AWARDS & WINNERS


INTRODUCTION:
The purpose of the NADD Ontario Chapter Recognition Award is to recognize an individual, group or team within Ontario whose contribution to the field of dual diagnosis is consistent with the NADD vision, mission and goals.

NADD Ontario Mission:
To advance mental wellness for persons with developmental disabilities through the promotion of excellence in mental health care.

NADD Ontario Vision Statement:
To contribute to the evolution of the service system so that families and professionals know what supports there are and how to get them, and there are more competent capable services and supports.

NADD Ontario Strategic Directions:
The vision and mission will be achieved through 4 activities:

- Lobbying/advocacy
- Contribute to / influence the development of a competent and capable workforce
- Support self determination for families and individuals
- Build NADD Ontario’s capacity and sustainability

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION:
There are 2 categories of potential recipients:

  1. Family members and persons with developmental disabilities
  2. Providers of service, students, academicians, researchers, educators, or
  3. administrators

Recipients will be selected by the Board of NADD Ontario based on their contribution to:

  • Increasing the understanding and awareness of the abilities and needs of individuals with dual diagnosis, and/or
  • Enhancing delivery of services to individuals with a dual diagnosis and their families, and/or
  • Life time achievement.

Note: The nominee(s) is not required to be a member of NADD.

NOMINATION PROCESS:
Anyone can nominate an individual, group or team by completing the application form.All nominations must be made by or endorsed by a member of NADD. The completed nomination form should be submitted to: conanta@providencecare.ca. The nominee(s) must be aware that their name(s) has been put forward prior to submission of the form.

Nominations must be received by March 1, 2013. The Award will be announced at the Annual General Meeting occurring May 31, 2013.

Award winner will receive:

  • Membership in NADD for 1 year,
  • a plaque, and
  • a copy of the Dual Diagnosis book.

2012 ONTARIO CHAPTER RECOGNITION AWARD RECIPIENTS:
We are delighted this year to recognize four leaders from the health field for their outstanding contribution to individuals living with a dual diagnosis.:

  • Debbie Champ, Nurse Practitioner is a Community Mental Health Nurse on the Dual Diagnosis Consultation Outreach Team of the Royal Ottawa Hospital who has led the Dual Diagnosis Community of Practice Videoconference for many years.
  • Marilyn Crabtree, Family Physician works in the Ottawa area providing services to individuals with a development disabilities or a dual diagnosis and makes every effort to reach out to clients.
  • Joel Kula, Dentist practices in Allison and makes house calls when individuals have been unable to travel to his office.
  • Jay Rao, Physchiatrist works in Southwestern Ontario and assists the South Network of Specialized Care to promote research to increase the knowledge and skills of community-based partner groups in the region.

PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS:

2011

  • Tess Vo is Supervisor of the Griffin Centre’ s ReachOUT, a program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth and adults in the Greater Toronto area, and inclusive of individuals with an intellectual disability and or dual diagnosis. She has given numerous workshops with her team and also provided leadership in developing a series of Fact Sheets for LGBTQQ youth on bullying titled “Homophobic and Transphobic Hate, Bullying And Harassment are Not Tolerated;” a claymation CD called “Her Sparkly Lov” about being LGBTQQ that was written by youth; accessible sexual health info cards for youth and adults.Tess was the first Project Coordinator of SprOUT, a Trillium Foundation funded province wide community development project focused on building linkages among LGBT people with developmental disabilities and their allies. The SprOUT project included the development of an award-winning documentary titled “Our Compass.” The SprOUT project and the weekly Compass group for LGBTQQ youth and young adults are two unique services in Ontario and Canada for this underserved and most often isolated group of young people.Tess has participated in research on HIV prevention in youth with intellectual disabilities with the University of Toronto, York University and Ryerson University.

2010

  • Frances Owen, Brock University, and Barbara Vyrostko, Community Living Welland Pelham, champion the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities. They developed the 3Rs Rights Project, a co-creation of Brock University and a host of community partners. As community members, persons with intellectual disabilities are given the knowledge and skills to exercise their rights in everyday life, in the law, and in medical situations so as to fully benefit from the citizenship that is granted in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
    Frances’ and Barbara’s shared respect for the voice of persons with intellectual disabilities was witnessed in the development of the 3Rs Rights Project, a co-creation of Brock University and a host of community partners. The dream was to ensure that persons with intellectual disabilities were given the knowledge and skills to exercise their rights in everyday life, in the law, and in medical situations.

2009

  • Dr Paul Fedoroff and Debbie Richards: Through the development of the Sexual Behaviors Clinic at Community Living Welland Pelham, Dr. Paul Fedoroff and Debbie Richards, Clinic Coordinator, were recognized for their work to increase the awareness, understanding, and unique needs of individuals with a dual diagnosis who have sexually offended. The full range of services needed for a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach were developed resulting in a cost effective treatment approach.
  • Gabrielle Cappelletti was nominated by Laurie Dart for her significant role in the development and advancement of best practice in services to youth and adults with dual diagnosis and challenging needs. Gabrielle has mentored and taught staff about crisis planning and intervention, believing good mental health treatment is multi-faceted, empowerment oriented, client informed and directed. She leads by example and team discussions are focused on HOW to make things work, not WHETHER to try, and services are “wrapped around” the individual. Also that people with dual diagnosis deserve the same opportunities for change as everyone.

2008

  • Beverley Lloyd, Mental Health Access Facilitator, North Hastings Community Integration Association, Bancroft, was nominated by Jane Mayberry, Executive Director of NHCIA, for her work with community services such as, ACTT, Dual Diagnosis Consultation Outreach Team, local mental health and counselling centre, support groups, and mental health hospital departments. Her outreach and education have made a significant impact on the availability of services and interventions now available to people with a dual diagnosis in a small, rural community along with improved access, coordination and effective support delivery.
  • Nancy Pilon, Program Coordinator, Bayview Dual Diagnosis Program, Penetanguishene, advocated for changes in policy and practice that are respective of the unique service challenges for people with a dual diagnosis. Nancy fostered an environment in which the program and the community work in a more open and reciprocal relationship to meet the individualized needs of the clients. Specifically, she was instrumental in the administration and development of “least-restraint” plans tailored to the needs of each individual to ensure that least-restrictive alternatives are attempted first. By acquiring the cooperation of staff, families, and community agencies, Nancy has furthered her activism on behalf of her clients by supporting and implementing individualized transition plans to the community aimed at increasing the quality of life and achieving positive outcomes.
  • Suzanne Rydzik, MD, Ottawa: The Royal Ottawa’s Dual Diagnosis Consultation Outreach Team nominated Dr. Rydzik for her dedication to people with a dual diagnosis by providing ongoing support and education to family members and care-providers, increasing the public’s awareness of issues specific to developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis, and advocating for services for individuals and their families. Dr. Rydzik has participated in several television and radio programs to advocate for deinstitutionalization and to promote the services and creative projects of a local francophone organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities and dual diagnoses.