It’s been some time since Andy Speers was at Centre Wellington council.
On Nov. 30, Speers was presented an accessibility leadership award through the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities).
This one-time award recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership in accessibility and disability issues, while portraying passion and commitment in the promotion of awareness of accessibility and inclusiveness in their community.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to have Andy Speers and his family here to present the 10th anniversary AODA Championship Award,” said Mayor Kelly Linton.
Speers ensured through his efforts that the design, surfacing and furniture at several local playgrounds were accessible for all users, regardless of age or ability.
Special swings, motion devices, interactive and educational panels, deck edge markers, wheelchair accessibility ramps and special resilient surfaces were selected to serve all users.
Speers, who lives in Fergus, has two children with his wife Jackie, Asher and Adaline (Asher has Down’s syndrome).
Linton said before Speers began his work, Centre Wellington had 22 parks, none of which had features for users (children or adults) with disabilities. Speers made it his mission to change awareness of the needs of park users.
Linton added Speers had a five-year plan, which was completed within three years.
The mayor said Speers coordinated a drive which raised $200,000 for a park in Fergus and another $100,000 for a park in Elora.
Community fundraising
This was done through community fundraising events such as ball hockey tournaments, yard sales and raffles.
“And I know he personally went knocking on a number of doors,” said Linton. “… I couldn’t believe it, but apparently between 700 to 1,000 people use these community parks on a weekly basis.”
Signage at the original park in Fergus pays homage to Speers’ childhood friend Patrick Anderson, who, after being injured in a car accident as a youth, went on to become a world class Paralympic athlete.
Now Speers is branching out, raising funds to purchase 30 ice sledges, enough for a classroom set, to introduce people to the sport.
Linton added, “It is great to recognize Andy for his tireless work to create opportunities for people with disabilities.”
Speers said he could not have accomplished the work without the support of his wife, his family, the Power of Play group and the “wonderful sponsors” who stepped up.
“We truly live in a special community,” Speers said.
