Nominations for 2009 Disability Awareness Awards
due September 15

To recognize the efforts of people with disabilities and those who support them, The Resource Center and TRC Foundation each year hold a celebration to pay tribute to this deserving group. The public is encouraged to submit nominations – either of individuals with disabilities whom they know, or persons and organizations from the community that have had a positive impact on the lives of those with disabling conditions – for the 21st annual Disability Awareness Awards.

“People with disabilities face tremendous challenges every day, yet they are accomplishing incredible things,” said State Waterson, TRC’s Community Relations Director. “Many people with disabilities wouldn’t enjoy the opportunities available to them without the support of our community. The Disability Awareness Awards are one time during the year that we can publicly acknowledge the successes being realized by individuals with disabilities and the good works performed by others in the community on behalf of those with disabling conditions.”

Nominations are being accepted until September 15. Awards will be given in the following categories:

- Advocate of the Year, recognizing a person or organization that has advocated for the rights of individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence and integration in the community, or a person who has made significant personal accomplishments in the area of self-advocacy;

- Allied Industries Customer of the Year, honoring a business partner that has provided work to Allied Industries (The Resource Center’s manufacturing division), where employment, work training and skill development opportunities are provided to individuals with disabilities;

- Carl Cappa Humanitarian of the Year, honoring an individual who has provided financial support to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This award is named in honor of the late Carl Cappa of Jamestown, a philanthropist who made significant financial contributions to improve the lives of people with disabilities;

- Community Support Award, given to a person, service group or business that has provided unique opportunities and experiences to individuals with disabilities;

- Edwin W. Roth Memorial Award, recognizing a consumer, consumer advocate, agency, professional, or individual that has supported efforts to improve the lives of persons with mental illness or substance abuse challenges. This award is named in honor of the late Ed Roth, a New York State Office of Mental Health official who was a strong advocate for people with mental illness;

- Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year, honoring a person who has donated time, talents and/or expertise toward improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. In addition to interacting directly with persons with disabilities, volunteer service could include assisting with special events, serving on a board or committee, or other uses of personal time. This award is named in honor of the late Elmer Muench of Fredonia, a longtime volunteer and advocate for people with disabilities;

- Employer of the Year, recognizing to an employer that has improved the availability, accessibility and quality of integrated employment for people with disabilities;

- Health Provider of the Year, honoring an entity or professional that has enhanced the lives of persons with disabilities by providing outstanding health services:

- Outstanding Achievement, saluting a person challenged by a severe disability who has made significant advancements in the areas of personal skills, community integration or contributions to society;

- Success of the Year, praising an individual challenged by a disability who has achieved his or her goals in the areas of community integration and/or employment.

Nominees do not have to be affiliated with The Resource Center. A selection committee composed of community volunteers will decide which nominees are most deserving of the awards.

Click here for the online nomination form.

Each nomination must include a narrative explaining why the nominee is deserving of an award. Nomination forms also are available at The Resource Center’s various locations and at other area human-service agencies. If you want a nomination form sent to you, call Victoria Trass Bardo, TRC’s Special Projects and Events Coordinator, at 661-1477. Nominations can be mailed to the Awards Planning Committee, c/o The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701. Nominations also can be faxed to 661-1419.

In encouraging members of the public to submit nominations, Waterson noted that although not every nominee will receive an actual award, it is an honor simply to be nominated.

“It’s a great feeling to know that you’ve been nominated for an award,” he said. “We hope that people will take the time to complete a nomination form and share information about the ways that members of the community are supporting individuals with disabilities in their ongoing efforts to lead productive, fulfilling lives.”

The awards will be presented at the Disability Awareness Awards Celebration on Tuesday, October 3, at TRC’s Administrative Offices, 200 Dunham Avenue in Jamestown.

Flame, a group of musicians with disabilities from Fulton County, NY, will again be on hand to entertain the crowd following the award presentation. For more information, phone 661-1477.