Awards Program

The Arc 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 during the TN Disability MegaConference. The 2013 categories and descriptors are listed below. The nomination form is available in Word (form fill) HERE and in Acrobat Reader (.pdf) HERE.

Award Categories and Criteria for 2013

The deadline for nomination is April 12, 2013. Award winners will be honored at our Awards Banquet on Friday, May 31, 2013, 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.

Community Inclusion
Honors a program of leisure activities (arts, dance, althletics, recreational, etc.) that is inclusive of people with disabilities.

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.

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.

The Ruth Roberts Memorial
Honors a sibling (brother or sister) of a person with a disability who, through their community involvement and advocacy efforts, creates an environment that fosters inclusion for all.

Click HERE to download the nomination form for the above categories in form fillable Word.

Click HERE to download the nomination form for the above categories in Acrobat Reader (.pdf).

Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Criteria and nomination form for the DSP award is on the Direct Support Professionals Association of Tennessee (DSPAT) website:  http://www.dspat.org/recognition.html

Nominations are not solicited for the following categories but awards may be given during the 2013 Ceremony or at the Annual Meeting of The Arc Tennessee:

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  Tennessee’s Public Policy Committee.

Outstanding Local Chapter
Honors a local chapter that has achieved success in attracting and retaining members in The Arc, has shown innovation or creativity in their membership efforts, demonstrated commitment to The Arc’s Position Statements and/or Core Values through action at the community level in advocacy, public awareness, and governmental affairs.  The recipient will be chosen by The Arc Tennessee's Membership 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 Tennessee’s Awards Committee.

The Roger Blue Memorial Lifetime Achievement
Roger Blue was Executive Director of The Arc Tennessee until his sudden death December 1, 1997.  This lifetime achievement 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 Tennessee’s Executive Committee.

Values
The staff of The Arc Tennessee may recognize individuals or organizations that have furthered the mission and values of the organization 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 Tennessee.

Local chapters of The Arc will be notified of all nominees and winners.  All nominees will be recognized by listing in the program booklet.