The annual Accessibility and Inclusiveness Awards help celebrate and highlight Maple Ridge's diverse and inclusive communities.
Once a year, the Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness (MACAI) has asked the people of our communities to identify and nominate businesses, organizations and individuals that have made a difference in our community (City of Maple Ridge and City of Pitt Meadows), specifically in the lives of the individuals living with diverse abilities. The 2024 nominations are open now until June 12, 2024.
MACAI Nomination 2024
The Municipal Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness (MACAI) is seeking nominations for Community Champions that provide inclusive and diverse services. Awards are given to outstanding businesses, individuals and organizations that go the extra mile within our community.
MACAI advises Council on the enhancement of accessibility and inclusivity for present and future citizens. MACAI strives to remove the social, physical and psychological barriers that prevent people from fully participating in all aspects of community life.
We recognize:
Universal/Architectural Access (residential/commercial) - Demonstrates and provides opportunities for all individuals to participate in an inclusive environment by eliminating barriers that impede full participation within the built environment.
Leisure and Recreation - Demonstrates and promotes the inclusion of all people in leisure or recreation.
Customer Service - Demonstrates an atmosphere of inclusion through exemplary customer service.
Volunteer - Demonstrates and/or promotes volunteering opportunities for all people.
Employment - Demonstrates inclusive employment for all people.
Financial - Demonstrates the importance of providing financial support to those who due to financial constraints would otherwise not be able to participate in important aspects of community life.
Diversity - Recognizing, celebrating and respecting the diversity of all people.
Once a year, for the past seventeen years, MACAI has asked the people of our communities to identify and nominate businesses, organizations and individuals that have made a difference specifically in the lives of the individuals living with diverse abilities. Explore the tabs below for our exemplary recipients:
Catherine Larnon-Trout - Founder of the Mad Hatter Foundation
Michelle Cherak - PLEA Maple Ridge
Fraser River Indigenous Society (FRIS)
Shelli Silvestri - Work Experience Facilitator School, District 42
