A new multimedia exhibit honours former local resident David Onley and his impact toward making Ontario more accessible.
Titled Championing Disability Inclusion in Employment: The Legacy of David C. Onley, the exhibit was organized in close consultation with Ruth Ann Onley and the Onley family, with video tributes from prominent Canadians such as Rick Hansen.
The free exhibit highlighting the Midland-born Onley, who worked as a journalist and also served as the province’s lieutenant governor from 2007 to 2014, runs March 8 to 28 at Exhibition Place’s Withrow Common Gallery in Toronto.
Robert Onley, one of Onley’s three sons, said the family is honoured to support the exhibit that recognizes his father’s contributions to society, including his lifelong advocacy for inclusive employment for persons with disabilities in Ontario and across Canada.
“Through this gallery, we hope to inspire a new generation of employers and champions in our communities who will hire inclusively, and in doing so help fulfill my dad's belief that ‘true accessibility occurs when disabled people can fully participate in the social, cultural, and economic life of Ontario’,” he said in a release.
Born in Midland in 1950, Onley passed away in January 2023 at the age of 72.
Organized by the Ontario Disability Employment Network and the Canadian National Exhibition Association, the exhibit pays tribute to Onley’s “passionate, personal dedication to making Ontario fully accessible for everyone” along with the lasting impact of his advocacy for inclusive employment.
The exhibit aims to “celebrate Onley while inspiring the community, employers, educators and legislators to continue building an accessible Canada that helps everyone reach their full potential,” organizers noted.
Located on the Exhibition Place grounds, the gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.
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