Disability awards recognise inclusion

• Count Me In Awards recognise and reward outstanding individual and group efforts to create more welcoming and accessible communities

Outstanding Western Australian individuals and organisations making a difference in the lives of people with disability have been recognised at the annual Count Me In Awards.

The highly coveted Dr Louisa Alessandri Award for Excellence was awarded jointly this year to two category winners: the City of Melville for its inclusive and accessible outdoor facilities and Albany's Vancouver Cafe for inclusive employment opportunities.

Disability Services Minister Helen Morton said the awards highlighted role models for others who wanted to extend their access and inclusion services and facilities.

 
"The Count Me In Awards demonstrate to the whole community what can be achieved when an individual or organisation makes a commitment to provide services and facilities that are welcoming for everyone," Mrs Morton said.

"I congratulate everyone who entered this year's awards and for making a contribution to supporting Count Me In. Your achievements are making a significant difference to the lives of people in your communities."

Awards were presented in seven categories, including an award for Liveable Homes, to recognise outstanding, long-term initiatives that ensure housing is welcoming for everyone.

The Count Me In Award for Customer Service was awarded for the first time recognising the efforts by private sector organisations providing positive experiences for customers of all abilities. Two organisations, About Bike Hire and Johnny Young Talent School, jointly won this category.

Fact File

• Disability Awareness Week runs from November 28 to December 3, the International Day of People with Disability
• The Count Me In Awards support the State's Count Me In vision: that all people live in welcoming communities that facilitate citizenship, friendship, mutual support and a fair go for everyone
• For more about the Count Me In Awards visit http://www.disability.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 9213 7250

2011 Count Me In Award winners:

• Count Me In Award for an Individual

Winner: Peter Atkinson - Quad Dreamers
Peter Atkinson and his wife Narelle founded Quad Dreamers in 2008 to give children with disability the opportunity to ride quad bikes in a safe, secure environment.  They were inspired by their daughter Jessica, then aged 10, who has an intellectual disability and lives with epilepsy.  Jessica's love for riding led them to establish Quad Dreamers, which is now part of the Wanneroo Junior Motocross Club and is the only club of its type in Australia.

Highly commended: David Crocker - Quiet Introspection photographic exhibition
Through his Quiet Introspection exhibition, David Crocker, of Secret Harbour, recorded his experience of gradual hearing loss through to loss of hearing, and then life after a cochlear implant.  A series of 17 self-portraits provide an insight into the challenges of life with hearing loss.  The exhibition led to David sharing his experience in talks to students and others.

• Barry MacKinnon Award for Employment

Winner: The Vancouver Cafe (Albany)
Owner Alison Teede has provided Great Southern Institute of Technology hospitality students, and Great Southern Grammar and Albany Secondary Education Support Centre students, with training and work experience opportunities at her Vancouver Cafe in Albany.  This led to her employing four people with disability at the cafe.  Alison also provides work experience for people who are involved in the local Around the Garden Project.

Highly commended: City of Mandurah - inclusive employment
The City of Mandurah has implemented a vast range of inclusive, diverse employment practices that support its vision to create a community that is vibrant, prosperous, connected and sustainable, where everyone belongs.

• Count Me In Award for Customer Service

Winner: About Bike Hire - Companion Card affiliation
About Bike Hire was set up on Perth's Swan River foreshore in 1982 to hire out bikes, kayaks and quad cycles.  The business, managed by Geoff Collins, joined the Companion Card program in 2006.  This supports people with disability by enabling them to hire a bike with a companion without an additional charge.  In 2011, the business won the Companion Card Affiliate of the Year award.

Winner: Johnny Young Talent School, inclusive performance classes
Johnny Young Talent School studios in Riverton, North Perth and Kingsley welcome people of all abilities and ages to singing, drama and tap and hip hop dance classes.  Directors Harry and Isabelle Docherty ensure all teachers adhere to the school's principle: that all children have the right to pursue opportunities to develop confidence, communication skills and creative talents.
 

• Count Me In Award for Education and Training - primary and secondary schools

Winner: Mandurah Catholic College and Peel Volunteer Resource Centre - Community Schools Program
The Community Schools Program was developed by Mandurah Catholic College, the Peel Volunteer Resource Centre and the Commission's Peel Local Area Coordination office.  Using the Community Connect approach, local students with disability were 'connected' with students from the college to take part in sporting activities, inspiring college students to be more welcoming and inclusive.

Highly commended: Geographe Education Support Centre - Regional Autism Education Outreach Project
The Geographe Education Support Centre in Busselton identified there was a local need for more information about teaching and supporting students with autism. The centre held community workshops and trained 170 people from 12 schools, including parents, carers and volunteers, giving them greater understanding and improving inclusion for students.

• Count Me In Award for Education and Training - post school / tertiary education and training

Winner: Growing Towards Wellness - training opportunities
Growing Towards Wellness (GTW) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides training, education, employment pathways, work experience and mentoring, horticultural therapy and community integrative programs to a range of people, including people with disability. Horticultural lecturer Jimmy O'Rouke formed GTW in 2006 and was joined by social worker Sanna Andrew, who is now GTW's state manager.

Highly commended: CY O'Connor Institute - HeARTworks
CY O'Connor Institute's HeARTworks access arts initiative, in Narrogin, provides community arts activities that also help people gain literacy and numeracy skills.  The project aims to 'connect to the heart, through art, to get through the work'.  Participants held an exhibition and sold $5,000 worth of artwork.

• Count Me In Award for State Government

Winner: Department of Transport - access and mobility maps
Access and mobility maps are produced by the Department of Transport, with assistance from local governments and a reference group of people with disability, as part of the department's commitment to accessibility for everyone.  The maps show accessible routes, facilities and services and are produced in accessible formats, to suit all users.

Highly commended: Royal Perth Hospital - Ventilator Dependent Quadraplegic Community Care Program (VDQ-CCP)
Royal Perth Hospital's state wide program offers assistance to non-compensable people who need mechanical ventilation and clinical care to enable them to be supported in the community.  Program participants gain better quality of life and improved independence while living at home with family and friends.

• Count Me In Award for Local Government

Winner: City of Melville - inclusive outdoor facilities and services
The City of Melville's commitment to access and inclusion in parks and other outdoor spaces is demonstrated through ongoing improvements.  These include an accessible toilet, ACROD parking, accessible pathways, inclusive sensory elements and a large seated swing at Kadidjiny Park; improved wheelchair access and visual markers on steps and borders at Heathcote playground; and inclusive sensory features at the Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Women's Trail.

Highly commended: City of Mandurah - Fun on the Foreshore
The City of Mandurah's Disability Access Advisory Group held a community event on the 2010 International Day of People with Disability to promote access and inclusion, physical activity and local services and programs.  More than 1,200 people attended the event which celebrated the diverse Mandurah community while also sharing information and having fun.

• Disability Future Directions: Liveable Homes Award

Winner: Solar Dwellings - universal housing design
Griff Morris established Solar Dwellings in 1991 to design energy efficient and sustainable homes while also incorporating universal access and 'healthy' homes principles.  The Williamson Way home, in Trigg, is an example of the company's best practice in all these design areas and is welcoming to people of all ages and abilities.

• Dr Louisa Alessandri Award for Excellence

Winner:  Two category winners are joint winners of the 2011 Dr Louisa Alessandri Award for Excellence:
- Vancouver Cafe - for an inclusive employment project in Albany
- City of Melville - for an extensive range of inclusive outdoor facilities and services in the city area.