Press Release
Friday, August 19, 2016
(Ottawa, ON / Kelowna, BC - August, 17, 2016) - For the fifth consecutive year, T-Base Communications has awarded a student who is blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted a $2,000 scholarship through the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC)/T-Base Scholarship Program. Brian Hill, Master of Journalism student at Carleton University, is this year’s recipient -- why is not surprising.
Hill is a four-time Paralympian swimmer, a Canadian Paralympic Committee member, a trained chef, a long-time advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities and a committed student, who is focusing his Master’s research on Paralympic sport. Scholarship funds will go toward Hill’s 2016/17 program expenses.
“Ensuring that students who are blind or have low vision have the opportunity to pursue a fully accessible education is at the heart of what we do at T-Base,” said Bruce Moszcelt, Co-CEO of T-Base Communications. “We were very impressed by Brian’s story—his achievements as a Paralympian, two decades worth of advocacy, and of course his passion for storytelling. T-Base is proud to support Brian’s pursuit of an education in journalism,” added Moszcelt.
AEBC awarded the 2016 Jennifer Laura E. Wilson Memorial Scholarship to two other students: Laura Yvonne Bulk, PhD student in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of British Columbia, and Rumana Monzur, Juris Doctor (J.D.) student at the University of British Columbia, each receiving $1,000.
“My beloved sister Jennifer was inspiring by her selflessness and willingness to devote her life to immunology in the hopes of helping find cures for others,” said Deborah Wilson, who donated the funds for the Jennifer Laura E. Wilson Memorial Scholarship. “Although she was unable to achieve her dream because of her impairment, these scholarships in her name are to help others achieve theirs,” Wilson added.
“At a time when having academic credentials helps open doors to employment, higher education is essential,” said Leo Bissonnette, AEBC’s National Director and Chairperson of the Student and Education Council Committee. “Education today is expensive, and when students continue on to the graduate level, which many of our scholarship applicants are doing, scholarships not only ease the financial burden, but they also validate the academic work of many talented students. These are students who will contribute much to society in the future,” he added.
Every year, students enrolled in any program at a post-secondary institution in Canada are eligible for the T-Base Communications scholarship. T-Base receives and reviews applications from several highly qualified candidates.
About T-Base Communications
T-Base is North America's go-to alternate format company and industry thought leader. We simplify accessible communications by producing accessible educational materials, such as textbooks and secure tests & exams, for complex STEM subjects in braille, large print, audio, as well as online with web accessibility and PDF documents.
http://www.tbase.com
About The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians
The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) is a national grassroots, peer support organization that comprises Canadians who are blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted and supporters from the public at large. Founded in 1992, AEBC is dedicated to promoting the inclusion of Canadians who are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted in all aspects of social life, from education to participation in elections. AEBC’s members participate in working groups and committees, engage with local, city-based chapters, and engage in public awareness and education activities on a daily basis.
http://www.blindcanadians.ca
For further information - Media Contacts
T-Base Communications
Deanna White
Media Relations
(613) 236-0866 Ext. 1231
dwhite@tbase.com
Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC)
Leo Bissonnette
National Director
1-800-561-4774
leo@blindcanadians.ca