2011 Built Environment Access Awards Winners
The winners of the Built Environment Access Awards 2011 were announced this afternoon [Sept.14]. The winners are as follows: Restaurant: Dog House Restaurant; Professional: O.B.M. International; Supplier: Washington Properties; Hotel: Fairmont Hamilton Princess; Retail: Pulp & Circumstance; Other: Commissioner’s House.
The award recipients pictured with the Minister of Health Zane De Silva who is flanked by the Coordinator of Disabled Persons at the NOSPC Ann Lindroth and NOSPC Accessibility Support Worker Kristina Bean (left, next to the Minister) and Accessibility Officer for the NOSPC Keith Simmons (right, next to Minister):
Health Minister Zane DeSilva said, “The purpose of these awards is twofold: to bring awareness to the public regarding the issue of access to the ‘built environment’…and to congratulate those persons and organisations which have made significant efforts to make their properties and services accessible.”
“Many believe that accessibility is primarily a concern for older persons, those who are mobility challenged and/or those with disabilities. This cannot be further from the truth.
“Accessibility is about permitting involvement and participation in activities for all members of the community. The built environment refers to human-made (versus natural) resources and infrastructure designed to support human activity, such as buildings, roads, parks, and other amenities. The characteristics of the built environment can affect the health of residents in many ways.”
“The designated use, layout, and design of a community’s physical structures including its housing, businesses, transportation systems, and recreational resources affect patterns of living (or behaviors) that, in turn, influence health.”
“Likewise, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have concluded that improving the physical environment is a significant component of a multifaceted strategy for promoting health that includes community education, increasing social capital and enhancing social support.
“Accessibility has much to do with good health and wellbeing. A person who is mobility-challenged feels good about themselves if they are able to conduct their own affairs. There is a sense of independence.”
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