News and Events
The Arc Tennessee Annual Awards 2025Recognizing the impact of deserving individuals
The Arc Tennessee’s annual awards event is a positive experience, dedicated to highlighting those who go above and beyond in the disability community. One of the most inspiring events of the year, The Arc Tennessee Awards 2025 will be held in-person on Thursday, May 22nd at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville, TN during a special Awards Luncheon at MegaConference! Would you like to submit a nomination for 2025’s event? Click below!
View the complete list of awards.
Direct Support Professional Award
Honors a Tennessee direct support professional who has demonstrated excellence in providing care for those who have disabilities.
Exemplary Educator Award
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 Award
Honors a Tennessee employer with an exceptional record of providing inclusive community employment opportunities and accommodations for people with disabilities.
Outstanding Medical Professional Award
Honors a medical professional who has given outstanding care and contributed to improving the overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Nominees for this award may include a physician, surgeon, nurse practitioner, physical assistant, nurse, clinical dietician, clinical psychologist, or other licensed medical professional practicing in Tennessee.
People First Award
Honors an outstanding self-advocate who is a role model for others.
Presidential Award
This award is given at the discretion of the president of The Arc Tennessee.
Public Awareness Award
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.
Public Policy Award
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. This award is given at the discretion of The Arc Tennessee’s Public Policy Committee.
Roger Blue Award
Roger Blue was Executive Director of The Arc 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.
Ruth Roberts Sibling Award
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.
The Jake Award
Honors a person whose advocacy connects people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to the supports and services they need to be fully included members of the community, across their lifetime.
Work Initiative Award
Honors a person(s) with disabilities who shows the initiative to start and/or operate his/her/their own business or an employee with a disability who has had a positive impact on their work environment.
The Arc Tennessee Awards 2025
The Arc Tennessee Awards 2025 will be held in conjunction with the Tennessee Disability MegaConference in Nashville, TN on May 22nd!