Deadline approaching for Sarnia’s 2026 Accessibility Awards

Sarnia residents have until 4 p.m. Sept. 30 to nominate individuals, businesses and organizations for the City’s 2026 Accessibility Awards, recognizing efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Sarnia residents have until Wednesday to nominate local people, businesses and organizations for the City’s annual Accessibility Awards.

The 2026 nomination deadline is Sept. 30 at 4 p.m., with five awards recognizing efforts to make Sarnia more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.

Now in their 14th year, the awards are organized by the Sarnia Accessibility Advisory Committee.

Two awards recognize large and small businesses that have gone beyond basic requirements to improve accessibility through their physical spaces, customer service, employment practices or other initiatives.

The Creating Opportunities for an Accessible Community award recognizes individuals or organizations providing leadership in inclusive programming, while the Outstanding Service in a Social Service Sector award recognizes those providing exceptional service to people with disabilities.

The Kevin Schenk Legacy Award recognizes a Sarnia resident with a disability who has helped inspire change and advance accessibility in the community.

Businesses nominated for an award must have operated for at least one year and must be located within Sarnia. Businesses cannot nominate themselves.

Nominators are also asked to explain how their nominee has gone above and beyond to create a more accessible and inclusive environment.

Nominations can be submitted using the City’s online Accessibility Awards nomination form. Submit an Accessibility Awards nomination

Paper nominations can also be submitted to Customer Service at Sarnia City Hall, 255 Christina St. N. Questions about the awards can be directed to the City’s Accessibility Coordinator at [email protected] or 519-332-0330 ext. 3349.

While the City accepts nominations throughout the year, nominations received after Wednesday’s deadline will not be considered for the 2026 awards.

Recipients are expected to be recognized around Dec. 3, which marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.