IL Canada Award Recipients 2009

The Allan Simpson Award for Programming

The 2009 winner of the Allan Simpson Programming Award is Cowichan Independent Living (Duncan, British Columbia) for the Centre’s Medical Loans Program, empowering because it gives consumers independence in their homes and in the community. An additional benefit: as it grew, the program used volunteers to run it, and the volunteers, themselves persons with disabilities, have gained confidence and skills.

It all started with the donation of two power wheelchairs six years ago. Now people with disabilities can borrow all types of medical equipment (e.g. chairs, walkers, lifts, scooters, hospital beds, shower commodes etc.) loaned out on a short-term basis at no charge, as the program is run on a “by donation” basis.  In British Columbia, provided an individual has a ‘Persons with Disabilities’ designation, medically essential equipment and devices are provided. The gap in service begins when a person who requires medical equipment does not have the Persons with Disabilities designation. The Centre’s Medical Loans Program addresses this gap for Cowichan residents. To find out more about the Medical Loans Program contact Cowichan Independent Living at or visit the Centre online at www.cvilrc.bc.ca/ .

IL Canada's Volunteer Award

The 2009 recipient of the Volunteer Award was André Bujold. An experienced French instructor and retired civil servant, he has lent us his expertise as an editor.  In particular, André has played a key role in the editing of the French language version of the IL Impact Book.

Prior to offering his services as a volunteer, M. Bujold first came to our organization in early 2007 to teach French language classes to a number of IL Canada staff. For the more than two years that he spent teaching us, his enthusiasm and skills as an instructor earned him the respect and admiration of everyone with whom he came into contact; he always had time to listen and to bring joy to learning. 

We are very proud to have André as a supporter of IL.

IL Canada Award Recipients 2008

John Lord Award

The John Lord Award was presented to the Nova Scotia Independent Living Association for the Aging with Disability and Dignity project.This work brought together a team of three researchers from diverse disciplines with the goal of exploring the changing needs of Nova Scotians who are aging with a disability. Using participatory action research methodology this research relied on consumers who are aging from across the province and contributed through focus groups, traditional questionnaires and web-based surveys. The project featured a half-day educational roundtable event which brought together consumers, service providers and decision-makers to discuss aging with disability.

IL Canada Consumer Award of Excellence

The IL Canada Consumer Award of Excellence was presented to Gail Jean Pifer, Independent Living Vernon. Gail is a very respected and viable presence as a person with multiple disabilities striving to live the Independent Living Philosophy to the fullest. She uses any possible opportunity to promote and inform community members about the IL Vernon centre and how the centre's services have pointed her toward a life of independence. Gail has overcome the odds in deciding upon taking a course of action that fulfills a career or personal goals by workingdiligently toward complete independence with a very positive outlook on life and her future. Gail has contributed to the IL movement in her community by beingforthcoming when meeting new people she is able to put others at ease when they are uncomfortable. She is always willing to share her positive experience with IL and the centre.

The Allan Simpson Award for Programming (two recipients)

The Allan Simpson Award for Programming was presented to two recipients this year.The Richmond Centre for Disability for the Youth Leadership Project for Youth with Disabilities.In 2008 they offered the third round of the project, with the goal being to provide an opportunity for youth with disabilities who demonstrate potential leadership qualities, to participate in a specialized and custom designed training series to further develop their potentials in becoming a leader to build a safe and healthy community, following the RCD mandate of Independent Living Philosophy which represents self-determination and full participation at own ability and desire. Since the inception of the project in 2006, the project has seen the participation of over 120 youth, the involvement of over 30 community partners and offered over 80 events including workshops, field trips, expeditions and other outings. A total of 19 youth have graduated from the project.

The Independent Living Resource Centre – St. John’s for the Independent Living Internship Program. This program provides a unique opportunity for people to engage with their communities to increase awareness & skills in the philosophy of Independent Living. Of equal importance, this program also provides solid employment opportunities for individuals and will support them in overcoming barriers, developing career-related knowledge, weighing out risks, and acquiring competitive labour market skills. With the staff of the Adaptive Technology Program, Interns are increasing their own technological skills to advance their labour market competitiveness and offer an array of community workshops to assist others in their technical skill development.  In order to bridge the geographical barriers of the province the IL-team stay connected using various tools available through the Internet.Located in various communities across the province, IL Interns work closely with other community organizations, individuals, and various government departments to promote positive public education regarding disability related information and provide opportunities to increase community independence. The program has just finished its’ first group of interns who were with us for one year. We will continue with the program for an additional 2 years of funding.

IL Canada's Volunteer Award

This year's recipient of the IL Canada Volunteer Award was John M. Connolly. John has been a long-time supporter and friend of Independent Living Canada. For well over a decade, he has always made himself available to the National Director, providing support and advice on numerous issues.

John M. Connolly is a founding partner in 2003 of Connolly, Nichols, Allan & Co LLP, (CNAC) and previously was a partner in a national law firm.   CNAC is an Ottawa boutique law firm specializing in commercial law, civil litigation, life and disability insurance, employment law, estates and alternative dispute resolution.

John was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1973, after obtaining his law degree from Queen’s University in 1971.

Over his 36 years of practice, John has actively participated in a wide variety of community activities, and has sat on the boards and advised numerous voluntary organizations, including as Chair of the Royal Ottawa Health Care Foundation, and Chair of the Institute of Mental Health Research.

John has been a long-time supporter and friend of Independent Living Canada. For well over a decade, he has always made himself available to the National Director, providing support and advice on numerous issues.

In 2008 John devoted a great deal of time as a volunteer to help research and develop Independent Living Canada’s Planned Giving Program.  Independent Living Canada recognized John at its 2008 Annual General Meeting for his dedication and support. He is a valued friend of the IL Movement in Canada.