Results for 2009
RAYTHEON AUSTRALIA WINS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
Raytheon Australia has been awarded the prestigious 2009 ACT Chief Minister’s Inclusion Award of Excellence, announced at the Great Hall of Parliament House on Thursday evening the 22nd of October.
The Awards are a public acknowledgement of the achievements of business, organisations and individuals who have demonstrated a clear commitment to include people with a disability in their workplace, business and/or community. The ACT Excellence in Inclusion Awards honour those who have clearly demonstrated outstanding commitment to people with disabilities through leadership, innovation and collaboration.
In a message from the Chief Minister he said “The Awards are part of the ACT Government’s vision for creating a truly inclusive society in which Canberrans living with disabilities can comfortably access services, have the opportunity to achieve personal success and are encouraged to participate equally in our community.”
Over 350 people attended the Awards hosted by comedian Fiona O’Loughlin. Entertainment included a guest performance from Dancing with the Stars Gerrard Gosens and Jess Raffa.
Inclusion in Small Business
Legs Dance
Legs Dance supports the Dream Team Dance Troupe, which comprises 35 young adults with an intellectual disability. The troupe performs at all shows, festivals and eisteddfods attended by Legs. The inclusion of the Dream Team performance group into the Dance Studio has meant that many people, including dance teachers, fellow students and all their families now have regular contact with people with a disability.
Inclusion in Medium to Large Business
Raytheon Australia
The example of employing people with a disability at the Raytheon Canberra office has spread throughout the company with other Raytheon offices employing people with a disability. The organisation has also progressed in supporting community initiatives such as the Junior Special Olympics through both financial sponsorship and participation and support by all staff members.
Inclusion in Government Agency or Department
Canberra Connect Shopfront Service
Canberra Connect has made considerable effort in ensuring their services are accessible to all people. This includes ensuring all shopfronts have wheelchair accessible counters, queue management systems with audible alerts, hearing loops, a concierge service which offers professional and helpful advice to customers, TTY phone service for people with hearing impairments.
Inclusion in Sports
Mpowerdome
Mpowerdome make accessibility possible for all and ensure that everyone in the community has access to sport and recreation opportunities, pathways through sport, and employment opportunities. Mpowerdome provides services for all levels of activities from social through to specialised training for national and international levels of competition.
Inclusion in the Arts
Marsden Arts Group
Marsden offers artists with a disability an opportunity to be recognised for their work and not for their disability. Through mentoring and support, all artists are supported to create and exhibit work as valued members of the group. This support has helped solo exhibitions and achieve commercial success with the collective support of group members.
Inclusion in Tourism & Hospitality
The Canberra Labor Club
The Canberra Labor Club has created a welcoming environment for employees with a disability and values the contributions of all its employees. By providing meaningful employment in a safe and encouraging environment the group has maintained a number of long term employees with disability. It also welcomes many members with a disability as an integral part of the overall club membership.
Inclusion in Education & Training
Music for Everyone
Music For Everyone’s Program of Music for People with Disabilities is the only specifically dedicated music program in the ACT for adults with disabilities and has been running for over 10 years. The program aims to stimulate, educate and challenge participants through singing), movement, listening to music and playing instruments. The program is the highlight of the week for many participants.
The Margaret Spalding Award for Inclusion by an Individual
Eric Martin of Eric Martin & Associates
For almost thirty years Eric Martin has worked to ensure that the built environment is accessible to all people. Eric’s Practice, Eric Martin and Associates offers a full range of architectural services with additional expertise in conservation, heritage & access advice. Eric has provided advice on over a thousand public buildings including open spaces and parklands and private residences.
THE 2009 ACT CHIEF MINISTER’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
Raytheon Australia
Raytheon Australia is an industry leader in defence, government and commercial electronics, systems integration, support services and special mission aircraft. Raytheon began a partnership with Koomarri’s Australian Disability Enterprises program in 2002 and has been partnering ever since.
Raytheon has become involved in a number of community initiatives including funding for the ACT Downs Syndrome Association and the Down Syndrome Ball. The example of the Canberra office has spread through the company with other Raytheon offices employing people with a disability. The organisation has progressed in supporting community initiatives such as the Junior Special Olympics through both financial sponsorship and participation and support by Raytheon staff members.
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