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April 23, 2024
Honoring those who persist in the vision of communities where people with disabilities can participate, contribute, and belong.
Nominate
We are now accepting nominations for the 2024 Ability Award.
Nomination Deadline is March 11, 2024
Nominate
We are now accepting nominations for the 2024 Ability Award.
Nomination Deadline is March 11, 2024
WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2024 ABILITY AWARD.
There are 2 ways to nominate someone for Disability Network Lakeshore’s Ability Award. You can complete the nomination form below or download a fillable word doc here. The nomination deadline for the 2024 Ability Award is March 11, 2024.
Please note that current DNL staff and board members are not eligible for nomination.
Nominee Selection Criteria:
LEADERSHIP: Demonstrates ability to motivate, inspire, and empower people or organizations that results in greater engagement and meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities.
ADVOCACY: Demonstrates ability to champion the inclusion and independence of people with disabilities, in partnership with the disability community, through a program, project, or activity that results in systemic, structural, policy, or attitudinal change and increases the capacity of people with disabilities to live self-directed, independent lives.
ENGAGEMENT: Demonstrates understanding for and prioritizes need to ensure that the unique gifts and talents of people with disabilities are fully realized so that people with disabilities feel fulfilled and know that their contribution matters (whether in their job, school, church, volunteer experiences, etc.).
EMPOWERMENT: Creates opportunities for and with people with disabilities to increase independence and participate meaningfully in decision making; encourages people with disabilities to bring their lived experiences, personal autonomy and authority, vision, talents, and enthusiasm; and uses their personal power to open doors for people with disabilities to use theirs.
LOCALE: Lives or works in Allegan or Ottawa counties
DISABILITY: Lives with a disability, has a family member with a disability, or is a friend or ally to the disability community
History
History
The Ability Award began in 2011 as a way to honor Disability Network Lakeshore's Founding Director, Ruth Stegeman, who served in the organization's leadership for two decades. During her career with Disability Network Lakeshore, Ruth had a strong passion to advocate for inclusive communities for people with disabilities.
The Ability Award was created to honor and perpetuate that spirit by recognizing people in our community who share the same passion and are making progress in the advancement of creating inclusive communities. The Ability Award recognizes leaders in Allegan and Ottawa counties who promote a philosophy of independence and advocate for fully inclusive communities where people with disabilities can participate, contribute, and belong. We hope that recognizing the efforts of all nominees will inspire others to take action.
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Supporters
Supporters
If you're interested in supporting Disability Network Lakeshore's Ability Award, please contact us!