The Community Advisory Council (CAC) of the Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD) at Georgia State University (GSU) was awarded the 2016 Council on Community Advocacy (COCA) Award by the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) at its annual Honors Celebration in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, December 6th.
The AUCD COCA Award was presented to the CLD CAC for its outstanding record in promoting and implementing person and family-centered principles and its strong commitment to supporting the full and active participation of self-advocates and family members in all CAC meetings and CLD initiatives. Of its noteworthy accomplishments, the CLD CAC has demonstrated leadership in the promotion and use of assistive technology and universal design to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities, as well as its outreach to the Hispanic community in metro-Atlanta.
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA), the six-term Congresswoman and highest-ranking woman in Congress, was the featured speaker at the event. Rep. Rogers shared her thoughts about federal disability policy and her priorities for disability-focused legislation in the upcoming 115th Congress.
“I deeply appreciate this recognition for our committee. Speaking on behalf of the group, we are honored to be a part of the bridge that connects the work of university to the community in support of families and people with disabilities,” said Ken Mitchell, Chair of the CAC.
The AUCD Honors Celebration recognizes the commitment, dedication, persistence and leadership of individuals, organizations, and programs that have made a significant contribution to the understanding, support, and advancement of disability services and supports and the core mission of the AUCD network.
“I can’t think of a more deserving group to receive this award,” said Daniel Crimmins, PhD, CLD Director of CLD and SPH Professor. “Our CAC’s advocacy has greatly contributed to the center’s successful work throughout Georgia in supporting people with disabilities and their families.”