Washington PAVE Proudly Announces
You Make a Difference Awards 2008 Nominees
People enjoy hearing meaningful stories about others who have made positive contributions. In ancient Greece, fables were stories told to teach a useful lesson. The following fable, Making a Difference, taken from the Niemann Pick Newsletter, January 1996, provides the meaning behind this award:An old man walked up a shore littered with thousands of starfish beached and dying after a storm. A young man was of him picking them up and flinging them back into the ocean. “Why do you bother? The old man scoffed. You are not saving enough to make a difference.” The young man picked up another starfish and sent it spinning back to the water. “Made a difference to that one”, he said.
2008 Nominees for the You Make a Difference Coin of Excellence Awards
Darcie Osborne and Jodi Ward, Parents Darci and Jodi have been working together as parents in their community to make a difference for about three years. They met each other when taking a leadership course at the Spokane County Parent Coalition at the ARC of Spokane. Darci and Jodi also attended a legislative leadership training weekend in Olympia, Washington. Darci was invited to the State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) meeting and later applied for and was appointed to the SICC for infants and toddlers as a parent representative. Jodi participates as a committee member on the Family Leadership Team of the State ICC. Together in their community with a small amount of money, they hosted a day where families could meet and quickly interview prospective respite providers. They said it was like “speed dating”. They are now hosting and coordinating a series of parent classes for parents with special needs children and others with high needs in their community. These two are a dynamic duo and should be commended for the difference they are making for children and families in their community and the state of Washington.
Janet Gonzales, Parent Janet is a single mom who gives her all to promote positive outcomes for individuals and their families. It is because she finds the time to give to programs and committees that she feels will make a difference for people with disabilities. Janet has been a member of the state SEAC committee for past 10 years and she also has chaired the SEAC committee in Peninsula School District. Janet is a Parent Leader for the Community Inclusion Program. I have known Janet for the past 10 years. Even though she works full time, is a full time mom, and has a very busy life, she still finds time for others. She remains consistent and has given dedicated support to families and their children.
Dani Wykes, Parent Dani is the mom of three children with Autism under the age of four. She recently joined the State Interagency Coordinating Council’s committee called Family Leadership Team and shared her experience of having to find these services for her children and the difficulties in getting support. She was recently appointed by the Governors office as a parent representative on the (SICC). But the most important thing was representing families and telling her story to head secretaries of the DSHS, Department of Health, the Director of Health Recovery Services, and SICC members. The meeting was to discuss data indicating a large number of children in Pierce County not being referred or served to ITEIP. Dani told her story with great impact on these agencies to show it is real fact that families are not being referred in a timely way to early intervention. We were proud of Dani for going to that meeting on behalf of families and sharing her story.
Aaron Olson, Educator Aaron’s exceptional efforts in accommodating Gabriel’s sensory needs in Kindergarten truly exemplify the PAVE’s You Make a Difference award. From day one, Aaron immediately learned to alter his classroom environment to fit his needs without requirement. She creatively provided input by having Gabriel pull the lunch wagon daily. Aaron exceeded expectations by successfully leading the assessment team to create a 504 plan—supporting not only Gabriel but our entire family through his stability.
Thanks to Aaron’s extraordinary efforts, the 504 was completed quickly and provided to Gabriel’s new school. Aaron’s motivation and dedication gave Gabriel the foundation needed to be a confident learner.
Teri Wright, Educator She is one of the most caring, compassionate, helpful, honest, patient, dedicated educators that I have had the opportunity to work with. Last October she was diagnosed with cancer in her spleen and bone marrow. She has been undergoing chemo and radiation treatments. Teri is so dedicated, that she made sure "her" students were well taken care of whenever she had to be off for medical appointments. Teri goes above and beyond all expectations. She has never "given up" on a student, a parent or a fellow educator. Often when others would say a student couldn't do something, Teri would do whatever she could to help the student achieve. She has worked as a classroom teacher, teaching students with the lowest cognitive abilities and highest medical needs. In addition to being a dedicated educator, she is also a very talented singer. She has given back to the Pierce County community, not only through her educational and church affiliations, but also through a traveling singing group. Teri will be retiring from Bethel School District at the end of this school year after over 30 years of service. She will be moving closer to her parents in Northern Washington to help them and she will be greatly missed in Pierce County.
Carol Carrothers, Educator Carol Carrothers was my favorite tenth-grade teacher. She changed my life. So twenty years later, after watching the Freedom Writers, I called to see if she would teach me to read. She did. I can read. She also teaches me cooking. She does this from Ellensburg on a telephone. I know it doesn’t seem terrific, but I am 40 years old and just learning. She helped find specialists to see why I have trouble with letters. I used to think I was not very intelligent, but she proved this is not true. I don’t feel disabled because of her.
Brenna Spadoni, Youth Youth TeamSince the age of 12, Brenna has volunteered her time and energy to be a youth leader, recruiter, mentor, and trainer for the Community Inclusion Program. As well as keeping up her own ambitions and goals, she is a dedicated musician (piano), is a member of the Polo Swim Team, and Youth leader for her Church. The most wonderful thing about Brenna is that she is a fierce friend. Her determination is what makes her such a strong leader. She is not afraid to tell you her ideas and thoughts, and she passionately helps problem-solve new ways to adapt an activity for all to be included. Her charisma and selfless dedication to her fellow classmates with all abilities is contagious to all around her. Other young people look up to her to follow her lead. Brenna is a humble, fair leader; she steps outside her comfort zone to take a risk and to try new tasks that are asked of her, but thoughtfully makes sure her fellow team members are also part of the lime light. Through her enthusiasm, Brenna has recruited most of our youth to become members of the Youth Leadership Team. I hope you see why I feel Brenna makes a difference. I believe as she goes on to her adult life she will continue to make a difference.
The Community Inclusion Program (CIP) Youth Leadership Planning team I have worked with this group of over 18 youth leaders for the past 5 years. They are now going off into the world as adults and they have set a high standard for what real inclusion is all about. They plan events that show how to include people of all abilities through community awareness at teachers’ trainings, school board presentations, and diversity committee building at the youth events in their community. They also did an awesome presentation at the International TASH conference. So, for their unselfish giving of their time, compassion, and thoughtful hard work in community building, I nominate the energetic TEAM of youth leaders for the most amazing model of TEAM work.
Brenna Spadoni Paula Martin Milissa Burkey Melissa Foss Miranda Madsen Sean Duggan Kyle Lehosky Riley Sullivan Joel Gonzales Josh Burkey Woody Shuffler Caitie Williams Sarah Spunagle Megan Wright Anglie Russell Chris Forsberg Adult leaders
Wendy Christiensen Tami McGrath Carmen Murray Michaela Duggan Mark Spadoni Paul Youngchild Katie Duggan
Betty Taylor, Community Person Volunteering means a lot to Betty Taylor. She feels it is a way for her to give back to her community. Betty has been a Community Volunteer for the Parent Training and Information Program, for 9 years. She has attended many meetings, mediations, and due process hearings with parents. As a Chapter Leader for PAVE, she is also in the process of starting a support group in her apartment complex that has about 70 families who have a family member with a disability. Betty also has recently volunteered to serve on the PAVE Board of Directors. She also serves on the Advisory Board for Family Voices. Betty does extraordinary work for PAVE and still has time to collect toys for Toys for Tots. She was instrumental in getting Federal Way City Council to approve installing timed cross-walk signals at major intersections. Volunteering isn’t new to Betty. Her first volunteering job was with the Washington State Head Injury Foundation. She is a head injury survivor, and was grateful for the help they gave her, and wanted to give back. Over the years, Betty has also volunteered for the American Red Cross - Aid to Aging, American Red Cross Disaster Team. Not only is Betty a volunteer, but has been toted as a lifesaver by the Seattle PI. While working with a client from the Aid to Aging, this elderly woman had a heart attack. Betty called 911 and stayed with the woman until medics came. Betty challenges everyone to take on a volunteer job. She says, “There is so much work to do in the community and not enough people to do it.”
Brian A. Dahl, Community Person It’s taboo to acknowledge how valuable an excellent support person is, because explaining the interdependence involved in independent living is complicated. Still, Brian should be celebrated. When my husband had emergency heart surgery last October; I was overwhelmed and facing unsafe gaps in support. For four months, even before my funding was finalized, Brian drove an hour every week day morning to be at my apartment before six-thirty, so that I could be to work on time. This is just one of many examples. More than providing individual support, Brian is a resource for many people and organizations throughout the state. He sees supporting people with disabilities as more a vocation than a job. Brian embraces his less visible role in advancing human and civil rights for people with disabilities. For more than twenty years he has worked for people with disabilities in every community-based domain. More than “just” supporting people, Brian supports us to realize our rights.
Don and Nancy Martin, Community Persons Don & Nancy Martin have been volunteers for Washington PAVE for several years. They work with families and youth who need assistance navigating school systems, state agencies, and community services. Don and Nancy have responded to all parent referrals from PAVE with great results. They have established professional relations with everyone. There are two situations that stand out for me: 1) A student was being asked to graduate early from her school program, but had asked the school if she could continue—she was told no. Don and Nancy assisted her in getting the school to allow her to finish the program. She now has a job on a cruise ship. 2) Don and Nancy assisted a family in getting a service dog for a student who has autism and epilepsy.
Emily Rogers, Community Person We are nominating Emily Rogers for this award because of the practical impact her nine years of advocacy has had on increasing access to the legislative process for Washingtonians with developmental disabilities. Her tenacity, reliability, and unpretentious nature are tools Emily uses to support others to gain the skills needed to achieve change. Emily has played a pivotal role in building bridges between an advocacy movement led by parents, and one led by people with disabilities. Rather than claiming to be the authoritative “voice of people with developmental disabilities,” Emily has helped to cultivate an array of voices.
Mike Mazurek, Community Person Mike is the first case worker we have had that genuinely cares. He nominated us for Make-a-Wish and we got one. He is always willing to help make tough phone calls, find services, and give us support. His energy and persistence should be rewarded with the recognition he has earned.
Pam Smith, Community Person She takes great care of our special little one. She provides the one service of many that I couldn’t live without. She gets through to doctors long after I’ve given up, but what I would like to nominate her for is meeting me at ER and holding my hand on her lunch hour, and for becoming a part of our family. She gives my other kids attention and love too, which many providers often don’t!
Patricia Martinelli, Community Person Pat has been an invaluable resource for my children, Cameron and Shayla, and I. She has done an outstanding job of providing them the services they need, working around my work schedule and their school schedules. Additionally, she’s been an advocate for them at school and for other services they have needed. She has provided me moral support and encouragement and I have come to view her as a friend. Where Pat is concerned, the needs of her clients come first.
Sarah Judkin-Clarke, Community Person Sarah has a great sense of humor! She invited Ethan to Elks fundraiser to use as a model of her PT goals, and he failed to do anything! She was so fine with that and still proud of him. At home, she has got him to do things they said he would never do – like sit (supported). She has restored hope to our family – for when I think she should receive recognition galore.
Joelle Brouner, Community Person Joelle makes a difference every day. As a woman with a disability, she is a role model in the way she demonstrates her independence. As an advocate, she is a passionate voice for empowerment and choice for individuals with disabilities. As the Executive Director of the WSRC, she has created opportunities for hundreds of individuals with disabilities, their family members and the community to share information and resources that can improve their future opportunities. Joelle deserves recognition for her many outstanding contributions that have leaded the WSRC to become an effective policy advocate for individuals with disabilities.
Up to 3 nominees will be awarded the Coin of Excellence at Washington PAVE’s You Are The Expert Conference 2008.
For more information, please call 253-565-2266 (v/tty) or 1-800-5-PARENT (v/tty).
