By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Three Northumberland County employees were honoured at Wednesday’s council meeting with its Helping Hands Award for their efforts in going above and beyond compliance with accessibility legislation to embrace accessibility.
Communications and Digital Media Intern Keagan Philion developed accessible video content and graphics, as well as co-leading the development of multiple accessibility-focused campaigns (including International Day of Person with Disabilities and National AccessAbility Week) in collaboration with the county’s Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Accessibility Co-ordinator.
Corporate Services Human Resources Co-ordinator Karrie Martin displayed excellence in customer service, information and communications and employment standards by adapting her communications to ensure that individuals of all abilities have a clear understanding of county process. She also ensured all print and digital job postings came in an accessible format and revised the HR orientation presentation to improve accessibility. She created a barrier-free environment for all new recruits, offered accommodations as expressed in requests from job candidates throughout the hiring process, and included agencies that support people with disabilities looking for work in distributing external job processes.
Northumberland Paramedics Superintendent of Quality Assurance and Training Giselle Lech demonstrated her commitment to training and caring for paramedics therapy dog Ivy Joules, as well as dedication to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of Community Paramedicine-Long-Term Care clients, paramedics responding to difficult calls, allied agencies, various county departments and schools.
The announcement came in the motion to declare May 25 to May 31 National AccessAbility Week, one of four such declarations passed by council. As well, June was declared National Indigenous History Month, with the Michi Saagiig flag to be raised on the community flag pole from June 20 to 27. As well, June 21 is to be recognized as National Indigenous Peoples Day.
Finally, the month of June was declared both Pride Month and Seniors Month.
“Seniors Month is every month,” Councillor Mandy Martin commented.
“I’m sure in Cramahe Township and Brighton, it certainly is,” Warden Brian Ostrander agreed, singling out both her municipality and his own.
