News release

For immediate release
Dec. 5, 2011

Mount Royal University recognized with two awards from the City of Calgary’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility

(CALGARY – Dec. 5, 2011) During the City of Calgary’s Council session this morning, the Mayor of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi, presented two awards on behalf of the City of Calgary Advisory Committee on Accessibility to Mount Royal University.

The Advisory Committee on Accessibility’s Advocacy Award was presented to Mount Royal University Recreation for making the University's programs and services more accessible for persons with disability by:

• Assisting with the acquisition of funds from the Alberta Paraplegic Association allowing Mount Royal to run one-on-one fitness training programs for four years.
• Supporting two wheelchairs sports clubs by donating free gym time and storing their speciailized equipment.
• Purchasing several pieces of equipment for the fitness centre that are accessible specific to persons with physical disabilities.
• Offering the Children’s Adapted Physical Activity program for 30 children with disabilities on Saturday mornings at Mount Royal.
• Hosting several disability sport related events

Mount Royal University Associate Professor David Legg, from the Department of Physical Education and Recreation Studies, has been instrumental in bringing his vision as Chair of the Canadian Paralympic Committee to the Recreation facilities and academic curriculum at Mount Royal.

The Advisory Committee on Accessibility also presented the Access Recognition Award to Janice Rieger, assistant professor of Interior Design at Mount Royal University for her role in coordinating the Advancing Accessibility-Creating Through Design symposium at Mount Royal.

The Access Recognition Award acknowledges how an individual or group through universal design principles has improved access for persons with disabilities in the City of Calgary. This award covers improved access to the physical environment, technology or products.

Rieger who has a passion for universal design has been a tireless volunteer with the Advisory Committee on Accessibility and the Community Affordable Housing Working Group.

For more information about Mount Royal University, please visit: www.mtroyal.ca

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For further information, please contact:
Fred Cheney, Media Relations Officer
Marketing and Communications
Office of University Advancement
Mount Royal University
Office: 403.440.5195
Cell: 403.542.7904
mediarelations@mtroyal.ca