BC Rehab Standing Ovation Awards October 17th, 2007

Whistler for the Disabled "Hugh Tollett" is a proud recipient of the 2007 Standing Ovation Awards presented by BC Rehabilitation. The Award Ceremony took place at The Fairmont Vancouver Hotel on October 17th and was hosted by Rick Cluff from CBC Radio.

Pictured from left to the right, Grant Lamont, Rick Cluff, David Stein, Hugh Tollett, Jay McKenzie and the GM Place crew along with Gerry Burns who is wearing white.

Hugh Tollett is very honored to have won such a prestigious Award from BC Rehab that has come straight from the Disabled Community and from the general Public across British Columbia, Canada.

The "Standing Ovation" Award was created in 2001 in order to acknowledge companies and organizations that have "gone the extra mile" for people with physical disabilities. An Advisory Committee for BC Rehab Foundation, comprised of people with physical disabilities, selects and nominates the winners of this prestigious award.

This year the Advisory Committee asked the public in all regions and communities to nominate an organization, company or individual that they feel has integrated, consulted, supported and created barrier free environments for people with physical disabilities. Nominations can be made under seven categories: Transportation, Arts, Retail, Sport and Recreation, Tourism, Media and Individual. Criteria in each category are based on accessibility, integration and awareness.

Last years winners were GM Place, Ikea-Coquitlam and Canadian Forces Sailing Association, Esquimalt Squadron. GM Place has a unique building design that allows full access for guests with special needs and disabilities. Ikea - Coquitlam offers a myriad of facilities from wheelchair-accessible shopping carts to staff facilities include wheel-in showers and fully accessible washrooms. Canadian Sailing Association, Esquimalt Squadron has accommodated disabled sailors since 1993, working closely with the Disabled Sailing Association of BC, Victoria Branch.

This years winners included Whistler for the Disabled Hugh Tollett for Individual Award, Home Depot for Retail and Douglas College for Education. Video presentation from each award winner can be viewed at the above links for each group. You will need Quick Time Media Player to view the video and the download is free.

People with physical disabilities are among ourfriends, family members, co-workers and respected leaders. At BC Rehab we are committed to closing the gaps between people with and without disabilities. We believe it's ability not disability that counts.

Media News Coverage on Whistler for the Disabled and Hugh Tollett included CTV News, CBC Radio, The Province Newspaper, Pique Newsmagazine and The Whistler Question Newspaper who ran a cover story article.

For more information about BC Rehab please visit there web site.