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Abilities Centre Reflects on Successful 2025 National Accessibility Week

WHITBY, ON – With hundreds of attendees and more than 15 events across six days, 2025 National Accessibility Week Conference at Abilities Centre brought community, conversation, and celebration together in a powerful way. Abilities Centre is proud to celebrate the success of National Accessibility Week and recognize the exceptional individuals and organizations who received this year’s Accessibility Awards.

NAW Participants enjoying activities on the court

“National Accessibility Week at Abilities Centre has shown us what’s possible when we bring people together with purpose,” explains Michael Cvitkovic, Abilities Centre president & chief executive officer.“From our award nominees to our community partners, sponsors, staff, volunteers, and more – every person and organization involved in this week has helped redefine how we think about accessibility, not as a checkbox, but as a mindset. At Abilities Centre, we are proud to celebrate not only the progress made, but the partnerships that will continue to move us forward.”

From May 26-31, Abilities Centre was proud to host a week-long lineup of inclusive programming and events designed to redefine what accessibility and inclusion looks like in action. This year’s National Accessibility Week Conference saw meaningful partnerships with local and national leaders including: Abilities Centre Eagles, AMI-TV, Aspire Climbing, Boccia Canada, CNIB, Dine & Style Catering, Emilee Schevers (Miss Personality Canada 2024), Grandview Kids, JaysCare, Mariam Abdul-Rashid (Olympian and Abilities Centre Member), Ontario Tech University, Pickering Public Library, Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, The Regional Municipality of Durham, The Social Brew, Throwball Federation of Canada, Town Brewery, Tyler Bolton Photography, Variety Village, and YMCA – Greater Toronto.

One of the highlights from the week included the third annual Accessibility Awards Night, an inspiring evening that recognized individuals and organizations breaking barriers and building a more inclusive and accessible Canada.

2025 Accessibility Award Recipients:
  • The Jim Flaherty Award – Archie Allison, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario & Variety Village Presented to an individual or organization making a significant provincial or national contribution to accessibility and inclusion.
  • Community Champion Award – Peter Busciglio, My MS Family Honouring an individual or group advocating for accessibility through a specific initiative that makes their community more inclusive.
  • Accessible Employer Award – Sarah Moore, Town of Ajax Recognizing an employer that actively promotes and values accessibility in the workplace.
  • Trailblazer Award – Aleem Syed, THG’s Hot Chicken Owner/Chef Celebrating an individual with a disability who has overcome barriers and achieved something that redefines societal perceptions of ability.
  • Accessibility Moment of the Year Award – Catherine Partlow, Special Olympics Athlete Highlighting a standout moment that advanced accessibility and inclusion locally, nationally, or internationally in the past year.
  • The President’s Award (New in 2025) – Lorne Coe, MPP | Whitby Awarded to a person or organization that demonstrates a deep and lasting commitment to disability advocacy through action and influence. 
 

“The Accessibility Awards is one of the most meaningful evenings of the year for Abilities Centre and it’s more than recognition, it’s a reflection of those who are inspiring change,” Cvitkovic continues. “Thank you to all the nominees and nominators who shared their stories, to our incredible sponsors for making this event possible, and to every attendee who showed up in support of a more inclusive and accessible future.”


Thank You to Our 2025 Accessibility Awards Sponsors:
  • Presenting Sponsors: TACC Developments, Fieldgate Developments, Paradise Developments.
  • Reception Sponsor: Ontario Power Generation (OPG).
  • Award Sponsors: Miller Waste Systems, MyJobConnect/Community Living Toronto, Qualicare Home Care Whitby, and Vandermeer Nursery.
  • In-Kind Sponsors: Bita Floral, Crave Doughnuts, Gervais Party & Tent Rentals, PizzaCo., Residence Inn Whitby, Rockmount Medical Solutions Inc., Sports Systems Canada, Tim Hortons – Whitby Shores

To learn more about the Accessibility Awards and see highlights from the week, visit Abilities Centre's NAW Conference website and follow us @AbilitiesCentre.

Media Contact:
Chelsea Wolf
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Abilities Centre
cwolf@abilitiescentre.org 
 
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