OSHAWA, Ont. - John Draper, a Durham College journalism student, was recognized for his part in promoting inclusive communities when he was honoured with the Glenn Crombie Memorial Award at the College Committee on Disability Issues Annual Conference in Picton, Ontario on May 18. The award highlighted his outstanding work supporting communities that are accepting and accessible for people with disabilities.
"I have been presenting at conferences, workshops and educational institutions for seven years in Ontario and British Columbia," Draper said. "I started these presentations with the encouragement of my augmentative communications team who have spent the last two decades helping me to have a 'voice.'"
Draper has delivered presentations at universities throughout the province, as well as through other community groups including the Bloor MacMillan Centre, International Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communications, and the Ontario Symposium in Physical and Health Disabilities.
"When a person is non-verbal, people often think you have nothing to say, and I wanted to change that stereotype," he said.
The Glenn Crombie Memorial Award is given on behalf of the College Committee on Disability Issues to a student who has made an exceptional contribution to individuals with disabilities or to the field of disability services in the Ontario college system.
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For 38 years, Durham College has been committed to providing job-focused programs, accomplished professors, quality-driven innovation, student success and superior accountability. Our college has ranked first in provincial indicators for student satisfaction in the GTA for six years running, and at an 89.7 per cent graduate employment rate, we have the highest ranking of the six GTA colleges. We've got over 5,500 full-time and 22,000 part-time students enrolled in just under 100 programs, as well as about 2,000 apprentices. For more information, visit our website at www.durhamcollege.ca, or call 905.721.2000.
For more information, please contact:
Tania Henvey
Communications and Marketing
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
tania.henvey@durhamcollege.ca
Heather Middleton
Communications and Marketing
905.721.3111 ext. 2197
heather.middleton@durhamcollege.ca
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