It was a ceremony well worth the wait.
Almost a year to the day of the official announcement, Delta MP Carla Qualtrough was officially inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Ottawa on Thursday.
Qualtrough was inducted alongside world-class athlete Vivian Berkely, and passionate advocate for the deaf community Frank Folino. They join the prestigious ranks of 117 others who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame the past 28 years.
Qualtrough was inducted into the builder category.
Thursday’s ceremony was delayed a year due to the pandemic.
The Canadian Disability Hall of Fame recognizes extraordinary individuals who, through their outstanding work and achievements, have significantly enriched the quality of life for people with disabilities. They have also made a profound difference in their communities, our country and internationally.
Qualtrough has shown significant service through sport and volunteerism, including with the International Paralympic Committee. Visually impaired since birth, her athletic achievements include three Paralympic and four World Championship medals.
“It was really heart-warming and I was really proud,” Qualtrough told the Optimist of the ceremony in Ottawa. “It was an excellent group of people – three years of inductees – people who have contributed so much to the disability-rights movement – as athletes, leaders, as thinkers and it was just a really important reminder of all the good work that has been done, but also all the work that we have to keep doing.”
Qualtrough said it is very special to be recognized by your community.
“For me the disability community is my community. As someone who identifies as having a disability it is just special to have the community recognize what I have done and how hard I have worked to try and make life better for people and acknowledge that we have moved the dial on disability rights and disability issues, but again, knowing that there is more work to be done.”
