In 2023, Inclusion NB introduced an award in honour of Dr. David Jory, who passed away earlier that year. Forty years ago, in 1985, a group of New Brunswick parents mounted a legal challenge using the Canadian Charter of Rights. They knew it was a contravention of children’s rights to segregate those with a disability from being educated alongside their peers. Dr. Jory, whose son John has Down Syndrome, was a key member of these trailblazers. He staunchly believed that children with an intellectual disability could have an education on an equal basis with others and be included.   

“David’s commitment to inclusive education in New Brunswick is significant. He was an active member of the Saint John Association for Community Living, Inclusion NB and Inclusion Canada. He volunteered on several committees for Inclusion NB and was a great contributor to our social policy work,” says Jake Reid, Executive Director of Inclusion NB. 

The first time this award was bestowed in 2023, Dr. Jory’s children accepted it on his behalf. In May of 2024, Ken Pike received the award. Ken had recently retired from Inclusion NB as our Director of Policy after 35 years of service.  

This year, the recipient is Lorraine Silliphant. 

“Lorraine is a founder of the inclusion movement in New Brunswick. She was the Executive Director of our organization, when it was known as the New Brunswick Association for Community Living, for 11 years,” says Reid. “Her accomplishments are many and significant.” 

Lorraine is a parent and a founder of the Inclusion Movement in New Brunswick. She and her husband David have 3 children. The youngest, Ralph has Down Syndrome. 

Working with other New Brunswick parents, she: 

  • Advocated to get her local school district to take responsibility for educating children labeled mentally handicapped and cerebral palsied. 
  • Lobbied for Bill 85 making the exclusion of children who have a disability in New Brunswick’s school system illegal.  
  • Was instrumental in closing the W.F. Roberts Hospital School, allowing formerly institutionalized children to be included in their communities. 

Lorraine received the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal for her contribution to the quality of life in our country. She received the New Brunswick Pioneer of Human Rights Award and an Outstanding Service Award from the Institute for Research and Development on Inclusion and Society. She is a Life Member of Inclusion NB’s Board of Directors. She chaired the Stakeholder Relations Committee and the Governance and Social Inclusion Advisory Committees. She is also the Secretary for the Inclusion Fredericton’s Board of Directors, a member of the Fredericton Affordable, Accessible, Dispersed housing committee, and a Distinguished Associate of Inclusion Canada’s Board of Directors.