A.C.C.E.S.S. Award
The OK-AHEAD membership recognizes a person who advocates, supports, and pursues the issues of equal access and opportunity to students with disabilities. This is called the A.C.C.E.S.S. (Advocacy, Cooperation, and Concern for Encouraging Student Success) award. Nominations are accepted until February and the award is presented at the yearly spring conference.
To nominate someone who meets these qualifications, please print and complete an A.C.C.E.S.S. award form.
If you would like additional information about this award, please contact Kimberly Fields.
A.C.C.E.S.S. Award Recipients
- 2010
- Scott Sabolich
- 2009
- Representative John Enns
- 2008
- Dr. Charlie Jones, Professor, ECU
- 2007
- Greg Burns, Artist
- 2006
- E. Kirby, Jr., Grace Ann Productions
- 2005
- Sen. Gilmer Capps and Rep. Deutschendorf
- 2004
- Rodney Pratz and Kristie Long, Dream Institute
- 2003
- Sen. Bernest Cain, Jr.
- 2002
- Dean Van Trease, President, Tulsa Community College
- 2001
- Ned Bastow, General Counsel, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
Outstanding New Professional-Newbie Award
The OK-AHEAD New Professional Award recognizes outstanding achievement and contributions to the field of higher education preformed by a member starting out in OK-AHEAD program community, serving no more than five years. This award distinguishes the hard work and development of new programs and leadership created to stimulate further growth within the Disability Services community. A one page letter, either of self-nomination or OK-AHEAD member recommendation, must be submitted. Nominees must meet the following criteria:
- May not have served more than five years in a full-time position in Disability Services in Higher Education.
- Will be judged on contributions to OK-AHEAD and contributions to the individual's employer.
- Has performed all aspects of his/her job in an exemplary manner
- Must include a supporting letter from the immediate supervisor as one of the letters of support.
- Must be a current member of OK-AHEAD.
Award Recipients
Sharla Weathers, University of Central Oklahoma, 2009
The OK-AHEAD Professional Recognition Award
The OK-AHEAD Professional Recognition Award recognizes outstanding achievement and contributions to the field of higher education. The OK-AHEAD PRA is an award that distinguishes those OK-AHEAD members who go the extra mile to affect change that results in increased access, improved services or evolving views of disability on their campuses. A one page letter, either of self-nomination or OK-AHEAD member recommendation, must be submitted. Nominees for this award must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrated expertise in creating a campus environment that promotes student learning, student awareness, and personal development.
- Outstanding individual contribution in innovative and responsive services and programs that address varied and emerging needs of students with disabilities.
- Significant contributions to the profession and to Disability Awareness.
- Must have at least five years as a full-time practitioner in the field of Disability Services in Higher Education.
- Must be a current member of OK-AHEAD.
Award Recipients
- Chimène Long, eClasses Instructor, 2010
- Denise North, Metro Technology Center, 2009
The OK-AHEAD Distinguished Service Award
The OK-AHEAD Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals whose vision, values, efforts and/or accomplishments have had a significant impact on inclusion and access for people with disabilities in Higher Education. The OK-AHEAD DSA recognizes outstanding achievement and contributions to the field of higher education and disability by OK-AHEAD members. Each contender in the selection process must be nominated by a current OK-AHEAD board member. The individual nominated could have demonstrated, but is certainly not limited to the following criteria:
- Leadership performance in OK-AHEAD at the state level.
- Contributions above and beyond the normal service required by positions of leadership. Examples for the applicant's participation could be involvement with other professional organizations, publications made within the field of Disability Services, advocacy efforts for public policy, educational programs targeted at promoting participation of underrepresented groups in the Disability Services community, active involvement in outreach for Disability Services, and specific service activities within the applicant's department, program, or university.
- Must have at least five years as a full-time practitioner in the field of Disability Services in Higher Education.
- Demonstrated expertise in the field of Disabilities and educates other professionals.
- Exemplifies a genuine concern for the education and well being of individuals with disabilities in Higher Education
- Makes contributions as an advocate for individuals with disabilities
- Must have been a member in good standing of OK-AHEAD for 3 consecutive current years.
Award Recipients
- Suzette Dyer, University of Oklahoma, 2010
- Michael Shuttic, Oklahoma State University, 2009
OK-AHEAD members and students selected for these honors will be recognized at the OK-AHEAD Spring Conference. A plaque will be presented to or mailed to each award recipient. A congratulatory confirmation letter, signed by the OK-AHEAD President, will also be sent to the President and Vice President of the campus or agency where the recipient is employed.