03/16/2026
The Utah Developmental Disabilities Council Advocacy Awards are given to an individual who has made a commitment to improving the lives of Utahns with disabilities. The awardee is recognized for their efforts to help individuals with disabilities lead full, integrated lives and help make their communities inclusive, welcoming and respectful.
We invite community members to nominate Utahns who have worked toward a better future for Utahns of all abilities.
One award will be given in each category:
Self-Advocate
The Self-Advocate category is for an individual with a developmental disability who has made significant efforts toward improving their own or another individual’s life by promoting integrated living, community supports, employment opportunities, or another area of growth.
Caregiver
The Caregiver category is for a person that provides care to or direct-support for an individual with a disability who has made significant efforts toward improving the life of a person who has a disability, or who has made efforts to improve the lives of families of Utahns with disabilities. A caregiver can be a family member (parent, sibling, spouse, child, grandparent, etc.) or a direct-support professional or direct-care worker.
Community Member
The Community Member category is for an individual who serves their community. This category recognizes a broad range of impactful Utahns, including civic leaders, city council members, mayors, members of Congress, Utah representatives and senators, educators, bus drivers, librarians, medical professionals, and many other individuals who have made significant efforts to improve the lives of Utahns, specifically those with disabilities. This nominee recognizes the need for inclusive communities and public support for individuals with disabilities and has worked to reduce disparities.
Media Piece
The Media category recognizes a journalist, reporter, news outlet, radio station, film maker or other media representative who has produced a piece that positively represents the value and contributions of people with disabilities or highlights issues that impact people with disabilities to influence change. The piece must be submitted with a nomination in this category.
Advocacy Awards applications are due on April 1st 2026. If you would like to put your nomination through a google form here is the link: https://forms.gle/qjX57a91FKJtuKkZ9
