2011 Gold Star Award

November 9, 2011

Michael Barnard (center) accepts the 2011 AUCD Gold Star with NJ UCEDD Director Deborah Spitalnik and AUCD Legislative Director Kim Musheno

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 efforts to obtain input from AUCD and the greater disability community to support AUCD's mission to advance policy and practice for and with people living with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities.

Michael Barnard

Legislative Assistant, Senator Robert Menendez

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

"...when we came up against opposition in the Senate, it was Michael and others who stayed up late at night engaging in the tough negotiations that ultimately led to final passage of the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act. Simply put, if it were not for their efforts, the passage of this critically important piece of legislation would not have happened."