HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) – Disability Network/Lakeshore (DNL) will present its ninth annual Ability Award, recognizing an individual within the Lakeshore region who promotes a spirit of inclusion and a community without barriers. All nominees will be recognized at the 2019 Ability Award celebration on October 28, 2019 at the Civic Center in Holland, Mich.
Disability Network/Lakeshore works in Allegan and Ottawa counties to create communities where people with disabilities can participate, contribute, and belong. Those engaged in leadership, advocacy, engagement and empowerment of individuals with disabilities in DNL’s two-county region are eligible to receive this honor. Nominees include those who live with a disability, have a family member with a disability, or are a friend or ally to the disability community.
Chosen by the Disability Network/Lakeshore Selection Committee, the annual Ability Award will be presented to one of the following nominees: Michael Brashears, Jennifer Breen, Benjamin Conner, Corene D’Addona, George DeJong, Jeff Elhart, Lori Hastings, Roger Jansen, Derek Koomen, Gray Sanders or Jenna Vipond.
“Our 2019 nominees represent a diversity of ability, background and experience, but what threads them all together is the level of commitment to serving their community,” said Terry DeYoung, selection chair for the DNL Ability Award. “It is an honor to recognize their remarkable achievements and showcase the inclusiveness of our Lakeshore.”
The Ability Award celebration will feature a keynote address from Nika Maples, a teacher, author, speaker and quadriplegic, recovering after a lupus-induced stroke in 1994. Maples will share her message of hope and endurance, through humorous and heartfelt stories with warmth and enthusiasm. Everyone attending will walk away with a renewed sense of purpose..
