The Iowa Commission of Persons with Disabilities is once again accepting nominations in eight categories to recognize outstanding Iowans in the area of employment of persons with disabilities. The awards will be given out on October 9, 2009 in the State Capitol Rotunda, as part of the Commission’s celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The categories are: 1) Governor’s Award given to an Iowan with a disability who has done the most to enhance the empowerment and employment of individuals with disabilities; 2) Commissioners’ Award recognizes extraordinary and meritorious service of a service worker in a public or private non-profit agency who has substantially contributed to advancing meaningful employment for persons with disabilities; 3) Distinguished Service Award recognized extraordinary service of a volunteer who has substantially contributed to advancing meaningful employment for persons with disabilities; 4) Youth Service Award given to a youth with or without a disability who demonstrates initiative that enhances the quality of life for persons with disabilities; 5) Outstanding Entrepreneur Award given to an entrepreneur with a disability who has displayed outstanding leadership and the initiative necessary to successfully own and operate a for profit business; 6) Employer of the Year Awards recognizes large and small employers who have made outstanding contributions in the employment of Iowans with disabilities; 7) Media Awards recognizes communications and communicators for accurately and progressively portraying the employment of people with disabilities; and 8) Local Committee of the Year Award recognizes and honors a specific activity, event or project that demonstrates excellence in regarding the employment of persons with disabilities.

For detailed nomination criteria/descriptions and the official nomination form go to the Commission page on the Division of Persons with Disabilities website at: http://www.state.ia.us/government/dhr/pd/commission/index.html and click on the link for the Awards Nomination Form or e-mail jackie.wipperman@iowa.gov

Nominations are due Friday August 7, 2009 by 4:30 pm unless previous arrangements have been made for an extension. To request an extension call or e-mail Jackie Wipperman at (515) 281-3656 or jackie.wipperman@iowa.gov