2024 ASVC Awesome in Autism Awards Nominations  

Please complete the nomination surveys below for individuals or organizations which you believe have provided exceptional leadership, advocacy, service and support to help individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. 

You do not need to submit nominations in every category.  Please only list 1 nominee per category.

The ASVC board will review all complete nominations and make selections that will be announced to the public. Nominations with meaningful comments will be given higher consideration by the board over the quantity of nominations for any one individual or organization.

Nominees MUST live, work, or attend school in Ventura County, as appropriate per category.

1. Individual of the Year Nomination

This award is presented to an adult or child living with an Autism Spectrum diagnosis who is a positive role model and strong advocate for themselves and others.

The recipient of the Individual of the Year award must demonstrate:

• Determination to overcome obstacles and lead by example
• A record of serving as a mentor and role model for others with Autism
• Qualities of personal moral virtue
• An outstanding commitment to the mission of the Autism Society Ventura County 

We suggest you obtain the person's permission prior to nominating them. 

Please list the person's name below with a short description of what they have done, as well as their age (if known) and any contact information you may have for them. All information is kept highly confidential and not shared outside the ASVC board without the person's permission.

2. Parent, Family or Caregiver of the Year Nomination

This award is presented to the family, parent(s) or primary caregiver(s) of a child/adult with Autism whom is an exemplary representation of patience, advocacy, resourcefulness, and strength. Examples of caregivers: grandparents, foster parents, etc. in whose home the person with autism lives. Families can also be nominated.

The recipient(s) of the Parent/Caregiver of the Year award must demonstrate:

• A noteworthy record of contributions to their family and community
• A commitment to collaboration and to mentoring other parents or caregivers
• Determination to overcome obstacles (emotional, physical, financial, etc.) to provide for children's personal development and well-being
• Qualities of personal moral virtue
• An outstanding commitment to the mission of the Autism Society Ventura County 

Please list the family's, parent's or caregiver's name below with a short description of what they have done, as well as any contact information you may have for them. 

3. Educator of the Year (PreK-8th grade) Nomination  

 This award is presented to an educator or educators working within the Preschool to Middle School system in Ventura County. The Educator of the Year award is not solely reserved for certified classroom teachers, but also includes those who serve as educators in the community. They are recognized for their integrity, their unwavering commitment to student success, and their continuous, collaborative efforts in the pursuit of excellence. 

The recipient(s) of the Educator of the Year award must demonstrate:

• The ability to incorporate innovative and verified effective instructional strategies and techniques that assist students with Autism
• Evidence of professional involvement in activities such as workshops, curriculum development, committees, and other association activities that assist students with special needs
• A noteworthy record of contributions to their school and community
• An outstanding commitment to the mission of the Autism Society Ventura County 

Please list the educator('s) name below and the school where they teach. Please also list a short description of what they have done to earn this distinction, as well as any contact information you may have for them.

4. Educator of the Year (Secondary and Post-Secondary) Nomination  

This award is presented to an educator or educators working within the Secondary or Post-Secondary system in Ventura County. The Educator of the Year award is not solely reserved for certified classroom teachers, but also includes those who serve as educators in the community. They are recognized for their integrity, their unwavering commitment to student success, and their continuous, collaborative efforts in the pursuit of excellence. 

The recipients of the Educator of the Year award must demonstrate:

• The ability to incorporate innovative and verified effective instructional strategies and techniques that assist students with Autism
• Evidence of professional involvement in activities such as workshops, curriculum development, committees, and other association activities that assist students with special needs
• A noteworthy record of contributions to their school and community
• An outstanding commitment to the mission of the Autism Society Ventura County

Please list the educator's name below and the school where they teach. Please also list a short description of what they have done to earn this distinction, as well as any contact information you may have for them.

5. Educator of the Year (Integrated Setting) Nomination  

This award is presented to an educator or educators working within integrated settings in Ventura County. The Educator of the Year award is not solely reserved for certified classroom teachers, but also includes those who serve as educators in the community. They are recognized for their integrity, their unwavering commitment to student success, and their continuous, collaborative efforts in the pursuit of excellence.

The recipients of the Educator of the Year award must demonstrate:

• The ability to incorporate innovative and verified effective instructional strategies and techniques that assist students with Autism
• Evidence of professional involvement in activities such as workshops, curriculum development, committees, and other association activities that assist students with special needs
• A noteworthy record of contributions to their school and community
• An outstanding commitment to the mission of the Autism Society Ventura County

Please list the educator's name below and the school where they teach. Please also list a short description of what they have done to assist individuals with Autism to be successfully included in a general education classroom, as well as any contact information you may have for them.
 

6. Student of the Year Nomination  

This award is presented to a student studying in Ventura County. The Student of the Year award recognizes the student's integrity, their commitment to personal growth and success, and their continuous efforts in the pursuit of excellence.

The recipient of the Student of the Year award must demonstrate:

• The ability to incorporate learning strategies that leads to the students personal and academic success as a student with Autism
• Currently studying or graduating from a school in Ventura County
• A noteworthy record of achievements and awards from their school and community
• An outstanding commitment to the mission of the Autism Society Ventura County

Please list the student's name below and the school where they attend. Please also list a short description of what they have done to achieve academic excellence as an individual with Autism , as well as any contact information you may have for them.

7. Children's Service Provider of the Year Nomination  

This award is presented to a professional or an organization that provides services to children on the Autism Spectrum.

The recipient(s) of the Children's Service Provider of the Year award must demonstrate:

• Consistent contributions to children's growth academically, socially, verbally, and/or behaviorally
• Work that has positively influenced the lives of children and families living with Autism in Ventura County
• A commitment to community collaboration and outreach that benefits children and families
• An outstanding commitment to the mission of the Autism Society Ventura County

Please list the name of the professional or service provider organization below and a short description of what they have done to earn this distinction. Please also list contact information for your nominee. 

8. Adult Service Provider of the Year Nomination  

This award is presented to a professional or an organization that provides services to adults on the Autism Spectrum.

The recipient(s) of the Adult Service Provider of the Year award must demonstrate:

• Consistent contributions that contribute to improving the quality of life for adults living with Autism
• Provision of services that assist individuals with Autism to transition successfully from school to community and work settings
• A commitment to community collaboration and outreach that improves service options for adults
• An outstanding commitment to the mission of the Autism Society Ventura County

Please list the name of the professional or service provider organization below and a short description of what they have done to earn this distinction. Please also list contact information for your nominee

9. Funding Partner of the Year Nomination

This award is presented to an employee of a County, State, or Federal Funding Agency who provides case management and funding services for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. This includes the non-profit Regional Centers and the Department of Rehabilitation.

Candidates should be known for their unwavering commitment to person-centered practices, integrity, and their continuous, collaborative efforts to support individuals and their families.

The recipient of the Funding Partner of the Year award must demonstrate:

• A team approach to all planning activities that values open and respectful communication and input from individuals, families, and those who know them best.
• A willingness to speak up for the needs of individuals and their families in a professional, respectful, and timely manner.
• Consistent collaboration with community partners, and a passion for assisting individuals and families to understand and access available community resources
• An outstanding commitment to the mission of the Autism Society Ventura County

Please list the name and title of the person below and a short description of what they have done to earn this distinction. Please also list their contact information.  

10. Employer of the Year Nomination 

This award is presented to an employer in Ventura County who has provided a positive and productive work environment for one or more individuals with Autism.

The recipient of the Employer of the Year award must demonstrate:

• A history of employing and advancing employees with a known Autism Spectrum diagnosis
• A history of making workplace accommodations that highlight the individualized skills of each person with Autism
• A willingness to serve as a mentor for other employers in our community to employ individuals with Autism
• An outstanding commitment to the mission of the Autism Society Ventura County

Priority in award selection will be given to employers who offer competitive wages and benefits to all employees.

Please list the employer's name (company name and supervisor's name) whom you are nominating below and a short description of what they have done to earn this distinction. Please also list their contact information, or how we may get in touch with them.  

11. Community Partner of the Year Nomination 

This award is presented to a community member who has demonstrated a strong commitment to ASVC through service and collaboration.

The recipient of the Community Partner of the Year award must demonstrate:

• Volunteerism and/or advocacy in an exemplary fashion, while inspiring others to support individuals with Autism
• Exemplify outstanding conduct and teamwork
• Execute outstanding reliability, cooperation and collegiality towards achieving the goals and objectives of the ASVC
• An outstanding commitment to the mission of the Autism Society Ventura County

Please list the name of the person you are nominating below and a short description of what they have done to earn this distinction. Please also list their contact information, or how we may get in touch with them.  

12. First Responder of the Year Nomination 

This award is presented to a first responder who has demonstrated a strong commitment to ASVC through service and collaboration.

The recipient of the First Responder of the Year award must demonstrate:

• Volunteerism and/or advocacy in an exemplary fashion, while inspiring others to support individuals with Autism
• Exemplify outstanding conduct and teamwork. Has completed CIT Training
• Execute outstanding reliability, cooperation and collegiality towards achieving the goals and objectives of the ASVC
• An outstanding commitment to the mission of the Autism Society Ventura County

Please list the name of the person you are nominating below and a short description of what they have done to earn this distinction. Please also list their contact information, or how we may get in touch with them.  

13. Volunteer of the Year Nomination 

This award is presented to someone who has gone above and beyond in volunteering with ASVC.

The recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award must demonstrate:

• Volunteers directly with Autism Society Ventura County in support of our programs
• Exemplify outstanding conduct and teamwork
• Execute outstanding reliability, cooperation and collegiality towards achieving the goals and objectives of the ASVC
• An outstanding commitment to the mission of the Autism Society Ventura County

Please list the name of the person you are nominating below and a short description of what they have done to earn this distinction. Please also list their contact information, or how we may get in touch with them.  

The Autism Society Ventura County is run by a board of directors made up of individuals living with Autism, parents, relatives, and local professionals who care about improving the lives of people with Autism.