Kingston honours accessibility champions with upcoming awards and community celebration

Deserving organizations to be recognized

The City of Kingston and the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC) will recognize this year’s Celebrating Accessibility Awards recipients in a special ceremony on Dec. 3.

The event, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, will run from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre, 421 Union St., Kingston. Community members are invited to attend the free event, which will include an ASL interpreter. Those needing other accommodations can contact Deputy City Clerk Derek Ochej.

Elliot Moritz, a keynote speaker known for advocacy on queer and disability rights, will share insights on navigating the healthcare system as a queer, trans nonbinary person with multiple disabilities.

This year’s award winners include volunteers with the Inclusive Play Project, recognized for their work creating playgrounds accessible to people of all abilities. Rachel Doornekamp, who leads the project, has helped raise $200,000 to promote inclusive play spaces.

The business category features two winners: Purely Mobile Hygiene, founded by Ashleigh Peck, for providing in-home dental services, and 4Cats Arts Studio for ensuring children with disabilities can fully participate in art activities.

Since its launch in 2011, the Celebrating Accessibility Awards has honoured individuals and groups making Kingston a more accessible community.