Calgarians Advancing Accessibility Recognized in Council
The 2026 Accessibility Awards were presented to outstanding Calgarians today in recognition of their efforts to enhance accessibility in Calgary. Mayor Farkas presented the awards in Council Chambers at the start of today’s Council meeting.
The Individual Advocacy Award was presented to Rema Kadri, the Organizational Advocacy Award was presented to Open Door Group, and the Mobility & Transportation Access Award was presented to MediDonate Life Improvement Initiative Ltd.
Mayor Farkas said, “We’re building a city where everyone belongs and where every Calgarian can access and contribute. On behalf of City Council, congratulations to the award recipients and to everyone nominated. Your leadership and hard work are helping to make Calgary more inclusive for all.”
Rema Kadri
The Individual Advocacy Award recognizes an individual who is advancing accessibility and making life better for all Calgarians. Recipient of the Individual Advocacy Award, Rema Kadri, owns, manages and operates Rema’s Place, a unisex, classic hair stylist salon. Rema has made a lasting impact on accessibility in Calgary through her deeply personal, community-based approach. She removes barriers by offering wheelchair-accessible service, flexible hours, affordable pricing and in-home or hospital visits for clients who cannot travel. Rema supports individuals with disabilities, seniors and people with limited incomes by meeting them with dignity, patience and care. Her work has a profound personal impact, helping people feel confident, valued and included. Rema’s commitment demonstrates how everyday acts of accessibility can significantly improve quality of life.
Open Door Group
The Organizational Advocacy Award recognizes an organization or group of people who are advancing accessibility and making life better for all Calgarians. Recipient of the Organizational Advocacy Award, Open Door Group advances accessibility in Calgary by creating inclusive pathways to employment for individuals with disabilities, including visible, invisible, episodic and mental health-related disabilities. Through individualized, person-centred employment supports, the organization removes systemic barriers and helps people build sustainable careers. Open Door Group also works directly with employers to promote inclusive hiring practices, workplace accommodations and psychologically safe environments. Their long-term, collaborative approach supports positive outcomes for both individuals and workplaces, strengthening accessibility and inclusion across Calgary’s employment landscape.
MediDonate Life Improvement Initiative Ltd.
The Mobility & Transportation Access Award honours individuals or groups dedicated to enhancing how Calgarians navigate the city. Recipient of the Mobility & Transportation Access Award, MediDonate Life Improvement Initiative Ltd. has improved mobility and independence for Calgarians by increasing access to essential assistive and medical equipment. This student-led nonprofit initiative redistributes donated mobility supports such as wheelchairs, walkers and hospital beds to individuals who cannot afford them. By connecting donors with community members in need, MediDonate removes financial barriers and ensures equipment is reused rather than left unused or discarded. Through collaboration, innovation and a strong community focus, MediDonate demonstrates how grassroots solutions can meaningfully enhance mobility and access across the city.
In addition to the awards presented at Council today, the ACA also sponsors the Universal Design Award, which celebrates individuals or groups who’ve created better access to the physical environment, technology, or products. This award will be presented during the Calgary Awards on June 17.
About the Advisory Committee on Accessibility
The Awards are sponsored by the Advisory Committee on Accessibility (ACA), a City Council committee of individuals with disabilities and a keen interest in accessibility issues. As a City Council Committee, the ACA works closely with the community and The City of Calgary to make recommendations to City Council on policy and systems issues, and barriers impacting people with disabilities in Calgary. For more details on the awards, visit Calgary.ca/accessibilityawards, and for more on the winners and their work, visit calgary.ca/ACAawardswinners.
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