International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 3 was International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) and Champions Career Centre was so pleased to join in the celebrations in Calgary at the lovely venue of the Jack Singer Concert Hall lobby.

The main reception opened with the official IDPD proclamation by Constable Patty Desormeau of the Calgary Police Department, then a compelling performance by the Momo Mixed Ability Dance Theatre, a community of artists who perform movement, theatre and dance.  They warmed up the large crowd who had braved the cold weather to attend, by inviting them to share in the performance and before too long, had everyone up dancing.

Momo Mixed Ability
Dance Theatre

This invigorating performance was followed by a presentation of short films by Picture This Film Festival. This festival features films that are either about disability or that were produced, directed and/or written by people with disabilities. The 2014 festival will be held on February 10, 11 and 12. One of the films shown was about Sue Austin and included footage of her deep sea diving using an underwater wheelchair. Her mission is to challenge preconceptions by creating quirky and unexpected juxtapositions to empower people with disabilities.

Next up was Christopher, a local artist who won many hearts with his tap dancing performance. Despite some serious technical glitches which meant that the incorrect music was played, Chris didn’t bat an eye and continued his performance without missing a beat. A definite highlight of the afternoon.

The IDPD proceedings were brought to a close by the presentation of the Premiere’s Council for the Status of Persons with Disabilities awards and Calgary Community Impact awards. While Champion’s Lisa Moon was amongst the contenders, she didn’t walk away with an award, but we are so proud that she received recognition as a finalist. We wish to congratulate all the nominees and of course, the award winners.

Champions is proud to have nominated one of our Diversity Champion employers, ATCO Structures and Logistics who won the Premiere’s Council Award for Employing Persons with Disabilities. 

Congratulations to ATCO Structures and Logistics

Congratulations must also go to Nicole Bourgeois, a Champions team member and the entire Calgary IDPD organizing committee who volunteered their time over the last 12 months  to organize local IDPD events and activities. As well as to the many sponsors, including Champions who supported the day. 

IDPD Community Impact Awards

Arts category

Amber H. – An artist who curated her first solo art show “POP” in March 2013. Amber has been showcased in 30 shows in Calgary and employs a variety of art forms including paint, pottery and multi-media. Amber is the recipient of many other awards for her work in 2012/13, notably the In-Definite Arts In-house Jane Cameron Art Award for outstanding achievement.

Entrepreneurship

Jody R. - An entrepreneur, artist and volunteer.  Jody manages her custom art business “Wildrose Custom Art” and markets her work through social media and online, as well as exhibiting her artwork throughout Alberta.  Most notably in the fall of 2013, two of Jody’s batik artworks were selected to be part of international art competition presented by the National Art & Disability Center in California.

Education category

Matthew C. - An exemplary artist, advocate and leader. In 2012 Matthew played a key role in sharing the story of the “A Meaningful Life” project to explore issues pertaining to quality of life for disabled Calgarians. Matthew’s artwork “Independence” was featured in a documentary film that accompanied the project, and unveiled the artwork to Premier Alison Redford during a private event.

Volunteerism

Jacob M. -  A student in the University of Calgary’s Political Sciences Degree Program, Jacob is an active volunteer, athlete and community member. Jacob is a Youth Ambassador with the Easter Seals and raised $30,500 during their “DropZone” Fundraiser by rappelling 350 feet down the side of Sunlife Tower!

Click for the winners of the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities Awards 2012