Ken Langford Lifetime Member Award
This award recognizes outstanding Canadians whose commitment and devotion to the mission of SCI Ontario has resulted in significant advances for people with spinal cord injuries in Canada and around the world. This award also honours individuals who have inspired others around them to assist people living with spinal cord injuries to achieve independence, self –reliance and full community participation.
Currently, Dave Shannon is the Executive Director of HAGI, a charitable organization serving people with disabilities and seniors in Thunder Bay and the Northwestern Ontario region. Dave has many outstanding accomplishments that have brought recognition to him, as a leader, and recognition to people with spinal cord injuries, in general. In 1997, after being called to the bar, Dave completed a cross-Canada tour via his wheelchair to bring awareness to what people with disabilities can achieve. In 2009, Dave was the first wheelchair user to reach the North Pole. He raised a wheelchair accessible parking sign, along with flags from the United Nations, Canada and Ontario to honour the feat. In 2011, Dave received the Order of Canada and by 2012, Dave was the Chief Executive Officer of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. In 2014, Spinal Cord Injury Ontario was lucky enough to have Dave participate in the Borne theatre project. Congratulations, Dave, and thank you for all you do as a leader in our community.