2016 Young Professional Award

December 6, 2016

The AUCD Young Professional Award is presented to a person in the field of disabilities under the age of 40 who has demonstrated dedication and commitment to people with developmental disabilities and their families through work as a bridge between the academic sector and the community.

Kelly Nye-Lengerman, MSW, PhD

Institute on Community Integration
University of Minnesota

In Recognition of Your Advocacy, Commitment, and Promise

"Kelly has worked tirelessly in her efforts to change employment supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout her career. As research manager at the Institute on Community Integration, where she obtained her PhD in Social Work with a focus on research and disability, Kelly has expanded the Center's commitment to research, demonstration, and advocacy work within the area of transition to employment for people with disabilities in Minnesota and nationally. She has received numerous academic and professional accolades for her research and other work. Kelly has also demonstrated a commitment to collaborating with diverse communities and partners both locally and throughout the state to ensure that the outreach and services of the Center are accessible to everyone. Kelly continues to support people with intellectual disabilities who are her colleagues at the Center, including assisting with the development of customized employment positions for several people at ICI. As stated by a colleague, 'Kelly has the rare combination of exemplary evaluation and research skills, the ability to assess context and understand the need for data, and the awareness to be able to communicate findings and information to all levels of stakeholders and constituents. "