A few local residents have been recognized by the municipality for their efforts in accessibility.
The Chatham-Kent Accessibility Advisory Committee handed out three awards during a presentation at The Dutch Market Tuesday afternoon.
Several people including chair of the committee Ralph Roels and Councillor Karen Herman said a few words before the awards were given.
The first award went to The Dutch Market for having the most accessible business of the year.
Charles Huls being presented with an award for The Dutch Market. February 21, 2017. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
President Charles Huls says they've put a lot of work into making the store a little easier to get around.
"I think through past experiences at our old location we discovered that we needed more room for people coming into the facility," says Huls. "Just to try and layout the store in such a way that the ailes are a little wider [and] the counters are a little easier to get to."
The second award was given to Ryan VanPraet for being an advocate and working with the accessible recreation group Trust Your Buddy.
Ryan VanPraet speaking at the 2017 Accessibility Awards presentation. February 21, 2017. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
He says society doesn't always expect a lot from those with disabilities so his goal is to exceed expectations and get others to realize, having a disability does not define a person.
"I grew up here in Chatham and I was raised to believe that I can do whatever I want," says VanPraet. "My blindness is just something extra that I have to deal with."
In addition, to his award from the Accessibility Advisory Committee, VanPraet was also recognized by the Minister of Recreation Travel and Sport through a letter.
"The real winners for advocacy would be the entire group," he says. "It's really teaching them to advocate for themselves and hence they'll advocate for all persons with disabilities."
The final award went to the late Sid Ebare for his perseverance. His wife Sara accepted the award saying despite being in a wheelchair Sid never let it stop him from achieving certain goals.
