Congratulations to the City of Brantford 2025 Accessibility Award Winners

(from left to right: Greg Wilson, Andrew Nielson, Mayor Kevin Davis, Ward 4 Councillor Linda Hunt, Betty Vipond and Gail Simpson)

BRANTFORD, ON – The City of Brantford, in partnership with the Brantford Accessibility Advisory Committee (BAAC), was proud to honour the 2025 Accessibility Improvement Awards recipients and recognize outstanding City staff contributions at the Brantford City Council meeting held on May 27, in celebration of National AccessAbility Week, May 25 to 31, 2025. The awards recognize and celebrate a person, group or organization that has made, or is in the process of making, a significant contribution towards improving accessibility to accommodate persons with disabilities.

“We are excited to recognize the 2025 Accessibility Awards Winners, along with well-deserved acknowledgements for a number of City staff” says Jenny Sawicki, City of Brantford Accessibility Coordinator. “Each of the honourees has demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities through work and infrastructure upgrades that enable greater independence and helps improve overall quality of life.”

Greg Wilson, owner of William Street Eyecare, received an Accessibility Award in the Built Environment category for his commitment to making significant improvements to both the physical environment and medical equipment at his optometry practice. Located in a historic 1911 residence, William Street Eyecare has undergone multiple upgrades over the years, and in 2025, the clinic introduced an accessible examination lane, ensuring that patients who use wheelchairs and cannot transfer are still able to receive a full and comprehensive eye examination.

Accessibility Award winner Andrew Nielsen was recognized in the Information & Communication category for his dedication to accessibility and inclusion, driven by his lived experience with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. Over the years he has raised more than $165,000 for Easter Seals Ontario, funding essential mobility and accessibility equipment for children with disabilities. His relentless advocacy extends beyond fundraising; he has directly influenced accessibility improvements in housing by securing funding for Stedman House, a supportive living space for individuals with disabilities. Andrew’s contributions have gone beyond personal advocacy to create widespread awareness and systemic change.

Harmony United Church received an Accessibility Award in the Built Environment category for making a significant commitment to improving accessibility within its facility, ensure that all individuals, regardless of mobility challenges, can fully participate in church services and community events. The church recently undertook a thoughtful renovation to enhance accessibility including the construction of a ramp connecting the Sanctuary to the Social Hall and the addition of an accessible washroom.

This year, several nominations were also received highlighting the dedicated efforts of City of Brantford staff who are setting an example and helping lead this important work. Mayor Kevin Davis recognized the following City staff members for their efforts:

Spencer Moore, a fitness instructor at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, received a recognition of staff leadership in accessibility for his commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability, can fully participate in fitness, recreation, and community activities. His innovative approach to accessibility, from supporting athletes with vision loss to organizing adaptive fitness programs and advocating for community-wide improvements, exemplifies his passion for making a tangible difference.

Christian Bean, manager of construction for the City of Brantford, received a recognition of staff leadership in accessibility for his exceptional dedication to ensuring City documents are AODA compliant. His expertise and attention to detail have enhanced the readability and usability of documents, benefit individuals who use assistive devices to access City documents. Beyond documentation, Christian’s commitment to AODA standards extends to ensuring infrastructure projects meeting accessibility requirements, allowing everyone to access and navigate City assets and resources with greater ease.

The City of Brantford Traffic Services Department received a recognition of staff leadership in accessibility for their commitment to accessibility and pedestrian safety. Over the past several years, the department has implemented numerous initiatives that significantly improve pedestrian access and mobility for individuals with disabilities. Their efforts include the installation of 75 Pedestrian Crossovers, 100 Accessible Pedestrian Signal buttons, and 119 pedestrian countdown timers. Additionally, adjustments to pedestrian walk times, the introduction of No Right Turn on Red policies at 11 intersections, and Lead Pedestrian Intervals at 7 intersections to demonstrate their commitment to reducing collisions and improving pedestrian safety for all. By proactively integrating AODA compliant infrastructure and pedestrian safety measure, the City’s Traffic Services Department help ensure that all residents, including those with disabilities or mobility challenges, can navigate the city with greater ease and confidence.

Following a public nomination period earlier this year, the Accessibility Awards winners and the City staff honourees were selected by the Brantford Accessibility Advisory Committee based on submissions from the community. For more information about the awards, visit www.brantford.ca/accessibility.

A Day in the Life – Understanding Accessibility in our city

Prior to presenting the award winners and City of Brantford staff with their certificates, an updated version of the “A Day in the Life - Understanding Accessibility in our City,” featuring Brantford City officials participating in simulations designed to replicate the experiences of individuals with disabilities. This video captures their learnings and the City's commitment to action. Mayor Kevin Davis, along with Councillors Rose Sicoli, Mandy Samwell, and Linda Hunt, took part in these exercises to better understand the daily challenges faced by residents with disabilities.

The video is accessible on the City’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/cityofbrantford.

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Media Contact:

Heather Carvalho | Manager, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519-759-4150 ext. 5741 | hcarvalho@brantford.ca

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