Nominations Due Thursday, April 22nd

The Arc Maryland Awards Program is designed to recognize those individuals, groups, and local chapters of The Arc whose contributions in the field of developmental disabilities represent meritorious service and achievement and warrant special statewide recognition and honor. Awardees will be recognized during our Awards Celebration on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.

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* 1. Please provide YOUR contact information below.

See below for descriptions of the 2021 Awards. You can make up to three awards nominations on this form. If you would like to complete more than three nominations, please email Sharon Dols at sdols@thearcmd.org for assistance.

Legacy Award - This award is presented on those occasions where the individual’s lifetime work leaves a legacy for the future and mission of The Arc.

The Lorraine Sheehan-Bernard A. Gould Award for Volunteer Governmental Affairs Service - This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service in governmental affairs in one or more of the Association's priority goals areas.  This award will be conferred at such times as the Awards Committee feels warranted, to only those candidates whose contributions have been exceptional.

Outstanding Advocate of the Year Award - This award is presented for advocacy leadership on behalf of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, including systemic change, legal advocacy, and professional endeavors that increase the rights of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to have inclusive lives.

School Inclusion Award - This award recognizes a school, teacher, educator, administrator, support personnel, or other education professional who has demonstrated excellence in providing quality inclusive educational opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, reflective of The Arc position on education and inclusion of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This may include early education, secondary education, and higher education.

Employer of the Year - This Employer of the Year is presented to a private employer, business, or firm with an exceptional record and ongoing commitment to provide competitive employment opportunities where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Stanley S. Sidle/William Ohge, Jr. Memorial Citizenship Award - This award honors an individual with intellectual/developmental disabilities, (who is affiliated with The Arc) for outstanding participation in or contribution to their community.  Achievements may include community leadership, contributions to his/her community, and/or self-advocacy.

Community Professional of the Year - This award recognizes an executive/manager of an organization or community professional (this person is not an employee or board member of any chapter of The Arc in Maryland). Honorees’ work will have direct relevance to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  They may have demonstrated sensitivity and the ability to provide outstanding quality services which result in increased independence and inclusive lives for people with I/DD. The recipient(s) may demonstrate excellence in any of the following areas:  residential supports, family support, individual supports, employment supports, health supports, behavior intervention, or support. Staff of The Arc employed at any level are not eligible for this award.
The Arc Outstanding Employee of the Year - Administration/Program Management - This award is presented to an employee of The Arc in Administration/ Program Management at the state or local level who has made the greatest contribution to his/her organization and the mission of The Arc through both personal and professional efforts.  This award recognizes the vital role of Arc employees in complementing volunteer efforts.

The Direct Support Professional Award (Gilbert John Zucchi Award) - Each chapter of The Arc in Maryland is invited to nominate one Direct Support Professional for state-wide honor and recognition.  The DSP shall be deemed to exemplify the qualities of Gil Zucchi, including superior moral strength and integrity, devotion to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities beyond the call of duty, warm personal relationships, respect, thoughtfulness, and fairness in relationships with persons with developmental disabilities. This award is presented to The Arc employees in Direct Support who have made the greatest contribution to his/her/their chapters and the mission of The Arc through both personal and professional efforts.

Chapter Volunteer of the Year - Each chapter of The Arc is invited to submit ONE nomination of a person who demonstrates dedication to The Arc’s Mission through volunteer service to the organization and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These nominations are reviewed by The Arc Maryland Executive Committee.

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* 2. Please provide contact information for your first award nominee. Information will be used by The Arc Maryland to contact them if selected as the awardee.

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* 3. Please select which award I/we would like this nominee to be considered for.

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* 4. Please describe the nature of activity and contribution for which the individual/organization merits recognition by The Arc Maryland for your first nomination.

Endorsements of awards nominations by other individuals or organizations or materials supporting the nomination (letters of support, articles about the nominee, etc.) are encouraged but not required. These can be emailed to Sharon Dols at sdols@thearcmd.org. Additionally, please provide a photo of the individual or organization if you have one.

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* 5. Please provide contact information for your second award nominee if applicable. Information will be used by The Arc Maryland to contact them if selected as the awardee.

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* 6. Please select which award I/we would like this nominee to be considered for (if applicable).

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* 7. Please describe the nature of activity and contribution for which the individual/organization merits recognition by The Arc Maryland for your second nomination (if applicable).

Endorsements of awards nominations by other individuals or organizations or materials supporting the nomination (letters of support, articles about the nominee, etc.) are encouraged but not required. These can be emailed to Sharon Dols at sdols@thearcmd.org. Additionally, please provide a photo of the individual or organization if you have one.

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* 8. Please provide contact information for your third award nominee if applicable. Information will be used by The Arc Maryland to contact them if selected as the awardee.

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* 9. Please select which award I/we would like this nominee to be considered for (if applicable).

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* 10. Please describe the nature of activity and contribution for which the individual/organization merits recognition by The Arc Maryland for your third nomination (if applicable).

Endorsements of awards nominations by other individuals or organizations or materials supporting the nomination (letters of support, articles about the nominee, etc.) are encouraged but not required. These can be emailed to Sharon Dols at sdols@thearcmd.org. Additionally, please provide a photo of the individual or organization if you have one.

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