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50th 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.​

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2026 President's Award

Erin Lawler

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2026 Helen H. FitzSimmons

Leadership Award

Kristen Padilla

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2026 Dr. Ollie Seay Knowledge Award for Excellence in Education or Research

Alison Prahl

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2026 Support Award for Excellence in the Provision of Direct Supports

Robert "Bobby" Roan

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2026 Empowerment Award for Excellence in Promotion of Self-Advocacy

Trinity Laskoski

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