Widening Our World award recipients are community champions for inclusion.
From expanding housing options for marginalized people in Comox, to creating an inclusion festival in Vancouver, to a fully accessible library in Vernon that’s a community hub, the recipients of the 2025 WOW awards have gone above and beyond. Since 2009, CLBC has presented Widening Our World (WOW) Awards to the people and places across British Columbia that lead the advancement of inclusion and full citizenship for the people CLBC supports.
Five outstanding recipients have been selected by the evaluation committee to receive a 2025 WOW Award. With over 50 inspiring nominations received, the evaluation committee of self-advocates, family members, CLBC Community Council members and CLBC staff had to make some difficult decisions in selecting this year’s award recipients.
CLBC and the evaluation committee congratulate the recipients, and all the people and places who were nominated this year. We also thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination to recognize a champion for inclusion in communities across B.C.
This year’s WOW Award recipients are:
Speak Up Self-Advocacy Awareness Society, Kamloops
Nominated by Michael McLellan and BC Self Advocate Leadership Network (BCSALN)
Speak Up Self-Advocacy Society (SUSA) is a strong voice for inclusion and rights for people with developmental disabilities. For many years, they’ve led workshops, hosted events, and spoken to leaders to raise awareness and break down barriers for people with lived experience.
One of their most impactful events is An Amazing Race to Inclusion, where people learn about the real-life challenges people with disabilities face. It’s a fun, hands-on way to build understanding and create change. SUSA also supports programs like Buddy Up for Friendship to help people build connections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they worked hard to keep people supported and involved in the community by offering virtual social and learning events. Their workshops cover key topics like rights, safety, voting, and self-esteem. Members of the group have also demonstrated their leadership by presenting to City Hall to call for better housing and more accessible communities for people with disabilities in Kamloops and beyond.
Michael McLellan, President of BCSALN, said: “I’m so happy SUSA won! They worked so hard and I’m proud of what they’ve done.”
Tami Pedersen, Chair of SUSA, said: “It’s great to be part of SUSA—I’m so excited!”
Justine Richmond, a supporter, added: “It’s a privilege to support this group and all the work they’ve done.”
From left to right: Speak Up Self-Advocacy Society (SUSA) Board Members Tony Cuglietta, Vicki Abbott, Tami Pedersen and Andrew Embury.
Spencer van Vloten, Vancouver
Nominated by Hilary Wipf
Spencer is a true champion of inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. For over six years, he has Chaired and Co-Chaired CLBC’s Vancouver Richmond Community Council, helping families and self-advocates speak directly with decision-makers to make communities more inclusive. He also organizes events like the Vancouver Inclusion Fest, where people with disabilities and their families lead the conversation and share their stories about important topics like aging with diverse needs and inclusive housing.
Spencer goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome. He supports people personally by attending events with self-advocates, connecting families with resources, and creating safe spaces for people to build confidence. During the pandemic, he offered one-on-one support to parents and helped people find ways to stay connected. His website, BCDisability.com, is full of helpful information, and he uses it to highlight the voices of self-advocacy leaders across B.C. Through his leadership, kindness, and tireless advocacy, Spencer has helped many people feel included, valued, and empowered to speak up and reach their goals.
Spencer says: “We are all stronger when we work together, and working together successfully requires the full community participation of self-advocates: in the boardroom, at the office, in school, in recreation. But inclusion isn’t merely creating spaces for self-advocates; those spaces must also be part of the broader community and provide them with just as much opportunity to realize their dreams as others enjoy. While there is still more work to be done, self-advocates in B.C. have led the way with courage, vision, and determination, showing the real progress happens when every voice is heard and valued. I am excited to continue working with the amazing members of CLBC’s Vancouver Richmond Community Council, as well as advocates province-wide, to create a more inclusive B.C.”
Ann Janssen, Comox Valley Affordable Housing, Comox
Nominated by Steven Guild, Vancouver Island Housing Lead, Community Living BC
Ann is the Executive Director of the Comox Valley Affordable Housing Society (CVAHS) and a passionate advocate for inclusive, accessible, and affordable housing on Vancouver Island.
She led the development of Cypress Gardens, a 52-unit building designed for people of all abilities, which includes accessible features, shared spaces, and a strong sense of community. Over her time with CVAHS, she has worked hard to expand the housing options available to marginalized members of the community and continues to be an advocate for accessibility and housing affordability.
Ann works closely with CLBC to provide deep subsidy housing for people with developmental disabilities. Her efforts have changed lives by creating a welcoming space where residents thrive, make friends, and feel at home. Ann continues to push for 
more inclusive housing and regularly shares her knowledge to inspire other housing providers. Ann’s dedication, optimism, and passion make her a vital partner and a true leader in inclusive housing.
“It’s absolutely fantastic that she won, the work she has done with Comox Valley Affordable Housing also won the Rick Hansen gold certification for their accessible units at Cypress Gardens,” says Steven Guild, CLBC Housing Lead for Vancouver Island.
Tami Logan, Langley
Nominated by Tracey Oye
Tami is a lifelong champion of inclusion who has spent 37 years helping people with developmental disabilities live full, meaningful lives, especially through her work advancing inclusive employment.
She has helped countless people find jobs, build confidence, and become strong advocates themselves. Tami has changed how employers and communities view people with disabilities. She works directly with businesses to create inclusive job opportunities and speaks at events to educate the public.
Tami also volunteers her time to run inclusive dances, sports events, and community fairs, ensuring people with disabilities are welcomed and valued in all areas of life. Tami’s work has opened doors, changed attitudes, and built a more inclusive society. Her leadership and compassion have made a lasting impact, and she continues to inspire others to do the same.
Tami says, “I am deeply honored to accept the Widening Our World award. For the past 37 years, it has been a privilege to support individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful employment. This work has taught me that true inclusion goes beyond opportunity—it’s about respect, dignity, and recognizing the value every person brings to our communities. I share this award with all those I’ve had the joy of working alongside, and I remain committed to continuing this important journey toward a more inclusive world.”
Okanagan Regional Library, Vernon
Nominated by Katie Moore and the North Okanagan Shuswap Community Council
The Vernon branch of the Okanagan Regional Library is a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive place for everyone.
The library supports self-advocacy groups by providing free meeting space and makes sure all people feel respected, no matter their background or abilities. The building is fully accessible, with features like hearing loops, accessible washrooms, and a layout that works well for people using mobility devices. Library staff go out of their way to help, whether it’s finding a book or connecting people to community services. They create programs for all ages and abilities and reach out to people with disabilities and community agencies to learn how to be more inclusive. Staff are trained to assist with communication needs and offer services at a lowered counter for wheelchair users. Because of their commitment to inclusion, respect, and equal access for all, the Vernon Library is truly a community hub and deserves recognition.
CLBC’s North Okanagan Shuswap Community Council Chair says, “We’re so happy to see the Vernon branch of Okanagan Regional Library acknowledged for their inclusivity, accessibility and their amazing staff!”
