Submit Nominations for the 2021 Awards
Nominations for the 2021 Awards are now open! Submit your nominations for the awards online or via email by Thursday, April 22nd through the buttons below. To submit via email, please fill out the form below and send to Sharon Dols at sdols@thearcmd.org upon completion. A full list of awards is available on each submission method and below.
2021 Awards Categories
Read about winners of The Arc Maryland’s 2020 Awards in our 2020 Awards Program, found at the button below!
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 Governmentla 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 results 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 – Administrative/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 (Gibert John Zucchi Award)
Each chapter of The Arc in Maryland is invited 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.
Legislator of the Year
Selected by the Chair(s) of The Arc Maryland Governmental Affairs Committee and Executive Director and affirmed by the Executive Committee.
President’s Cup
Selected by the President of The Arc Maryland.
2020 Awards Winners
Read about winners of The Arc Maryland’s previous Award Winners from the 2020 Awards Program, found at the button below!