The 2009 YMCA of Western Ontario Women of Excellence Honourees

Sandra Cooper-RyderJean Wright
Community, Volunteerism & Humanity

“Jean’s volunteer work has influenced and changed policy, services, education and programming for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. In addition, she has made a difference beyond this field in areas of social service, health and education, and inspired and mentored countless people along the way.”
Laurie Seaman and Beth Bailey

After completing her BA at the University of Toronto and training as a teacher, Jean Wright taught in high schools in Toronto and Montreal. In 1968 she moved to London with her husband Ken, their four sons, and a baby daughter who was born with Down’s Syndrome.

Jean soon became a volunteer with the London and District Association of the Mentally Retarded (now Community Living London), where she helped develop innovative new programs at the Scatcherd Children’s Centre, which operated from 1976 to 2002.

Over the years, Jean worked with her husband Ken, to develop an innovative annual fundraising event, The Chair Affair, for Community Living London, lobbied the government for dental care for the disabled, worked on the strategic plan to implement Bill 82 in London schools, and co-chaired a task force to look at support for people with disabilities in London.

She served on the board of Community Living London, as a Trustee of the London and District School Board, and is currently on the boards of the Centre for Studies in Family Medicine and the Development Disabilities Program at UWO.

Jean has also shared her energy and creativity with the “Out of the Cold” program at First St. Andrews United Church, Meals on Wheels London, and Nostalgic Theatre, a group of retirees who present musical reviews. She has also been an interviewer for the UWO Medical and Dental School entrance interviews for nine years. This past year, she has been helping with the D.O.C.S. project (Dental Outreach Community Service) initiated by her husband to provide free dental clinics at social agencies.

Through her compassion, commitment and respect for all people, Jean Wright has made London a more accepting and supportive community for all of us.

Read Jeans London Free Press article here.