The Viscardi Center — a non-profit organization providing a lifespan of services that educate, employ, and empower people with disabilities — announces 11 recipients of the 2020 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards.

First bestowed in 2013, the awards honor leaders in the global disability community who, through the example of their professional accomplishments and advocacy efforts, are shifting societal perceptions and significantly improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.

Drawing nominations from around the world, this year’s group represents Ireland, Peru, Samoa, South Africa, Vietnam, and the United States. Recipients come from a variety of distinguished backgrounds, including academia, sports, technology, and corporate and non-profit sectors, a media release from The Viscardi Center explains.

“Since the awards were first established, The Viscardi Center has been privileged to recognize the astounding accomplishments of 80 innovators with disabilities from over 20 countries. The 2020 Awardees are powerful role models and mentors who amplify the voices and visibility for those of us in the disability community who also aspire to make a difference.” 

— The Viscardi Center’s President & CEO, John D. Kemp

The Henry Viscardi Achievements Awards commemorate the vision and legacy of the Center’s founder, Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr, who himself wore prosthetic legs. A premier disability advocate, he served as an advisor to eight presidents, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter, and implemented groundbreaking employment and education programs that continue to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.

The 2020 Selection Committee was co-chaired for the seventh consecutive year by Robert Dole, former US Senator, and Sherwood “Woody” Goldberg, Esq, retired U.S. Army Colonel and Emeritus Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army.

“Every year, these awards expand their reach and further demonstrate the positive impacts being made internationally.They also have a strategic significance, as the United States and its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have long been models for other countries developing policies to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities around the world.”

— Sherwood “Woody” Goldberg, Esq

Award Recipents

Recipients of the 2020 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards

  • Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Action to the Community Development Institute, Vietnam
  • Caroline Casey, The Valuable 500, Ireland
  • James Raymond (JR) Harding, Florida State University, U.S.
  • Judith Heumann, The Heumann Connection, U.S.
  • Andrew J. Imparato, Disability Rights California, U.S.
  • Braam Jordaan, Convo Communications, South Africa
  • Jaime Huerta Peralta, Universidad Privada del Norte, Peru
  • Edmund ‘EQ’ Sylvester, United States Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA), U.S.
  • Mata’afa Fa’atino Utumapu, Nuanua O Le Alofa (NOLA), Samoa
  • Duong Thi Van, Hanoi Association of People with Disabilities, Vietnam
  • James J. Weisman, United Spinal Association, U.S.

For more information about each of the recipients, visit The Viscardi Center.

[Source(s): The Viscardi Center, PR Newswire]


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