2008 Community Awards presented by The Advocacy Center

The Advocacy Center presented our annual Community Awards on Friday, May 9, 2008 at "A Night of Hot Jazz and Cool Art."  

Peter Noto was on hand to accept the Corporate Support Award on behalf of Wachovia Securities.  Wachovia has been a consistent supporter of The Advocacy Center beginning with sponsorship of our 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2004 and steadfast support of "A Night of Hot Jazz and Cool Art" each year since its inception.

Janet Opila-Lehman received the Community Inclusion Award for her exceptional commitment to including individuals with disabilities and their families in their communities.  Janet is the founder of a program called Wellness GIFTS, Giving Inspiration for the Soul.  This camping retreat program for families of children with disabilities is located in Bath, NY and provides opportunities for educational, therapeutic, and recreational activities for the entire family.  Through Janet's vision and leadership, Wellness GIFTS has become a highly successful and enjoyable experience for all who attend. 

The Jeanne Krautwurst Award for Family Advocacy was presented posthumously to Steffanie Phelan-Davis in recognition of her tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for her son.  Members of Steffanie's family accepted the award in her honor.  Steffanie was a pioneer and role model for many in the West Irondequoit School District.  She served as a parent member of the Committee on Special Education and worked with the district to enhance opportunities for inclusive education.  Steffanie's legacy is visible through her family, as well as the students, parents, and staff whose lives she touched.

Also honored from West Irondequoit was Jeff Crane, Superintendent of Schools.  Jeff received the Education Award for his exceptional commitment to provide for the educational needs of students with disabilities.  Jeff has been instrumental in the development of innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.  Jeff facilitates a steering committee at Monroe BOCES I that is working to promote more opportunities for students to be educated in their home districts.  He leads this dynamic group with passion, professionalism, and a student-centered philosophy while recognizing the challenges inherent in systems change.  As President of the Monroe County Council of School Superintendents, Jeff brings the message of school reform and equity to his regional colleagues and, through this network, is a leading voice on special education issues. 

The Barbara Bryson Award was presented to Julie Buick for her pioneering efforts on behalf of individuals with disabilities and their families.  Julie is the Vice President of Operations for UNYFEAT, a local organization focused on issues related to autism.  She is a member of The Advocacy Center's Disability Awareness Speakers Bureau, a graduate of New York State Partners in Policymaking, a volunteer lay advocate, and a peer support parent through Parent to Parent.  She is a member of the Shared Decision Making Team at Roth Middle School and a member of the "Don't Walk Away" committee, an initiative to provide for the safety of children and adults who might wander.  When she is not volunteering, Julie works for The Pieters Family Life Center.  Julie is also an advocate, mother, and role model for her own three children, two of whom have disabilities. 

Brandon Vermeulen is the recipient of the 2008 Student Award for his exceptional commitment to individuals with disabilities.  Throughout his high school years, Brandon has spent more than one thousand hours volunteering his time with students with developmental disabilities.  Brandon has provided peer support to other students through the TIES program, which fosters independence for individuals with developmental disabilities through participation in recreational activities, such as drumming circles, snowshoeing, swimming lessons, cooking lessons, and outrigger canoeing.  In August of 2007, Brandon jumped at the chance to accompany TIES participants to a National Canoe Race in Warren, Pennsylvania.  Not only did Brandon assist the Rochester TIES participants in completing their race in the pouring rain, but he then remained in the water for the rest of the day and assisted other people out of their boats until the races were over.

Robert Terry received the Self Advocacy Award in recognition of his efforts to live his life through advocacy and personal choice.  Bobby Terry has advocated for himself throughout his life.  After finishing school, he moved out of his parents' home.  He currently is working as a receptionist and tour guide at The Pieters Family Life Center.   Bobby founded Self Advocates Teaming Together (affectionately known as SATT) in October 2005 with two co-officers and an advisor.  Through Bobby's compassionate leadership, the group has grown in strength and numbers.   SATT recently hosted a Self Advocacy Celebration Dinner at which they honored Senator Joseph Robach as a champion for individuals with disabilities.  A few weeks prior to the dinner, ticket sales were low and it looked as though the event might be cancelled.  Bobby was unwilling to give up, stating, "That's why they call it advocacy;  you do not quit, but sometimes you have to wait for things, sometimes you just have to keep on asking."  Bobby's leadership and enthusiasm kept the event alive, with an eventual 185 people in attendance for the celebration.

Congratulations to all of the recipients of The Advocacy Center's 2008 Community Awards!