The City is calling for nominations to honour those creating a more accessible and inclusive Sarnia, including businesses, service providers, and community leaders.
The City of Sarnia is once again accepting nominations for its annual Accessibility Awards, which honour individuals, businesses, and organizations that go above and beyond to create an inclusive and barrier-free community.
Now in its 13th year, the program is organized by the Sarnia Accessibility Advisory Committee (SAAC) and aims to highlight local leadership in improving accessibility and awareness for residents with disabilities.
“Accessibility and inclusivity are the work of a community,” said SAAC Chair Debbie Draganits. “We want to recognize those leaders, thank them for their contributions and leadership, and inspire others to drive meaningful change here in Sarnia.”
The awards are open to nominees located within the City of Sarnia, and nominations must come from outside the organization. To be eligible, businesses must have been operating for at least one year, and nominators are asked to describe how the nominee has meaningfully improved access for people with disabilities — whether through programming, built environments, customer service, employment practices, or community leadership.
Nominees can be submitted in one of five categories:
Prelude to Excellence – Large Business (30+ employees): For efforts to create an accessible and inclusive business environment. May recognize a business or a specific employee.
Prelude to Excellence – Small Business (under 30 employees): Similar to the large business category, but for smaller organizations.
Creating Opportunities for an Accessible Community: For individual or organizational leadership in inclusive community programming.
Outstanding Service in a Social Service Sector: For exceptional service delivery or innovation in the social service sector that supports people with disabilities.
Kevin Schenk Legacy Award: Presented to a Sarnia resident with a disability who has inspired change and worked to advance accessibility and inclusion.
Only one recipient will be selected per category.
Nominations are accepted year-round, but the deadline for the 2025 awards is Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. Winners will be recognized at a formal ceremony on Dec. 3, 2025, in honour of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Nominations can be submitted online at sarnia.ca/AccessibilityAwards or in person at Sarnia City Hall. For more information, contact the Accessibility Office at [email protected].
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