With ongoing efforts to reduce barriers and make the community more accessible to people with disabilities, Belleville’s Accessibility Advisory Committee is looking to put a spotlight on the best examples of accessibility in the community.
Nominations are open for the 2025 Accessibility Excellence Awards, and anyone can nominate a person, business or organization for their efforts in breaking down barriers.
Nominees are reviewed by a panel from the Accessibility Advisory Committee, and are evaluated on several criteria including adjustments to a building or space to make it easier to access, eliminating barriers that prevent employment, making it easier to access services, and more.
Belleville’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act coordinator, Nicole Yantzi, said that not all accommodations are immediately visible and that staff training on how to communicate with people is very important.
“They come up to the service desk, or they’re trying to find a different size or a colour, but they can’t. They have real difficulty explaining what they’re actually asking for,” said Yantzi. “So having different ways to communicate. So, you know, offering a pen and paper.”
Nominations are being accepted until May 8, with the award winners being announced on May 27.
People who want to make a nomination can do so through the city’s website here, or by picking up a physical form at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, City Hall, or Belleville Public Library.
