When I was in high school, I remember greatly admiring an English teacher I had. She always dressed in smart-looking outfits, and always seemed to have time to talk to you and advise. I can remember her encouraging my dreams of becoming a social worker. When I was refused entry into a certain college because of my eye condition, she helped me to think of that disappointment as a blessing in disguise. Now, just think back a moment. Isn't there someone in your life whom you greatly admire? Or is there someone in your affiliate or state board who stands out in your memory for all the great things he or she does? It is those people, those outstanding people, in your life that I ask you to consider for an ACB award.
There are quite a few awards available for you to consider. Read each one over carefully and then think of which award truly fits that particular person. Perhaps just reading them over will bring that special person to mind.
The Robert S. Bray Award is given to a person who has made a contribution for improving library technology or communication devices. It could also be given for expanding access for blind people, or making opportunities within the mainstream media.
The George Card Award is given to an individual who has dedicated his or her life to work with and for blind people, making a real difference and improving quality of life, for providing leadership and being a positive role model.
The Durward K. McDaniel Ambassador Award is one of our most popular awards. It is given in recognition of a blind person who may or may not be a member of a blindness organization but who has spent his or her life integrating with the community.
The James R. Olsen Distinguished Service Award is periodically given to individuals who have made important contributions which have advanced opportunities for the blind community. This award can be given to an individual or an organization.
The Affiliate Growth Award is based on the greatest increase in membership, as determined by the 2005-2006 membership reports.
The Affiliate Outreach Award is based on a recommendation by an affiliate president, which recognizes a local chapter for a new outreach program. This program must have a measurable outcome.
The awards committee is anxiously awaiting your letters of nomination. Please give us many, many names to consider for the 2006 awards, which will be presented at the convention in Jacksonville, Fla. Send your nominations to the awards committee, care of the ACB national office, 1155 15th St. NW, Suite 1004, Washington, DC 20005. The deadline is May 1.