Accessibility Improvement Awards

The City of Brantford is dedicated to providing high quality services for our community. In doing so, we recognize the diverse needs of the members of our community and strive to provide services and facilities that are accessible to everyone.

The City of Brantford, in partnership with the Brantford Accessibility Advisory Committee (BAAC) is proud to launch the City of Brantford Accessibility Improvement Awards to recognize and celebrate a person, group or organization that has made, or is in the process of making a significant contribution towards improving accessibility to accommodate persons with disabilities.

Selection Process

To qualify, public nominations must be received each year by the third week in March. Evaluators  include the City of Brantford Accessibility Coordinator as well as community representatives who serve on the Brantford Accessibility Advisory Committee. Each submission is reviewed and assessed based on specific criteria as outlined below. Announcement of award winners is promoted during National AccessAbility Week which is typically celebrated every year starting on the Sunday in May.

The City is proud to recognize organizations that meet and/or exceed the legislated standards of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) for both existing and renovated structures, as well as programs, services and private sector events within the municipality that provide a barrier free experience. Organizations will be evaluated based on the following award criteria:

  • Goods or services must be provided in a manner that respects the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.
  • The provision of goods or services to persons with disabilities and others must be integrated unless an alternate measure is necessary, whether temporarily or on a permanent basis, to enable a person with a disability to obtain, use or benefit from the goods or services.
  • Persons with disabilities must be given an opportunity equal to that given to others to obtain, use and benefit from the goods or services.
  • The improvements have been made in the past three years (2021-2023).
  • The selection of improvement awards will be based on information submitted with the nomination form. Nominators can submit additional information including letters of support, testimonials, photographs, architectural drawings, etc.

Award categories

Recognition will be awarded to individuals, organizations and businesses located in Brantford, who have contributed to the City’s goal to become barrier free. Consistent with the standards of the AODA, awards will be judged based on the following categories:

  • Customer Service: An organization, business and/or individual that demonstrates leadership in providing exceptional customer service to persons with disabilities.
  • Transportation: An organization, business and/or individual that demonstrates leadership in advancing access to transportation for persons with disabilities.
  • Information & Communication: An organization, business and/or individual that demonstrates leadership in providing information and communication supports to persons with disabilities.
  • Employment: An organization, business and/or individual that provides meaningful employment opportunities and demonstrates flexible and respectful integration of people with disabilities into their workforce.
  • Built Environment: A building, interior, exterior or outdoor space designed or renovated to eliminate barriers and/or enhance access for persons with disabilities.

Nomination forms can be submitted

  • Online: Complete the Accessibility Improvement Award online nomination form.
  • By mail: Brantford City Hall, PO BOX 818, Brantford ON, N3T 5R7. Attention: Corporate Communications/Accessibility Award
  • In person: Brantford City Hall, Customer Service, 58 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, ON   N3T 2J0
  • By email: accessibility@brantford.ca