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2026 Self-Advocate of the Year Award

Self-Advocate of the Year Award Nomination Form


NOMINATION DEADLINE: Friday, June 5, 2026


About the Award: This award is designed to highlight, recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions made by Chapter self-advocates. Nominees and recipients are individuals who not only use services of a Chapter of The Arc New York but also help to shape those services in a manner that benefits other people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. One (1) award in the amount of $500, along with a commemorative personalized glass award is presented annually.


Eligibility Criteria:
  • The nominee must have an intellectual or developmental disability
  • The nominee must be a self-advocate, in connection to a Chapter of The Arc New York
  • One nomination may be submitted for each County within a Chapter
  • Previously nominated individuals who have not been recognized may be resubmitted for consideration


Application Requirements:
  • Completed application
  • One (1) peer letter of support must be included. Up to two (2) additional letters from others may be included if desired. Letters submitted should be current and specific to this nomination.

The Arc New York Self-Advocate of the Year Award will be presented in person at the September Annual Meeting.
1.Nominee Information(Required.)
2.How has the nominee directly or indirectly helped to enable others with IDD achieve their own personal outcomes (goals/growth)?(Required.)
3.What groups, Boards/Committees or other decision-making groups is the nominee involved in and what is their role(s)?(Required.)
4.How has the nominee educated the public and other Organizations through active participation and interaction relating to advocacy? How has the nominee participated in public education or advocacy events?(Required.)
5.Explain the nominee’s experience in advocating to/with elected officials and community leaders.(Required.)
6.What challenges within your Chapter and/or community has the nominee recognized and taken steps towards solving?(Required.)
7.Contact information for person making this nomination:
The person making this nomination should be of an Executive/Management, Board, or PR position level.(Required.)
8.Digital Signature of person making this nomination - Please type your full name and the date into the field below as your electronic signature (ex. Jane Doe, 5/25/26(Required.)
9.Upload Letter of Recommendation 1
No file chosen
10.Upload Letter of Recommendation 2
No file chosen
Please email any additional documentation or questions to:

Christina Canino
Senior Project Coordinator
The Arc New York State Office
Email: Christina.Canino@TheArcNY.org