Achieva’s Awards of Excellence honors a group of extraordinary and talented individuals and organizations who work hard on behalf of people with disabilities and exemplify Achieva’s mission is to advocate with, empower, and support people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives.
Sponsorship & Donor OpportunitiesAdvocacy – nominees should demonstrate exemplary accomplishments in (either individual or systemic) advocacy, information sharing, and education that supports the empowerment of people with disabilities and their family members.
Community Awareness – nominees should demonstrate commitment to creating and promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment in all areas of community life for people with disabilities and their families.
Employment – nominees should demonstrate excellence in providing competitive-integrated employment (i.e., a typical job in the community earning competitive wages – minimum wage or higher) opportunities for people with disabilities.
Family Supports – nominees should demonstrate accomplishment in supporting family members who have loved ones with disabilities.
Legal Services – nominees should be an attorney, law firm, or legal department who have used their professional skills to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Legislative – nominees should be elected officials who have demonstrated proactive commitment to issues that impact people with disabilities and their families.
Yvonne Zanos Excellence in Media – nominees should demonstrate commitment to reporting issues that are important to people with disabilities and their families.
Professional Service – nominees should demonstrate exemplary use of professional skills to strengthen Achieva as an agency or strengthen the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Volunteerism – nominees should demonstrate a long-time dedication or significantly positive impact to Achieva’s growth and improved services and supports for people with disabilities.
Tony Leech Award – named in memory of a past Achieva Board Chair and one of the organization’s most inspiring volunteers and leaders. The Tony Leech Award is a $1,000 gift awarded to a person with a disability who has leadership qualities and strength of spirit, as was admired in Tony.
Cecil and David Rosenthal Community Award – named in memory of Cecil and David Rosenthal, who lived their lives as an integral part of the community. The Cecil and David Rosenthal Community Award is a $1,000 gift awarded to a person with an intellectual or developmental disability who, like Cecil and David, has embraced being a part of their community, and in return, their community has embraced them.
Marsha S. Blanco Excellence in Community Leadership - named in honor of Achieva’s former president and CEO. Nominees should demonstrate an exceptional and proven record of leading the way for people with disabilities and their families.
Joe Ott Award – named in memory of a long-time volunteer and past Achieva Board Chair who exemplified outstanding leadership. Nominees should demonstrate outstanding vision, volunteer leadership and generosity of spirit.
Sattler Humanitarian Award – Achieva’s highest honor, the Sattler Humanitarian Award is named for the late Sara and Leo Sattler and is given to volunteers who have made continuous, outstanding contributions on behalf of people with disabilities. The nominee should demonstrate leadership skills, community involvement, and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.