Ep. 27: Remembering David C. Onley and His Legacy

In North America, the disability inclusion conversation — the fight for equity — has been going on for over 50 years.

In Canada — more specifically, in the province of Ontario — the name David C. Onley is synonymous with championing disability inclusion in employment, and accessibility.

He was the first working television journalist in Canada, and the first Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, who had a visible disability. And he was a tireless, passionate champion for the rights of people who have a disability. His continuous advocacy efforts changed the fabric of society in Ontario.

He educated and informed; he influenced and encouraged; and he challenged the business community and the government to rethink disability.

David Onley passed away on January 14, 2023 at the age of 72.

In this episode, which airs one week before the start of National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2024 in North America, we’re reflecting on the legacy of David C. Onley.

We wanted to get some deep personal insights about David Onley and his legacy.

This is a powerful, intensely emotional conversation with three people who knew David Onley well:

• Robert Onley, a lawyer and one of David Onley’s three sons
• Mike Bradley, the Mayor of Sarnia, Ontario, and one of ODEN’s original Business Champions in the Business Champions League that David Onley created
• Lorin MacDonald, an award-winning human rights lawyer for whom David Onley was a mentor

SHOW NOTES

• The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005
• Third review of the AODA by David Onley, 2019
• Fourth review of the AODA by Rich Donovan, 2023
• Episode 27 transcript (PDF)