Katie Keiling Arnold (IL-UCEDD/LEND) Receives Chicago Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award

March 2, 2011

  http://www.idhd.org/Arnold-YNPN.html

Katie Arnold, Director of Community Education for the Institute on Disability and Human Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago, was awarded the Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year award by the Young Nonprofit Professional Network of Chicago. This award recognizes a young nonprofit professional who has made an outstanding contribution to the Chicago nonprofit sector through exemplary leadership and dedication. Katie's active participation in numerous nonprofit organizations has benefited the Chicago community and beyond. Her passion for her work stems from growing up with her sister who has an intellectual disability. From this experience, Katie recognized a need to support other siblings of people with disabilities, a group that is often forgotten. As a leader in the sibling movement she has been instrumental in founding two nonprofits that support siblings of people with disabilities: the national Sibling Leadership Network and SIBS-Supporting Illinois Brothers and Sisters. As Director of Community Education, she partners with and educates people in many nonprofits in Chicagoland and beyond to advance the human rights of people with disabilities. She has teamed with experts to create the Sexuality and Disability Consortium at UIC, whose mission is to provide research, training and education to support people with disabilities to enhance healthy sexuality and relationships. Prior to working at UIC, Katie lived at L'Arche Chicago, a nonprofit where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together and create home. Katie remains actively involved in L'Arche and volunteers her time to mentor new staff members, consult with the community leadership, and spend quality time with the community members with developmental disabilities. Katie created a Disability Awareness Committee at her church to ensure people of all abilities are welcomed and included. She serves as a role model for other young professionals and mentors young women with disabilities. Katie's work empowers people with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives.