Skip to content
Menu
  • English Selected
  • Français

 

Header secondary

  • Sign up for eNews
  • Donate

Header

  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Our Programs
    • Leadership Team
    • Board Members and Committees
    • Donors
    • Annual Reports
    • 2021-23 Strategic Plan
    • FAQ
    • Work With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Champion's Circle
    Hero
    Passionate about accessibility? We need your help
    Get Involved
  • About Rick
    • About Rick
    • Rick's Story
    • Man In Motion World Tour
      • Man In Motion World Tour
      • The Dream
      • Tour Timeline
      • Tour Gallery
      • Tour Team
      • 35th Anniversary
    • Rick’s Work and Vision
    • A Conversation with Rick
    • Awards & Honours
    Hero
    Passionate about accessibility? We need your help
    Get Involved
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Legacy Giving
    • Fundraise
    • Help make Canada accessible
    • Everyone Everywhere
    • National AccessAbility Week
    Hero
    Passionate about accessibility? We need your help
    Get Involved
  • Become Accessible
    • Become Accessible
    • Rating & Certification 
      • Rating & Certification 
      • Rating Request Form
      • RHFAC FAQ
      • RHFAC v3.0
    • Accessibility Training and Education
      • Professional Training
      • Accessibility Training and Education
      • Tuition Grants
    • Accessibility Resources
    • Accessibility Professional Network
      • Accessibility Professional Network
      • FAQ: Accessibility Professional Network
      • Login
      • RHFAC Professional Directory
    • Post an Accessibility Job
    • Accessibility Advisory Services
    • Buildings Without Barriers Challenge
    • Leaders in Accessibility
    • B.C. Accessibility Grants
    Hero
    Passionate about accessibility? We need your help
    Get Involved
  • Schools & Communities
    • Schools and Communities
    • Create an Inclusive School Year
      • Start with Awareness
      • Concentrate on Kindness 
      • Boldly Take Action
    • Resource Library
    • Ambassador Presentations
      • Ambassador Presentations
      • Book a Presentation
      • About Our Ambassadors
    • Difference Maker Awards
      • Difference Maker Awards
      • Difference Maker Winners
    • Supplementary Resources
    • Our Partners
    Hero
    Passionate about accessibility? We need your help
    Get Involved
  • News & Stories
    • News & Stories
    • Blog
    • Media Centre
    • Newsletter
    • Disability Reports
    Hero
    Passionate about accessibility? We need your help
    Get Involved
  • Search

Breadcrumb

  1. Rick Hansen Foundation
  2. News & Stories
  3. Blog
  4. Currently selected Announcing the 2020 RHFSP Difference Makers of the Year
group using sleds in the snow

Announcing the 2020 RHFSP Difference Makers of the Year

RHF By RHF On June 11, 2020 Community Spotlight

2020 has been a challenging year. The COVID-19 pandemic is creating new challenges for students, families and educators alike. Promoting inclusion and demonstrating compassion for each other has never been more important.

We are still seeing so many students and educators making a difference across Canada and around the world. Thank-you to everyone who sent in nominations for the 2020 RHFSP Difference Maker of the Year Awards. These awards are for students and educators who are making a difference by breaking down barriers, promoting inclusion, and creating change in the world. We enjoyed reading each and every inspiring entry, and learning all about the incredible work your students and fellow educators are doing to make our schools and communities more accessible and inclusive for all. 

From young advocates for inclusive para sport to a teacher raising funds for accessibility improvements to their school, this year’s winners are leaving a lasting impact on their communities. Congratulations to all the winners!

Student Category Winners

Brody Moore, Kanata Creek Elementary, Maple Ridge, BC:

At just 6 years old, Brody is one of our youngest recipients to date. Brody is an avid ambassador for the Let’s Play program and parasports. He actively fundraises to help children with disabilities access the equipment they need to participate in sport. 

two kids on playground

Wyeth Tan, Edwin Parr Composite School, Athabasca, AB:

Student athlete Wyeth participates in Special Olympic Unified Sports, and sets a compassionate example for others by readily offering her friendship and encouragement to her peers with disabilities.

Shatanand Bacchus, Pelmo Park School, North York, ON:

Shatanand has never let his Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis or being a part of a specialized classroom get in the way of being a leader and a helper at his school. He is a member of Best Buddies Friendship Club, Right to Play, Boys Club, and his school’s gardening and eco clubs.

Milee Millea, Rexton Elementary, Rexton, NB:

A passion for raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) helped Milee overcome extreme shyness and anxiety to lead her debate team to victory, and to organize an assembly to teach her classmates about the issue. 

three people in a classroom

Alexis Folk, Adam Robertson Elementary, Creston BC:

Alexis changed the game for students with disabilities at her school. When she was invited to help shape the Project Adventure program for out-of-classroom learning experiences for students with visual impairments, she agreed, but only if the program could be open to all students with disabilities. She was the driving force in raising $2,500 for that year’s adventures.

Grade Five Best Buddies, St. Benedict School, Calgary AB: 

This team of 4 thoughtful Grade Fives along with educator Diane Jaramillo Martinez joined the Best Buddies program to spend quality time with students with cognitive disabilities over recess and lunch breaks. Where other Buddies’ enthusiasm waned and often left the program short-handed, this group, made up of Viviana Dyer-Dodero, Adriana Gomez, Arianna Hughes and Favour Abiola-Oseni, made a point of checking in outside of their assigned days to see if they were needed, and worked with the Education Supports class on developing adaptive play opportunities for their Buddies. 

Educator Category Winners

Dr. Linda Derksen, Universal Access Director at Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo BC: 

A former sociology professor, Linda recently became VIU’s first-ever Universal Access Director following her tireless advocacy to improve the limited accessibility on campus. In her new role, she has secured $2 million in government funding to build a ramp and accessible washrooms, and regularly holds public consultations to ensure everyone on campus feels heard.

Chris Mieske, Grade 6 Teacher at Trafalgar Middle School, Nelson, BC :

Having adopted the class motto “Leave No One Behind,” Chris is teaching the next generation of inclusion advocates, engaging his students in overcoming accessibility challenges for their classmate with a neurological condition who uses a wheelchair, so he could participate in their winter skiing and snowshoeing activity days. The students consulted a team of therapists, who helped them understand their classmates needs and build him a personalized sled.

Paige Deacon, P.E. Teacher at Four Winds School, Fort Saskatchewan AB:

Since becoming a teacher in 2013, Paige has taught an adaptive sports unit to every grade in her Physical Education classes, knowing the experience would develop empathy in her students, challenge their perceptions around people with disabilities, and encourage them to advocate for accessibility outside the classroom. With the support of her administration, Paige has plans to expand the adaptive units when school is back in session.

Aselin Ettinger, P.E. Teacher at Digby Elementary, Digby, NS

Aselin has been a longtime champion for inclusion at her school, securing approval for an adaptive phys-ed component and helping students with mobility and sensory challenges experience the joy of sport. In addition to facilitating skating time with sledges and a separate sensory skate for students with ASD who are averse to crowds, Aselin secured a grant for kick sleds, and brought all 375 students out to learn how to use them in a safe environment.

three people on ice rink

Tony Gambale, Teacher at Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary, Grimsby, ON

Tony is a big believer in helping students embrace all parts of their identity and become the best version of themselves. He helps lead the Youth Philanthropy Initiative, in which students learn about social issues impacting their community and compete for a $5,00 grant for a charity addressing their issue. He also helps students find innovative ways to raise funds and awareness for Orange Shirt Day each year, and was integral to expanding First Nations, Metis and Inuit education within the school. 

Group holds signs smiling


In a world where we’re facing more challenges than ever before, knowing there are people out there like our Difference Makers gives us all a sense of hope and anticipation for a more accessible and inclusive future. 

You can read more about Difference Maker of the Year Brody Moore here, and over the coming months we will be sharing more stories about all of our winners.  

Congratulations again to all of the winners. Your leadership is a model for others and is creating tangible change for a more inclusive world for everyone!

class use mobility equipment

The Rick Hansen Foundation School Program is made possible by our Co-Presenting Partners, Boston Pizza Foundation Future Prospects and Scotiabank. 
 

Related articles

Announcing 2023's Difference Makers! Colourful graphics of people with different abilities are celebrating.
Announcing the Recipients of the 2023 RHFSP Difference Maker of the Year Awards!/Annonce des lauréates et des lauréats du prix Personne qui fait une différence de l’année 2023 du PSFRH!
Rick Hansen Foundation Spring 2023 Newsletter
Chirs Stigas wearing a black baseball cap and a black sweater in front of the #APN2023 photo op.
RHFAC Professional Spotlight: Chris Stigas
Julie Melanie, who has grey hair that is in a pony tail, sitting at a table with an orange table cloth that has her bags on display.
Julie Melanie Fills a Gap in Accessibility

About the Author

Our mission is to create and deliver innovative solutions that lead to a global movement to remove barriers and liberate the potential of people with disabilities.

Back to top

Next Story

City of Vaughan Case Study: A leader in accessibility
RHF By RHF
Read More

Stay in Touch

Receive Foundation emails to stay up-to-date on our impact and programs.

Contact Us

1-800-213-2131
info@rickhansen.com

Rick Hansen Foundation
300-3820 Cessna Drive
Richmond, BC
Canada V7B 0A2

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Imagine Canada

The Standards Program Trustmark is a mark of Imagine Canada used under license by the Rick Hansen Foundation.

About Us - EN

  • About Us
  • Our Programs
  • Leadership Team
  • Board Members and Committees
  • Donors
  • Annual Reports
  • 2021-23 Strategic Plan
  • FAQ
  • Work With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Champion's Circle

About Rick - EN

  • About Rick
  • Rick's Story
  • Man In Motion World Tour
    • Man In Motion World Tour
    • The Dream
    • Tour Timeline
    • Tour Gallery
    • Tour Team
    • 35th Anniversary
  • Rick’s Work and Vision
  • A Conversation with Rick
  • Awards & Honours

Get Involved - EN

  • Get Involved
  • Donate
  • Legacy Giving
  • Fundraise
  • Help make Canada accessible
  • Everyone Everywhere
  • National AccessAbility Week

Become Accessible - EN

  • Become Accessible
  • Rating & Certification 
    • Rating & Certification 
    • Rating Request Form
    • RHFAC FAQ
    • RHFAC v3.0
  • Accessibility Training and Education
    • Professional Training
    • Accessibility Training and Education
    • Tuition Grants
  • Accessibility Resources
  • Accessibility Professional Network
    • Accessibility Professional Network
    • FAQ: Accessibility Professional Network
    • Login
    • RHFAC Professional Directory
  • Post an Accessibility Job
  • Accessibility Advisory Services
  • Buildings Without Barriers Challenge
  • Leaders in Accessibility
  • B.C. Accessibility Grants

Schools & Communities - EN

  • Schools and Communities
  • Create an Inclusive School Year
    • Start with Awareness
    • Concentrate on Kindness 
    • Boldly Take Action
  • Resource Library
  • Ambassador Presentations
    • Ambassador Presentations
    • Book a Presentation
    • About Our Ambassadors
  • Difference Maker Awards
    • Difference Maker Awards
    • Difference Maker Winners
  • Supplementary Resources
  • Our Partners

News & Stories - EN

  • News & Stories
  • Blog
  • Media Centre
  • Newsletter
  • Disability Reports

Legal

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Ethical Reporting Policy
  • Complaints Policy
  • Imagine Canada Certification
  • Accessibility Commitment
  • Diversity and Inclusion
Imagine Canada

The Standards Program Trustmark is a mark of Imagine Canada used under license by the Rick Hansen Foundation.

Charitable Registration Number: 10765 9427 RR 0001 © 2023 Rick Hansen Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

Back to Top
Hero

Our programs and initiatives work to create an accessible and inclusive world where people with disabilities can live to their full potential. 

Learn more
Hero

When Rick set out to wheel around the world in 1985, he had three missions: to raise awareness about the potential of people with disabilities, create accessible and inclusive communities, and find a cure.

Read more
Hero

Receive updates from RHF on the impact we’re making for people with disabilities across Canada.

Subscribe
Hero

Have your site rated and certified for meaningful access for people with physical disabilities. Make your community more welcoming and inclusive for all!

Get Started
Hero

Receive free educational resources that teach youth about the importance of access and inclusion.  

Learn more
Hero

Browse the latest stories about access and disability inclusion. 

Read our Blog