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 Eighth Annual Hall of Fame Induction

Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2021
Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto, Ontario

Canadian Disability Hall of Fame 2020 Inductees

Tim CormodeBuilder

Tim has been involved in youth work and the non-profit sector for almost 30 years. As an outdoor enthusiast and previous camp counsellor supporting young adults with disabilities, he saw an opportunity to combine nature with adventure to help people of varying abilities build confidence, make connections, and achieve their dreams. Tim founded “Power To Be” with that idea and a small government grant in 1998. It has since grown to reach more than 8,000 children, youth, and families, empowering them to learn new skills and reach their full potential through a variety of adapted outdoor activities. In keeping with his passions, Tim’s recent activities have included climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and travelling to support Haiti relief.

Martha Sandoval GustafsonAthlete

Martha competed for Mexico at the 1976 and 1980 Paralympic Games, winning 12 medals. After moving to Canada, she wore the maple leaf at the 1984 and 1988 Games. Competing in athletics, swimming, and table tennis, she increased her medal count to 19, including 12 gold and seven silver. This achievement ranks her as Canada’s second most-decorated Paralympian. She remains an active parasport athlete and has 200+ medals from international, national, and provincial events. Now in her late 60s, she still competes in athletics and swimming and has even tried two distinctly Canadian sports – curling and wheelchair rugby. She boils success down to a simple philosophy, “Compete against yourself and always try to do your best.”

Meenu SikandAchiever

An award-winning disability rights advocate, transformative leader, and champion of accessibility and inclusivity, Meenu has made an incredible impact professionally and as a volunteer. Currently serving as the first-ever executive lead for equity, diversity and inclusion at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Meenu is also the founder of “Accessibility for All,” a non-profit organization that works to identify, address and meet the needs of marginalized communities. She is a sought-after speaker who has travelled the world providing education on disability-related topics ranging from mental health and cultural competencies to parenting and race. A devoted volunteer, Meenu has served as a board director for Punjabi Community Health Services, the Center for Independent Living and ARCH, among others.

Click Here to view Previous Canadian Disability Hall of Fame Inductees

Click Here to view Photos from the 2019 Hall of Fame Induction