Paul Cochrane, Sue Hutton and Nelson Raposo accepting the award on Peter Park’s behalf

The Self-Advocates Council has had the privilege of being mentored by Peter Park, known widely as the Godfather of Self Advocacy in Ontario. The Self-Advocates Council selected Peter to win the Ken ‘Sam’ Samler Volunteer of the Year award this year; however, they are saluting Peter for his 38 years of deep commitment to human rights activism for people with intellectual disabilities. Peter’s wife Rhea Park sat on the Self-Advocates Council from 2009 – 2011 and during this time Peter volunteered to help the council learn about their rights. He continues to bring his voice and wisdom to many rights issues the Self-Advocates Council is involved in.

Peter lived in institutions for 18 years. The day he got out was the day he started People First of Ontario. His contributions to the movement of human rights for people with intellectual disability are far and wide. Peter currently is working with the Re-specting Rights Committee at ARCH Disability Law Centre, sits on the Deinstitutionalization Working Group, and is teaching others about rights everywhere he goes.

Peter has the honoured distinction of having received the June Callwood Award for Outstanding Voluntarism. He has taught generations of people to speak out and stand up for their rights. When Nelson Raposo and Paul Cochrane nominated Peter Park for the award, they knew how important it is to honour Peter’s invaluable work over the years for people with intellectual disabilities.

Thank you, Peter! You help inspire us to speak up for our rights.