Awards & Recognition Program

Friday, October 14, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

View the awards & recognitions here.

• 2022 Self-Advocate of the Year

This award recognizes and celebrates the achievements and contributions made by The Arc New York Self-Advocates. Nominees and recipients are individuals who not only use services offered by Chapters of The Arc New York but also help to shape those services in a manner that benefits others. Please join us!

Recipient: Ed Duryea, Self-Advocate, The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence

About Ed: In January 2021, Ed was hired to become the agency’s first Self-Advocate Consultant for St. Lawrence County. In this role and for many years prior, Ed routinely advocated for his peers. Ed is an active member of the chapter’s CARE (Council on Advocacy and Resource Equality) group. Currently, he serves as the acting President and will be running for President when elections occur.

• 2022 Volunteer of the Year

This award provides the opportunity for The Arc New York to honor and recognize a volunteer member who has shown continued dedication, exemplary service and advocacy on behalf of individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Please join us as we bestow one of the highest honors our Organization presents and help us thank them for their years of services to our Organization.

Recipient: Judy O’Rourke, Interim President, West Seneca D.C. Chapter

About Judy: Volunteering is something Judy has always graciously, willingly, and gladly done, and she has done so for over 50 years now. Her talents and leadership have impacted many lives of those supported and the IDD field overall. West Seneca D.C. continues to rely on Judy’s unique ability to work with OPWDD personnel to resolve the many issues that confront facilities and individuals with IDD.  She continues to stand up for the rights of all individuals with IDD.

• 2022 Legislative Champions

Recipients:

• Senator John W. Mannion Chairman, Committee on Disabilities, NYS Senate

• Assemblyman Thomas J. Abinanti, Chairman, Committee on People with Disabilities, NYS Assembly