January 21, 2014
As the U.S. Senate considers the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), The Viscardi Center renewed its “Call for Nominations” for the Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards. Nominations close February 28. The Awards pay tribute to exemplary leaders in the disability community who have had a profound impact on shaping attitudes, raising awareness and improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.
With over 59 million people living with disabilities in the United States alone, according to the U.S. Census, they represent one of the largest demographics in the country. On an international scale, currently around 10 percent of the total world’s population, or roughly 1 billion people, live with a disability.
The Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards were developed to honor the legacy and vision of the New York-based Centerʼs founder, Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who himself wore prosthetic legs. As one of the worldʼs leading advocates for people with disabilities, he served as a disability advisor to eight presidents, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter.
“By recognizing the many accomplishments of people with disabilities in the United States and around the world through these Awards, we will also be sending a strong message to the U.S. Senate as it deliberates on the CRPD,” summarized John D. Kemp, President and CEO of The Viscardi Center.
Individuals of any age, with any type of disability, are eligible. The Awards will recognize individual, academia, athletic, community, government, nonprofit, military, corporate, and business leaders who are working to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Additional information, as well as nomination submission instructions, may be found online at viscardiawards.org. Nominations will be accepted until March 15, 2014. The Award recipients will be announced on Monday, May 5, 2014.
The Viscardi Center provides Pre-K through High School education, school-to-work transition services, vocational training, career counseling and placement, assistive technology and workforce diversification assistance to children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities and businesses. A global leader, it employs more than 300 professionals, including experts in education, human resources and technology.