Hailing from Kelowna, Nanaimo and North Vancouver, 2022’s CLBC WOW Award recipients were selected by a provincial committee of self advocate leaders, family members and CLBC staff for their outstanding commitment to helping to build communities where people of all abilities feel welcome and included.
In 2022, CLBC received 41 WOW nominations from all across B.C. to recognize people who are making a difference. We congratulate the recipients and everyone nominated. We also thank everyone who took the time to submit a nomination to recognize someone who is promoting the power of inclusion.
The 2022 CLBC WOW Award Recipients
Ali Aslaminejad and Azar Taherzadeh, Home Sharing Providers, North Vancouver
Nominated by: Mazwita Irene Mlambo, Hollyburn Community Services Society
Ali and Azar were nominated by their home sharing coordinator at Hollyburn Community Services Society for the dedication, commitment, and creativity in developing full and inclusive lives for two individuals who have significant needs by incorporating them into their community’s activities and events, taking them travelling, and expanding their connections in community to meet their individual goals (e.g., volunteering).
David Paynter, Community Member, Kelowna
Nominated by: Charisse Daley, Pathways Abilities Society
David has been working on inclusion for people with developmental disabilities for over 30 years. Charisse nominated for him for his passion, dedication, and drive to connect people to each other and to their communities. David is a founding and current board member of Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network Okanagan. He has served on the Inclusion BC, Vela Canada, and Family Support Institute boards, and is currently part of the Family Support Institute housing group.
Michael McLellan, Self Advocate Leader, Nanaimo
Nominated by: Sarah Clemas, Semiahmoo House Society
Michael was nominated by Sarah for his decades of leadership in the self advocacy movement, and for lending his voice strongly to ensuring all people are included in their communities. Michael is a founding member of the BC Self Advocacy Leadership Network, a member of the Inclusion BC Self Advocacy Committee, president of the Empowering Self Advocates to Take Action Co-operative and a member of the Provincial Accessibility Committee. He was also recently appointed to the board of Inclusion Canada.
Taylor and Jodi Kolb, Home Sharing Providers, Kelowna
Nominated by: Laryssa Rock, Pathways Abilities Society.
Taylor and Jodi Kolb were nominated by Laryssa Rock, Pathways Abilities Society, for their 20 years as dedicated home sharing providers. In her nomination, Laryssa says that recently the Kolbs made considerable alterations to their home, so it is more accessible for one individual who is aging and facing significant challenges. Laryssa also commends the couple for making sure the two individuals they support have opportunities to do things together, to participate in their family’s and their own families’ gatherings and events, and for providing caring support through all the transitions in their lives.