April Welshman, who established the "You Matter" program in Medicine Hat, speaks on Dec. 7 at city council's meeting, where she received the Premier's Council award for community inclusion.--NEWS PHOTO COLLIN GALLANT
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
Two Hatters have been honoured for their efforts to break down barriers for Albertans with physical and mental health difficulties.
The Premier’s Council on the status of persons with disabilities presents awards each year to those who work toward inclusion and “removing barriers” either physical or relating to behaviour, attitudes or mental health.
This year, Medicine Hat’s Trevor Eichelbaum and April Welshman were recognized for their respective selections at city council’s Dec. 7 meeting.
Welshman, recognized for public awareness, spearheaded an organic movement to spread simple messages of care, understanding and empowerment that sees cards distributed with a “You Matter” message.
Eichelbaum has spent two decades building and selling medical equipment to help those with challenges move more freely in their home and about the city.
“I’ve worked in the disability world for 20 years, but been around people with disabilities all my life,” Eichelbaum told council as the awards were announced.
“One motto I use every day with the people I meet … is that until another person gives me reason to believe otherwise, they’re just as capable as everyone else.”
The two Hatters were among 10 award winners announced early this month in the categories of leadership, employment, achievement, excellence in the community, awareness and education.
Welshman, a social worker, began the “You Matter” online campaign in Alberta, which promotes small acts of kindness and solidarity with those struggling in the community.
“It’s no secret that people are hurting and things are off, and we’re all feeling it deeply,” said Welshman. “‘You Matter’ really means that you have a place in this world, you’re seen, you’re valuable and what you bring to this world is important.
“There’s power in simple but profound connection.”
April Welshman decided to begin promoting a “You Matter” campaign that began on social media, localizing it for Medicine Hat.
She began handing out business cards printed with the simple two-word message to those she felt were stressed out, excluded or having a bad day. That expanded across Alberta with an online presence, and in the Hat, chalk drawings and other installations, have been an ongoing reminder of the sentiment.
She said 5,000 cards are now circulating as recipients pass them on.
Eichelbaum has operated Adapt Mobility for three years, having started his own company after years employed in the sector, and he often comes up with custom and case-specific solutions for those with mobility challenges.
Leslie Jerry, the city’s community inclusion co-ordinator, said the breadth of Eichelbaum’s work makes him a strong candidate for the award.
He has also helped train city bus drivers who assist in securing wheelchairs, which helps his clients move around the city, said Jerry, who also cited his school visits to display the technology he uses.
“He’s helped break down misconceptions through this work,” said Jerry.
Welshman’s work was promoted this year to at-home seniors this year when they called her office looking for resources this year of the pandemic.
“It’s a passion project for April,” said Jerry. “There’s no paperwork and red tape. Just a simple, open invitation to join as a community to spread messages of kindness and hope.”
