Recipient - City of Toronto
Access Award - 1999
The Administration Committee recommends the adoption of the following report (June 10, 1999) from the
Executive Director of Human Resources:
Purpose:
To report on the selection of the 1999 City of Toronto Access Award recommended by the Nominating Committee for the
Access Award.
Financial Implications:
Provision for the presentation of this Award is available within existing resources.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1)City Council endorse the selection of Link-Up Employment Services as the recipient of the City of Toronto Access
Award for 1999; and
(2)the appropriate City officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary actions to give effect thereto.
Background:
At its meeting on October 1 and 2, 1998, City Council approved the continuation program for the Constance E. Hamilton
Award, the Access Award for Disability Access and the William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award.
The City of Toronto Access Award was first awarded in 1982. This Award was established to celebrate and recognize 1981
as the International Year for the Disabled. The International Year for the Disabled was established by the United Nations to
highlight the concerns and contributions of people with disabilities.
The City of Toronto Access Award has been presented annually to a person or persons who have made a significant
contribution towards improving access for people with disabilities. Access can include the design of a new or renovated
structure, program or service which contributes significantly towards the independent living of people with disabilities. The
Award recipient was selected by a nominating panel comprised of representatives of the Toronto Joint Committee for
People with Disabilities, which includes representatives from various regions of the City. Nominations are received
through a publically advertised call for nominations.
The Nominating Committee has selected Link-Up Employment Services as the recipient of the 1999City of Toronto
Access Award. Presentation of the award will be made later this year in conjunction with other awards established for
access and equity.
Link-Up Employment Services is a project established by the Training Coordinating Group for Persons with Disabilities.
This program was started in 1998 to "link-up" employers with potential employees with a disability. It provides employers
with consulting advice on accessibility, accommodation standards, workable ideas for managing diversity, information on
tax incentives and other cost recovery/sharing programs as well as targeted wage subsidy programs. Potential employees
are provided with the knowledge, confidence and job readiness skills to market themselves to potential employers. To date,
over 100 people with disabilities have found employment through Link-Up Employment services.
Conclusion:
The Access Award celebrates the positive steps people in the City of Toronto are making toward improving the lives of
people with disabilities by integrating them into all aspects of life, including housing, recreation, civic participation,
employment and education. Their dedication and commitment has improved the quality of life for all in the City. The
public acknowledgment of the work of the recipients serves to encourage others to become actively involved to help create
an environment of inclusion and equal opportunity for all.
Contact and Telephone Number:
Catherine Leitch, Access and Equity - 392-7855
Geoff Eden, Urban Development Services - 392-0496.
