CHS Special Advisor to President, Public Affairs, bestowed honorary degree

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
Monday March 14, 2011

Toronto, ON: The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS) is thrilled to announce that Gary Malkowski, CHS Special Advisor to the President, Public Affairs, had the honorary degree L.H.D. Doctor of Humane Letters degree bestowed upon him from Gallaudet University.

Gallaudet President T. Alan Hurwitz made this important announcement earlier last week in recognition of Gary’s extensive work on issues of critical importance to the Deaf community and to his devoted services in advancing student rights and work in rehabilitation.  In addition to this incredible achievement, Gary has been invited by the university to serve as the keynote speaker at the university’s 142 Commencement, on Friday May 13.

“I am honored to work along side a tireless individual driven by his personal passion, exceptional professionalism, and integrity,” says CHS President and CEO Chris Kenopic. “We are proud to have such a key person at CHS whose groundbreaking accomplishments continue to promote equity for people who are culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.”

Gary became the first elected Deaf Member of Ontario’s Provincial Parliament. Serving as Parliamentary Assistant and on many Standing Committees, Gary introduced a Private Member’s bill leading to the introduction and implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act of 2005. He is the recipient of numerous awards throughout his career including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of his community service, Ontario Liberal Government Community Action Award, the Ontario Federation of Community Mental Health and Addiction Program’s Outstanding Contribution to Mental Health Communities Award. Gary has been with CHS for 20 years, his legacy for accessibility is recognized internationally.

May 13th, 2011 Update - Gary Malkowski's Commencement Speech:

Or watch the full event here.

Background:

Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world.

Founded in 1940, The Canadian Hearing Society is a not-for-profit agency and the leading provider of services, products, and information that remove barriers to communication, advance hearing health, and promote equity for people who are culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.

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Contact:
Gordana Mosher, Public Relations Coordinator
The Canadian Hearing Society
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Ph: 416-928-2535, TTY: 416-928-2545 www.chs.ca