2026 Awards of Excellence

ADVOCACY
Nominees should demonstrate exemplary accomplishments in (either individual or systemic) advocacy, information sharing, and education that supports the empowerment of people with disabilities and their family members.

EMPLOYMENT
Nominees should demonstrate excellence in providing competitive-integrated employment (i.e., a typical job in the community earning competitive wages – minimum wage or higher) opportunities for people with disabilities.

LEGAL SERVICES
Nominees should be an attorney, law firm, or legal department who have used their professional skills to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities.

COMPASSIONATE ACTION
Nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming community for people with disabilities and their families by raising awareness, volunteering, or providing meaningful support for people with disabilities and their families.

GOVERNMENT OR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Nominees must be elected officials, policy makers, or professionals who strengthen Achieva as an agency or strengthen the quality of life for people with disabilities. Their efforts should reflect a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the disability community and a dedication to creating inclusive, equitable solutions.

YVONNE ZANOS EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA
Nominees should demonstrate commitment to reporting issues that are important to people with disabilities and their families.

TONY LEECH AWARD
Named in memory of a past Achieva Board Chair and one of the organization’s most inspiring volunteers and leaders. The Tony Leech Award is a $1,000 gift awarded to a person with a disability who has leadership qualities and strength of spirit, as was admired in Tony.

CECIL & DAVID ROSENTHAL COMMUNITY AWARD
Named in memory of Cecil and David Rosenthal, who lived their lives as an integral part of the community. The Cecil and David Rosenthal Community Award is a $1,000 gift awarded to a person with an intellectual or developmental disability who, like Cecil and David, has embraced being a part of their community, and in return, their community has embraced them.

MARSHA S. BLANCO EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Named in honor of Achieva’s former president and CEO. Nominees should demonstrate an exceptional and proven record of leading the way for people with disabilities and their families.

JOE OTT AWARD
Named in memory of a long-time volunteer and past Achieva Board Chair who exemplified outstanding leadership. Nominees should demonstrate outstanding vision, volunteer leadership and generosity of spirit.

TERESA CHIH-MAY LEE AWARD FOR EMPOWERING LIVING
Teresa Chih-May Lee was a dedicated advocate whose life’s mission was to ensure a secure and fulfilling future for her son, Jon. Together, they led his team in creating a plan to support their shared vision, and today, Jon lives independently in his own home with support from Achieva. This award specifically recognizes one person with a disability served by Achieva who uses the LifeCourse Framework to develop and achieve their own vision for a life of personal significance.

SATTLER HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Achieva’s highest honor, the Sattler Humanitarian Award is named for the late Sara and Leo Sattler and is given to volunteers who have made continuous, outstanding contributions on behalf of people with disabilities. The nominee should demonstrate leadership skills, community involvement, and advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.