The Regional Municipality of Durham has won the Accessible Employer of the Year Award, presented by Abilities Centre, for the implementation of Project SEARCH and for their advances and ongoing efforts in providing accessible and inclusive workspaces. This award recognizes a business or individual who makes significant contributions to create an accessible workplace for everyone in the region. This recognition signifies the Region’s commitment to building space for people of all ages and abilities to thrive in the Region. Learn more about Project SEARCH.
The Regional Municipality of Durham is committed to ensuring that people of all ages and abilities enjoy the same opportunities as they live, work, play, visit and invest in our region. The Region is committed to meeting the requirements outlined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) to support the vision of a fully accessible Ontario by 2025. By implementing AODA requirements, the Region aims to build a healthy, inclusive, age-friendly community where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We welcome your feedback on identifying barriers, improving programs and providing more accessible services.
The Durham Region Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is a committee of Council which provides recommendations to make Regional programs and services more accessible for people with disabilities. The AAC also advises on accessibility issues related to building structures, and provides advice and feedback on both the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and the annual Accessibility Reports.
2025 Accessibility Advisory Committee Award Nominations are now open!
Durham Region’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is pleased to announce that nominations are open for the 2025 Accessibility Awards. This year’s awards will be presented at the Annual Accessibility Awards Celebration to be held in September.
These awards recognize individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to improving accessibility in the region. Celebrating these successes is vital for raising awareness about accessibility and dismantling barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
- One awardee will be selected from each municipality.
- Community members, along with AAC's are invited to submit nominations.
A review panel will be established to evaluate all nominations.
- Members of AAC, along with Region of Durham staff, AAC and community partners will be invited to participate in the review panel to express their interest. Their involvement will help ensure a fair selection process.
- Nominations are due July 16, 2025
- We believe these changes will make the AAC Awards more inclusive and reflective of the outstanding contributions across our communities.
Eligibility for nomination and process
- Nominees should live or serve clients within the Durham Region (the region) area.
- Members of Durham Region’s AAC and members of AACs in local municipalities cannot be nominated.
- Previous winners of an AAC Award cannot be nominated.
- Local AACs are encouraged to nominate up to three, but at least one, accessibility champions, who have demonstrated leadership and dedication to making the region more accessible for people of all abilities.
Fill out the AAC Nomination Form 2025 to nominate an individual or business in your community.
On September 19, 2024 we recognized dedicated individuals and organizations and their commitment to strengthening accessibility and inclusion in our communities. Take a look at the highlights of the celebration and learn more about our winners below:
Twentieth Annual Accessibility Advisory Committee Award winners
| Megan Thorpe Ross - nominated by the City of Pickering Accessibility Advisory Committee |
| Megan Thorpe Ross has been a respected member of Pickering’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (PAAC) since 2018. She encouraged Council to implement barrier-free regulations, policies, and procedures in Pickering, to advance a culture of accessibility. |
| James Titmarsh - nominated by the Town of Ajax Accessibility Advisory Committee |
| James has contributed to his community with his dedication to parasports and advocacy for accessible sports. Through his work, he has been an advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in sports, helping to raise awareness and support for parasport athletes. Also, his involvement in Parasport games as a technical chair played a crucial role in ensuring a barrier free operation of the games. |
| Canadian Tire Bowmanville (owner: David Urso- accepting on his behalf is Patty Hampson)- nominated by Municipality of Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee |
| The Bowmanville Canadian Tire location is known for its exceptional customer service for people with disabilities. The staff act proactively to assist people to access items within the store, an item or load their vehicle and it is always done with dignity and respect. |
| Maggie McCreath - nominated by the Township of Uxbridge Accessibility Advisory Committee |
| Maggie McCreath is a lifetime volunteer serving the Township of Uxbridge in many capacities for decades. Maggie has been a passionate member of the Accessibility Advisory Committee for more than 15 years, amplifying the voices of residents with disabilities. During these years she ensured barriers to an accessible and inclusive community are identified and addressed. |
| Kathryn Bremner - nominated by the City of Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee |
| Kathryn Bremner is being recognized for being instrumental in the development of programs that increase access to recreational programming e.g. sledge hockey and VOLT hockey in Oshawa and Durham Region among other achievements. |
| The Thrift Hub - nominated by the Township of Brock Accessibility Advisory Committee |
| The Thrift Hub is a welcoming business that goes out of its way to accommodate its customers. The Thrift Hub has removed all the steps and stairs in the building and replaced them with ramps, making it fully wheelchair accessible. Their aisles are wide, making shopping independently in a wheelchair possible. |
| Bonnie Blackstock - nominated by the Township of Scugog Accessibility Advisory Committee |
| Bonnie, Manager of Community Support Services at Community Living Durham North, has 20 plus years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Since 2019, she has served on the Township of Scugog Accessibility Committee, advocating for barrier identification. |
| Abilities Centre Lead Program - nominated by the Town of Whitby Accessibility Advisory Committee |
| Abilities Centre’s LEAD program drives systemic change for the full participation of people with disabilities, supporting key organizations like municipalities and school boards as they assess and reimagine their policies, workplaces and cultures. It assists organizations to enhance accessibility, develop diverse employment strategies, and design inclusive programs, earning praise for fostering accessible workplaces and communities. |
| Taryn Eickmeier - nominated by the Region Durham Accessibility Advisory Committee |
| Dr. Taryn Eickmeier is Executive Lead, Research, Innovation and Knowledge Mobilization at Grandview Kids. Dr. Eickmeier and the Grandview team champion a connected system, partnering with school boards, communities and community agencies to co-design and co-deliver services and programs to support the diverse needs of clients and their families living with disabilities in Durham Region. |
Accessibility Conference 2025
On May 28, 2025, Abilities Centre, in partnership with the Region of Durham, invited the business community, regional employers, and those interested in learning about an intersectional lens on current systemic challenges surrounding accessibility and inclusion within the employment sector, public spaces and service delivery. The theme for this year’s conference was “Fostering an Accessible and Inclusive Durham Region: Employment and Beyond.”
This free conference featured a keynote speaker, a panel presentation, and exhibitors, and provided perspectives from people with lived and industry experience.
We want to hear from you! Complete the online form and provide feedback.
Additional ways to share feedback can be completed upon request. They include by mail or in person (address at the bottom of the page); by phone at 905-668-4113 extension 2009 or by emailing the Accessibility Coordinator.
If you are unable to access information on the Region’s website, you can request an alternative format. Examples of alternative formats and communication supports include electronic formats such as HTML, MS Word and Adobe PDF files; large print; and reading the written information aloud to the person directly.
Universal access symbols
Universal access symbols are used to identify and communicate accessibility features. These icons can be used to advertise the accessibility of places, rooms, programs and specific activities and events. They can be included on paper, facility signage or digital communications, such as brochures, newsletters, invitations, forms and on buildings. Learn more about universal access symbols.
Under the AODA, information posted to public-facing websites must be in an accessible format. The Region of Durham is working toward meeting the Web Content Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA.
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