Wonderful News For Our Own Heather Hollingshead

Last night, Barrie City Council presented Heather Hollingshead, Regional Service Coordinator of the Barrie Region, with the Robert Kerr Accessibility Award. The award was presented to Heather for fostering an environment of equal participation by recognizing outstanding accomplishments which result in equal opportunities for people with disabilities within Barrie. What a wonderful way to recognize Heather for all of the work she has done in the Barrie Region! To provide you with some background on this award, please read the following: Robert Kerr was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 14 and within months was using a wheelchair. In the 1950’s getting around using a wheelchair was cumbersome and daunting due to the large wooden wheelchairs and inaccessibility of all transportation. Robert had a dream to make the changes necessary so that people with physical disabilities could live productive and successful lives within the community. As such, Robert started what is now known as the Simcoe County Association for the Physically Disabled (SCAPD). He started with a dispatch out of his home for the first Barrie Accessible Community Transportation bus and assisted in many more endeavors including wheelchair-accessible housing, support care, employment and much more. As a result, Barrie’s public transportation is 85% wheelchair accessible! Robert Kerr passed away December 6, 2008 and will not be forgotten. This is truly a well deserved award and we are so proud to work with Heather. Congratulations Heather on this accomplishment. See news article: http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2211546