City celebrates accessibility champions during National AccessAbility Week

Kawartha Lakes — Outstanding individuals, businesses, organizations, youth and community leaders in Kawartha Lakes were recognized at the 18th Accessibility Awareness Recognition Awards on June 2. The awards ceremony was held during National AccessAbility Week, which was from May 31 to June 6 this year.

The awards celebrate those who are helping create a more inclusive and accessible community by removing barriers and promoting equal participation for residents of all abilities.

The ceremony also marked the presentation of the inaugural Katherine Peeters Youth Accessibility Award, established in honour of the late Katherine Peeters, a passionate advocate for accessibility rights.

“Katherine was a firm defender of accessibility rights. She was a fierce self-advocate and she was also an advocate for others,” said Elizabeth Peeters, Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, and Katherine’s mother. “She spoke to groups of upwards of 1,500 people to tell them why it was important that accessibility really did matter.”

Peeters noted that the new award recognizes young people who are already making meaningful contributions to accessibility and inclusion in the community.

“We hear so much negativity about the youth of our community,” said Peeters. “After you've heard about these three youths, you're going to have a completely different idea because they are amazing.”

• Tyler Lorenz: Recognized for his volunteer service with the Omemee Legion and broader community, demonstrating that everyone has valuable contributions to make.
• John Thurston: Recognized for his leadership and advocacy in advancing accessibility improvements at local curling clubs and throughout the community.

• T.H.R.I.L. (Therapeutic Horsemanship and Riding in Lindsay): Recognized for accessible facility enhancements and inclusive therapeutic riding programs.
• Downeyville Hall (Knights of Columbus Hall): Recognized for extensive renovations including automatic doors, accessible washrooms and a fully accessible lower hall. 

• St. Luke’s Catholic Church Parish: Recognized for its leadership and fundraising efforts supporting accessibility improvements at Downeyville Hall.
• Immanuel Church, Fenelon Falls: Recognized for accessibility upgrades and inclusive community programming. 

• Customer Experience Division: Recognized for its commitment to providing accessible municipal services and helping residents navigate programs and services with dignity, independence and equal opportunity. 

• Ariana VanVierssen Trip: Recognized for promoting inclusion through the creation of an ASL club and support of a fellow student with a hearing impairment.

• Aiden Timmins: Recognized for advocating for classmates with diverse abilities and promoting inclusive participation in the classroom.

• Rose Luciak: Recognized for her leadership in youth mental health advocacy and community inclusion through the Boys and Girls Club Youth Council. 

• Joanne Berdan: Recognized for a lifetime of achievement in sport, accessibility advocacy and community leadership. A decorated Paralympian, Burden has earned 10 Paralympic medals, set multiple world records and is a member of multiple Halls of Fame. She continues to inspire through her ongoing involvement in wheelchair curling.