Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada Distinguished Community Partner Award
The VLRC Distinguished Community Partner Award, established in 2022, recognizes VLRC's community partners for their outstanding contributions in expanding access to integrated vision loss rehabilitation. Working together, VLRC and their community partners enable blind or partially sighted Canadians to live the lives they choose.
The award is presented annually to an individual, a group or an organization.
The “Why” Behind VLRC’s Distinguished Partner Award
We truly value our VLRC community partners, recognizing their vital role in collaborating with us and providing support. Together, we strive to make a significant impact in our mission to contribute to improving the lives of individuals who are blind or partially sighted.
These valuable contributions extend beyond geographical boundaries, reaching people locally, regionally, nationally and even internationally. Our partners actively engage with their communities, fostering collaboration with other community partners and stakeholders to create positive change.
Artist Profile: Meghan Sims
VLRC is fortunate to have the Award custom-designed by professional painter and glassblower, Meghan Sims, who is based in Kitchener, ON.
As a graduate of the Haliburton School of the Arts, Meghan has achromatopsia, a rare visual condition limiting her sight to black and white shades at close range. With eyes that are extremely sensitive to light, Meghan brings a personal perspective to her artwork.
Part of Meghan’s mission is to help educate people about the differences in perception that exist in the world, and she wants to increase tolerance for those differences, particularly when they involve a disability.
Learn more about Meghan at meghansims.ca.
Eligibility, Nominations and Selection Process
To be eligible, an organization, community group or individual must demonstrate – through activities, innovative programs or a special project – an outstanding commitment to partner with VLRC for the purpose of:
A. Maximizing health and independence for Canadians impacted by vision loss
B. Driving better individual outcomes, creating healthier communities and
C. Improving equitable access to rehabilitation services
The Award Committee uses the following four criteria to assess the nominations in their selection process:
- Contributions - to improving the lives of people who are blind or partially sighted.
- Impact - on improving the lives of people who are blind or partially sighted.
- Reach of Contribution - local, regional national, international, number of people who benefited, individuals or groups.
- Engagement of their Community - the extent of the level of engagement of collaboration with community partners, stakeholders and/or recipients.
Nomination and Selection Timeline
The nomination period is open between November 25 to January 31 each year. The adjudication and selection process follows at the close of the nomination period. The award presentation is in May during Vision Health Month.
Past recipients
2022
Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) Ophthalmology department.
KHSC ensures its mandate of centering patient care reaches within its local Kingston community and beyond. In addition to providing care for patients within the Kingston area, KHSC serves people with vision loss in Northern Ontario and those from remote, fly-in communities. The KHSC Ophthalmology department has made significant contributions to improving the lives of people who are blind or partially sighted, and the team has consistently gone above and beyond to serve the best interests of VLRC’s clients.