Annual Awards

INARF 2026 Annual Awards

The Opening Awards Ceremony launches the INARF 2026 Annual Conference with energy, inspiration, and purpose - setting the tone for a meaningful conference experience. This signature event features the presentation of the five INARF Annual Awards, honoring individuals whose leadership, dedication, and innovation continue to elevate services and supports for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities across Indiana.

On September 22, each award recipient will be celebrated through an inspiring video that brings their story to life and showcases how their vision and impact are raising the bar for service delivery statewide. This annual opportunity invites INARF Members to shine a spotlight on deserving staff, individuals supported, and community partners whose commitment and collaboration make a lasting difference.

Nominations for the 2026 INARF Annual Awards open May 4. We encourage members to take advantage of this opportunity to recognize excellence, celebrate success, and amplify the powerful work happening within our industry.

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 within the 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