CBU’s Dr. Tammy Bernasky Named Finalist for Accessibility Trailblazer Award

Cape Breton University is proud to share that Dr. Tammy Bernasky, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at CBU, has been named a finalist for the Accessibility Trailblazer Award at the upcoming Accessibility Confident Employers Awards: Celebrating Inclusive Employers. 

“I’m very honoured to share that I’ve been nominated as one of four finalists for the Accessibility Confident Employers (ACE) Awards,” said Dr. Bernasky. “The ACE Awards celebrate individuals and organizations across Nova Scotia who are advancing accessibility, inclusion and belonging in their workplaces and communities.”

The award will be presented to the successful finalist on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at The Daily Grind in Halifax, with a hybrid viewing option available via Zoom. The Accessibility Trailblazer Award recognizes those who have taken bold action, challenged the status quo and created new pathways for others to follow. 

“It’s deeply meaningful to have this work recognized among so many others leading positive change across the province,” Dr. Bernasky says.

Dr. Bernasky’s work reflects her long-standing dedication to accessibility, equity and inclusion within and beyond the post-secondary environment. Her efforts align with Cape Breton University’s ongoing commitment to fostering a campus community where all people – students, employees and visitors alike – feel supported and empowered to thrive.

“Being part of this conversation about accessibility means recognizing that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility,” Bernasky says. “It’s about ensuring that people with disabilities are not only included but have opportunities to lead and shape the environments we all share.”

Accessibility Confident Employers

The Accessibility Confident Employers (ACE) project, led by Sea Change CoLab and funded by the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund, is a province-wide initiative that helps employers across Nova Scotia remove barriers to the recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities. ACE provides training, events and employer engagement opportunities to support workplaces in becoming accessible and inclusive.

The ACE Awards will take place as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of inclusive workplaces and the contributions of people with disabilities to Nova Scotia’s communities and economy.