OHREA Awards Description of Categories

Individuals or groups/units/departments may be nominated for any of the five (5) OHREA awards. These five (5) awards categories are outlined below:

Accessibility Award (five (5) possible sub-categories):

Accessible Built Environment:

This award is given to those who have made contributions which have resulted in making the physical environment of the University of Windsor more accessible. Example: identifying and making adjustments to improve a physical space such as barrier-free room arrangement.

Accessible Customer Service:

This award is given to those who have contributed to making services, practices and policies more accessible or who have exemplified excellent accessible customer service towards members of the University community. Examples: excellent accessible service delivery or implementing practices that increase accessibility.

Accessible Education, Training and Awareness:

This award is given to those who have helped foster a more accessible learning environment at the University. This can include course development and delivery, teaching policy, and the delivery of workshops that raise awareness about accessibility. Examples: delivering a course that is inclusive, providing workshops on diversity to raise awareness.

Accessible Employment:

This award is given to those who have contributed to making the employment experience at the University more accessible. This may include contributions at any point in time during the employment cycle (from recruitment to exit interviews). Example: supervisors who are committed to implementing a strong accommodation process.

Accessible Information and Communication:

This award is given to those who have contributed to increasing the accessibility of the information and communications on campus. Some examples include accessible web development and advancement, assistive technology use or the creation of large print materials to support accessibility and inclusion.

Employment Equity Award:

This award is given to those who have contributed to the advancement of employment equity at the University. Examples: proactive and committed recruiting for diversity, contributing to an inclusive environment.

Mental Health Champion Award: 

This award is given to those who have contributed to engaging students, faculty or staff in removing the stigma associated with mental illness, removing barriers for inclusion and recognizing and promoting mental health well-being. Examples: creating ways to have more meaningful conversations about mental health; organizing peer support programs or mental health clubs or activities; working to reduce the stigma and misperceptions associated with mental health.

Human Rights and Social Justice Award:

This award is given to those who have contributed to embedding a culture of respect for human rights at the University or have worked towards the advancement (in the University community) of social justice at the local and global levels. Examples: addressing human rights issues as they occur; organizing proactive awareness-raising events, developing initiatives that advance human rights/social justice.

OHREA Award:

This award is given to those who have contributed to the advancement of culture, diversity and inclusivity at the University of Windsor. This award may include aspects of accessibility, employment equity, diversity, human rights and social justice promotion. Example: organizing events that promote diversity and culture, contributing as a resource for University partners or as a catalyst to advance a positive University environment.