Appreciation Luncheon Nominations

Candidates may be one individual, a youth organization, or a group of youth. The purpose of this award is to recognize a candidate as someone who has actively advocated for people with disabilities towards improving their lives, and has been a voice for people with disabilities, whether for one individual, a group, or for systemic change.

 

Candidates may be an individual, an organization, or a group of individuals or organizations, adult or youth. The purpose of this award is to recognize a person or a group of people who have freely and faithfully given their time and talents to support people with disabilities. The nominee should display the following qualities: strong volunteer characteristics such as dependability, flexibility, initiative, cooperation, and positive interaction with others, as well as going above and beyond to make a positive impact on the agency they serve, or the community at large.

 

Candidates may be any small or large private businesses. The purpose of this award is to recognize the excellent work being done by an employer to improve employment opportunities for workers with disabilities and to acknowledge businesses who create a welcoming and inclusive workplace and an adaptive environment for employees with disabilities.

 

Candidates may be an individual, an organization, or a group of individuals or organizations who have an affiliation to the human service field or work with people with disabilities. The purpose of this award is to recognize a group or individual for a significant contribution to the quality of life of people with disabilities. This may include areas such as education, healthcare, recreation, civil rights, arts and culture, or community integration. Candidates may be employees in the human services field, who perform their jobs in an exemplary manner, and take steps to provide high quality services to the disability community.

 

This award honors the legacy of Nate Aalgaard, who served as Freedom Resource Center’s Executive Director for 26 years. After surviving a life-altering car accident in 1977, Nate navigated a world that was not built for people with disabilities and dedicated the rest of his life to changing that. He pushed fearlessly for accessibility, dignity, and systems change so others would not face the barriers he encountered. Nate’s work took him all the way to the White House, where he witnessed the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, one of his proudest moments. He believed deeply in the value of every person, saying, “I do not consider my disability a tragedy, nor do I consider my life one bit less full and meaningful.” This award recognizes individuals or organizations who embody Nate’s passion, leadership, and commitment to creating a more accessible world for all.

 

Larry Chial was a member of the Freedom Board of Directors from 2004 to 2011. He served as Board President for three of those years. Throughout his career, Larry was always concerned about the welfare of others. Larry was determined that his Multiple Sclerosis would not prohibit him from doing good work for the community. He was a passionate leader in accessibility issues, as well as the overall advancement of independent living. Candidates may be an individual, an organization, or a group of individuals or organizations who hold a position of leadership in our communities. The purpose of this award is to bestow the honor of the Larry Chial Leadership Award onto an individual who, like Larry Chial, demonstrates outstanding leadership, political support, pioneer work, financial and charitable contributions, research, educational and organizational support, or professional support. This nominee will have made significant contributions to the advancement of Independent Living such as: leadership in disability rights, awareness of disability issues, and any work that is over and above that called for in their employment.