
49th Annual Convention
Award Winners
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:
President's Award - Awarded for significant contributions on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Helen G. FitzSimmons Leadership Award - Awarded for outstanding leadership in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Dr. Ollie Seay Knowledge Award for Excellence in Education or Research - Awarded for significant contributions to the dissemination of knowledge in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities through education and/or research.
Support Award for Excellence in the Provision of Direct Supports - Awarded for exceptional work in the delivery or coordination of high quality direct services and supports in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Empowerment Award for Excellence in Promotion of Self-Advocacy - 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.
Student Award for Excellence in Knowledge, Support or Empowerment - Awarded to college students who have shown significant potential for making outstanding contributions in the areas of knowledge, support, or empowerment.

2025 President's Award
Dion White

2025 Helen H. FitzSimmons
Leadership Award
Mandy Thorn

2025 Dr. Ollie Seay Knowledge Award for Excellence in Education or Research
Sarah Mire, Ph.D.

2025 Support Award for Excellence in the Provision of Direct Supports
David M. Ambres

2025 Empowerment Award for Excellence in Promotion of Self-Advocacy
Logan Archer

2025 Student Award for Excellence in Knowledge, Support or Empowerment
Nathaniel Frazier
