2026 Accessibility Awards
Recognizing those who make Calgary a better city for everyone! 2026 Accessibility Awards
The Advisory Committee on Accessibility (ACA), through their Annual Awards Program, celebrates and recognizes Calgarians who are improving the lives for persons with disabilities. Every year, the ACA awards those who have made incredible positive impacts in communities throughout the city.
The ACA sponsors these awards to raise awareness about disability and the importance of accessibility and universal design. Let's honour the hard work and dedication of these amazing people, groups, and organizations who are making life better for all Calgarians!
2026 Nominations
Nominations for The Accessibility Awards will open from February 9-23, 2026. The timelines for the Awards have been adjusted to align with the Calgary Awards and raise the profile of the awards. Learn how to submit a nomination.
How to submit a nomination
The Advisory Committee on Accessibility wants everyone to be included in the nomination process, so they welcome submissions in multiple formats if needed, including email, mail-in, voice, video, or American Sign Language. Please let the awards administrator know what support you require to submit a nomination, either by calling 368.886.1670 or by sending an email to accessibility@calgary.ca. All nomination applications will be reviewed equally based on award eligibility and criteria.
What to Include in Your Nomination
Please email accessibility@calgary.ca and include:
- Name of the award.
- Name of the nominee (individual, group, or organization).
- Name of the nominator (self-nominations are welcome).
- Phone number and email address of both the nominee and the nominator
- A submission outlining:
- Why the nominee deserves the award.
- The impact they have made.
An optional checklist with tips for a strong nomination is available here. Use of this checklist is not required.
Eligibility note: City of Calgary employees are not eligible for nomination or awards consideration.
Annual Accessibility Awards
Awards
Below you can find the different types of awards and the nomination requirements:
The Individual Advocacy Award
The Advocacy Award recognizes an individual who is advancing accessibility and making life better for all Calgarians.
Objective:
The Advocacy Award recognizes an individual who has made life better for persons with disabilities and is advancing accessibility in Calgary.
Criteria:
- Describe how a Calgarian has made life better for persons with disabilities.
- Describe what the Calgarian has done to create positive change through action.
- Tell us how the Calgarian has worked with others to create positive change.
The Organizational Advocacy Award
The Organizational Advocacy Award recognizes an organization or group of people who are advancing accessibility and making life better for all Calgarians.
Objective:
The Organizational Advocacy Award recognizes an organization or group of people who have made life better for persons with disabilities and are advancing accessibility in Calgary.
Criteria:
- Describe how the organization or group has made life better for persons with disabilities.
- Describe the initiatives, programs, or actions the organization or group has implemented to advance accessibility and inclusion.
- Explain how the organization or group has collaborated with others to create positive, sustainable change.
The Calgary Award for Accessibility – Universal Design
Our communities evolve because of them
The Universal Design Award celebrates individuals or groups who’ve made strides in improving access for people with disabilities in Calgary. This is awarded to those who’ve created better access to the physical environment, technology, or products.
Eligibility:
- Agencies or organizations (individuals or groups).
- Public or private initiatives.
- Projects located and/or created in Calgary.
- Newly constructed or renovated projects.
- Projects must be completed.
Criteria:
- Explain how the initiative helps those with vision, mobility, hearing or cognitive disabilities, with a focus on function and improved accessibility.
- Explain how the project exceeds Alberta Building Code (3.8) standards for accessibility, when applicable. For example: The City of Calgary’s Access Design Standards.
- Explain how accessibility and universal design features are integrated with overall project design.
- Explain how the initiative offers an inclusive experience.
- Explain how the project made life better.
Mobility & Transportation Access Award
Getting us all to where we need to go
The Mobility & Transportation Access Award honours those individuals or groups dedicated to enhancing how Calgarians navigate the city. By fostering a more accessible and inclusive environment, they help strengthen the sense of community and belonging for everyone — whether through a project, program, service, or educational initiative. This award was created in memory of Ella Anderson, who served on the Advisory Committee on Accessibility with grace, style, and commitment to people with disabilities.
Eligibility:
- Individuals, groups, public or private organizations or agencies.
- Projects, programs, or services that directly affect & improve access and movement in our city to be more inclusive of everyone.
- Projects, programs, or services that positively impact transportation & mobility for persons with disabilities.
Criteria:
- Explain how this individual or group has gone above and beyond in making a difference. For submissions that impact physical infrastructure, reference how The City of Calgary’s Access Design Standards were met.
- Describe how a positive attitude, strong sense of teamwork and engaging others helped this person or group be successful.