8th annual Canadian Helen Keller Centre Award

Moses Znaimer has always been a champion of diversity and courageous in his casting of the human rainbow. In 1984, he hired polio survivor David Onley as a weather and science specialist establishing himself as the first broadcaster to hire a reporter with a physical disability. Moses made a special point of shooting his entire body, versus just a talking head.

According to the now Hon. Onley, “Moses hired me as weather and science specialist at Citytv and it was only after he had hired me that he asked me about my disability. That’s when I knew I was going to enjoy working for the guy. Obviously what he did was important for my career but more importantly, it sent a message to TV viewers everywhere that my physical shortcomings were irrelevant. What counted was my ability to do the job.”

This luncheon brings the them together for a very special tribute.

WHO:
Lt. Governor of Ontario, the Hon. David C. Onley
Recipient of the 2012 Canadian Hellen Keller Centre Award

The Honourable Vim Kochhar, Founding Chair, Canadian Helen Keller Centre

Moses Znaimer, Citytv/MuchMusic Creator, ZoomerMedia Limited Founder & CEO, CARP President

Canadian medal-winning Paralympian Rob Snoek, Master of Ceremonies

WHAT: The 8th Annual Canadian Hellen Keller Centre Award Luncheon

WHERE: Concert Hall, Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front St. W., Toronto

WHEN: 12noon – 1:45pm. Award presentation at 1pm

The 8th annual Canadian Helen Keller Centre Award Luncheon is being held to raise funds for many services at the Canadian Helen Keller Centre (CHKC). It also provides an opportunity to encourage and recognize the efforts of Canadians who have made a distinct and wide-spread difference in the lives of people with vision, hearing and combined vision-hearing impairments.

The CHKC is the only residential training centre in Canada for deaf-blind persons. The CHKC services help people develop alternate ways to care for oneself, one’s family and one’s home. The CHKC also facilitates connections to peers and the community through the development of alternative forms of communication, computing and through self-advocacy and peer support.