2012 Gold Star Award

December 11, 2012

Andy Imparato with AUCD President Tony Antosh and President-Elect Julie Fodor

The AUCD Gold Star Award is presented to a Capitol Hill staffer who exemplifies a true partnership in crafting strong public policy in support of people with disabilities and their families. This award recognizes a staffer for professional and personal efforts to craft policy and implement programs with input from AUCD and the greater disability community, thus supporting AUCD in achieving its mission to advance policy and practice for and with people living with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities.

Andrew J. Imparato

Senior Counsel and Disability Policy Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education. Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa.

In Recognition of Your Commitment to Strong Public Policy  for People with Disabilities and their Families

Prior to joining Senator Harkin's staff, from 1999-2010 Andy served as President and CEO of AAPD, the largest cross-disability membership organization in the US.  As Senator Harkin's principle adviser on disability issues, Andy has been involved in nearly every issue listed in AUCD's Legislative Priorities, including education (IDEA, ESEA, Higher Education Act), employment, Affordable Care Act, and long term services and supports. Andy fully understands the value of using research to inform policy decisions and therefore frequently consults with members of the AUCD network to get information about best practices and evidence based interventions. His work at AAPD and the Senate has raised awareness of the strong voices of people with disabilities and their ability to affect policy change. Andy's efforts have had a direct impact on the lives of countless individuals with disabilities across the country.