Bermudian businesses that have gone the extra mile to help the handicapped were honoured yesterday at the 2010 Built Environment Access Awards.

The National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged presented awards to the Fairmont Southampton Resort, A.S. Cooper & Sons and s.h.y. Architecture for helping to make Bermuda more accessible.

Also honoured were Lido Restaurant and Complex, D&J Construction and the Marsden First Methodist Church.

Accessibility officer Keith Simmons said: "I believe those that support a barrier-free Bermuda need to be recognised for their works and promoted as examples for the rest of the community.

"Access is universal. It benefits the whole community."

Minister of Health Walter Roban, who presented the awards at the Bermuda Society of Arts Gallery, said: "Disabilities come in many forms and different persons are affected by the built environment.

"Just imagine having had a hip replacement and needing to go for physiotherapy. You would be challenged with transportation and entering a building, as well as being in the building.

"There is a need for the entire community to play their part to achieve inclusion for all."