Awards Gala

D e c e m b e r 4 , 2 0 1 2 • Washington Hilton

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Welcome{ }

Dear AUCD Network Members and Friends:

The AUCD Awards Ceremony has become one of the highlights of our Conference, giving us an opportunity to recognize those in and around our network who have made exceptional contributions to the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

Our network members and those in the disability community—advocates, trainees, professionals—work to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. They inform the public, provide services, conduct research, teach the next generation, develop policy, and support others—all toward our goals of independence, productivity, inclusion, and self-determination. The effect of these activities can be seen in a thousand small ways every day.

This Ceremony provides an opportunity to celebrate the cumulative effect of these many thousands of small gestures. We will recognize our friends and colleagues who created new possibilities in work, school, friendship, family, and community.

Thank you for joining us as we honor tonight’s awardees and their contributions.

Daniel Crimmins, PhD 2012 Awards Committee Chair Past-President, AUCD

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Program{ }

Presented by: Daniel Crimmins, PhD, 2012 Awards Chair

4:45 pm Welcome Performance by Dr. J.W. Smith

5:00 pm Awards Ceremony

6:15 pm Gala Reception

Contributing ArtistsFront cover art: “Iris,” by Marilyn Cosho: This is an oil painting by an artist with Asperger’s syndrome.

Header art, from: “Flower Power,” by Darlene Brookbank: Darlene enjoys watercolor, acrylic painting and ceramics, and she created this piece on diffused watercolor paper and coffee filters.

Back cover art: “Sailing,” by Eddie Timinski: Eddie painted this blue boat as it boldly sails onward into the almost imperceptible horizon.

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Performance{ }

Dr. J. W. Smith, AKA Dr. FeelgoodJ. Webster Smith (J.W.), PhD, was born blind in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Smith and his wife, Regina, have two daughters, Ebony and Joshelyn.

Dr. Smith is a professor of Speech Communication in the School of Communication Studies at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He is a member of numerous local and national groups, including the National Federation of the Blind, the National Association of Blind Educators, and the Ohio Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities, and served as president of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio in 2008.

In addition to his contributions to academia and the community, Dr. Smith, A.K.A “Dr. FeelGood,” has also had a long musical career. He began singing and playing the keyboards at the age of twelve, went on to become a professional gospel singer at age thirteen, and has worked as a music therapist and radio announcer since 1983. He has been featured on Inspirations Across America, won numerous Christian talent shows, and a variety of gospel competitions.

After four Gospel music CDs, Dr. Smith released his first secular recording in 2012 entitled “24 Hours with Dr. FeelGood.” He characterizes his musical style as “easy on the ear and a combination of Gospel and R&B.” His influences range from Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles to Cee Lo Green.

Order of Awards

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Order of Awards{ }

Distinguished Achievement AwardOutstanding Achievement Award

Special Recognition AwardMeritorious Service Award

Leadership in Advocacy AwardYoung Professional Award

Anne Rudigier AwardInternational Award

Multicultural Council Award for Leadership in DiversityCouncil on Community Advocacy Award

Gold Star AwardService to the Organization Award

President’s Award

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Awards{ }

Distinguished Achievement AwardThe Distinguished Achievement Award is given to individuals or organizations making distinguished lifetime contributions to people with developmental disabilities and their families through research, education, and service.

David Mank, PhDIndiana Institute on Disability and Community

For Your Leadership and Service and Your Dedication to People with Disabilities and Their Families

“For the past 15 years, David has been integral to the success of the Indiana Institute through his leadership and ability to create a vision for the future in Indiana, nationally and internationally in the areas of transition and supported employment of persons with disabilities. As an academician, David is approachable by both students and colleagues alike through his open door policy for inquiry. This policy extends to those with disabilities and their families. For ideas, information, advice and support, Dr. Mank is always there for the people of Indiana and the nation.”

Recent Award Recipients2006 — Jack H. Rubinstein2007 — Diane Nelson Bryen2008 — Hill M. Walker2009 — Lucille Zeph2010 — Jan Nisbet2011 — K. Charlie Lakin

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

Royal Walker Jr., JDInstitute for Disability Studies

For Your Scholarship, Leadership, Vision, and Thoughtful Mentoring“As Associate Director of IDS, Royal’s leadership skills have been put to the test to address policy change for individuals with disabilities and their families in Mississippi. His efforts for policy change were directed towards community inclusion and family advocacy. In addition to his management responsibilities with the Institute, Royal took the lead in his Center’s housing initiatives. He created the IDS Home of Your Own (HOYO) program in 1997 and over the past 15 years, 500 families across 61 of the 82 counties in Mississippi have obtained home ownership and become included as part of their communities. Royal has also been an effective national leader, serving 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.”

Recent Award Recipients2007 — Keith Miller2008 — Sarah Rule2009 — Joann Bodurtha2010 — Dennis C. Stevens2011 — Elisabeth May Dykens

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Awards{ }

Special RecognitionThe AUCD Special Recognition Award is presented to an Association member or group, or to an individual, group, or organization outside of the AUCD, to recognize outstanding contributions toward creating more inclusive communities for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Steven M. Eidelman, MBA, MSW University of Delaware

In Recognition of Your Leadership, Advocacy, and Commitment to Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and their Families

Steve is a respected go-to leader in the disability community, serving as the Executive Director of the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation where he built the Kennedy Fellowship and was a mentor to many. He successfully served as the interim Director of AUCD during a tough transition period. His work at the University of Delaware has resulted in the formation of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, which was developed in response to a pending crisis of leadership in the field of developmental disabilities. Steve is a connector, innovator, and contributor at national and international levels where he has promoted the full inclusion and participation of persons with developmental disabilities. He shares without reservation and is committed to filling the next generation of disability leaders with people of character, ability, and perspective. Our network and the disability community are richer for the time and effort he has invested.”

Recent Award Recipients2006 — Jose F. Cordero2007 — Marty Ford2010 — Peter C. van Dyck2011 — William C. Gaventa, Jr.

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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.

Rose Ann Parrish, MSN Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

In Appreciation of Your Outstanding Service and Support of the AUCD Network and its Mission

“Her over 40 years of dedicated work at the Cincinnati LEND/UCEDD programs and a leadership role at AUCD in interdisciplinary pre-service training has changed the lives of countless professionals, family members and individuals with disabilities. Her work has impacted local, regional, and national stakeholders in the practice of policy development, interdisciplinary training, and information dissemination in the field of developmental disabilities. Through her work she has touched the careers of hundreds of trainees in Cincinnati and across the county.”

Recent Award Recipients2004 — Ansley Bacon, Judith Holt2006 — Rita Hohlstein, Ann Cox2009 — Paul Carbone2010 — Linda Hudson Parrish2011 — Victoria C. Pappas

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Awards{ }

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.

Angela Martin, MSWDevelopmental Disabilities Institute

In Appreciation of Your Advocacy, Leadership, and Service “Angela has brought the perspective of siblings into the Family Support movement, through her commitment, first, to her younger sister, Elizabeth, who is an artist and a self-advocate, and her commitment to the self-determination of all people, through her project, Michigan Partners for Freedom. Her energy has helped to grow the sibling advocacy movement into a recognized voice in advocacy in support of the self-determination of people with disabilities. She has modeled both dedication and respect both in her life as a sibling and in her on-going work bridging family support and self-advocacy.”

Recent Award Recipients2006 — Steven E. Brown2007 — Brad Linnenkamp2008 — Shannon Caldwell2009 — Bridget Brown2010 — Vicki Killingsworth2011 — Patricia McGill Smith

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Young Professional AwardThe 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.

Erik Carter, PhDVanderbilt Kennedy Center

In Recognition of Your Advocacy, Commitment, and Promise “Erik shows truly exceptional dedication and commitment to individuals with significant disabilities in his research, his teaching, and his service. In viewing supports, he looks not just at traditional service systems but also at natural community supports, which may be why he is among only a few researchers nationally to examine inclusive faith communities. His research is methodologically rigorous, responding to local and national needs and addressing questions of importance to students, families, educators, and employers. His work translates seamlessly into effective, practical strategies that can be readily implemented in schools and communities.”

Recent Award Recipients2006 — Mary Kay Rizzolo2007 — Laura Walker2008 — Melissa Bellin2009 — Kathleen Sheppard-Jones2010 — Derek K. Nord2011 — Gail Chodron

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Awards{ }

Young Professional AwardThe 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.

Ilka Riddle, PhD Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

In Recognition of Your Advocacy, Commitment, and Promise“From the beginning of her career, Ilka has served as a bridge between the academic world and the community at large; she translates research into grant-funded projects that have improved communities and individual lives. Ilka encompasses the unique qualities of both an academic scholar and a front-line professional, supporting individuals with disabilities and their families to improve quality of life. She is always striving for excellence, leading by example with determination, poise, and confidence.”

Recent Award Recipients2006 — Mary Kay Rizzolo2007 — Laura Walker2008 — Melissa Bellin2009 — Kathleen Sheppard-Jones2010 — Derek K. Nord2011 — Gail Chodron

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Anne Rudigier AwardThis 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.

Jody M. Pirtle, PhD AZ LEND and Sonoran UCEDD

In Recognition of Your Commitment, Leadership, and Potential“Jody is an incredibly talented and highly motivated individual who strives to make a difference in the home, community, educational, and work life of individuals with disabilities at the local, state and national levels. Her enthusiasm, commitment and energy can literally take your breath away. She is an untiring advocate for individuals with disabilities; her leadership and professionalism are to be admired and emulated. Jody’s already outstanding accomplishments predict a career of outstanding contributions to come.”

Recent Award Recipients

2006 — Sara E. Boyd2007 — John Kramer2008 — Catherine P. Keiling2009 — Shea Obremski2010 — Jasmina Sisirak2011 — Meghan R. Burke

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Awards{ }

International AwardThe AUCD International Service Award is presented to an individual or group of the Association or other organization 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 professional and personal efforts in program areas that proactively support people with disabilities and their families at local, regional or national levels in the host country.

Tamar Heller, PhDInstitute on Disability and Human Development

In Recognition of Your Outstanding International Contributions that have Improved the Lives

of People with Disabilities and their Families“Tamar has a lengthy history of international service... Her reputation as an international expert on aging and disability and her life-long advocacy on behalf of the aging and disability communities contributed to the depth and pragmatism of [several major works]. Her scholarship and advocacy for international collaboration have produced countless outcomes.”

Recent Award Recipients2010 — Barbara LeRoy

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{ }Awards

Multicultural Council Award for Leadership in Diversity This Award is presented to an Association member or group in recognition of exhibited leadership and commitment to advancing programs and practices aimed toward increasing the diversity, cultural, and/or linguistic competencies within a Center and the Network as a whole, and for significant contributions to further the cause of understanding the diverse needs of families seeking disability services.

William Gaventa, MDiv, and the NJ Cultural Competence Collaborative

In Appreciation of Your Ongoing Leadership and Dedication to Diversity and Cultural and Linguistic Competence

“The New Jersey Cultural Competence Collaborative has organized several Cultural Awareness Days, and Bill’s ability to help facilitate strong collaborative relationships based on mutual trust and respect was essential to the success of each. All of Bill’s contributions give an idea of his deep commitment to the issues of cultural competence and diversity, and the work of him and the Collaborative have been a driving force in the creation of cross-cultural and cross-systems collaborations in New Jersey that are both positive and enduring.”

Recent Award Recipients2010 — Annie Alonso2011 — University of Arizona Sonoran

UCEDD, Disability and Border Communities Workgroup

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Awards{ }

Council on Community Advocacy Award The COCA Award is presented to a 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.

Center on Human Development and DisabilitiesUniversity of Washington

In Recognition of Your Commitment and Support of Full and Active Participation of Self-Advocates and Family Members

“The Center on Human Development and Disability has demonstrated a strong commitment to individuals with disabilities and their families for over forty years. In all its activities it promotes full inclusion, self-determination and independence of all individuals with disabilities through research, training and outreach. The Center provides family-centered content and activities to assure family-centered care as a standard of practice in all projects and activities. They assure culturally competent, exemplary, comprehensive interdisciplinary services which are family-centered and responsive to cultural, social, linguistic, racial and ethnic diversity needs in all the clinical and community services offered.”

Recent Award Recipients2010 — Westchester Institute for Human

Development, NY2011 — Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for

Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, TN

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Gold Star AwardThe 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.

Andrew J. ImparatoU.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

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

“Andy has a long history of professional and personal efforts to craft policy and implement programs with input from AUCD and the greater disability community. As Senator Harkin’s principle adviser on disability issues, Andy has been involved in nearly every issue listed in AUCD’s Legislative Priorities, including education (IDEA, ESEA, Higher Education Act), employment, Affordable Care Act, and long term services and supports.”

Recent Award Recipients2010 — Adrienne Hallett & Lisa Bernhardt

(Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Professional Committee Staff)

2011 — Tim Lynagh (Deputy Chief of Staff, Representative Christopher H. Smith, R-NJ)

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Awards{ }

Service to the Organization AwardThe AUCD Service to the Organization Award is presented to outgoing members of the AUCD Board of Directors.

Tawara Goode, MA Center for Child and Human Development

Tamar Heller, PhDInstitute on Disability and Human Development

Margaretha Izzo, PhDNisonger Center

Barbara Wheeler, PhDUSC UCEDD at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles

In appreciation of your service as a member of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities

Board of Directors

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President’s Award The AUCD President’s Award is presented to the outgoing President of the AUCD Board of Directors.

A. Anthony Antosh, EdDPaul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities

In recognition of your most successful term of office on the Board of Directors of the

Association of University Centers on Disabilities

D e c e m b e r 4 , 2 0 1 2 • Washington Hilton

“Only by facing the facts and

resolving to meet the challenge

head-on can something be done.”

~ Eunice Kennedy Shriver