Empowered Kids Ontario kicks off 2026 awards season
February 17, 2026
Tribute Award nominations open today
Nominations open today for Empowered Kids Ontario’s Tribute Awards. These awards honour individuals, teams, and organizations whose exceptional contributions have made profound, positive changes for kids with disabilities and developmental needs, their families, and for communities across the province and beyond.
“Anyone can nominate!” says Jennifer Churchill, EKO President & CEO. “If you know someone who is changing the game so Ontario kids with disabilities and developmental needs live their best lives, this is a chance to help us recognize their work.”
The Tribute Awards celebrate those who contribute to inclusion and equity by shaping policy, innovating clinical approaches, making homes and businesses more accessible, and through dozens of other creative and visionary actions that protect children’s rights and dignity. EKO’s awards celebrate exemplary leaders, distinctive partnerships, and novel initiatives. They honour those who have dedicated years of volunteer and professional service, as well as rising stars—trailblazers who are removing systemic barriers and fostering a society where all kids are empowered.
“Every award cycle, I am newly impressed by the dedication, savvy, and generosity of the researchers, leaders, advocates, volunteers, organizations, and others who are making profound changes in so many ways,” Churchill says. “Whether someone is working to improve Ontario’s accessibility infrastructure, making sports participation more inclusive—empowering kids with disabilities and developmental needs and their families to live their best lives, thrive, succeed, and find the joy and belonging everyone deserves. I can’t wait to discover the stories we will get to tell this year.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate remarkable individuals transforming the world for kids with disabilities and developmental needs in Ontario and across Canada. The six awards categories are:
- Rising Stars
- Service
- Leadership
- Partnership
- Advocacy
- Award of Excellence
Nominations close on Friday, May 22nd. The awards will be announced in June. Visit EKO’s website for more details on nomination criteria, award categories, past recipients, and other information.
About EKO:
Established in 1978, Empowered Kids Ontario is a member association representing Ontario’s publicly supported developmental health agencies that provide evidence-based, family-centred care to kids with disabilities and developmental needs and their families so they can live their best lives. EKO is a member of the Children’s Health Coalition, a collective of Ontario’s leading children’s health organizations.