In June 2026, five outstanding recipients were selected by the evaluation committee to receive Widening Our World (WOW) Awards. With over 30 inspiring nominations this year, the committee made up of self-advocates, family members, CLBC Community Council members, and CLBC staff had to make some difficult decisions in selecting the award recipients.
Many nominations received outstanding scores, reflecting the incredible leadership and impact happening across communities. Selecting the final recipients was no easy task. To guide their decisions, the committee focused on celebrating a diverse range of contributions by recognizing five winners who exemplify leadership in different ways: a community member, a family member, a self-advocate leader, an Indigenous organization, and an inclusive employer.
“We all want adults with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible in safe, welcoming and inclusive communities,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “So it’s important to recognize and congratulate the people and organizations making that happen throughout B.C. Thanks to self-advocates, families, community leaders, Indigenous partners and organizations, more people are able to participate, contribute and feel they belong. That is the power of partnership.”
From creating inclusive and accessible community dances, to advancing communication access for people who are non-speaking, to leading accessibility walks, to hiring inclusively, this year’s WOW Award recipients have gone above and beyond to build inclusive and welcoming communities.
This year’s WOW Award Recipients are:
Neil Cutler, Nanaimo
Nominated by CLBC’s Central North Island Community Council
Neil Cutler
Neil is a lifelong champion of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Drawing on his lived experience with cerebral palsy, Neil takes action to make his community more inclusive, while helping others feel seen, heard, and valued.
A strong example of his leadership is the Nanaimo Community Dances, which he started in 2006 after recognizing a lack of inclusive social events. Neil found accessible venues, learned to DJ, purchased equipment, and brought people of all abilities and ages together. During COVID-19, the dances moved online, and today participants can choose to attend either in person or virtually.
Neil ensures these events are truly inclusive by creating safe spaces, supporting people with disabilities to take on meaningful roles such as DJing, and using a trauma-informed approach so everyone feels comfortable attending.
Beyond this, Neil raises awareness about mental health and social connection through his role as a Community Awareness Coordinator with the Vancouver Island Crisis Society. He also serves as a volunteer on the CLBC Central North Island Community Council.
Neil is widely known for his kindness and approachability. He has a rare gift for making people feel comfortable and accepted exactly as they are. He consistently creates environments where people feel safe, respected, and valued as active participants in their communities. Through his empathy and leadership, Neil builds communities where people of all abilities are included, empowered, and truly belong.
Lynne-Mari De Frane, Victoria
Nominated by Catriona Johnson
Lynne-Mari De Frane
Lynne-Mari is a family member with a passion for communication access for people who are non-speaking. In partnership with the South Island Community Council and School District 62, she helped develop and expand “Communication for Everyone” boards, which support people who use symbols or alternative communication methods. Because of her leadership, communication boards have been installed in CLBC offices across the province. She continues to work with school district partners to expand these boards into other community spaces, such as public libraries.
In addition to being creative and kind, Lynne-Mari is quietly persistent in her efforts to create meaningful change. “Her work on the Communication for Everyone initiative has had a broad impact, improving accessibility in every CLBC office and for many of the people served by CLBC,” says Catriona Johnson.
As a parent, she understands firsthand the importance of communication supports within families and for individuals who communicate in different ways. “Making accessible communication has always been a passion of mine. I hope our Council can continue to promote our communication board and how to use it. If anyone wants to learn more or print a copy of the board, they can visit the South Island Council section of the CLBC website,” says Lynne-Mari.
Jeevan Basra, Surrey
Nominated by Marjorie Cenezero
Jeevan Basra
Jeevan is a strong and inspiring leader who helps others find their voice and speak up for what matters. She advocates not only for herself, but for others, ensuring information is shared in plain language so everyone can understand and participate in decision-making—such as CLBC’s strategic planning feedback sessions.
She shares her story at conferences and in hospitals, helping others better understand the strengths and needs of people with developmental disabilities.
Jeevan builds inclusion in many ways: leading accessibility walks, creating tools like Halloween accessibility signs, mentoring other self-advocates, and interpreting in Punjabi to include more families.
“Jeevan deserves the 2026 WOW Award because she is a dependable, courageous, and passionate leader who consistently shows up for her community,” says Marjorie. Jeevan thoughtfully and respectfully represents the lived experience and voice of people with disabilities in both community and governance settings, builds relationships, mentors others, and creates lasting impact.
“It’s important for me to advocate for others, because some people might not be able to advocate for themselves. I enjoy giving back to my community because growing up, a lot of people have supported me,” says Jeevan.
Roger and Laura Toews, Owners & Operators of the local Tim Hortons in Clearwater
Nominated by Leah Blair
Roger and Laura Toews with the team at Tim Hortons in Clearwater
Roger and Laura Toews, owner and operators of the local Tim Hortons in Clearwater have made this location both a workplace and a community space where inclusion is part of everyday practice. The store is physically accessible, making it easier for everybody to enter and navigate in an accessible way. This Tim Hortons also provides inclusive employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Employees are supported in a positive and respectful environment where they can learn, grow, and succeed. The workplace removes barriers by offering accessible entrances, pathways, and parking, while staff foster an inclusive environment through patience, respect, and support.
The employer provides equal opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to build skills and contribute meaningfully.
Leah shares that this Tim Hortons has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to inclusion and equity. The team is highly accommodating, flexible, and understanding, adjusting schedules and practices to support employee well-being. This level of care creates a supportive, barrier-free workplace where individuals feel secure, valued, and able to succeed.
‘Atsiyan ‘ink’e ‘Atsoo Elders Society of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Prince George
Nominated by Bonnie Chow
The ‘Atsiyan ‘ink’e ‘Atsoo Elders Society logo
The ‘Atsiyan ‘ink’e ‘Atsoo Elders Society models true inclusion through culture, partnership, and connection. Through their partnership with AiMHi, they support Indigenous women with disabilities in culturally safe and meaningful ways.
Elders share teachings, language, and traditions, helping participants reconnect with their identity and build confidence. This work demonstrates how services can respect culture while supporting reconciliation.
The Elders Society’s approach is a powerful example of how inclusion can be strengthened through community partnership and cultural understanding, with the potential to positively impact the broader community.
They have taken consistent and meaningful action to ensure all people have access to the same opportunities. Through cultural teachings, mentorship, and intentional inclusion in community life, they have reduced barriers, strengthened relationships, and created a community where everyone is welcomed, valued, and included.
Bonnie shares, “I am honoured to nominate the ‘Atsiyan ‘ink’e ‘Atsoo Elders Society. From the very beginning, they have been a vital partner, approaching this work with humility, respect, and a genuine desire to collaborate. The Society has shown what true community partnership looks like, rooted in respect, cultural integrity, and a shared commitment to supporting young people to recognize their gifts and contributions. Their leadership has widened our world in profound and lasting ways, making them deeply deserving of this recognition.”
Additional Recognition
In addition to this year’s WOW Award Recipients, nine additional nominations stood out, and we are excited to also recognize these individuals and organizations for the meaningful impact they have made in their communities by creating more inclusive, welcoming and accessible communities. We look forward to celebrating their work and sharing their stories over the coming months.