Honouring the recipients of the 2024 Celebrating Accessibility Awards

On Dec. 3, 2024, the City of Kingston and the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC) will celebrate this year's winners of the Celebrating Accessibility Awards.  

Community members are invited to join the City, MAAC and the award winners at a ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Donald Gordon Hotel and Conference Centre at 421 Union St, Kingston.  

Keynote speaker Elliot Moritz, a public speaker dedicated to raising education and awareness about the queer and disabled community, will share their experiences dealing with the medical system and the world as a queer, trans nonbinary person with multiple disabilities.  

The event is free, and all are welcome to attend. There will be an ASL interpreter available. If you require accommodation, please contact Derek Ochej, Deputy City Clerk, at DOchej@CityofKingston.ca or 613-546-4291 ext.1252.  

“The individuals, businesses and organizations we honour this year remind us that accessibility is a shared responsibility – one that strengthens our community and enriches the lives of everyone,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “By turning ideas into action, the recipients’ efforts have made real change.” 

Celebrating Accessibility Awards recipients 

Community organization 

Volunteers working on the Inclusive Play Project have dedicated many months to researching, designing and advocating for an inclusive playground in Kingston. Inclusive playgrounds welcome children and adults of all abilities to play together, creating a fun and supportive environment. 

"They have drawn attention to the notion of inclusion and accessibility in recreation and brought a community together in the process,” says nominator Stacy Watson. 

Community member 

Rachel Doornekamp leads the Inclusive Play Project, devoting countless hours to help it progress.  

Thanks to Doornekamp's work, nominators Kate Joslin and Councillor Brandon Tozzo shared that what started as an idea has become a significant movement, raising $200,000 in the past year to promote accessible play for everyone. 

Business 

Purely Mobile Hygiene 

Ashleigh Peck launched Purely Mobile Hygiene to provide dental hygiene services directly to people in their homes and retirement communities. Aiming to make healthcare more accessible, Purely Mobile Hygiene works with all insurance companies, including government-funded programming, so people can worry less about cost. 

“Ashleigh is working towards allowing these individuals to be able to receive the dental hygiene care they need,” explains nominator Tracey Kelly. 

4Cats Arts Studio 

The west end 4Cats Art Studio staff have worked hard to ensure that children with disabilities can participate in art and creativity. 

Nominator Kate Joslin highlighted how the studio works to include her child, who uses a wheelchair full-time and requires more assistance in completing some tasks: “For three years now, she has been able to attend both weekly art sessions and day camps without any worry.” 

About the awards  

The City, with MAAC, started the Celebrating Accessibility Awards in 2011 to acknowledge individuals, groups and organizations making significant contributions to improving access for everyone in Kingston. 

The awards ceremony takes place each year, celebrating recipients alongside the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec. 3. This day, observed since 1992, raises awareness about disability issues and promotes the well-being of people with disabilities.