2012 Vision Awards

The 2012 Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Vision Ceremony will be held June 6 from 2-4 p.m. in the public hearing room of the John H. Winters Human Services Complex, 701 W. 51st. Austin.

The DADS Vision Ceremony honors the nine outstanding DADS volunteers and volunteer groups that have made a difference in one of the three award categories that support the agency’s vision of dignity, wellness and choice. Through the generous contributions of these volunteers, volunteer groups and partners, the people DADS serves have access to enhanced programs, services and community supports that improve their quality of life.

At the annual DADS Vision Awards ceremony, volunteers and partners are recognized through three awards categories: Length of Service Award, Vision Award and Partner Award.

The Vision award winners for 2012 are:

Dignity

• Group: Big Country Aktion Club, Abilene State Supported Living Center
• Individual: Elizabeth Bispo, certified volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Fredericksburg
• Individual: Candy Smith, Brenham State Supported Living Center volunteer

Wellness

• Group: Lewisville High School National Honor Society, Lewisville High School, Denton State Supported Living Center
• Individual: Georgia Richardson, retired from the Texas Department of State Health Services, RSVP’s Medicaid Assistance Program (volunteer since 1999)
• Individual: Rusty Cribbs, retired schoolteacher, Texercise instructor/volunteer

Choice

• Group: Denton State Supported Living Center Aktion Club, Working Hands
• Individual: Bonnie West, owner of Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health, Sherman, which leads an effort to provide for those with special needs
• Individual: Libby Aden, volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Franklin County

DADS Vision Awards

The DADS Vision Awards provide state-level recognition for exemplary service in three areas that support the agency’s vision: wellness, dignity and choice. Two individual awards and one group award are presented annually in each of these three categories.

• Wellness — honors individuals and groups who demonstrate exceptional service through their understanding of healthy living issues. This category recognizes leadership, community service, community capacity expansion and innovation in the area of health and wellness.
• Dignity — honors individuals and groups who promote the importance of dignity and respect for individuals. This category recognizes community service, leadership, education and awareness building, and collaborations in the area of dignity.  
• Choice — honors individuals and groups who advocate for individuals to have the options provided through choice.  This category recognizes positive changes, advocacy, leadership and community service in the area of choice.

Who is eligible?

Individuals and groups who have actively supported DADS vision that older Texans and persons with disabilities will be supported by a comprehensive and cost-effective service delivery system that promotes and enhances individual well-being, dignity, and choice.

DADS' employees are eligible to receive Vision Awards if the nomination relates exclusively to work outside the scope of their position as a state employee.

Who can submit a nomination?

Anyone may nominate an individual volunteer or volunteer group for a DADS Vision award.

Please note: Individuals and groups can only be nominated for one Vision category annually. If more than one nomination is received for an individual or group, the nominations will be returned.

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Updated: April 4, 2012