Jack Brandt Studios

In 2004, the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities voted to annually acknowledge a self-advocate who demonstrates excellence in leadership with the Jackie Crews Award for Excellence in Leadership.

The four stars on the award logo represent Independence, Productivity, Inclusion, and Self-Determination---the four values of leadership and qualities exemplified by Jackie Crews, a Partners in Policymaking graduate who passed away in April 2004. These values are also the cornerstone of Partners in Policymaking, a nationwide advocacy and leadership training program for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities.

The Board is honored to recognize Jackie Crews by naming this award after her and is excited to acknowledge excellence in leadership among self-advocates who work to create a better Virginia for all Virginians. Recipients of the Jackie Crews Award receive a $1000 stipend as a part of their award.

ELIGIBILITY

• Nominee must be a person with a Developmental Disability and be willing to self-disclose that disability,
• Must be a resident of Virginia,
• Must be over the age of 18,
• Must be nominated by someone or self-nominated,
• Must have three references/letters of support.
• The accomplishments, achievements, or service on which the nomination is based must have occurred during the past twelve month period defined by the award and
• Must have been performed on a volunteer or advocacy basis, without pay.

SELECTION CRITERIA
To be nominated for and receive the Outstanding Achievement Award, an individual or organization must have demonstrated achievements in which:

1. Nominee complies with/meets eligibility criteria.
2. Nominee demonstrates Excellence in Leadership and promotes the values of independence, productivity, inclusion and self-determination.
3. Nominee´s leadership actions have benefited others and/or his or her community.
4. Nominee´s leadership inspires others and demonstrates the responsibility, empowerment and influence self-advocates possess to create real lives full of hope and opportunity.

Nominations for the 2006 Jackie Crews Award were accepted between September 1 and October 30, 2006. The panel responsible for selecting the award recipient was comprised of members of the Virginia Board and graduates of its Partners in Policymaking program.