Disability Awareness Week Awards presented
Established in 1988, the awards honour those who have made significant efforts to improve opportunities for people with a disability so they can participate fully in their communities and lead more independent lives.
The winners of the 2025 Disability Awareness Week Awards and the Randy Dickinson Scholarship were announced during last week’s campaign.
The Premier’s Council on Disabilities presents the awards to individuals who have made a significant contribution toward improving the lives of people with disabilities.
Provincial Award Winner
Wabanaki Council on Disabilities
The Wabanaki Council on Disabilities is the only organization in the Wabanaki Territory (Atlantic Canada) dedicated to advocating for the rights of Indigenous persons with disabilities. It gives voice to their experiences and perspectives at regional, national, and international levels. Through its leadership, the Council has built strong partnerships among disability organizations, First Nations communities, and governments, helping to improve the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of Indigenous persons living with disabilities.
Employer Recognition Award
Repeat Boutique
Repeat Boutique, located in St. George, is a valued community asset offering inclusive volunteer and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. By promoting skill development, work experience, and self-confidence, the boutique plays a vital role in fostering inclusion and diversity, while strengthening the social fabric of the community.
Honourable Andy Scott Award
Alicia Munn
Recognizing a lack of support for families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Alicia Munn founded the FASD Support Group in Fredericton. Drawing from her personal journey as a parent, Alicia has become a tireless advocate, offering guidance, respite, and access to resources for hundreds of families, while helping them navigate complex systems with compassion and determination.
Robert Andrew "Andy" Keith Scott (March 16, 1955 – June 24, 2013) was a Member of Parliament representing Fredericton, New Brunswick from 1993 to 2007. Over the course of his career in Federal politics, Scott served as Solicitor General; Minister of State for Infrastructure and Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
In 2007 Andy was recognized for his long-term support of disability issues through a provincial award as part of New Brunswick Disability Awareness Week. He is described as a tireless community builder and as a leader and politician with a strong social conscience. After a courageous battle with cancer, Andy passed away in 2013 at the age of 58. While Andy may no longer be with us, his life’s work promoting inclusion and human rights for persons with disabilities and others will leave a lasting legacy as someone who truly made a difference.
Randy Dickinson Scholarship
Janie Ouellette
Janie Ouellette will be attending the University of Ottawa to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, with the goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. Her commitment to high-quality healthcare includes a strong desire to support and care for individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusive and compassionate care for all Canadians.
The $2,000 prize is awarded annually to a New Brunswick student with a disability studying in a recognized program at a New Brunswick post-secondary education institution. It is presented by the Premier’s Council on Disabilities in honour of the council’s founding executive director and his decades of advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.
The Rick Hansen Foundation School Program offers free educational resources for youth in kindergarten to grade twelve, developed by educators for educators.
Available In both English and French, these ready-made lesson plans incorporate Universal Design principles and are connected to provincial curriculums and educational priorities across Canada.
For more info visit: https://www.rickhansen.com/schools
