Once each year, TARC recognizes those who have provided outstanding service and advocacy for Oklahomans with developmental disabilities. Please take time now to nominate one or more individuals/organizations you believe should be recognized for their efforts in helping others. Winners of the 27th Annual TARC Advocacy Awards will be announced at the awards presentation on T
hursday, Dec. 7 at the Marriott Hotel Southern Hills in Tulsa.
There are 13 categories (see list below) in which nominees can be considered for an award. Anyone can nominate advocates for an award. Each recipient in this category has done something remarkable in helping to achieve TARC’s mission of ensuring a high quality of life for Oklahomans with developmental disabilities and their families.
Award Categories:
- Advocate – Board Member
Recognizes a member of the board of directors of any non-profit, community based service provider who has gone beyond the interest of his or her agency to become an advocate for all people with disabilities. - Advocate – Case Manager
Recognizes the OKDHS/DDS case manager who has surpassed job requirements to advocate for his or her clients. - Advocate – Direct Care Provider
Recognizes the direct contact staff person working for a community provider, who has gone beyond job requirements to advocate for people with disabilities. - Advocate – Educator
Recognizes a public school educator who has promoted the inclusion of children with disabilities in regular school settings. - Advocate – Professional Provider
Recognizes any professional such as a therapist or physician who advocates for people with disabilities beyond their professional responsibilities. - Advocate – Volunteer
Recognizes the volunteer or group of volunteers who, in a program serving people with developmental disabilities, has gone beyond the call of duty to advocate. - Elected Official
Recognizes an elected official who has effectively promoted better understanding and integration of people with disabilities in employment, education, and the community. - Self-Advocate
Recognizes the self-advocate who has spoken out for all people with disabilities. - Media Advocate
Recognizes the media professional who has effectively promoted better understanding and integration of people with disabilities living in the community. - Parent Advocate
Recognizes the parent(s) of a person with developmental disabilities who has been a voice for all people with disabilities. - Special Achievement in Advocacy
Recognizes the individual, business, or organization not included in other categories, which through a significant advocacy effort has improved the lives of people with disabilities. - Catalyst of Change
Recognizes individuals, groups or organizations that have been catalysts for significant positive change in improving the lives of Oklahomans with developmental disabilities over a long period of time. - Shelby Hard Courage in Advocacy
Recognizes individuals who have faced extreme challenges while still advocating for others.
TARC reserves the right to withhold an award in any category in which an insufficient number of qualified nominations are submitted. A selection committee composed of prominent Oklahoma advocates in the field of developmental disabilities will make the final decision on Advocacy Award winners.