Better Than Fred's Owner John Kriska (right) was the 2020 Inclusive Community Award winner (Photo supplied by Kiesha Mastrodimos)

By Shaun Penner

IDPD

Nominees for Inclusive Community Award sought ahead of IDPD

Nov 12, 2021 | 3:05 PM

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is set to be celebrated in the Peace Region with a virtual event on December 10, and the organizing committee is seeking nominations for the 2021 Inclusive Community Award to be handed out at the event.

It is the fifth year the award will be given to one deserving member of the community, who demonstrates ways to make the community more inclusive for those with disabilities.

“These people are chosen because they have been nominated as individuals who embody the spirit of inclusivity,” said Mieke de Groot, who is on the organizing committee for the Grande Prairie event.

de Groot adds the award is meant to shine a light on those who continually strive to make Grande Prairie and area, a more accessible place for all.

“Not because they are paid to do it, or not because they have to do it, but because that’s who they are,” said de Groot. “I know we shouldn’t necessarily be awarded for being who we are, but sometimes it makes a big difference when the days are dark.”

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While there is only one award to hand out this year, de Groot says plans are in the works to expand the award.

“In 2022, we would like to expand the whole award process, because we can’t just nominate one person. We have such fabulous people in this area.”

Nominees are being accepted by the committee until December 1. The link to the nomination form can be found here.

The virtual event for IDPD will then happen on December 10, beginning at 11:45 a.m.

The event will feature keynote speaker Jennifer Douglas, the Executive Director of the Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society (PARDS), and Community Speaker Nicky Ayodele Abiola, who is the Program Manager/Supervisor for the Support for Persons with Disabilities program with Canadian Mental Health Association Alberta Northwest Region.

The event will be held over Zoom.

“We hope that people will sign on at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 10… and that they can enjoy a full hour of celebration and ceremonies.”

International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly, with the goal of increasing awareness surrounding the issues and barriers disabled individuals face worldwide while promoting their rights and well-being.