The Opening Awards Ceremony set the tone for the Annual Conference by bringing awareness and recognition to the INARF Annual Award recipients as well as the INARF Leadership Academy - Class of 2025 Graduates. On Wednesday, October 15, the Conference kicked off with the INARF Opening Awards Ceremony, featuring the presentation of the five INARF Annual Awards. Each recipient's achievements were captured in a video, highlighting how their vision of supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities has raised the bar of service delivery in Indiana. This annual opportunity allows INARF Members to publicly recognize their staff, individuals they support, and community partners who support individuals with disabilities.
The INARF Annual Awards – Call for Nominations are now closed.
AWARD OPPORTUNITIES
Justin Dart Jr.Personal Achievement Award The Justin Dart Jr. Personal Achievement Award is named after Justin Whitlock Dart Jr., an American activist and advocate for people with disabilities. Justin helped to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, co-founded the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), and is regarded as the "Godfather of the ADA". This award is presented to an individual participating in services through an INARF member organization and who, like Mr. Dart, has maximized their skills and abilities to achieve their chosen goals. Achievements may include volunteerism, advocacy for disability issues, and/or upward mobility and dedication to reaching their personal goals. Attributes of the Nominees for this award are:
Currently utilizing habilitation and/or rehabilitation services to enhance their independence and quality of life
Have been involved in services for over two years
Have a diagnosed disability
Keystone Award The Keystone Award is presented to the most outstanding direct service staff member of an INARF member organization. Qualified candidates manifest, through personal attributes and dedication, the mission of the human service/habilitation industry. Candidates qualifying for this award must currently be employed in the role of front-line direct care, such as a Direct Support Professional, Employment Specialist, Behavioral Consultant, etc., and have a minimum of three (3) years of employment. Attributes of the Nominees for this award are:
The first to employ innovative techniques, enriching the quality of services and thus the quality of life for those they support
The first to uphold the rights of individuals with disabilities
The first to accept change and insist that such changes have meaning and purpose
The first in the hearts of those they support
Pinnacle Award The Pinnacle Award is presented to an outstanding professional level staff member in a leadership/ management role employed by an INARF member organization. The nominees represent outstanding individual dedication to advocacy, innovation, education, and inspiration, and are recognized for their leadership among others within their organization. Attributes of the Nominees for this award:
Are committed to the Mission and Vision of their organization
Excel at motivating others to make a difference
Seek opportunities to be creative in approaches to supporting individuals with a disability
James M. Hammond, III Executive Leadership Award The James M. Hammond, III Executive Leadership Award is named in honor of longtime INARF executive and retired CEO, James M. Hammond III, who devoted over three decades of his life to expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities. Mr. Hammond began his career with INARF in the early days of the organization, working closely with INARF's founder, Costa N. Miller. Mr. Hammond became INARF's second CEO after Mr. Miller's passing, leading INARF until his retirement in 2012. This award is presented to an outstanding CEO/Executive Director withinthe INARF membership. The nominees present outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, political acumen, ethical demeanor and professional posture to further the interests of their organization and those of their colleagues across the state. Attributes of these distinguished Nominees are:
Diligently stay the course of service delivery
Develop quality programming using the latest industry innovations and creative use of resources
Believe in the worth of all individuals of varying abilities, which is manifested through the operations/programming and dedication to the cause
Partnership Award The Partnership Award is presented to a community partner (i.e. individual, business, club, educational institution or corporation) making significant contributions to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and the organizations serving them. Partners may also display dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities through innovative approaches to service delivery and by helping form positive public images of individuals with a disability. These contributions may include:
Donations and fundraising efforts
Volunteerism
Public education and public relations
Employment opportunities for individuals with a disability