2016 Anne Rudigier Award

December 6, 2016

This award is named for Anne Rudigier, a young woman who demonstrated that one individual's commitment, energy, love of life, and respect for all people can be shared and can persevere through others. The Award is presented by the Rudigier Family in loving memory of their daughter Anne and of the values she held in her life and in her work.

Vanessa Diambou

Vermont LEND
University of Vermont

In Recognition of Your Commitment, Leadership, and Potential

"Vanessa is a 2016 graduate of the University of Vermont with a major in Human Development and Family Studies. She is currently a fellow in the VT LEND program at the University of Vermont and a student in the UVM Graduate Certificate of Interdisciplinary Study of Disability. Vanessa has dedicated the last two years to assisting a young woman with complex health and developmental needs and her family. By developing a strong relationship, she has learned the subtle non-verbal communication strategies used by this young woman and communicates and engages with her in ways that most other care providers have not been able to establish. Vanessa has supported the young woman and her family through extended hospital stays, frequently helping to communicate with providers, and also provides community engagement opportunities. Vanessa's skills and dedication have made a difference in the life of this young woman who has few meaningful relationships given her complex differences. This has had a tremendous positive impact in not only the young woman's life but also her family. "