The John Davis Burton Award is an award to honour a student in good standing who has made a significant contribution toward awareness, equality, and integration of persons with disabilities within the educational community. This award is given annually to a deserving student who is enrolled at Algonquin College, Carleton University, La Cité collègiale or the University of Ottawa.
Amount: Varies
Number Available: 1
Open: April 1st, Annually
Deadline: May 31st, Annually
Dr. John Davis Burton advocated for persons with disabilities. Dr. Burton made significant contributions toward increasing awareness, equality, and integration of persons with disabilities throughout his career as an educator and coordinator of educational support services. He was a determined and able advocate for equal access to education for persons with disabilities, believing strongly in training for educators as well as support services for the learner. He was more than qualified for both of these roles by acquiring a Ph.D. in Education and a Master’s degree in deaf education. Dr. Burton taught in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa and coordinated programs and services for deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing students as well as students with learning disabilities at both Algonquin College and Carleton University.
In memory of Dr. Burton, this award was endowed by family, students, and friends in 1992. This award is to find and award students who share the same qualities and traits that Dr. Burton exuded. These Traits include perseverance, dedication, and a strong sense of community spirit.
CRITERIA
A successful candidate/student will be based on the following criteria:
• Must be enrolled as a special, part-time, or full-time student in one of the four participating institutions: Algonquin College, Carleton University, La Cité collègiale, or the University of Ottawa.
• Demonstrated a significant contribution towards awareness, equality, and integration of persons with disabilities in their home, institutions, as well as the larger community.
• Demonstrate some of the traits which Dr. Burton was most noted for: perseverance, dedication, and a strong sense of community spirit.
• Must be in good academic standing.
• Preference will be given to students returning to one of the institutions.
• Preference will be given to students with a learning disability, then to students with other disabilities, and finally to all other students.
Note: The selection committee consists of Dr. Faith Silver, one administrator, and one student from each of the four participating institutions. Please visit the website for more information.
How To Apply
All material must be submitted to awards@carleton.ca
Required Documents
Along with the application form, submit:
- At least one letter of recommendation;
- A brief account, in your choice of format (eg, print, audio, video), describing how the candidate meets the award criteria
For more information about the application process, visit the awards page.
Contact Information
202 Robertson Hall, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6
Phone: (613) 520-3600
awards@carleton.ca
Last Updated: 2025-08-01