2012 Outstanding Achievement Award

December 11, 2012

Royal Walker, Jr., with AUCD President Tony Antosh and President-Elect Julie Fodor

The Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes a UCEDD, LEND, or IDDRC executive, faculty, or staff member who has demonstrated excellence in three major areas of the field-teaching, scholarship, and service to the wider community.

Royal Walker, Jr., JD

Institute for Disability Studies, University of Southern Mississippi

For Your Scholarship, Leadership, Vision, and Thoughtful Mentoring

Royal has a rich background of experience and training in policy leadership. In addition to his many areas of service and leadership at his center, in his state, and nationally, Royal took the lead in addressing policy change for individuals with disabilities and their families in Mississippi. In 1997 he created the IDS Home of your Own program, and over the past 15 years, 500 families across 61 of the 82 counties in Mississippi have obtained home ownership and have become included as part of their communities. The Home Of Your Own program has received local, state, and national awards. Royal has also been an effective national leader, setting a strong leadership example during several years on the AUCD Board of Directors and as President in 2006. Royal is a community activist whose favorite slogan is "at the end of the day it's all about what we have provided to make a difference". And, make a difference he has - in the lives of many Mississippi citizens with disabilities.