Congratulations Mark Wafer: Henry Viscardi Achievement Award 2015

We would like to congratulate Mark Wafer on his receipt of a prestigious Henry Viscardi Achievement Award. Mark has been a mentor and an ally to LiveWorkPlay and despite his very busy schedule is well known for making time for any individual or organization who shares his belief in a world where people with disabilities are included in workplaces and communities. He was a major contributor to the recent Toronto Star investigation that included an important announcement from Ontario’s Minister of Community and Social Services. His efforts have now been recognized in the international community with this award that honours the memory of Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who himself wore prosthetic legs. As one of the world’s leading advocates for people with disabilities, Dr. Viscardi served as a disability advisor to eight U.S. Presidents, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter.

Here is how Mark Wafer’s award was summarized:

Mr. Wafer is the President of Megleen and owner of six Tim Hortons restaurants in Toronto, Canada. For more than 20 years, he has employed people with disabilities in meaningful, competitively paid positions. Born deaf, Mr. Wafer speaks publically, from firsthand experience, about the economic and business case advantages of an inclusive workforce on local, national and international stages. A peer to peer initiative he created, resulted in the employment of more than 1,000 disabled individuals in six years. Recognizing the true worth of having a job and bringing home a paycheck, Mr. Wafer devotes his time to working with corporations, service sector employees and governments to change the attitude and mindset of society towards people with disabilities so they, too, can contribute to our communities and live a full life.

Since its inception, the Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards have drawn nominations from cities throughout the U.S. and countries around the world. Nominations have included individuals with a wide range of disabilities from academia, healthcare, government, non-profit and corporate sectors. Read about past HVAA recipients.

This year’s Awards Selection Committee is co-chaired by Robert Dole, former U.S. Senator, and Rosangela Berman Bieler, Chief, Disability Section – Program Division, UNICEF. Complete list of the 2015 Selection Committee.