Each year LATAN recognizes individuals, businesses, and groups for outstanding
work in providing Assistive Technology Access and Universal Design to
Louisiana consumers. Awards may be given each year in the following categories
to deserving nominees: Agency Award, Business Award, Citizen Award, Consumer
Empowerment Award, Legislator Award, Mayor's Committee Award, Media/Public
Relations Award, and LATAN Volunteer of the Year Award. Nominations are
sought from all interested parties, and can be submitted at any time.
This year the 9th Annual Assistive Technology Awards will be presented
at an event to be held December 1, 2006.
To submit a nomination online, click
here.
To download a nomination form and mail or fax to LATAN, click
here.
Lydia Jackson
LEGISLATOR AWARD
Senator Lydia Jackson attended Harvard University and has served in state
government since 2000. In her position as a member of the State Senate
Finance Committee, she was instrumental in shepherding through committee
and on the floor an amendment to House Bill 1 that provided an appropriation
of $300,000 for LATAN.
Senator Francis Heitmier
LEGISLATOR AWARD
Senator Heitmier is a graduate of Nichols State university and has served
in the state government since 1984. Senator Heitmier serves as Chairman
of the Senate Finance Committee and helped steer the LATAN appropriation
through the State Senate and through the conference committee on the budget.
Senator Heitmeir's leadership was pivotal in keeping the doors of LATAN
open.
Secretary of State Jay Dardenne
LEGISLATOR AWARD
In his role as a Louisiana State Senator, Secretary Dardenne was instrumental
in educating members of the State Legislature about LATAN's programs and
services and in introducing LATAN to the state budget process. Secretary
Dardenne is graduate of LSU and LSU School of Law.
Representative John Alarios, Jr. Westwego
LEGISLATOR AWARD
Representative John Alario, Jr. is a graduate
of Southeastern Louisiana University and has served in the Louisiana House
of Representatives since 1971. Representative Alario is Chairman of the
House Appropriations Committee and played a leading role in insuring the
continued role of LATAN in the lives of citizens with disabilities in
our state, and that the 2006 budget sent to the Governor contained appropriations
for LATAN.
Esther McGee
CITIZEN AWARD
The Citizen Award is given to individuals in Louisiana
who increase access to assistive technology, or advocate for changes in
policies or laws or practices to assure universal access. Esther McGee
has been a staunch supporter of assistive technology and currently serves
on the LATAN Advisory Council. Esther's recent advocacy for a Louisiana
nursing home resident that needed assistive technology is the latest example
of her care for others.
Casey Rowden
CONSUMER EMPOWERMENT AWARD
The Consumer Empowerment Award honors individuals and family members in
Louisiana who have advocated for themselves or a family member to improve
access to environments through assistive technology or universal design.
Casey Rowden's advocacy for her daughter Hannah and all children with
disabilities in Tangipahoas Parish has increased inclusion and universal
design in learning in classrooms. Casey's advocacy and willingness to
help other parents has resulted in a tremendous increase in inclusive
education for special needs students in Tangipohoa Parish.
Lynda MacDonald
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Lynda came to LATAN shortly after the devastation of South Louisiana
by the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Lynda went immediately to work on
LATAN's database, inputting information and enhancing the information
already there. Lynda willingly and enthusiastically takes on all projects
assigned to her at LATAN. Lynda is currently recovering from two surgeries
and her absence has been felt at LATAN. Her dedication to LATAN a volunteer
has benefited many Louisiana citizens with disabilities and LATAN.
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