We are so excited to announce that The Arc of Bismarck is accepting award nominations, so if you know someone or an Employer in the Bismarck Mandan area that deserves recognition send in your nomination to
The Arc of Bismarck
1500 E Capitol, Suite 203
Bismarck, ND 58503
Nominations need to be postmarked October 10th 2017.
BILL SACKTER CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Purpose: To recognize an outstanding individual with a disability.
Eligibility: The nominated person with a disability must have:
- Lived in the community (independently, semi-independently or in a small group home)
- Been involved in the community in some activity (i.e. volunteer work, recreation, or a specific project, etc.)
- Shown growth in self-help skills, independent living skills, and work skills
- Demonstrated success in competitive or supported employment.
Selection: Selection will be based on the individual’s demonstrated success in the community, consistent with The Arc’s mission statement.
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose: To confer special recognition on employers having exceptional records of providing inclusive, competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Eligibility: Any employer who has employed, full-time, adults with disabilities for a minimum of one year is eligible for nomination. Sheltered workshops are not eligible.
Selection: Selection is based on demonstrated excellence and commitment to creating and maintaining opportunities consistent with The Arc’s mission statement.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose: To recognize a volunteer who has given generously of time and talents to accomplish the mission of The Arc.
Eligibility: Any individual who has contributed toward accomplishing the mission of The Arc will be considered for the award. The individual cannot have received compensation for these services. Individuals may be re-nominated.
Selection: Selection will be based on the value of the service by the volunteer in meeting the needs of people with disabilities at the state or local level, consistent with The Arc’s mission statement and position statements. Characteristics and contributions, such as longevity, fundraising and activities conducted as part of a job may be considered, but will not be the only basis for selection.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose: To recognize an individual employed in community disability services or support, who has demonstrated sensitivity and the ability to provide outstanding support, which results in increased independence for people with disabilities.
Eligibility: Any person employed in a field of direct service to people with disabilities, aside from teachers, who is having a positive impact on the social, vocational, psychological, medical, therapeutic, or other aspects of community living for individuals with disabilities. Eligible occupations include, but are not limited to: social worker, individual service coordinator, direct care worker, psychologist, vocational counselor, therapist or program administrator.
Selection: An individual considered for this award must have:
- Strived to help people with disabilities reach their highest degree of independence
- Provided assistance with sensitivity to the unique qualities and individual potential of people with disabilities
- Demonstrated a high degree of competence in his/her chosen field
- Influenced others by a positive attitude and performance of duties
- Exhibited practices and beliefs consistent with The Arc’s mission statement
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Purpose: To recognize a teacher who has demonstrated excellence in teaching students with disabilities.
Eligibility: A nominee must have been actively engaged in the teaching profession during the year the award is made. Eligibility is not limited to special education teachers.
Selection: An individual considered for this award must have:
- Demonstrated teaching excellence in the classroom
- Positively influenced the attitudes and thinking of other education professionals and the general public regarding the education of students with disabilities
- Assisted in furthering The Arc’s goal of full educational opportunities for all citizens with disabilities
- Significantly involved parents and others from the community in the educational process
- Fostered inclusion of students with disabilities in the educational process
- Exhibited practices and beliefs consistent with The Arc’s mission statement
BILL OBAN AWARD
Purpose: In 1998, The Arc of Bismarck established the Bill Oban Award posthumously in recognition of Bill’s faithful advocacy, which greatly benefited the lives of people with disabilities and their families. The first award was given to Bill’s family in his memory. This award is not necessarily given annually.
Eligibility: The award is given to an individual who truly demonstrates that they are continuing Bill’s legacy of advocating for people with disabilities and their families.
Selection: An individual considered for this award must have:
- Demonstrated leadership in advocacy by taking a stand and speaking out on disability-related issues, including some that may be controversial
- Promoted inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society
- Advanced systemic change that resulted in positive outcomes for people with disabilities and their families
- Shown dedication to activities that affect people with disabilities and their families
- Outstanding service by going above and beyond what is expected.
Individuals being nominated must be from the Bismarck/Mandan area. When submitting a nomination letter or the attached form, please include:
- Contact information for the nominee.
- Any supporting documentation that addresses the eligibility and selection areas, including newspaper/newsletter articles, letters of support, etc.
- Contact information of the person making the nomination.