New Award to recognize Disability Advocate of the Year - Nominations being accepted

The City of Tacoma’s Commission on Disabilities has created a new award to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of disabilities. Nominations are being solicited for this prestigious award. The deadline is September 19, 2010 at 5 pm. a

Area Disability Advocate of the Year Award

The 10 Tacoma Area Disability Advocate of the Year Award

The Tacoma Area Disability Advocate of the Year Award seeks to recognize and honor the contribution of advocates who, through their work in the community, have made outstanding efforts to increase the awareness of disability issues in the general community, to work towards the removal of both physical and bias related barriers for people with disabilities, and to speak for and represent those who cannot represent themselves.

There are two award categories.

1. Volunteer Advocate - recognizes the outstanding efforts of an individual dedicated to improving conditions and opportunities in the community for individuals with disabilities. They should be a positive role model whose actions encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

2. Professional Advocate - recognizes the outstanding work in the community by an individual employed in a role that improves conditions and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Their actions should positively impact their organization and the clients they serve.

Expectations of Recipients:

• Contribution and/or activity must have been performed in the Greater Tacoma
area for a minimum of one calendar year.

• Award recipients will be asked to attend a recognition event during Disability Awareness month in October.

• Award recipients may be asked to do media interviews.

A nominee is not eligible if:

• The nomination form is incomplete.
• She/He is currently serving on the Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities.
• She/He has received the award within the last four years.

For a nomination form or more information contact: email Gail Himes at ghimes@cityoftacoma.org, or call 253-591-5785, TTY 253- 591-5153