For Immediate Release//Toronto, Ontario, September 25, 2025
Four outstanding members of the Community Living movement were honoured during the annual Inspiring Possibilities AGM & Conference which occurred in London, Ontario, September 16-18, 2025.
Each year, Community Living Ontario (CLO) presents the Inspiring Possibilities Awards to showcase what people and groups can do to improve the lives of people who have an intellectual disability.
“CLO’s Inspiring Possibilities Awards are designed to highlight how shifts in thinking, policy, culture, innovation and/or education can positively affect people and families in Ontario,” explains Chris Beesley, CEO, Community Living Ontario. “By focusing on what works, we showcase what’s possible.”
Changemaker Award
Lucas De Sousa received the Changemaker Award in recognition of his remarkable efforts over the past summer. De Sousa biked across Canada to raise funds and awareness for Community Living organizations in Ontario. A recent graduate of Western University, he self-funded the journey before beginning his first semester at York University’s law school. His cross-country ride was inspired by his deep commitment to inclusion, equity, and the right of every person to belong.
Inclusive Media Award
Shaun Wright of YourTV Smiths Falls was presented with the Inclusive Media Award. Wright’s work highlights people, events, schools, organizations, sports, accessibility, and health and wellness across Smiths Falls, Perth, Kemptville, and surrounding areas. His leadership ensures the representation of people with disabilities in television programming. YourTV Smiths Falls broadcasts regularly feature hosts and co-hosts with disabilities on talk shows, cooking programs, and special Santa Claus Parade coverage.
Noreene Adam Trailblazer in Accessibility Award
The Noreene Adam Trailblazer in Accessibility Award was presented to Marty Lampkin, a professor, Registered Social Worker, and psychotherapist. Lampkin has made a profound impact through her advocacy at the intersection of Anti-Black Racism and Disability. She has centred the voices of neurodiverse Black adults and their families. In 2024, her program Racism Affects Me Too earned national attention for addressing systemic exclusion and racial disparities faced by Black individuals with disabilities. Lampkin also founded and developed Masabilities: Carnival Without Limits, a disability inclusive and affirming Caribbean Carnival celebration to address the ableism in the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Parade and lack of culturally relevant support in Ontario’s developmental services sector. She continues to use this platform to spark conversation and drive change.
Jason Rae Award
Chris Taylor, a dedicated member of the Chatham-Kent community, received the Jason Rae Award. Taylor has long been a champion for local media and sports. Since 2014, he has served on the Board of Directors at Community Living Wallaceburg. He has also contributed to YourTV Chatham-Kent since 2010, CKXS Radio Wallaceburg since 2011, and the Chatham Maroons Junior B Hockey team since 2013, where he supports videography and IT. His ongoing volunteer work ensures that local radio, television, and sports organizations thrive.
Community Living Ontario extends its gratitude to all nominators and nominees for their tireless dedication to supporting inclusion and belonging year-round.
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Community Living Ontario is a non-profit provincial association that has been advocating for people who have an intellectual disability and their families for 70+ years. We proudly work alongside 124 local agencies and advocate with 250,000+ people who have intellectual disabilities and their families across Ontario.
For more information, contact Ashley Taylor, Communications Lead at Community Living Ontario at ataylor@communitylivingontario.ca or 416-447-4348 ext. 234.
