OFCP Awards and Scholarships

Each year the Federation would like to recognize an individual with cerebral palsy for his/her outstanding sports achievement in the province of Ontario.   The OFCP John Stone Sports Achievement Award is in the amount of $500.00 and is presented to a person with cerebral palsy who is a current Lifetime Member of OFCP.

Nomination:    

It is in recognition of his/her personal sports achievement of such caliber as to be a significant role model to all – sportsmanship, fairness, team spirit, inclusivity of team members. Nominations must be accompanied by a letter of support. 

Presentation:  

The date of the Award presentation will be determined and announced at a later time. 

Each year the Federation would like to recognize a personal support worker for his/her outstanding dedication to persons with cerebral palsy in the province of Ontario.

Nomination:  The OFCP Jean Blancher Personal Support Worker of Distinction Award, in the amount of $500.00, is presented to an individual that has demonstrated significant support and dedication towards striving to address the needs of people with cerebral palsy in the province of Ontario. Nominations must be accompanied by a letter of support.

Presentation:

The date of the Award presentation will be determined and announced at a later time.

This scholarship is provided to a student with cerebral palsy and a current Lifetime Member of OFCP and who is enrolled in an Ontario College or University and has successfully completed their first year and is entering into their second year of studies. 

The Nicholas Milojevic Scholarship Award is in the amount of $500.00 paid in one instalment. The applicant must be a current Member of the OFCP.

Nomination:

This Award will be presented to a student with cerebral palsy who has persevered in their studies and has successfully embraced all aspects of the postsecondary school education experience. This recipient, in keeping with Nicholas’s character, would be an individual who brings joy to others and has a happy and positive disposition. The successful applicant will reflect all of the positive attributes reflected in Nicholas’s character which include perseverance, positivity and strength. A Member can self-nominate or be nominated by someone who sees these attributes in a Member.

Presentation:

The date of the Award presentation will be determined and announced at a later time.

The Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP) is proud to establish the Cathy Samuelson AAC Advocacy Award in recognition of Cathy Samuelson’s extraordinary contribution to the field of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).

Throughout her career, Cathy has been a compassionate leader, educator, mentor, and advocate who has empowered countless individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities to find their voice through AAC. Her dedication to inclusion, communication access, education, and dignity has helped shape AAC services and supports across Ontario.

As a valued Board Consultant to OFCP, Cathy has also played an instrumental role in supporting the growth and development of the organization. This award program honours her legacy by recognizing individuals and organizations who continue to advance communication access, advocacy, leadership, and inclusion.

The Cathy Samualson AAC Advocacy Award

Award Description

Each year, the Federation would like to recognize an individual with cerebral palsy who uses Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and has demonstrated leadership, perseverance, advocacy, or community impact through the use of AAC.

The Cathy Samuelson AAC Advocacy Award is in the amount of $500.00 and is presented to a person with cerebral palsy who is a current member of OFCP.

Nomination

This award recognizes an individual who:

• Has promoted awareness and understanding of AAC; 

• Has used AAC to overcome barriers in education, employment, community participation, or daily living; 

• Has inspired others through leadership, mentorship, public speaking, advocacy, or peer support; 

• Has demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to inclusion and communication accessibility. 

The recipient should reflect Cathy Samuelson’s belief that every person deserves the opportunity to communicate, participate, and be heard.

Nominations must be accompanied by a letter of support.

Nomination Process

The award recipient must be a current OFCP member. Anyone may nominate an eligible individual.

Nomination Timeline

• Nominations must be received by September 1st; 

• An awards committee consisting of a Board member, staff member, and the CEO of OFCP will review nominations; 

• The committee will present its recommendation to the Board by October 1st prior to the AGM; 

• The award will be presented at the OFCP AGM. 

“Cathy believed communication is a human right. Through her compassion, leadership, and unwavering belief in the voices of others, she helped countless individuals communicate with dignity, confidence, and independence.”

The Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP) is proud to establish the Cathy Samuelson AAC Leadership Award in recognition of Cathy Samuelson’s extraordinary contribution to the field of Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC).

Throughout her career, Cathy has been a compassionate leader, educator, mentor, and advocate who has empowered countless individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities to find their voice through AAC. Her dedication to inclusion, communication access, education, and dignity has helped shape AAC services and supports across Ontario.

As a valued Board Consultant to OFCP, Cathy has also played an instrumental role in supporting the growth and development of the organization. This award program honours her legacy by recognizing individuals and organizations who continue to advance communication access, advocacy, leadership, and inclusion.

The Cathy Samualson AAC Leadership Award

Award Description

Each year, the Federation would like to recognize an individual, organization, agency, or program that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment in advancing Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) for persons with disabilities in Ontario.

This award honours leaders in the field whose work has improved communication access, inclusion, education, support services, innovation, or advocacy for individuals who rely on AAC.

Examples may include professionals, agencies, hospitals, community organizations, educators, researchers, or advocacy groups.

Nomination

This award recognizes leadership demonstrated through:

• Advancing AAC awareness, education, or innovation; 

• Improving communication accessibility and inclusion; 

• Supporting individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities who use AAC; 

• Advocacy, research, mentorship, or system-wide impact; 

• Creating opportunities for communication, participation, and dignity. 

The recipient should embody Cathy Samuelson’s lifelong commitment to empowering others through communication.

Nomination Process

Anyone may nominate an individual or organization.

Nomination Timeline

• Nominations must be received by September 1st; 

• An awards committee consisting of a Board member, staff member, and the CEO of OFCP will review nominations; 

• The committee will present its recommendation to the Board by October 1st prior to the AGM; 

• The award will be presented at the OFCP AGM. 

“Cathy believed communication is a human right. Through her compassion, leadership, and unwavering belief in the voices of others, she helped countless individuals communicate with dignity, confidence, and independence.”