Nominate Someone Today
If you know of a parent, student, or professional who has demonstrated the powerful outcomes that are possible by applying your rights assertively and positively, this is your opportunity to submit their story for recognition. Please provide a brief story, highlighting their advocacy efforts and results, along with the nominee’s name and contact information. Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or by fax to 423.636.8217.
Nominations are accepted throughout the year. A recipient is chosen in early April. The awards will be presented during the annual Tennessee Disability MegaConference Awards Banquet in Nashville in late May.
- Wayne Parker Advocate of the Year click here to submit a nomination online
- Wesley Rice Youth Advocate of the Year click here to submit a nomination online
- Scott Finney Self-Advocate of the Year click here to submit a nomination online
Wayne Parker TNSTEP Advocate of the Year Award
The Wayne Parker TNSTEP Advocate of the Year Award is presented each year to a person who has exemplified seeking and using the information to ensure a brighter future for children or youth with disabilities. The award is in memory of Wayne Parker, a former TNSTEP team member, who was a zealous advocate for the rights of children and families. He worked tirelessly to ensure that families had the information they needed to speak up and advocate for the needs of their children with disabilities. In the true “Wayne” style, the recipient must also demonstrate teamwork and collaboration and the zeal to share the information they have learned with others.
Wesley Rice Youth Advocate of the Year Award
The TNSTEP Wesley Rice Youth Advocate of the Year Award is designed to honor a young person who has embodied the positive character traits of being a strong self-advocate by demonstrating leadership and accepting responsibility in speaking up for themselves and others.
Scott Finney Self-Advocate of the Year
The Scott Finney TNSTEP Self-Advocate of the Year Award is named after a man who has dedicated his life to leading by example. It honors a person who has embodied the positive character traits of being a strong self-advocate by accepting responsibility, speaking up for themselves and others, and above all, leading by example.