By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Proclamations typically end a county council meeting, but one of the May meeting’s proclamations contained kudos for a small group of county employees.
May 31 through June 6 was proclaimed AccessAbility Week in Northumberland County, with this year’s theme being Accessible Workplaces: Stronger Communities – encouraging businesses to remove barriers for workers with disabilities and create inclusive workplaces.
The motion making the declaration actually cites six county staff who have been honoured with Helping Hands Awards in recognition of their exceptional efforts toward this end.
Customer Care Representative Brenda McDonald was honoured for excellence under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act customer-service standards, “demonstrated by exceptional commitment to accessible, respectful and inclusive customer service and going above and beyond to ensure each person feels heard and supported.
“Brenda understands individual needs, offering alternate formats for information and personalized help in navigating municipal services.
“Brenda readily assists individuals with mobility restrictions, is clear and concise in her communication for those with hearing impairments, is respectful, without judgment, toward individuals experiencing life-altering barriers, such as homelessness, addiction and cognitive impairments.”
Customer Service Representative Kathryn Larcher demonstrated “exceptional commitment to breaking down barriers and advancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities and transforming a service gap into an inclusive model that restores dignity, independence and opportunity.”
Larcher headed a working group that hosted an Identification Clinic in Campbellford in partnership with Inclusion Northumberland that helped more than 25 community members (many requiring individualized support to complete their applications to obtain such essential pieces of ID as birth certificates or health cards).
Also singled out for praise were her four team members – Ontario Works Caseworkers Jeff Freeburn, Spring Wickett, Ashley Postma and Jane Anyaehie.
“Staff demonstrated exceptional patience, compassion and expertise in guiding each person through the process and following up with participants to help them obtain their cards,” the motion said.
This year, these clinics will be expanding to include three communities.
Other proclamations made during the meeting were declaring June Pride Month, Seniors Month and National Indigenous History Month, as well as declaring June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day.
