Mike Oborski 'No Barriers' Awards - nominations invited
The fourth Mike Oborski, ‘No Barriers’ Award Scheme, which aims
to improve services for people with disabilities in the Wyre Forest
district, has been launched by Councillor Fran Oborski and
Councillor Howard Martin.
The scheme is aimed at local businesses, individuals and other
organisations that make a significant contribution to improving
access, service or employment possibilities for people with
disabilities. It aims to highlight those individuals and
organisations, whose job or purpose is not solely focussed on the
area of disability but who go out of their way to make life easier
for those with a disability.
The awards were set up in memory of
long-standing District and County Councillor Mike Oborski who
passed away in 2007.
Previous winners have included Sainsbury’s in
Kidderminster, Just for Pets in Kidderminster, Fred Holland of
Diabetes UK, The Granary Hotel, Ray Middleton Garage and Arley
Arboretum.
Anyone can make a nomination and they have
until 3rd October to enter the awards. The awards
panel is made up of a selection of members from the public, private
and third sectors.
The idea of the scheme is to recognise commitment to inclusive
access. This can be demonstrated in different ways such as
whether an organisation has accessible entrances, adequate parking
facilities, clear easy to read signs, and easy to access toilets.
Customer friendliness is another key factor. The awards panel will
be looking for a clear commitment of employees or volunteers to the
needs of customers with disabilities. Equally,
employment-friendliness is important. Individuals and
organisations who have demonstrated a commitment to employing or
assisting the career development opportunities of people with
disabilities will catch the eye of the award panel.
Councillor Howard Martin, Chairman of the
Awards Panel comment,
“The award’s aim is to recognise those
businesses and organisations which make an extra effort, over and
above what is normally expected of them, to improve the quality of
life, through such things as access to or availability of their
services, for those with all types of disability. It is not
designed to reward those just doing their job but as recognition
for those who “go the extra mile.” It is a fitting tribute to the
memory of Mike Oborski, who championed the awards, and was a great
servant of the community for so many years.”
Complete an
application form online or collect one from the
Worcestershire Hub Customer Service Centres at Kidderminster Town
Hall, Civic Centre, Stourport-on-Severn and the Hub in Bewdley. As
well as Community Housing Offices. The closing date for
nominations is 3rd October 2011 and the awards ceremony will take
place on Friday 21st October.
Issued - 1st August 2011