Each year the Board of Directors for the AAIDD Texas Chapter recognizes individuals for their dedication and work in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Awards are given in the following categories:

 

 

The Student Award for Excellence in Knowledge, Support or Empowerment is awarded to college students who have shown significant potential for making outstanding contributions in the areas of knowledge, support, or empowerment. The 2014 recipient of the Student Award for Excellence in Knowledge Support or Empowerment.is a leader and supporter in the field of ASD and intellectual and developmental disabilities.  She has collaborated and conducted research on cognitive, developmental, and social functioning for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, advocated for support, and has an interest in improving the service delivery of psychological services for persons with ASD and intellectual and developmental disabilities and. their families.  She is a Doctoral Candidate in School Psychology at the University of Houston.  The 2014 Student Award for Excellence in Knowledge, Support or Empowerment is awarded to Christie Brewton.

 

The Empowerment Award for Excellence in Promotion of Self-Advocacy is awarded to self-advocates and/or the professionals who support self-advocates for courage and dedication resulting in outstanding contributions to the self-advocacy movement.  The 2014 recipient has been in the field for over fifty years.  During the past twenty-five years, as the President and CEO of Kenmar Residential Services, he has advocated for community living for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities population.  Through his dedication, he empowered individuals to become independent will daily living activities. He strongly advocates for the IDD population to be treated with dignity and respect and to receive support to live self fulling lives in their communities.  The 2014 Empowerment Award for Excellence in Promotion of Self-Advocacy is awarded to Dr. William K. Gray.  

 

The Support Award for Excellence in the Provision of Direct Supports is awarded for exceptional work in the delivery or coordination of high quality direct services and supports in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.  This years’ recipient has over 26 years of devoted experience working in the field of IDD which started at the Area Agency on Aging and later as a direct support professional in an ICF-ID residential home at Martin Luther Homes of Texas, Inc., now known as MOSAIC, and developed into team leader and front-line management roles in the HCS waiver program, and later to QIDP and Program Manager roles at the very home where she began her direct support professional career.  This recipient is noted for her dedication, devotion, sincere and positive attitude shown to all whom she may work with.  She is described as one who is always willing to dive in and help without expectations or reward.  She has a vast knowledge of ideas and experiences which she openly shares with colleagues and families to improve services and working relationships regarding IDD services and supports.  She is also described by her gentle friendly demeanor and radiant smile that will light up any room.  The Award for Excellence in the Provision of Direct Supports is awarded to Veronica Polk.

 

The Knowledge Award for Excellence in Education or Research is awarded for significant contributions to the dissemination of knowledge in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities through education and/or research. This year there are two outstanding people selected for this distinguished award. She has served many dedicated years as a licensed psychologist and supporter of services and supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  She is an author an co-author of published articles and research reports focusing on therapeutic interventions and models for juvenile offenders and others with IDD.  She is a devoted friend to AAIDD Texas and National, having served on the Texas Board in various positions including President and continues to volunteer her time each year on the program committee sharing her creativity.  She currently serves as the Director of Psychology Services a Mexia State Supported Living Center.  He is a renowned forensic psychologist, who too continues to share his knowledge and expertise from his work in    forensic commitments under the Texas Family Code Chapter 55 for juveniles and the Texas Criminal Code 46B for adults. He too is a friend of AAIDD, having served and continue to serve on committees and using his networks to bring nationally recognized experts to present at our Texas Conventions. He is currently at Forensic Psychologist a Mexia State Supported Living Center.    We honor Drs. Charlotte M. Kimmel Ph.D and Andrew Griffin, Ph.D.

 

The Helen G. FitzSimmons Leadership Award is awarded for outstanding leadership in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. The recipient of this award has extensive knowledge, not only as a leader, but as a parent with a child with developmental disabilities. He is the Alamo Area Council of Governments – Alamo Local Authority Senior Director of Disability Services where he promotes a positive work environment and fosters the development of his employees, This exceptional visionary has been instrumental in developing and providing direction for a crisis stabilization service delivery model for persons with IDD. He contributions to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission led to his appointment as a family member to the IDD Redesign Advisory Committee.  He is an active participant in the Texas Council of Community Centers – IDD Directors Workgroup and the DADS SSLC Centers System Improvement work group. He is an extradinary leader who has positively impacted individuals and their families and the community. The 2014 Helen G. FitzSimmons Leadership Award is awarded to Mr. Anthony V. Jalomo.    

 

The President’s Award is awarded at the discretion of the Chapter’s President and is an award for Excellence in Promotion, Support, Leadership, and Advocacy in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.  This year’s recipient has demonstrated the core meaning of the President’s Award through her heartfelt dedication and life devotion to improve the lives and services for persons with IDD.  She began her career in Greenville, Tennessee serving at a large developmental center, where at the time was custodial care and helped developed client rights and normalization.  After holding various positions in the state agency, she moved to Texas in 1985 and worked within the special education department at Killeen ISD. She later joined served in the Heart of Texas Community Center working in the ICF programs and as an Assistant Director, worked to start the HCS program.  When private providers were allowed to provide services, she joined Martin Luther Homes of Texas, Inc., now known as MOSAIC and served as a lead case manager and was instrumental in developing training and local procedures for the agency. For the past 15 years she has served as Executive Director for 11 counties as well as serve on various local and state committees where she is recognized for advocacy, improving quality assurance activities, and outreach development for persons in services.  She is appreciated for her open and direct leadership style.  She devotes to keeping life simple and keeping people happy. She is also and avid football fan.  Unknowingly she has influenced change and policy on how services are provided to persons around the State of Texas who has IDD.  The 2014 President’s Award is awarded to Debbie Fraysier.