with disabilities and their needs in the areas of housing, employment, education, accessibility, sports and recreation and research. In the past 30 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 annual Great Valentine Gala (in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Toronto-Don Valley), the King Clancy Awards, the Corporate Awards, the WhyNot Marathon, the first Canadian Marathon for the Paralympics and the Rolling Rampage.

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MESSAGES

Message from Hon. David Johnston Message from Hon. David Crombie Message from Hon. Vim Kochhar It is a pleasure to congratulate all As chair of the Canadian Disability Greetings and welcome to our those being inducted into the Hall of Fame it gives me great annual induction celebrations for Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. pleasure to announce our 2014 the Canadian Disability Hall of This year’s entries have proven that Hall of Fame inductees: visually Fame. I’m sure everyone will agree ingenuity, dedication and hard impaired Paralympic skier Chris that our 2014 inductees carry on work are universal. The strength of Williamson, Paralympic swimmer the Hall of Fame’s outstanding lega- this country’s compassion is driven and sports administrator Elisabeth cy of leadership, service and inspi- by men and women whose efforts Walker-Young, inclusive workplace rational achievement. I hope you enrich the lives of those around advocate Mark Wafer, and extraor- take this opportunity to learn about Hon. David Johnston them. The inductees have ensured dinary achiever Sudarshan Gautam. their remarkable accomplishments; The Governor General that Canadians with physical dis- Today we pay tribute to their they’re an amazing group of abilities have greater opportunities memorable contributions and individuals. to achieve their ambitions and add their names to the Hall of Here at the Canadian have helped to lessen the stigma of Fame’s distinguished record of Foundation for Physically Disabled living with a disability. They are all achievement. Persons we’ve always thought of great additions to the Hall of Fame Like all members of the Hall the disability community as a and are deserving of this honour. of Fame, this year’s inductees majority interest. Everyone who I wish everyone a wonderful are remarkably accomplished shares this cause is a member of celebration. individuals, but in recognizing the disability community. And that their achievements, we also hope community extends far beyond the to promote a broader message. limits many Canadians seem to Everyday in Canada, people with ascribe. All of us are vulnerable to Hon. David Crombie disabilities are striving to succeed. the ravages of age or physical Chairperson They work, go to school, raise impairment and all of us have a The Canadian Disability families and play an active role in stake in the disability community’s Hall of Fame their communities – and they do it continuing struggle for access and with the same passion, talent and inclusion. Today, in celebrating ability as their able-bodied peers. our Hall of Fame inductees, you This is the underlying message of are showing your support and the Hall of Fame and it’s a lesson partnership in this great cause we hope all Canadians will take and we thank you. It’s good to to heart. know we’re all in this together. I want to thank the members of I want to thank our loyal the Hall of Fame Selection Board patrons, sponsors and everyone whose deliberations play such an who supports the CFPDP’s long important part in this great under- running campaign to create a world taking. I also want to acknowledge of meaningful opportunity for Hon. Vim Kochhar the tremendous dedication and sup- Canadians who live with disability. Chairperson, Canadian Foundation for port of Vim Kochhar and his team All of us share in the disability Physically Disabled Persons at the Canadian Foundation for community’s ambitions for a better Physically Disabled Persons. As world. Together, I know that we always, it’s been a pleasure working can make it happen. with all of you. Thank you.

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Proud to support the 2014 Canadian Disability Hall of Fame.

We are working together with the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons to make a difference in our communities.

® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. M05234 (0314) 142626 WN Fame-final_WN Fox 2003 14-10-27 8:45 AM Page 7

CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME Welcome to the Hall of Fame

AFTER SOME FOUR DECADES OF selves, according to the Honourable Vim The Canadian expanding protections in the area of employ- Kochhar, Chairman of the Canadian Foundation Disability Hall of ment equity and human rights, it may come as a for Physically Disabled Persons and Founder of surprise to Canadians that the marginal the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. “I think Fame’s 2014 prospects for many people with disabilities in everyone in the disability movement would inductees carry on this country remain unduly grim. Unfortunately, agree we’ve come a long way in the last thirty or there is no arguing with the statistical evidence: forty years,” says Kochhar. “If you think about a great tradition of if you are a person with a disability in Canada the phenomenal growth of the Paralympics, the inspired leadership today, you are far more likely than the average increasing opportunities in sports and recre- citizen to be: (a) unemployed; (b) poor; and (c) ation, transportation, housing and education, and personal highly reliant on social assistance. Why this is these are all areas where we’ve seen marked achievement still the case after so many years of progressive improvement. The one really big barrier for peo- and forward thinking social action is a question ple with disabilities seems to be the workplace Photography by a lot more Canadians need to start asking them- and that’s something we can change, but we have Steve Blackburn

The 2013 Hall of Fame presentations: Chair the Hon. David Crombie with Ramesh Ferris - Achiever, Stephanie Dixon - Athlete, Founding Chair the Hon. Vim Kochhar, and Annie and Jerry Johnston – Builders. In front, the Hon. David C. Onley, former Lt. Governor of Ontario and Michelle Amerie, receiving the posthumous Builder Award on behalf of husband Raymond D. Cohen.

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Left: Manitoba M.P. Steven Fletcher. They have also The Hon. David Crombie receives founded and run some of the nation’s most the Lifetime Achievement Award respected healthcare and service organizations: from the Hon. David C. Onley and the Hon. Vim Kochhar. John Gibbons Counsell, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin A. Baker and Clifford Chadderton. They Middle: have been persuasive and articulate advocates The Hon. David C. Onley presents for a better world: Whipper Billy Watson, Beryl Raymond D. Cohen’s posthumous Potter, Mona Winberg, Raymond Cohen, Canadian Disability Hall of Fame Stephanie McClellan, Patrick Jarvis, Ramesh Award to Michelle Amerie, Ferris… And this is just a short list of the mul- with the Hon. Vim Kochhar. titude of remarkable Canadians with disabili- Right: ties who have played formative roles in the life The Hon. David C. Onley of their country. Choose any pastime or avoca- with Stephanie Dixon and to get more Canadians to recognize the tremen- tion in life and you will discover people with the Hon. Vim Kochhar. dous potential of the disability community.” disabilities have proven themselves time and The struggle to create a world of greater time again, says Kochhar. “The history is very Keynote Speaker opportunity and awareness of their issues and clear. People with disabilities have demonstrat- the Hon. Michael Wilson abilities has always been spearheaded by the ed they have a tremendous wealth of talent and chats with the Hon. Vim Kochhar. disability community itself. As evidenced in ability. The only question remaining is when the Disability Hall of Fame, Canada’s disability the rest of us finally wake up and recognize movement has a long and impressive legacy of what they’re able to accomplish,” says the eter- visionary leadership and achievement. The his- nally youthful retired Member of the Senate of tory of the movement is full of larger-than-life Canada. figures who captured the attention of the world On Monday, November 3, 2014, the CFPDP with the force of their vision and ability: Terry will host its twenty-first annual Hall of Fame Fox, Rick Hansen, Chantal Petitclerc, Jeff induction celebrations in the Concert Hall of Healey… Behind the scenes, members of the Toronto’s iconic Fairmont Royal York Hotel. disability community have helped to shape or Guest Speaker for the luncheon ceremonies will administer legislative protections enshrining be Canadian Tire Corp. Chairman Maureen equal rights and opportunity, like activist Sabia. The 2014 Canadian Disability Hall of lawyers David Lepofsky and David Shannon. Fame inductees are: Others have sought and occupied public office, • Nepal born Calgarian Sudarshan like former Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan and Gautam, Achiever, the first armless person to

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The Hon. David C. Onley joins Jerry and Annie Johnston, with the Hon. Vim Kochhar.

The Hon. David C. Onley with Ramesh Ferris and the Hon. Vim Kochhar.

Deborah Lewis of CityEvents presents the Hon. Con DiNino with his door prize.

Hall of Fame Chair the Hon. David Crombie enjoys the keynote address. climb the summit of Mount Everest without Board. “I think our 2014 inductees are tremen- the use of prosthetics. dous role models and certainly deserving can- • Tim Horton’s franchisee Mark Wafer, didates for Hall of Fame induction. It’s a great Builder, an outspoken and exemplary advocate pleasure to be able to honour their achieve- of inclusive workplaces as a winning business ments in this way,” says Crombie. As chair of strategy. the selection process since the innaugural • Elisabeth Walker-Young, Achiever, retired inductions in 1994, Crombie has a long Paralympian and multi-medal winning swimmer acquaintance with the remarkable achieve- named Canada’s Chef de Mission for the 2015 ments of the disability community. “That’s what Parapan American Games. really strikes you about the Hall of Fame, how • And Athlete, Chris Williamson, the visual- truly remarkable these people are,” says ly impaired para-alpine ski racer, four-time Crombie. “I’ve been doing this for over 20 years Paralympic medalist, and winner of eight and every year I’m amazed by what they’ve International Paralympic Committee Crystal managed to accomplish. People often ask me if Globes. there is anyone who really stands out for their As always, the 2014 induction celebrations achievements and I don’t know where to start. will be hosted by the Hall of Fame’s longstand- These are true Canadian heros. Each has their ing Chairman, former Toronto Mayor, M.P. and own story and all of them have made important Federal Cabinet Minister David Crombie, who contributions to the life of our country. They also heads up the Hall of Fame’s Selection are all people who truly made a difference.”

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MEET THE CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME 2014 INDUCTEES THE TRADITION CONTINUES

This year’s Hall of Fame inductees continue a great tradition of athletic excellence, advocacy and leadership

SUDARSHAN GAUTAM Achiever epal-born Calgarian Sudarshan Gautam has Nsurmounted some of the profoundest extremities life has to offer, ascending literally to the top of the world in a long, determined journey that began in the deepest depths of despair. The first armless person without prosthetics to summit Mt. Everest, the world’s high- est peak, Gautam’s conquest of the 8,848m mountain in May of 2013 is merely the latest achievement in an extraordinary life dedicated to showing the world there is no limit to what people with disabilities can accomplish. “Disability is not an inability. If you want to change your life you can do anything you really want to and that is my main purpose, to prove this and show people what is possible,” says the 35 year-old business owner, husband and father. As a child growing up in a village in rural Nepal, Gautam says he was an “average” stu- dent who loved to play soccer and volleyball but he also had a curious bent and was excited by scientific experiments. “Like any child, I was Drawings by full of dreams and ambitions, like being a pilot Shannon Parks or maybe a political leader,” he remembers fondly. Those dreams and ambitions would metal pole. When he awoke in hospital, become a cruel memory when Gautam lost his Gautam’s hands and forearms were horribly arms in an electrical accident at the age of 14. burned and doctors told him they would have On vacation with his family in Kathmandu, he to amputate both arms at the shoulder. The was flying a kite when it became entangled in a weeks and months that followed were the dark- nearby power line and tried to retrieve it with a est and bleakest of his life. Gautam could do

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MARK WAFER Builder usiness owner and inclusive workplace Badvocate Mark Wafer makes a very persuasive argument why employers need to hire more people with disabilities and the compelling hook is in his bottom line. Wafer, who owns six Tim Hortons franchises, has hired more than 100 people with disabilities since purchasing his first outlet back in 1995 and he’s got the numbers to prove they are a real and measurable asset to his business. “There is no downside to being an inclusive employer. It’s simply good for business,” says Wafer. “Workplaces that employ people with disabilities are more innovative, have higher productivity, higher staff morale, lower absenteeism, lower employee turnover, and better safety records. And all of these benefits have a dollar value attached.” Wafer knows first-hand how difficult it can be for people with disabilities to find meaningful work. Born with only 20 percent hearing, he struggled to earn a living before launching his own business and the experience gave him a keen appreciation of what it feels like to be shut out of the workplace. “I knew the barriers they faced because I faced them myself,” says Wafer, recalling the altruistic impulse that first motivat- ed him to take on an employee with a disability. That person was Clint Sparling, a young man with Down’s syndrome, and within two weeks Wafer realized Sparling was his best employee. nothing for himself, needed someone to help “Clint really wanted the job. He came in early, he him do even the most basic of human func- didn’t need breaks or have to go home. He was tions, like eating or going to the bathroom. He so proud of his job he wore his uniform home on found his utter dependence on others humiliat- the bus,” remembers Wafer. Twenty years later, ing and became so depressed he couldn’t see Sparling still proudly wears the uniform, he is the faintest glimmer of hope. “I felt like they married and owns his own condo. had amputated not just my arms but my Mark Wafer’s outspoken advocacy was an out- dreams, my whole future,” recalls Gautam of growth of the realization that a strong business his ordeal. case for inclusive workplaces was the only argu- The first step in his recovery was making ment that would carry the day with business peace with the facts of his condition and recog- owners. After some forty years of expanding nizing that no matter what, he had to endure human rights legislation and other systemic and and learn to live without arms. He began to emotional inducements, Wafer points out the practice 14 hours a day training his feet to work unemployment rate in the disability community like hands, learning all over how to brush his is little changed. “The unemployment rate teeth, dress, eat, cook, write, use a telephone, among Canadians with disabilities is 70 percent. turn the pages of a book. He returned to Right now there are 800,000 Canadians with school, eventually earning a commerce degree. disabilities who are job ready and unemployed He also learned to drive a standard transmis- and that’s a huge burden on the economy and sion car and climbed three of the most chal- the country. It’s not sustainable.” On his own lenging mountains in the Himalayas. And he time, at his own expense, Wafer has made hun- founded the Leg Is My Arm Foundation to dreds of presentations promoting the case for share his message of courage and ability with inclusion in Canada, the U.S. and abroad. He is the world. a co-founder of Rotary at Work, a peer to peer

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program promoting inclusion, business owner to business owner. In 2012 he was appointed to the federal Panel on Labour Market Opportuni- ties for Persons with Disabilities, credited with helping to reshape the government’s national strategy on workplace inclusion. “It’s clear we can’t keep hammering the same old message,” says Wafer. “We have to make people understand that this is good for business, it’s good for the country and it’s good for people with disabilities. It’s a win/win.”

ELISABETH WALKER-YOUNG Achiever hen four-time Paralympian Elisabeth WWalker-Young was named Canada’s Chef de Mission for the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games it marked the former world- class athlete and sports administrator’s arrival as one of the nation’s most influential and accomplished advocates for Paralympic sport. Only the second Paralympian to ascend to the post – the first was athletics star Patrick Jarvis – Walker- Young’s proven leadership skills and experience as a respected athlete and administrator were cited by CPC President Gaétan Tardif as being “uniquely suited” for the important job of leading Canada’s largest-ever Parapan Am team to the 2015 Games. Announcing the appointment in May of this year, Tardif praised her “spectacu- lar” contribution as Assistant Chef de Mission at the 2012 Paralympics in London, noting her natural rapport-building abilities and athlete’s about it. I think that’s why I got so involved in perspective would be vital assets in her new role. volunteering later – I didn’t want to think any- “There is a great value in Canada hosting inter- body else would just find out by accident,” says national events and I know Elisabeth will help Walker-Young, explaining her eventual transi- Team Canada’s athletes and coaches make the tion into advocacy and sports administration. most of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of It was with Toronto’s famed Variety Village competing at a home Games,” declared Tardif. Flames that Walker-Young found her calling for Walker-Young’s contagious passion for elite competition. She swam in her first Paralympic sport is a product of her experience Paralympic Games in 1992 in Barcelona at the growing up as a young girl with a disability age of 15. Four years later in Atlanta she won who loved sports, but never dreamed of partic- her first Paralympic medal, a bronze in the ipating in elite competition. Born with two 100m backstroke. For the 2000 Games in foreshortened arms as a result of a congenital Sydney, Walker-Young pulled out all the stops. condition called dysmelia, Walker-Young She practiced visualization, kept a log of training enjoyed all the same activities as her friends and posted her goal times on the ceiling over her and family, especially swimming. “I just loved bed so they would be the first and last thing she the water. I was always the first one in and the thought of every day. She even assigned her last one out. I knew I was good at it, but I never bank-card pin number with Sydney front and thought about being an Olympian because centre: 2000. That intense focus paid off in three people who went to the Olympics didn’t look gold medals, all world records. In all, she would like me,” recalls the striking 37 year-old, who win six medals in four trips to the Paralympic recently became a new mother. It was happen- Games, breaking numerous Canadian and world stance that introduced Walker-Young to records and serving as national team captain for Paralympic sport. “It was just luck I heard more than half of her career.

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plines, downhill, super-G, giant slalom, super combined and slalom. What’s more, he accomplished this feat of total world dominance seven times. He also has 14 small Crystal Globes to his credit, at least one in every discipline. Over the course of a 16-year career on the international circuit, Williamson medalled in four Paralympics, including gold in Salt Lake City in 2002, won 13 International Paralympic Committee World Championship medals and racked up an unprecedented 105 IPC World Cup podium finishes, 56 of them victories. That’s an astonishing record by any measure but now imagine collecting all that hardware hurtling down some of the world’s most treacherous slopes virtually blind. Williamson, who jokes he can go 120 km an hour but can’t get a driver’s license, was born with macular degeneration due to taxoplasmosis and has only 6 percent peripheral vision in one eye, and zero vision in the other. Skiing behind a sighted guide who relays information about the course and conditions over a radio head- set, Williamson negotiates the gates by coordi- nating his guide’s cues with the map he methodically pieces together in his head before the race, memorizing the shape and pitch and placement of every turn. In a sport predicated on break-neck speed with a margin for error measured in hundredths of a second, there is no room for fear or self-doubts. Once he is in the starting gate, he has to be ready to point his skis downhill and go for broke. “I love to go fast” says the 42-year-old husband and father of two, but there’s a lot of hard work that goes into those fleeting moments of sheer exhilaration. “I work extremely hard. I know it’s just skiing and it’s fun but I always saw skiing as a career, I wasn’t there to party. It’s hard work and you have to do the work if you want to be successful.” CHRIS WILLIAMSON Athlete Throughout his career, Williamson con- ara-alpine skiing great Chris Williamson is tended with numerous injuries and, he says, Pone of the most decorated athletes in the his fair share of disappointments, chief history of his sport. Many Canadians will be among them the Vancouver Paralympics. familiar with the names Erik Guay and Steve Heading into Vancouver he was ranked num- Podborski, each of whom have won an indi- ber one in the world and finished out of the vidual discipline or “small” Crystal Globe, medals in every event. “There’s no crying in alpine skiing’s top honour for most points over baseball,” says Williamson. “It’s ski racing, a season in a single discipline. Williamson, you’re going to lose more often than you win. however, is the only Canadian male to win the It’s not how many times you fall that matters “big” Crystal Globe, the overall world title for but how many times you get back up and most points in a season spanning all disci- keep fighting.”

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CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME

The Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons invites HONORARY PATRONS you to learn more about the inspirational leadership and The Honourable Henry N. R. Jackman achievements of Canada’s disability community Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario The Honourable David C. Onley he Canadian Disability Hall of Fame is in swimming, including eight Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario a national public awareness project of golds and four silvers. T CHAIRPERSON the Canadian Foundation for Physically ARCHIE ALLISON, influential Disabled Persons. accessibility advocate and coach, teacher, The Honourable David Crombie Launched in 1993, the Hall of Fame is friend and mentor to generations of FOUNDING CHAIR the flagship of the CFPDP’s long-running young people with disabilities. campaign to create a world of greater The Honourable Vim Kochhar CELIA SOUTHWARD, founder of the opportunity for Canadians who live with Chairperson, Canadian Foundation for Windsor Classic Games and a lifelong disability. Physically Disabled Persons advocate of adaptive sports and recreation “The Hall of Fame is a great tribute to for seniors and people with a disability. the wealth of talent and ability in Canada’s SELECTION BOARD disability community,” says Hall of Fame COLETTE BOURGONJE, nine-time Chairman David Crombie. “For a lot of Paralympian and multi-medalist in both the Cindy Accardi people with disabilities, the only barrier Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. Executive Director, they face is other people’s misconceptions. DAVID SHANNON, founding chair of the Rotary Cheshire Home The Hall of Fame tells the real story, the Accessibility Advisory Council of Ontario The Hon. Con Di Nino story of their courage, determination and and the first quadriplegic to accomplishment. People with disabilities reach the geographic North Pole. John Downing Former Editor, Toronto Sun have a long history of achievement in this LAUREN WOOLSTENCROFT, known as country and that’s a message people really the Paralympic Winter Games’ “Golden Anne Johnston need to think about.” Girl” for her eight gold medals in three Former Councillor, City of Toronto Located in downtown Toronto on the Winter Games. ground floor of Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Janice Martin JEFF HEALEY, the legendary blues, rock the Hall of Fame recognizes exemplary Former Disability Consultant, Ministry and jazz musician who left an indelible contributions in sports, health and of Training, Colleges & Universities mark on popular music despite losing his rehabilitation, science and medical sight to cancer. Dr. Arlette Lefebvre research, advocacy, public policy, Psychiatrist, volunteerism and community service. War amputee H. CLIFFORD The Hospital for Sick Children CHADDERTON, the internationally Members of the Hall of Fame include: respected advocate for veteran, civilian Debbie Low RAMESH FERRIS, polio survivor and and child amputees. President & CEO, Canadian Sport Centre Ontario international leader in the global campaign ANN CAINE, whose leadership and for polio erradication and rehabilitation. dedication to the sport of therapeutic riding Joanne Smith RAYMOND COHEN, founder, publisher created new opportunities for social growth Fruitful Elements and editor of Abilities magazine, “Canada’s and active living for children and adults Jeff Tiessen lifestyle magazine for people with who live with disability. President, disabilities”. JOYCE THOMPSON, the pioneering Disability Today Publishing Group BENOÎT HUOT, a triple world record advocate and service provider for Canada’s holder and winner of 16 Paralympic medals deaf-blind community. Henry Wohler Former President, Short biographies of all members of the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame can be found on the CFPDP’s website: www.cfpdp.com Canadian Paralympic Committee

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ounder and proud proposed the idea but every- F perennial custodi- one was instantly onboard,” an of the Canadian says Crombie, the first and Disability Hall of Fame, the only other recipient of the Honourable Vim Kochhar Hall of Fame’s Lifetime has always taken a passion- Achievement Award. “Vim ate interest in the inspira- should have been the first tional achievements of person to receive this award. Canadians who live with He’s been on the disability disability. Kochhar’s passion wicket for over three for the disability communi- decades now. It’s been an ty’s stories is grounded in extraordinary commitment the conviction his beloved and he’s showing no signs of Hall of Fame’s historic slowing down. He’s our record of achievement is a Energizer Bunny. Vim has an powerful touchstone for the amazing ability to stick with cause of his life: an unequiv- a job and still take on more ocal statement that people projects every day. It’s a very with disabilities are ready, rare faculty he possesses and willing and more than able we’ve been lucky to have it. to assume their rightful role It’s what has sustained us all in Canadian society. A these years.” devoted and visionary Born in India, the 78 year- champion of the disability old retired Senator immi- community for more than grated to Canada in 1967 30 years, Kochhar has left after taking his engineering his own indelible mark on Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient degree at the University of the national movement to the Hon. Vim Kochhar Texas. He became a citizen create a world of greater in 1974. For 20 years he was promise and opportunity. In recognition of that extraordi- associated with the construction industry, working with nary commitment, the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame Intercontinental Hotels and Howard Johnson Hotels as a Selection Board has chosen to honour Kochhar with a spe- project manager on new hotel sites around the world. He cial Lifetime Achievement Award, permanently enshrining later worked for Canadian Bechtel and Scrivener on major his exemplary contributions alongside those of all the projects like the University of Toronto’s Medical Sciences other great Canadian heroes he has so long and passion- Complex and Memorial University Medical School. He ately espoused. also supervised the move of Toronto’s historic Campbell The idea for the special recognition first came up at a House to the corner of University Avenue and Queen rare meeting of the Selection Board when Kochhar wasn’t Street. However, it was the Hall of Fame founder’s success present and was immediately and enthusiastically taken as an entrepreneur and President and CEO of the Vimal up by the entire membership, says Hall of Fame Chair Group of Companies, manufacturers and retailers of pine David Crombie. Kochhar has not been told about the furniture, that would finally afford him the freedom to award and the Board’s hope was to keep the honour under actively pursue his lifelong passion for community service. wraps until the presentation at the Hall of Fame induction Inspired by the example of his great hero Mahatma celebrations November 3rd. “I don’t remember who first Gandhi – “be the change you wish to see in the world” –

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Kochhar dedicated himself to Remembering Barrington "Barry" Coke the business of making lasting, positive change in his new homeland and the abiding focus It is with great sadness that the Canadian Foundation for of that passionate thirty-year Physically Disabled Persons notes the passing of long-standing commitment has been people CFPDP Board member Barrington “Barry” Coke. with disabilities. Among his “Barry was a charter member of the many significant contributions: Toronto-Don Valley Rotary Club so Kochhar is the founder and • I’ve known him for more than 30 chair of the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons. years. He was a great personal • Founder of the annual Great Valentine Gala, a 30-plus friend and a great Canadian,” says year Toronto tradition that has raised more than $25 mil- CFPDP Chair Vim Kochhar. “He had lion for worthy projects in the disability community. a tremendous giving spirit and was • Founder of Rotary Cheshire Home, a $3.5 million bar- incredibly generous of his time and rier-free apartment complex for people who are deaf and energy. He was always contributing, blind. giving of himself. He was a real • Founding Chair of the Canadian Helen Keller Centre, inspiration for all of us.” the nation’s first facility offering training in independent living skills for deaf-blind Canadians. Although he was a paraplegic, the result of being shot in the • Founder of 1996’s WhyNot Marathon, a national neck by a violent attacker many years ago in Jamaica, Coke undertaking traversing over 11,000 kilometres and engag- never let his afflictions get him down, notes Kochhar. “Nothing ing hundreds of thousands of Canadians in the power and ever slowed him down. Barry threw himself completely into excitement of Paralympic sport. everything he did and he did it with such joy and unfailing • Founder of the Eternal Flame of Hope, a $100,000 kindness. He was a wonderful man.” monument to the hopes and aspirations of Canadians with disabilities located on the plaza of Toronto’s Metro Hall. Fellow Rotarian Ravi Vijh worked on many projects with Coke • Founder of the Rolling Rampage, an annual elite wheel- over the course of more than 15 years and remembers his chair road race showcasing some of the finest wheelchair friend as a man who was deeply committed to the Rotary ideal racers in the world. of service before self. The two men also served together on the In recognition of his extraordinary sustained commitment Board of Rotary Cheshire Homes, Canada’s first barrier-free to the life of the country, in 2010 Kochhar was appointed by apartment complex for the deaf-blind community, and Vijh Prime Minister Stephen Harper to the Senate of Canada, the says he was always impressed by Coke’s genuine humility and first Indo-Canadian named to Parliament’s upper house. In Ottawa he served on the Senate Committees on Banking, sense of commitment. “Barry always gave of himself with Trade and Commerce and Human Rights before taking enthusiasm and he was a great leader and team player,” says mandatory retirement at age 75. He was also a key player in Vijh. “He was so affable and humble. Everybody loved working the development of the Canadian Museum for Human with him. He will be greatly missed, but he left us with a lot of Rights, serving on the original advisory committee and as a great memories.” Trustee and Member of the Board. Among the many distinc- For CFPDP Board member and Rotarian David Ford, those tions he has earned during a life of dedicated service to the community, Kochhar was chosen by India Abroad as one of memories include the “resplendent” vision of Coke turned out the 30 most influential Canadians of Indian origin. He was in his tuxedo every year for the Great Valentine Gala. “He also selected by CARP as one of the top 25 Canadians over looked very handsome. He was always so upbeat and infec- 45 who have made a difference in the lives of Canadians. He tiously cheerful in spite of his afflictions. We will miss him.” has also received the 2012 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, Barry Coke passed away at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto on the Order of Ontario, Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, The Gardiner Award for Citizen of the Year Metropolitan September 7, 2014, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind Toronto, the Order of Honour, Association of Professional his beloved children: Althea, Dianne (Mark), Stacey and Harvey Engineers, the CNIB’s E. A. Baker Memorial Award for his (Charmaine). He was also the cherished grandpa of Aidon, pioneering work on behalf of Deaf-Blind services in Canada Alyssa, Milan, Aaron, Olivia and Alannah; and dear brother of and York University awarded him with an Honourary Lena, Winston and Anthony. Doctorate of Laws in June 2014.

Fall 2014 WhyNot. 17 142626 WN Fame-final_WN Fox 2003 14-10-27 8:46 AM Page 18 FUN FORALL ParaSport Ontario has introduced hundreds of thousands of people with a disability to the joys and rewards of active participation in sports

by ParaSport Ontario

evin, from Cambridge, Ontario, was diagnosed about being active and fit for life that counts – no matter with cerebral palsy, spastic diplegia when he was which sport the person connects with”. one year old. Growing up, Kevin participated in ParaSport Ontario is a non-profit organization commit- K many different sports, not letting the challenges in ted to providing persons with a physical disability the his legs stop him. However in 2009, when Kevin opportunity to enjoy the many benefits inherent in sport. was fifteen, he was introduced to wheelchair basketball at They work with their member associations (Ontario Blind a summer camp. At first hesitant to use a wheelchair, Kevin Sports Association, Ontario Wheelchair Sports Associa- was convinced by Tina May, the Athlete Ambassador for tion, Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association and ParaSport Ontario’s Ready, Willing and Able program to Ontario Amputee and Les Autres Sports Association) give it a try. Kevin was hooked immediately. He joined a along with eight member Provincial Sport Associations. local club in Kitchener, then progressed to the senior pro- In addition to Ready, Willing and Able, Para Sport gram with the Twin City Spinners and competed for Ontario partners with the Sport Alliance of Ontario to co- Ontario at the Canada Summer Games. Skip ahead four host the Ontario ParaSport Summer and Winter Games, short years from that first introduction to wheelchair bas- loans and rents adaptive sports equipment to individuals, ketball and in 2013 Kevin Wakeling was named to the schools, recreation centres and clubs, provides resources Canadian National Wheelchair Basketball Program. to sport organizations to assist them in the development Since its inception over thirty years ago, ParaSport of their parasport programs and is a vocal advocate for Ontario has been introducing persons with a disability to athletes with a physical disability throughout the a variety of sports through Ready, Willing and Able province of Ontario. (RWA). According to Alan Trivett, ParaSport Ontario’s Trivett takes obvious pride in his team of staff, spon- executive director “The First Contact and Awareness pro- sors and incredible volunteers who make ParaSport grams that are run by our organisation and others are crit- Ontario programs possible. Most importantly Trivett says ical in the recruitment of new para-athletes as so often “at ParaSport Ontario we are all about creating opportu- they are totally unaware that there are options for them to nities. It’s great when a superstar like Kevin graduates to participate in sport”. the international sports stage but it’s far more important According to research provided by the Canadian that the tens of thousands of kids with issues that affect Paralympic Committee, fewer than 4 percent of their mobility and vision get to experience the joy and Canadians with a physical disability participate in sport. rewards of active lifestyles and that is our main focus”. Compare this to around 30 percent for the able-bodied Over the next year, leading up to the Toronto 2015 population and you can understand the importance of the Parapan American Games, parasport will be introduced parasport community’s emphasis on introductory sport to approximately 250,000 people in the province and programming. everyone at ParaSport Ontario is eagerly embracing the “We try to find the best fit for kids and a sport that they challenge of providing opportunities for every one of will enjoy and stick with” said Jennifer Bruce who runs them to practice, play and compete. the RWA outreach programs for ParaSport Ontario. For more information or to support ParaSport Ontario, please “Whether it’s boccia, wheelchair tennis, sitting volleyball visit their website at www.parasportontario.ca or follow them on or one of the other sports we promote and introduce, it’s Facebook or Twitter @parasport_on.

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ParaSport Ontario offers adaptable sport and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities of of all ages and ability. Fall 2014 WhyNot. 19 142626 WN Fame-final_WN Fox 2003 14-10-27 8:46 AM Page 20

Canadian Association for Prosthetics and Orthotics congratulates the 2014 Canadian Disability Hall of Fame Inductees: • Sudarshan Gautam • Mark Wafer • Elisabeth Walker-Young • Chris Williamson

Effective January 1, 2015 the Canadian Association for Prosthetics and Orthotics (CAPO) and the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO) will be merging to become Orthotics Prosthetics Canada / Orthèse Prothèse Canada (OPC).

CAPO & CBCPO National Office 300 March Road, Suite 202 Ottawa, Ontario K2K 2E2 Phone: 613.595.1919 Fax: 613.595.1155 Email: [email protected] 142626 WN Fame-final_WN Fox 2003 14-10-27 8:46 AM Page 21

CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME SUPPORTERS

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WORKING TOGETHER FOR GREATER INDEPENDENCE The Canadian Helen Keller Centre provides a supportive, collegial setting where members of the deaf-blind community can acquire the necessary skills to play an active, independent role at home in their communities by Christine Payne

As the only residential training centre in cooking or technology, consumers are dis- Canada for people who are deaf-blind, covering new things and figuring out The Canadian Helen Keller Centre problems together. They share what is (CHKC) provides a supportive environ- working for them personally, how they are ment for consumers to learn new skills dealing with various situations and really that enrich their lives and foster indepen- benefit from each other’s experiences.” dence. A variety of clubs, which meet regularly, range from cooking and gardening to technology and orienta- RECIPE FOR SUCCESS tion and mobility. However, unlike a traditional classroom At the biweekly CHKC cooking club, consumers work setting, instruction is designed to engage consumers in their way around the kitchen, practicing a variety of direct, real-world experiences and with each other. skills that keep their environment safe and organized. Attendees are encouraged to collaborate and the club They learn how to properly handle hot liquids, knives leaders facilitate and participate, rather than directing and other kitchen tools, plus share and prepare a variety consumers and their progress. of delicious recipes. “CHKC’s clubs exist so that people can come together “Consumers in the cooking club work together on and learn in an environment that is at their own pace, practical skills, such as baking, grilling, using a where accommodations are made for various styles of microwave, stovetop or crock pot, and labeling systems. communication, and where everyone feels comfortable It’s a fun environment that encourages cooperation, but it learning with others who are facing similar challenges,” also includes an educational component,” says Mélanie says Cindy Accardi, Executive Director of CHKC. “Be it Gauthier-Perley, Training Coordinator for CHKC. “For

CHKC’s GARDEN CLUB

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example, when chopping or slicing, our instructor Max be useful in their own lives,” explains Gauthier-Perley. would suggest putting the knife blade under the chop- “iOS club members enjoy exploring apps at their own ping board when it is not being used. That way, con- pace and help each other figure things out. Everyone is sumers who are visually impaired won’t cut themselves included, with more experienced users helping those while feeling around and trying to locate the knife again. who are newer users,” says Megan McHugh, who facili- Consumers also share tips that can be adapted based on tates the club and is deaf-blind herself. “I have found that each individual’s abilities, such as putting an elastic as iOS club members become more confident, they around all your cans of veggies, using Braille labels or actively interact with other members, to problem solve removing the labels so they can be easily identified.” and help each other out, with me stepping back a bit. In addition to side dishes like potato salad and roast- This creates a wonderful atmosphere of inclusion, friend- ed beets, the cooking club prepares meals from all ship and teamwork as opposed to people just sitting around the world. “This makes it possible for consumers there and following the facilitator.” to have sensory experiences, explains Gauthier-Perley. “If they are cooking food from India, different spices will be ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY passed around so consumers can see what curry smells People who are blind or visually impaired learn orientation like and how tamarind sauce tastes.” and mobility (O&M) skills to support independence and freedom of movement in their homes, places of work and PLANTING NEW IDEAS the community. Body, sensory, community and environ- CHKC’s garden club meets each week from spring mental awareness coupled with formal mobility skills, through fall. It is run in partnership with volunteers from such as using a cane or guide dog, help consumers know the Garden Club of Toronto, which has been involved where they are and how to get where they want to go, be since CHKC’s earliest days. These experts work one-on- it to their mailbox or across town on the subway. one with deaf-blind consumers, teaching them a variety At CHKC’s O&M club, consumers are instructed by a of gardening techniques, such as planting, weeding, certified orientation and mobility specialist, with programs pruning and lawn maintenance. This provides a wonder- designed to meet the needs of each individual. Skills are ful peer-to-peer learning environment and helps keep the reinforced by people who spend time with the consumer, gardens at CHKC beautiful. which can include interveners, family and friends. “Consumers also practice orientation and mobility skills Consumers also work with each other and learn in a group at the garden club. When cutting the grass with a manual setting, much like the cooking club where everyone talks lawnmower, they can feel where the grass ends and gravel about techniques, what works and what doesn’t work. begins in the same way as they would feel a change in sur- “There is a theme and practicum aspect for each face with their white cane,” says Gauthier-Perley. monthly meeting. We may cover O&M in the home, community and workplace or on transit,” says Training TECHNOLOGY SKILLS Coordinator Gauthier-Perley. “If a topic like travelling CHKC’s iOS club meets once a month. Consumers explore safely through revolving doors was on the agenda, our and learn about devices from Apple – iPhones, iPads and consumers would share tips, learn from our facilitator, iPods – in an informative, interactive, fun and inclusive then go to a mall where there is a revolving door to prac- environment. A wide range of apps, features and functions tice together. If a subway station was being renovated, are covered, all based on the needs and interests of the they would discuss the updates and their experiences, group. Examples include configuring and fine tuning then share tips about continuing to travel independent- accessibility features to meet individual needs, word pro- ly throughout the station during construction.” cessing, email and text messaging, file sharing, GPS, photo CHKC also offers a guide dog club, which covers and video editing, apps for information on transit, weath- everything from how dogs learn and communicate to er, news, products and services, apps for Braille and sign travel and issues of first aid, plus the popular drop-in language, games and more. program Rendezvous at Helen’s, which provides a “The iOS club discusses different apps that are deaf- friendly, social environment for seniors. blind friendly. Some of them have auditory output for “Regardless of the situation, many of us naturally people who can still use their hearing. For others, there draw on the knowledge of our friends, family and col- is a visual component, such as hooking up a Braille dis- leagues,” says Cindy Accardi. “Our clubs make it possi- play to an iPhone. The group downloads the apps ahead ble for deaf-blind consumers to learn from each other of time and works through them together. Some are rec- and socialize at the same time. We are proud to be pro- ommended by our club facilitator and others are sug- viding powerful opportunities for people to benefit from gested by consumers based on what they’ve found to each other’s life experiences.”

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Thank you to Conval-Aid for their participation in the Rolling Rampage.

49bespoke.com49bespoke.com 142626 WN Fame-final_WN Fox 2003 14-10-27 8:46 AM Page 25

CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME FORMER INDUCTEES

Margaret McLeod Sarah Thompson Elizabeth Grandbois John Gibbons Counsell Sam Sullivan 2007Joanne Smith Lieutenant Colonel Edwin A. Baker 2000Eugene Reimer Lauren Woolstencroft 1993Rick Hansen Morris Milner, Ph.D. Adrian Anantawan Robert Wilson Jackson, M.D. Amy Doofenbaker, DVM Linda Crabtree André Viger Tom Hainey 2008Dr. Geoff Fernie Arnold Boldt 2001Ivy Granstrom Daniel Westley William Cameron Jamie MacDougall, Ph.D. Jeff Healey 1994Beryl Potter Rev. Stephanie McClellan David Hingsburger Rev. Robert L. Rumball Jo-Anne Robinson 2009Diane Roy Bruce Halliday, M.D. 2002Robert Steadward, Ph.D. Gary and Jill Taylor Albin Théophile Jousse, M.D. Mae Brown and Joan Mactavish Colette Bourgonje 1995Jeremy Rempel Joanne (Bouw) Berdan Alan Dean Mona Winberg Jack Donohue 2010David Shannon Arlette Lefebvre, M.D. 2003Brian Keown Jeff Tiessen Joanne Mucz Dr. Charles Tator, M.D. Archie Allison 1996Vicki Keith Munro Carlos Costa Benoît Huot Walter Wu Johanna Johnson 2011Brian McKeever Jeff Adams 2004David Lepofsky, LL.B., LL.M Robin McKeever Alice Laine/Audrey Morrice Henry Wohler Celia Southward 1997David Onley Peter Eriksson Ann Caine William John (Whipper Billy) Watson Lucy and Robert Fletcher Tracey Ferguson Edmund Henry (Harry) Botterell M.D. 2005Chantal Petitclerc 2012Robert Hampson The Honourable Lincoln Alexander Patrick Jarvis Joyce Thompson 1998Gary Birch, Ph.D. Jeneece Edroff Raymond Cohen Frank Bruno Michael Edgson David Crombie H. Clifford Chadderton 2006June Hooper 2013Stephanie Dixon Leslie Lam Steven Fletcher Ramesh Ferris 1999Pier Morten Jerry and Annie Johnston Allan Simpson

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CALLFOR NOMINATIONS

CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME SPONSORED BY THE CANADIAN FOUNDATION 2015 FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED PERSONS

THE CANADIAN DISABILITY HALL OF FAME recognizes distinguished Canadians who have made significant contributions 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., to:

Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons, 6 Garamond Court, Suite 265, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 1Z5 Telephone: (416) 760-7351 Fax: (416) 760-9405 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.cfpdp.com Please include your name, address and phone number. Nominations to be submitted no later than May 9, 2015. FUTURE EVENTS

CANADIAN HELEN KELLER CENTRE AWARD LUNCHEON – APRIL 2015

The Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons presents g{xFDáà

IN SUPPORT OF

Contact: The Canadian Foundation for Physically Starring Matt Dusk Disabled Persons Saturday, February 7, 2015, The Westin Harbour Castle (416) 760-7351 [email protected]

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Building a healthier, Bright Future, together.

Scotiabank is proud to support the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons.

Scotiabank Bright Future program is our global philanthropic vision aimed at actively responding to the needs of local communities, at a grassroots level. Our support for wellness initiatives is helping build stronger communities around the world.

Help out, follow, or apply for funding at scotiabank.com/brightfuture Together, we can build a bright future for everyone.