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Norm McLeod Awards
Sharon Cobb, 2007 Community Inclusion Dreamweaver Award
Life holds incredible possibilities
| A shining star arrived in Sharon Cobb's life a quarter-century ago; this star set Sharon on the path to enlightenment. Sharon 's daughter, her ‘shining star' opened Sharon 's eyes to all the possibilities that life holds. When she looks at her daughter, Sharon feels inspired to be kinder, gentler, and to be unafraid of showing love. A wonderful example of how persons living with developmental disabilities can fully embrace an independent lifestyle, Sharon 's daughter owns her own home and operates a successful small business. |
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CCLS membership comprises families whose sons and daughters are living with developmental issues. These families were all aware that they had to work together to make the world a better place for their children. Today, as Sharon reflects on the many initiatives in which she has been involved, she thinks about the many families that she's had the privilege of meeting. She's most proud of their collective commitment to community inclusion for all, “That is what makes us stronger . . . that includes people with disabilities. They have a lot to offer,” said Sharon.
If there was just one important message that she could share with the world, it would be the fact that, regardless of skin colour, race, creed, or disabilities, we are all the same. A home of our own; a place where we feel safe and secure; a community school for our children – persons with disabilities want the same things that everyone wants.
In a recent interview, Sharon observed that “Sometimes people who are not involved with people with disabilities think that building special places with special programs brings our communities together. In fact, schools work better when everyone is welcome there, jobs are better, communities are better.”
Having been involved in numerous community projects over the years, Sharon is a firm believer that we can garner incredible, non-tangible benefits from giving generously of our time and our skills. Sharon is truly honoured to have been chosen as a recipient of the Norm McLeod Dreamweaver Award, and she's modest about the recognition, observing that “. . . I feel like the award is not just for me, but for all the people I have met, and who have inspired me.”
The key criteria for winning this award is that the recipient must be known for improving the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and for recognizing that all individuals can fully participate in their community. Sharon Cobb certainly meets, and exceeds, these criteria; she stands out for all that she has done, and continues to do, to make life better for persons with developmental disabilities, and to enlighten the general public as to the importance of community inclusion for all.