Dan B. Davidson Awards
The annual Dan B. Davidson Awards recognize examples of inclusion of people with disabilities, and honor Dan Davidson, who died in 1996 at the age of forty-one. Defying the odds and ignoring the advice of those who said he could not do it, Davidson followed his dream of living independently in his community. To celebrate his spirit and his memory, the Developmental Disabilities Council recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated visionary practices providing exemplary supports for people with disabilities leading to meaningful lives in their neighborhoods and their communities.
The Council annual seeks nominations for awards to be given to individuals, agencies, or organizations that have demonstrated visionary practices providing exemplary services and supports for people with disabilities that lead to inclusion as active and valued members of their communities. The Council will recognize outstanding examples of inclusion in the following categories:
- Ellie Valdez Honeyman Excellence in Education
- Clarence Miller Excellence in Employment
- Larry Ruiz Excellence in Community Life
Winners in each category for awards received their award honoring their efforts and were recognized at the Council's annual celebration in August.
2018 Dan B. Davidson Award Winners
The 2018 Dan B. Davidson Award Winners were celebrated at the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council's annual celebration of inclusion in Colorado on August 1, 2018. This year's award winners were celebrated for many different reasons, but had one thing in common: inclusion as a normal part of their personal and/or work lives. Please join with us in celebrating this year's awardees:
Ellie Valdez Honeyman Excellence in Education Award
Wilson Buswell was nominated by fellow teacher, Dr. Scott Kupferman, for his work educating over 1,200 general and special education teaching students at the U of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Wilson's message of anticipating, valuing and supporting diversity and learning-style differences while having high expectations for all students is changing experiences and expectations for new generations of students and their families. UCCS College of Education
Amy Thrasher and L.J. Werner and the Child Learning Center (CLC) were nominated by Alexis Taylor, a parent whose daughter participates in the toddler and preschool programs provided at the University of Colorado, Boulder campus. The Child Learning Center provides an inclusive classroom that welcomes children with identified needs along with typically developing peers. Through their support of all parents and their children, the CLC has changed perceptions and expectations for persons with disabilities.
Larry Ruiz Excellence in Community Awards
Think+Change - ARC of Aurora , was nominated by Julie Resikin of CCDC and Christiano Sosa of the Arc of Colorado for its education programs that focused on issues of importance to both the disability and the general communities. Through its work utilizing 21st Century training techniques on topics such as "Curb Cut Effect" and "Citizens, not Consumers", Think+Change is bringing disability issues into the mainstream.
Families at the Forefront of Technology Conference and co-founder Katherine Carole were nominated by Gerrie Frohne for the information that has been provided to over 300 families on how Assistive Technology can support the inclusion of people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their family members. By making it easier for people with disabilities and their family members to access this information, the Conference and Katherine Carol have truly changed the dreams of inclusion for Coloradans.
Clarence Miller Excellence in Employment Award
Brad Haines and Big Deal Tire and Wheel were nominated for their offering of internships in the automotive industry for all students in the Poudre School District Alternative Education Program. In addition to offering internships, Brad shares his expertise with local students and the school district by working as a job coach on his days off.
Greg Root, of the Metro State Access Center was nominated for his fierce advocacy with over 5,000 students who have sought him out to achieve their dreams of college. He was also recognized for his support and development of the Inclusive Higher Education Certificate Program, an innovative program that provides an opportunity for students living with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their dreams of attending college and becoming better prepared for the workforce.
Congrats to all of the winners for their strong commitment to inclusion and strong actions on both the group and individual advocacy fronts!