Awards Program

The Arc of Tennessee seeks to recognize people or groups who have made significant contributions to enhance the inclusion and recognition of people with disabilities in their communities. Awards are given each year at an Awards Banquet and Dance during the Tennessee Disability MegaConference. You are invited to nominate an individual or group for an award. The descriptors are listed below and the Nomination Form (in Microsoft Word) can be downloaded here.

Award Categories and Criteria for 2010

Award winners will be honored at our Awards Banquet and Dance on Friday, June 4, 2010, 6:00 pm
at the Nashville Airport Marriott

Agency of Distinction
Honors a public or private community organization that provides exemplary supports for people with disabilities.  This award recognizes organizations that provide supports that exemplify the mission, core values, and position statements of The Arc.

Arts Showcase
Honors an individual or organization that promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in the arts.  This award recognizes individual achievement or organizational promotion in drawing, visual art, painting, photography, sculpture, music, dance, theatre, poetry or other visual, performance, or language arts.

Community Service
Honors an individual or group who has demonstrated commitment to the mission and positions of The Arc by volunteering time locally or on a statewide basis to enhance opportunities for people with disabilities or working on special projects or events.

Exemplary Educator
Honors a Tennessee educator or leader in education who has demonstrated excellence in providing for the education of students with developmental and other disabilities.  Nominees for this award may include teachers, principals, administrators, school board members, college faculty or researchers.

InclusiveCommunity Recreation
Honors inclusive recreation activities that provide people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in individual and/or team recreation.

Inclusive Employer
Honors a Tennessee employer with an exceptional record of providing inclusive community employment opportunities and accommodations for people with disabilities. 

Public Awareness
Honors outstanding efforts by state and local media entities or individuals that create better public understanding of people with disabilities.  The award recognizes a variety of broadcast, print, and internet mass media, including – television, radio, newspapers, magazines, books, podcasts, and blogs.

Self-advocate Entrepreneur
Honors a person or a group who seeks or has the knowledge, skills and initiative to start and operate his/her/their own business.

Self-determination
Honors an outstanding self-advocate who demonstrates excellent self-determination skills and is an achieving, included member of his/her community.

Promising Young Leader
Honors an individual (under age 22) or a group whose members are age 22 or younger, who have demonstrated outstanding leadership potential as seen in volunteer efforts on special projects or events that enhance opportunities for people with disabilities in their community.

Local chapters of The Arc will be notified of nominations received, as well as winners.  All nominees will be recognized by listing in the program booklet.

Nominations are not solicited for the following categories but awards may be given during the 2010 ceremony:

Legislative
Honors a senator or representative who has shown commitment to people with disabilities by sponsoring legislation or working diligently to achieve passage of legislation that positively impacts the lives of people with disabilities. The recipient(s) will be chosen by The Arc of Tennessee’s Governmental Affairs Committee.

The Janet Clark Memorial
Janet Clark was from Cumberland County and was a statewide volunteer for The Arc of Tennessee for many years before her death.  This award is given to an outstanding volunteer who has worked statewide. This award is given at the discretion of The Arc of Tennessee’s Awards Committee.

The Roger Blue Memorial
Roger Blue was Executive Director of The Arc of Tennessee until his sudden death December 1, 1997.  This award is given to a professional or volunteer who has been involved locally and statewide, who has wisdom, and shares Roger’s philosophy relative to respect, dignity and the freedom of choice.  This is The Arc’s highest award and is not necessarily given every year.  This award is given at the discretion of The Arc of Tennessee’s Executive Committee.

Values
The staff of The Arc of Tennessee may recognize individuals or organizations that have helped people with disabilities or made noteworthy contributions to enhance the inclusion and recognition of persons with disabilities by demonstrating the values of Integrity, Courage, Respect, and Justice.

Presidential
This award is given at the discretion of the president of The Arc of Tennessee.

Direct Support Professional
Awards will be presented by the Direct Support Professionals Association of Tennessee.  Nomination forms can be downloaded at http://www.dspat.org/recognition.html