Inclusion Alberta congratulates the winners of the 2024 Inclusion Alberta Awards. The awards were handed out this past weekend at the 2024 Inclusion Alberta Family Conference, held April 12-13 at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton, to recognize those in Alberta who are creating inclusive communities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The 2024 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 awards were presented to:

Lisa Walker – Teacher, Ascension of Our Lord School (Calgary Catholic School District)

Lisa was nominated by the parents of one of her Social Studies students who has an intellectual disability. The student is included in the class and is challenged and engaged by Lisa in learning the grade-level curriculum alongside their peers. The student feels a sense of connection and belonging in the class, and Lisa is always willing to share her experience with other teachers who are interested.

 

 

 

 

Marissa McCurdy – Teacher, Bishop David Motiuk Catholic Elementary and Junior High School (Edmonton Catholic School District)

Marissa was nominated by a colleague for her deep and abiding practice of truly including students with intellectual disabilities in her classroom. Marissa’s inclusive teaching style utilizes appropriate accommodations and natural supports while fostering relationships that all students in the class can benefit from while learners with intellectual disabilities receive a meaningful inclusive education alongside their peers.

 

 

 

As an organization that values and supports the full inclusion of children in regular education classrooms, Inclusion Alberta thanks teachers Lisa Walker and Marissa McCurdy for their commitment to their students who have been fortunate to be fully included in their regular classrooms.

 

The Bruce Uditsky Leadership Award

Winner: Krista Carr, Executive Vice-President of Inclusion Canada

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.

Krista Carr is a long-time advocate in the inclusion movement.  She is the Executive Vice President (CEO) of Inclusion Canada and has over 28 years of experience in the non-profit sector as a champion of inclusion. In her current role, Krista is responsible for leading our national organization, Inclusion Canada, the Inclusion Canada Foundation, and Inclusive Education Canada (IEC).

In addition to her extensive work portfolio, Krista sits on a number of provincial and national disability-related boards and committees, including chair of the federal government’s Minister’s Disability Advisory Group (MDAG). Krista offers a unique perspective on disability-related supports and services, both nationally and internationally.

Along with her extensive history in the field, her contributions specifically since she has been with Inclusion Canada have had an impact in Alberta.

She currently resides in New Brunswick with her husband and two daughters.

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

Winner: Mike Colborne

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.

Mike Colborne was the former Chairman and CEO of the Pacific Western Group of Companies which owned and operated Red Arrow Motorcoach, Diversified Transportation, Southland as well as other transportation services across five provinces and the Yukon Territory. Mike is an active member of his community and sits on many volunteer boards and committees. He has been a member of Rotary for 32 years and is a member of the Rotary Club of Calgary. Active on the Rotary Employment Partnership Steering Committee since 2011, Mike is now the Committee’s chair and was recognized by CTV as an Inspiring Albertan. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his work creating employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Mike lives in Calgary with his wife Barbara, daughter Celeste, and son James.

Being nominated for the Cormack award is a testament to his voluntary work and commitment to creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

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:

The Glencoe Club (Calgary)

Glencoe Club was nominated by an employee and their family for their commitment to providing an inclusive workplace where employees with intellectual disabilities are valued, supported and feel part of the team.

 

 

 

Earls Red Deer

Earls Red Deer was nominated for their incredible support of an employee who has an intellectual disability. The employee is also a student in Red Deer Polytechnic’s Cook Apprenticeship Program and through their time employed at Earls has been given opportunities to grow and expand their duties and responsibilities. The employee is valued and feels that Earls has gone above and beyond in supporting their career of choice.

 

 

Donnelly & Co. LLP (Tim Donnelly) (Edmonton)

Tim Donnelly was nominated by an employee and their family for being an outstanding long-time inclusive employer who ensures employees with intellectual disabilities are included, valued and respected colleagues.

 

 

 

Daniel Haas (Red Deer Polytechnic)

As Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Red Deer Polytechnic, Daniel has been a champion for including students with intellectual disabilities in regular programs of study. Daniel is always eager to collaborate with inclusive post-secondary education staff, faculty staff and students to enhance the value that Red Deer Polytechnic can offer learners with intellectual disabilities.

 

 

 

Alberta Municipalities

Alberta Municipalities was nominated by an employee in Edmonton for their dedication to meaningful inclusive employment. The employee has felt supported and valued in the first year of their job, and that their abilities and talents have been appreciated and recognized.

 

 

 

Brendan Ganton (Lakeland College)

Brendan was nominated by one of his students in the Environmental Sciences Program for his commitment to ensuring students with intellectual disabilities are meaningfully included in class. The student says that since beginning their studies in 2021, Brendan has been instrumental in ensuring that they were included and engaged in both classes and labs, has been a great mentor in choosing direction of study and has even provided support at summer jobs.