Inclusion Alberta congratulates the winners of the 2026 Inclusion Alberta Awards. The awards were handed out this past weekend at the 2026 Inclusion Alberta Family Conference, held April 17-18 at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton, to recognize those in Alberta who are creating inclusive communities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The 2025 National Inclusive Education Awards

The National Inclusive Education Award is an initiative organized by Inclusion Canada and its Provincial and Territorial member associations. The award for Alberta is provided jointly by Inclusion Canada and Inclusion Alberta to honour teachers, schools, or school districts whose commitment to inclusive education is exemplary and deserving of recognition.

This year, the award was presented to:

Northern Lights School (Calgary Board of Education)

Northern Lights School is a truly inclusive school where belonging, progress and collaboration are not just ideals but daily practice, say the parents of grade 3 student Noah.

“Over the years, Noah has been supported by countless staff members who consistently show a willingness to reflect, adapt, and improve the quality of his education,” says parent Joelle.  “He is not simply present in the classroom; he is genuinely included.”

Noah participates in large and small group activities, has performed singing and dancing routines alongside his peers, and is held to high expectations as a valued and capable member of his school community. He is eager to go to school in the morning and comes home with a smile on his face every day.

École Lacombe Upper Elementary School (Wolf Creek Public School Division)

Two years ago, Darcie’s son Noah was only able to attend school for about 3 hours a day. It was a difficult time for the family and they worried about Noah’s future. With the support of Inclusion Alberta, Noah’s school team and Wolf Creek Public School Division, Noah now attends full school days alongside his peers in the regular grade 4 classroom at Ecole Lacombe Upper Elementary School.

Darcie says the school has had open communication and has worked through challenges without resorting to sending Noah home. He has been able to go on field trips and has made meaningful connections with his peers that have resulted in birthday party invites.

Darcie says she is now hopeful that things will only continue to improve for Noah’s school journey.

Johnny Bright School (Edmonton Public Schools)

Johnny Bright School is a place where everyone truly belongs, according to Pooja and Rajesh, parents of grade 6 student Ravvya. Pooja says that throughout her time at Johnny Bright, the school has worked intentionally to make sure that Ravvya’s learning experiences honour her strengths, include instruction adapted with creativity and care, and always ensures that she can participate meaningfully in the classroom community. The school’s genuine belief in Raavya’s potential have supported her growth both academically and socially.

“Johnny Bright feels less like a school building and more like a community built on respect, belonging, and opportunity for all,” says Pooja.

As an organization that values and supports the full inclusion of children in regular education classrooms, Inclusion Alberta thanks Northern Lights School, Ecole Lacombe Upper Elementary School and Johnny Bright School for their commitment to their students who have been fortunate to be fully included in their regular classrooms.

The Bruce Uditsky Leadership Award

The Bruce Uditsky Leadership Award is the most prestigious award presented by Inclusion Alberta. It is only presented when an individual or organization truly demonstrates exemplary leadership in advancing the full inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities. It is awarded to individuals or groups whose inspirational leadership efforts have made an invaluable and lasting difference to Albertans.

Winner: Zuhy Sayeed

A passionate, tireless and effective advocate for inclusion in Lloydminster, the province of Alberta and beyond for over 40 years, Zuhy Sayeed’s remarkable ability to bring people together and move systems forward embodies the very spirit of the Bruce Uditsky Leadership Award.

Zuhy was President of Inclusion Alberta from 1996–2000 and then President of Inclusion Canada from 2000–2007. She led the closure of segregated Parkland School and represented Canada on the world stage at the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

By refusing segregated options, Zuhy pioneered inclusive education in Lloydminster when her own son was the first student to be fully included in the public school system, paving the way for every family who followed.

Zuhy is a movement builder and changemaker who has impacted so many families with her vision, strength and empathy.

 

The Colonel Eric W. and Dr. Barbara V. Cormack Memorial Award

The Colonel Eric W. and Dr. Barbara V. Cormack Memorial Award is given to an Alberta resident who has made an outstanding, long-term voluntary contribution to serving the interests of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Winner: Andre Charrois

Andre Charrois is a member of the St. Albert Rotary Club, and until retirement was partner of Foster Park Brokers (now NFP). While at Foster Park Brokers, Andre became an inclusive employer, hiring an employee with an intellectual disability through the Rotary Employment Partnership. Andre has described his involvement with the Partnership as one of the most meaningful projects he has worked on in his life and has since introduced the idea of inclusive employment to hundreds by encouraging clients and colleagues to hire and presenting to Rotary Clubs and the business community. Andre is an ally who sees value, ability, and potential in all individuals with intellectual disabilities and uses his voice whenever he can to champion inclusive employment.

Six years ago, Andre started the annual Peter Lee Golf Classic to promote the partnership, raising funds that directly support Inclusion Alberta and inclusive employment.

 

Community Inclusion Award

The Community Inclusion Award is given to individuals or organizations in Alberta whose actions on a day-to-day basis result in children or adults with intellectual disabilities having increased opportunities to be included in community life.

Winners:

Costco Okotoks

Costco Okotoks hired Siobhan through the Rotary Employment Partnership in 2020 and has provided a truly inclusive workplace. Siobhan says she loves her job and her colleagues, feels like a truly valued member of the Costco team and has been able to purchase a home of her own.

DHL Supply Chain (Acheson)

DHL is recognized as an outstanding inclusive employer through the Rotary Employment Partnership by providing meaningful, well-paid employment opportunities to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Jon Newman – Olds College of Agriculture & Technology (Olds)

Jon is the Manager, Educational Technology and Learning Commons at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and is recognized as a strong ally of students who are supported by Inclusion Alberta’s Inclusive Post-Secondary Education initiative. Jon recognizes students’ individual passions, strengths and goals and regularly uses his own personal network to identify opportunities for growth and development for students. He demonstrates a strong belief and commitment to the full inclusion of students with intellectual disabilities at Olds College.

Vision Sport Centre (Calgary)

Vision Sports Centre is an inclusive workplace where employee Johann says he is a valued and respected member of the team. Vision has given Johann opportunities to expand his skillset and training and has been flexible of his school schedule. Johann says he has made great friendships with his colleagues and community members he works with through his job.

Kristina Spiller (Peace River)

By intentionally welcoming and supporting Ella, an athlete who has an intellectual disability, on the Saints Junior Varsity Volleyball Team, Kristina has demonstrated outstanding commitment to community inclusion. Through encouragement, adaptive coaching, and a team-first mindset, Kristina ensures all athletes are fully included, valued, and given meaningful opportunities to grow as both an athlete and teammate. This inclusive leadership fostered confidence, belonging, and mutual respect, making a lasting positive impact on Ella and the entire team.

Department of Music – MacEwan University (Edmonton)

Rachel, a student who is supported by Inclusion Alberta’s Inclusive Post-Secondary Education initiative, was warmly welcomed into the music community at MacEwan University. She says she has been seamlessly included in courses, provided many opportunities to perform both on her own and with classmates, and recognized for her effort and positivity. Rachel’s professors have masterfully developed her musical skills while considering her comfort zone.

Brenda Giourmetakis and Carson Masse (Edmonton)

For their courage, their partnership, and their lasting impact on students, educators, families, and institutions, Carson Masse and Professor Brenda Giourmetakis are recognized with a Community Inclusion Award.

Through their shared journey, Carson and Brenda have shown that inclusion is not something educators deliver to students with disabilities. It is something that is built together—through relationship, trust, and the belief that every person has something to teach.

Carson shows that leadership can begin with presence. Brenda shows what becomes possible when educators are willing to listen, learn, and act.

Together, they demonstrate that inclusive education is not a theoretical idea. It is a lived practice.