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PRESENTATION TO ALLISON BOBBETTE, RECIPIENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL MANAGERS CLERKS AND TREASURERS OF ONTARIO, ACCESSIBILITY FOR ONTARIANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (AODA) 10TH ANNIVERSARY CHAMPION AWARD.
Mayor Lehman called upon Allison Bobbette to present her with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 10th Anniversary Champion Award.
Mayor Lehman highlighted Allison's advocacy, volunteer and mentoring efforts associated with bringing to issues associated with persons living with intellectual disabilities to the forefront during her youthl and adult years.
Mayor Lehman detailed the recognition and awards that Allison has received, including a Certificate of Excellence from Eastview Secondary School, Gift of Heart award from Simcoe Community Services and a Youth Leadership Award from Greater Simcoe United Way. He also described her involvement and participation in the establishment of the Community Integration though Cooperative Education program for people with intellectual disabilities so that they could be graduate more readily into employment in inclusive environments.
Mayor Lehman indicated that as part of the 60th anniversary of Simcoe Community Services, a documentary was developed concerning people with intellectual disabilities entitled "In-Focus - I have a Voice" and advised that Allison was an integral part of the documentary.
Mayor Lehman advised that in the Summer of 2015 Allison played baseball with the Barrie Integrated Baseball Association. He also commented on her love of music and her discovery of "Music without Barriers" a non-profit group that helps those with disabilities express themselves through music.
Mayor Lehman noted that Allison has been a champion for inclusion since her teens" and shared a quote from Allison herself "I was not born to fit in - I was born to stand out! I am a person with special needs!".
Mayor Lehman introduced Ms. Reet Skelton, who nominated Allison fo...
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