In this issue: Real People | Nominations Are Open | Fiesta Especial Royal Court | Calendar Postings
Real People
Julie Nichols:
Turning Trials into Opportunities
Julie Nichols and her son, Sam, (shown at right) have both faced and conquered challenges in their lives.
Click here to read their inspiring story.
Nominations are Now Open!
There are few opportunities in life to recognize the individuals who are most important to the advancement of inclusion and equality for individuals with disabilities. Below, are two opportunities for you to nominate an individual, family or organization who is doing good work in our community. Check them out!
Champion Award: Deadline Wednesday, July 31st - Reaching Maximum Independence, Inc is hosting their 3rd Annual Champion Award Luncheon. The J. Bradley and Connie Aust Champion Award will be presented to an individual who is Championing the cause for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Help us honor them by submitting a nomination in their name for the Annual Champion Award presented by Reaching Maximum Independence, Inc. at their annual luncheon. Your nominee should be an individual who demonstrates commitment and distinction in service toward advancing individuals with IDD to reach their maximum level of independence possible. Click here for more details on the award, former recipients and a nomination form.
AccessAbility in Action Award: Deadline August 31, 2013 - AccessAbility Fest, now in its 7th year, is seeking nominations for their AccessAbility in Action Award. This award is presented to one organization, family or individual who makes it a focus to help people with disabilities in San Antonio and the surrounding area in work, life and play. We see so many people making life-changing contributions by going out of their way. These contributions are made in their businesses, personal missions, time and talents, which positively impact the lives of others. Click here for more information on qualification criteria and the nomination form.
Join the Fiesta Especial Royal Court Today!!!
"Excellent experience for our children in improving communication skills, planning, patience, the importance of fulfilling commitments, genuine acceptance and a sense of role modeling for others. I could go on and on!!!" - 2013 Fiesta Especial Royal Court Parent
The Fiesta Especial® Royal Court is an opportunity for children and adults with a physical, cognitive or sensory disability to fully participate in the Fiesta® experience while bringing visibility to the leadership and contributions individuals with disabilities make in our community each and every day. Through a fundraising contest, children ages 3 -17 and adults ages 18 and up can be awarded the opportunity to serve on the Fiesta Especial® Royal Court for the 2014 Fiesta® year. This opportunity allows children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to engage in a community wide celebration of the culture, heritage and diversity of the people who make up the tapestry of San Antonio in a very visible way. Fiesta Especial® Royal Court members will participate in a Coronation, annual Meet & Greet, a main street parade and will make a number of appearances and visits to local schools, organizations and media venues throughout the course of the 2014 year. At the end of the Fiesta® 2014 season, these individuals will then be inducted into an alumni society where they can continue their involvement through volunteer service in the community, continuously bringing awareness for the abilities and achievements of individuals with disabilities in our community.
It’s the chance of a lifetime and an opportunity that fosters growth and development, builds self-esteem, raises expectations and encourages innovation.
disABILITYsa.org Calendar Postings
Do you have a fundraising, training, workshop or awareness event coming up that you'd like to let others know about? You can post your events on our community calendars at disABILITYsa.org. We look forward to receiving your posts!