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Canadian Disability
Hall of Fame
PLEASE NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THE HALL OF FAME BEFORE MAY 12TH
Recognizing those who have opened doors for people with disabilities
The Hall of Fame provides permanent recognition of outstanding Canadians who have made extraordinary contributions to enriching the quality of life for people with physical disabilities. Founded by the CFPDP, this public exhibit was officially opened February 11, 1994 at Metro Hall, 55 John St., in downtown Toronto. A rededication ceremony was held there on November 20, 1996 when the exhibit moved to a more visible location. It is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Nominations to the Hall of Fame come from sources across Canada – community groups, private citizens, associations and organizations of and for people with physical disabilities. Nominees are chosen each year by the Hall of Fame’s Selection Board in the category of Builder, Achiever or Athlete. The inductees are individuals who truly have made a difference – those who have opened doors for people with disabilities in the areas of sports, education, employment or housing.
Twenty Fourth Annual Hall of Fame Induction
Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Concert Hall
Guest Speaker: Paul Clark, President, TD Direct Investing & EVP TD Bank Group
11:45 am - Reception 12 noon - Lunch
Canadian Disability Hall of Fame 2017 Inductees
Todd’s achievements in sport have been outstanding, both on and off the ice. A paraplegic due to a car accident in his teens, he forged a brilliant career with Canada’s National Sledge Hockey Team, highlighted by five Paralympic Games appearances and three Paralympic medals, including gold in Torino 2006, silver in Nagano in 1998 and bronze in Lillehammer in 1994. He also won eight medals at world championships and was captain of his team on several occasions. After retiring from competition in 2010, Todd turned his energies to advocating for Paralympic athletes and championing the inclusion of all people in the recreational and cultural lives of their communities.
A native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Jim has made it his life’s work to help ensure the independence, respect and dignity of persons with disabilities. He was born in 1947 with severe glaucoma, losing his sight entirely at age 36. Upon completing university, he joined the CNIB and stayed with the organization more than 40 years, the last 7 as president and CEO. Since retiring in 2009, he has continued to share his skills and talents wherever he can be of assistance. In 2004, he received the Order of Canada in recognition of his tireless efforts to eliminate the barriers faced by people living with vision loss.
A passionate advocate for people with disabilities, Shirley has had a powerful impact on Ontario sports in two different areas. After learning about the challenges disabled individuals often faced when traveling, she started a pioneering travel agency in the late 1970s that specialized in special-needs travel. In this capacity, she was a leader in improving airline policies for people with disabilities and managed travel for several organizations, including the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association and Canadian Blind Sports Association. Shirley has also been a leader in sports administration. She helped found Sport for Disabled Ontario, joined the Ontario Blind Sports Association as President, and she continues to stay involved to this day.
Three-time Paralympian Rob Snoek represented Canada in track and field for over 12 years. A below-knee amputee from age one due to a congenital bone disease, he grew up playing sports at a high competitive level in Orono, Ontario. Upon discovering the Paralympics in his late teens, Rob redoubled his training and went on to compete in the Games in Barcelona in 1992, Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000, as well as at four world championships. After retiring from competition, Rob became a sports broadcaster, covering elite events including the Paralympics, for the CBC. He frequently shares his spare time speaking about the importance of physical activity and advocating for people with disabilities.
Previous hall of fame inductees
Canadian Disability Hall of Fame 2017 Highlights
Canadian Disability Hall of Fame 2011 video
Patron
His Excellency
the Right Honourable
David L. Johnston C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.
Governor General of Canada
Honorary Patrons
The Honourable
Hal Jackman,
Former Lieutenant Governor
of Ontario
The Honourable
David C. Onley,
Former Lieutenant Governor
of Ontario
Chair
The Honourable David Crombie
Founding Chair
The Honourable Vim Kochhar
Hall of Fame Selection Board
Cindy Accardi, Program Analyst
Ministry of Community and Social Services
The Hon. Con Di Nino
Former Senator
John Downing, Former Editor
Toronto Sun
Dr. Arlette Lefebvre, Psychiatrist
The Hospital for Sick Children
Debbie Low, CEO
Canadian Sports Institute Ontario
Dr. Jamie MacDougall, Psychologist
Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf
Janice Martin
Former Disability Consultant, Ministry of
Training, Colleges & Universities
Joanne Smith
Fruitful Elements
Jeff Tiessen, President
Disability Today Publishing Group
Mark Wafer, President
Megleen Inc.
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