Community Partner
An individual or organization that, through their professional work or volunteerism in the community, demonstrates exceptional leadership and creativity in expanding meaningful opportunities for people with developmental disabilities in Orange County by increasing awareness of issues related to developmental disabilities, eliminating barriers to full community presence and participation, and/or being a voice for those who have difficulty or cannot represent themselves.
Self-Advocate
An individual who has a developmental disability and who, through their personal or professional achievements, has brought a greater public awareness of and recognition to the abilities of all people with developmental disabilities in Orange County.
Elected Official
An individual who holds an elected office, at any level of government, and whose official acts have influenced government policy and have made significant mainstream changes to services and supports for people with developmental disabilities.
Employer
A business dedicated to providing integrated employment opportunities to people with developmental disabilities and that inspires a barrier-free, inclusive environment within the workplace.
Direct Support Professional
An individual who demonstrates a strong passion for enhancing the lives of the RCOC consumers they serve through exemplary actions and creativity in building independence and meaningful participation in the community. For purposes of this award, Direct Support Professional is defined as someone who works as a direct care worker, instructional assistant, job coach, in-home support worker or personal assistant.
Lifetime Achievement
An individual who, through their personal, professional or volunteer activities, has made exceptional contributions toward advancing the rights of and enhancing the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities in Orange County over a long period of time.
Service Provider
An organization vendored by RCOC to provide support directly to people with developmental disabilities that demonstrates extraordinary commitment to high-quality, person-centered services and provides exemplary support for those they serve leading to meaningful lives in their neighborhoods and communities.
Parent/Family Member
A parent or other family member who demonstrates an outstanding dedication to their child/family member, as well as others with developmental disabilities through support, compassion and advocacy.
Healthcare Professional
A community healthcare professional or group of professionals that has made significant contributions in improving health outcomes for people with developmental disabilities by providing services that reflect best practices in the healthcare system for people with developmental disabilities and/or by giving people with developmental disabilities more support to make informed choices about their healthcare. Examples of healthcare professionals include physicians, nurses, dentists, physical, occupational and speech therapists, psychologists and behavior analysts.
RCOC Achievement
An employee of the Regional Center of Orange County whose remarkable performance, above and beyond their assigned duties, has made significant contributions toward fulfilling RCOC’s mission and guiding principles and to enhancing the quality of life of those served by the organization.
E. Kurt Yeager Servant Leadership
An individual who, through his or her record of excellence in a volunteer leadership position for an organization that serves people with developmental disabilities, has made a positive impact on the advancement of the organization’s mission by improving services and supports as well as significantly expanding opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to participate in policy making.