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At the presentation, Richard Montigny recognized Ms. Fanning as a passionate advocate for the rights of men and women with intellectual disabilities for the past twenty years. “As an organizer and spokesperson, she has played a key role in the self-advocacy movement in Prince Edward Island,” said Mr. Montigny. “She often says one of her roles is to speak for people who aren’t able to speak for themselves.”

Barbara Fanning is well known for her work with People First and has been involved with the organization since it started in the 1980s. She was responsible for establishing local groups across the province, from Souris to Tignish, which allowed the formation of a provincial organization in 1996. Her work with People First has allowed her to draw public attention to issues such as institutionalization, violence, livable income and employment.

The PEI Human Rights Commission recently created this annual award to recognize individuals, groups or organizations that have made significant contributions toward the advancement of human rights on Prince Edward Island.

Today’s presentation was made on International Human Rights Day, which is celebrated every year in countries all around the world to commemorate the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“This is the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Human Rights. On this special day, it is wonderful to be able to acknowledge the important work being done here on the Island,” said Attorney General Gerard Greenan, the Minister responsible for the Human Rights Commission. “On behalf of the government, I offer our congratulations to Barbara Fanning and thank her for her tireless efforts over the years.”

BACKGROUNDER

Barbara Fanning has been a passionate advocate for the rights of men and women with intellectual disabilities for the past twenty years. As an organizer and spokesperson, she has played a key role in the self-advocacy movement in Prince Edward Island. Barbara has been involved in People First since it started in the 1980s in Charlottetown. She was responsible for establishing local groups across the province, from Souris to Tignish, which allowed the formation of a provincial organization in 1996. Barbara takes very seriously her responsibility to help her peers to “use their voices” to speak up for their rights.

Barbara has also contributed her wisdom and experience as a member of the board of PEI Citizen Advocacy, and as a peer advocate.

Barbara’s exceptional talent as a listener has allowed her the privilege of hearing many stories, of exclusion and isolation, and of people who have surmounted great obstacles to create good lives for themselves in the community. She has been moved by these stories to take action. Her work with People First has allowed her to draw public attention to issues such as institutionalization, violence, livable income and employment. Barbara is often called upon to make presentations to government and to community groups. She says one of her roles is to speak for people who aren’t able to speak for themselves. She is a tireless champion for the rights of men and women with intellectual disabilities to equality, respect and independence.