DEBLOIS
In her former position as residential service coordinator with Community Inclusions, Ethel Ellsworth-Gallant had the opportunity to present several of the organization’s annual Pioneer awards.
Attending her first annual meeting of the organization since her retirement, Ellsworth-Gallant found herself on the receiving end of the award.
She is the first person with a staffing background to receive the award which recognizes extensive community involvement in support of people with disabilities.
David Baglole, a residential services client who acknowledged her support and encouragement, presented Ellsworth-Gallant with the award.
For 33 years, he noted, Ethel has been a strong voice and an active advocate for people with disabilities.”
She started her career at the Tignish Normalization Training Centre as a support staff member in 1985. Two years later she took on the role of assistant manager and held that position until 1998 when West Prince Residential Services and the Normalization Workshop joined together under the Community Inclusions umbrella. She served as manager of the Tignish Day Service until becoming Residential Services Coordinator in 2000, a position she held until her retirement in January.
She is recognized for being for being committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities, and for empowering them to be independent and to exercise their rights to be treated with dignity and respect
She’s been involved with the Association for Community Living locally and provincially and attended provincial and national conventions. She has also been active as a volunteer and coach with Special Olympics.
In accepting the award, Ellsworth-Gallant expressed her commitment to continuing to advocate for inclusiveness.
