Accessibility Awards

Congratulations to the 2024 Award Winners

Tiff Garvey - Individual Award

Tiff Garvey is a beloved member of the Flamborough community and a passionate advocate for accessibility. Known as the friendly greeter at Walmart, Tiff has lived with a mobility disability for years and uses a motorized chair for daily activities. As a founding member of Accessibility Matters Waterdown, she has helped raise awareness about making public spaces more accessible and works tirelessly with local business owners to implement practical solutions. Tiff’s advocacy has led to improvements in her community, including better snow removal practices and accessible crosswalks. In 2024, she inspired McMaster University students by sharing her story of perseverance in living with spina bifida. A vibrant community member, Tiff also pursues her passion for dance and recently achieved her blue belt in Taekwondo, proving that nothing can hold her back. Her lived experiences and approachable demeanor make Tiff an invaluable asset to Flamborough, where she continues to advocate for positive change.

Apprenticeship Community Internship - Community Award

Sherri Crechiola is the visionary founder of Apprenticeship Community Internship or ACI, a groundbreaking program in Hamilton and Mount Hope that empowers adults with disabilities through hands-on work experience and community integration. With over 20 years of experience, beginning with her daycare center, Kinderseeds, Sherri has dedicated her life to supporting individuals with diverse abilities. ACI offers a unique apprenticeship model, where students gain practical skills in the classroom and through community placements, guided by career coaches who foster their growth and independence. Sherri also runs a Tae Kwon Do studio, incorporating self-discipline and self-defense into her programs. Committed to inclusion and accessibility, she organizes community events and initiatives, such as Puddle Day and holiday celebrations, to raise funds and awareness. Through her tireless efforts, Sherri has transformed the lives of countless students and families, making her an invaluable asset to the community and a deserving candidate for recognition.

Montaño Taekwondo - Business Award

Founded by Ms. Rebecca Montaño in 2017, Montaño Taekwondo is a nurturing haven for individuals with invisible disabilities, including Autism and ADHD. Inspired by her personal journey as a mother of neurodivergent children, Rebecca embodies the values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) both in her life and within her Taekwondo classes. As the Director of Special Needs for TAO Canada, she advocates for equitable practices and has successfully fostered a unique training environment where neurodiverse families can learn together, celebrating individual strengths and learning styles. Her commitment to inclusivity has transformed her school into a supportive community, empowering students to advocate for themselves and navigate challenges with confidence. With a focus on acceptance and understanding, Montaño Taekwondo offers a space where everyone can thrive, making it a vital resource for families seeking connection and growth.

Karla Penner - Youth Award

Karla Penner, a 17-year-old entering grade 12 at Cathedral High School, is a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion. Since starting at CHS, she has worked tirelessly to ensure equal rights for all students, leading initiatives like the installation of a ramp for wheelchair access. Her advocacy includes promoting Braille on doors and accessible textbooks, opening opportunities for special needs peers to join sports teams and clubs. Additionally, Karla coaches a cheer team for children with special needs and advocates for seniors in her cooperative program. With her kind heart and commitment to diversity and equity, Karla is a true leader in her community and a deserving candidate for recognition.