International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)

Innovator Award - MCC Thrift shop Lethbridge

This not-for- profit shop encourages people of all abilities to volunteer. Many people with diverse abilities work here (5-10 per week). Some come with support workers while others are independent enough to take the bus and work with limited supervision. Volunteering with mcc provides encouragement, training, social interaction and tasks that allow a feeling of competence.

Jenna Volunteer Coordinator: 403-329-4808

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a global event observed every year on December 3rd. Its purpose is to promote understanding and support for people with disabilities. The day highlights the importance of inclusion, equality, and accessibility for everyone, regardless of their abilities. It aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and to encourage actions that remove barriers in society—whether physical, social, or cultural. IDPD also celebrates the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities in all areas of life, such as work, education, and community involvement.

The theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024 focuses on promoting inclusion and accessibility for all. It highlights the importance of creating a world where people with disabilities can fully participate in society without barriers. This means ensuring equal opportunities in education, work, public spaces, and daily life by addressing challenges like discrimination, lack of accessibility, and limited resources. The theme encourages governments, organizations, and communities to work together to build a fairer, more inclusive world where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.

Lethbridge Inclusion Awards

ABOUT THE AWARDS

The Lethbridge Inclusion Awards is an initiative of the local International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) committee. This has been a longstanding group of volunteers dedicated to celebrating the contributions and talents of persons with disabilities possess to make our community a better place.

These awards will highlight the individuals, businesses and groups that break barriers to create a more open and accepting community for those with disabilities. Lethbridge is a great place to live, work and play. Every day, ordinary citizens are achieving extraordinary things to inspire change and understanding, touching lives along the way. We want to recognize these leaders, and the impact their actions make in transforming our city into a home that can be enjoyed by all. These awards will be presented Dec. 3rd, 2024 during the annual IDPD celebration.

2024 Lethbridge Inclusion Awards Recipients

Supporter Award - Jacqueline Krosse

I run a wheelchair basketball program. I have known Jacqueline for about 10 years. She brings 2 or 3 individuals with disabilities in her care to my program. She encourages them to give their best in the games and cheers loudly when they score. She supports these individuals by making sure they know about programs and provide ways to participate.

Nominated by DR. Mary Dyck

Collaborator Award - L’Arche Lethbridge

L’Arche Lethbridge enables people with and without developmental disabilities, assistants and core members, to share, live, work and learn together, and supports collaboration. Assistants and core members live together in three homes in Lethbridge and are part of a community of belonging at local, regional, national, and international levels. L’Arche Lethbridge assistants come from all over the world to support and share life with individuals with developmental disabilities in our community. This exemplifies how people of very different abilities, cultures, and religions can live together in peace. Together, they recognize the beauty of each person regardless of their intellectual capacity and come to know the gifts of people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities (core members) participate in programs, activities and events offered by many community organizations. L’Arche owns and operates a wheelchair accessible van that provides transportation and supports core members’ community engagement in a wide variety of day programs and activities. Core members are also supported to participate in their church communities and in activities with family and friends. Several core members and a L’Arche volunteer attended the Citizen’s Walk this year, an event organized by SAIPA. Many local people with and without disabilities also participate in the life of L’Arche Lethbridge’s community as committed friends, supporters, and volunteers. Community members attend potluck suppers, prayer nights, games nights or dances, a Christmas party, a community retreat, and fundraisers. L’Arche Lethbridge also collaborates on advocacy for people with disabilities.

Nominated by Sharon Yanicki

Clarence Marsh Award - Stevie Lee Farough

Stevie is a great staff member for Taber Special Needs Society and she does lots for us. She goes above and beyond to help and support us who have disabilities. She is always ready to listen to us if we have a problem and tries to solve it. She is a great team leader who leads by example and treats everyone with kindness. She is a great advocate and a voice for people with disabilities for inclusion in society.

Nominated by Edmund Zaizer