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Awards

 

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AUCD Awards give us an opportunity to recognize the commitment, dedication, persistence, and leadership of the individuals, organizations, and programs that have made a significant contribution to the understanding, support, and advancement of disability services and supports and the core mission of the AUCD network.

In response to feedback from our membership, the AUCD Awards Committee has revised the categories and qualifications of several awards, providing a more streamlined and focused way to honor the great work happening in the disability field. In addition, awards will be presented throughout the AUCD Conference, both during special events and during the AUCD Honors Celebration on Tuesday evening. This will provide an opportunity to highlight awardees in front of their peers and networks, shining an even brighter spotlight on the efforts of the people who inspire us and work tirelessly every day on behalf of people with disabilities and their families.

In 2015 we are also implementing a way to formally recognize the retirement of our UCEDD, LEND, and IDDRC Directors and the contributions they have made over the years. Directors who have retired or will retire within that calendar year will be recognized in the conference awards program and receive an award from AUCD, either at the conference or mailed to their home. Receiving this recognition award does not preclude someone being nominated for one of the listed AUCD awards, but does ensure that all Directors will be recognized, honored and thanked for their contribution to the field and the network.

We know the depth, breadth and expertise of our trainees, young professionals, advocates, professionals, and partners is extraordinary and deserving of recognition. I hope you will consider nominating someone from your Center or a valued collaborator for one of the AUCD awards. We appreciate your contribution to another year of amazing award nominees and the celebration of the strength and impact of our network.

Sincerely,

Leslie Cohen
Past-President and 2015 Awards Chair, AUCD
Director, Sonoran UCEDD
University of Arizona

 
 

 

Nominations Closed (Deadline: September 11)

 

AUCD Awards & Descriptions

Council or Committee Awards

Previously Given Awards, nominations no longer accepted

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to individuals making a lifetime commitment to serving people with developmental disabilities and their families. There is no public nomination form for this award; please contact AUCD if you have a suggestion for a nominee.

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George S. Jesien Distinguished Achievement Award 

This award recognizes a UCEDD, LEND or IDDRC executive, faculty or staff member who has demonstrated a distinguished career of excellence and leadership in support of AUCD's mission to advance policy and practice for and with people living with developmental and other disabilities, their families and communities. The nomination letter should include a description of the candidate's accomplishments in research, education and service. Information relevant to the community, scientific, educational, organizational, or political environment in which the candidate's accomplishments were made may be included in the narrative to support the nomination. The award was renamed after one of AUCD's distinguished past-Executive Directors, George S. Jesien, PhD, on his retirement in 2013.

 

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Special Recognition Awards 

The AUCD Special Recognition Award is presented to an individual, group, or organization outside of the AUCD network to recognize outstanding contributions toward creating more inclusive communities for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The award is given in recognition of professional and personal efforts in a programmatic area that proactively supports people with developmental disabilities and their families at the local, state, or national level. If a group or organization is being nominated for the Special Recognition Award, the name(s) of key people directly involved in the noted accomplishments should be provided.

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Leadership in Advocacy Award

The Leadership in Advocacy Award is presented to an outstanding individual or family member who has exhibited exceptional leadership and self-advocacy skills in the area of developmental disabilities. The nomination should include a description of the nominee's activities that demonstrate the individual's leadership and self-advocacy skills. The description should list agencies and events in which the nominee was involved that have made a significant difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

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Young Professional Award

This award is presented to professionals in the disabilities field under the age of 40 years who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to people with developmental disabilities and their families through their work as a bridge between the academic sector and the community. Nominations should include a description of activities exemplifying the nominee's contributions. The nominee's birth date, including the year, should be included on the nomination page.

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Anne Rudigier Award

Presented by the Rudigier Family to commemorate the accomplishments and commitment of their daughter Anne, this award recognizes an outstanding trainee/student demonstrating a commitment to supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families. Any UCEDD or LEND faculty member may nominate a trainee/student. The nomination should include a description of the nominee's activities while enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that demonstrate how he/she has made a difference in the life of an individual with a developmental disability. Please include the name of the school(s) in which the trainee/student is enrolled currently, and the school where activities for which the trainee/student is being nominated occurred (if different). Trainees/students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and in good academic standing are eligible. The awardee will receive $500 from the Anne Rudigier Scholarship fund.

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AUCD CORE Trainee Research Award

Presented by the Rudigier Family to commemorate the accomplishments and commitment of their daughter Anne, this award recognizes an outstanding trainee/student demonstrating a commitment to supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families. Any UCEDD or LEND faculty member may nominate a trainee/student. The nomination should include a description of the nominee's activities while enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program that demonstrate how he/she has made a difference in the life of an individual with a developmental disability. Please include the name of the school(s) in which the trainee/student is enrolled currently, and the school where activities for which the trainee/student is being nominated occurred (if different). Trainees/students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program and in good academic standing are eligible. The awardee will receive $500 from the Anne Rudigier Scholarship fund.

Past recipients:
2015 Samatha Goldman, MEd

 

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Multicultural Council Award for Leadership in Diversity

The final nomination for this award comes directly from the Multicultural Council.  To suggest an award recipient, email a nomination letter to MCC's Eduardo Ortiz; do not use the nomination form.

The Multicultural Council Award for Leadership in Diversity is presented to an Association member or group in recognition of:

  • their exhibited leadership and commitment to advancing programs and practices aimed toward increasing the diversity, cultural, and/or linguistic competencies (in curriculum, services, supports, research, and recruitment) within a Center and the AUCD network as a whole
  • exemplary programs and practices addressing the areas of diversity, cultural, and/or linguistic competencies (in curriculum, services, supports, research, and recruitment) within a Center and the AUCD network as a whole
  • significant contributions in furthering the cause of diversity understanding for the needs of families seeking disability services.

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Council on Community Advocacy Award

The final nomination for this award comes directly from COCA. To suggest an award recipient, email a nomination letter to COCA's Cindy Singletary; do not use the nomination form.

The Council on Community Advocacy Award will be presented to the UCEDD that:

  • has exhibited the strongest commitment to support the full and active participation of self advocates and family members on its consumer advisory council;
  • has demonstrated leadership in the promotion and use of assistive technology to enhance the lives and participation of individuals with disabilities (i.e. may have a model program);
  • has an outstanding record in providing and encouraging best or promising practices in person and family centered principles; and
  • utilizes culturally competent approaches and overall consumer accessibility in all aspects of their mission (including publications, activities, and projects).

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Gold Star Award

The final nomination for this award comes directly from the AUCD Public Policy Committee. To suggest an award recipient, email a nomination letter to AUCD's Kim Musheno; do not use the nomination form.

Established in 2002, the AUCD Gold Star Award is presented to a Capitol Hill staffer who exemplifies a true partnership in crafting strong public policy. This award recognizes the staffer for his/her 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.

  • Past recipients:
    2004 Amy Judge (Representative Langevin's Office)
    2005 Ellen Murray (Senate, Labor HHS, Education Appropriations Subcommittee)
    2006 Aaron Bishop (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Professional Staff)
    2007 Connie Garner (Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Professional Staff)
    2008 Sharon Lewis (Disability Policy Advisor to George Miller (D-CA), Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee)
    2009 Kenneth DeGraff (Legislative Director to Congressman Mike Doyle, D-PA)
    2010 Adrienne Hallett, MTS (Professional Staff, Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee)
    2010 Lisa Bernhardt, MPP (Professional Staff, Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee)
    2011 Michael Barnard (Legislative Assistant, Senator Robert Menendez, D-NJ)
    2011 Tim Lynagh (Deputy Chief of Staff, Representative Christopher H. Smith, R-NJ)
    2012 Andrew J. Imparato (U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education,
    Labor and Pensions Professional Staff)
    2013 Karen Summar, MD, MS (Legislative Counsel to Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, R-WA)
    2014 Cate Benedetti (Staffer for Rep. Christopher Smith, R-NJ)
    2015 Jennifer Debes (Staffer for Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-FL)

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International Service Award

The final nomination for this award comes directly from the AUCD International Committee. To suggest an award recipient, email a nomination letter to AUCD's Ylla Bishop; do not use the nomination form.

The AUCD International Service Award is presented to an individual or group inside or outside of the AUCD network to recognize outstanding contributions that further programs or policies designed to create more inclusive communities for people with disabilities and their families throughout the world. The award is given in recognition of personal and professional efforts in program areas that proactively support people with disabilities and their families at local, regional, or national levels in the host country.

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Nominations Closed (Deadline: September 11)

 

Previously Given Awards, Nominations No Longer Accepted

Outstanding Achievement Award

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:

  • Teaching. The nominee should have a demonstrated record of outstanding teaching demonstrated by teaching evaluations from students or colleagues. If the individual has received formal recognition for teaching excellence, please note the award title, source, and the year awarded.
  • Scholarship and Research. The nominee should have a record of research and/or publications in the disabilities field which have made an impact on the field. The publications may include books, book chapters, refereed journal articles, research notes, or monographs.
  • Community and Public Service. Contributions by the individual to community service working to support people with developmental disabilities and their families is an important factor in this award. Such activities may include service on boards and commissions, government service, and service to advocacy or professional organizations.

Meritorious Service Award

The AUCD Meritorious Service Award is presented to an Association member or group in recognition of professional and personal efforts that proactively support AUCD in achieving its mission to advance policy and practice for and with people living with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities. The focus of this award is service to the Association in a way that has helped build the capacity of AUCD to support its members and thereby improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.