The Golisano Foundationwill present its first-ever Move to Include Awards next week.
The foundation is dedicated to helping people with intellectual disabilities, and officials say the awards are being given in the hope that the understanding of "include" can be demonstrated at the highest levels of human behavior.
"This anniversary is a celebration of the champions who are working in the community every day to make life better and more productive for people with intellectual disabilities," said Tom Golisano, Golisano Foundation Chairman and Founder. It is important that we thank and recognize those who are setting the standard and leading the way to help people with intellectual disabilities realize their potential and live life with dignity. By shining a light on their innovative work and deep commitment we also hope that others will be inspired to follow in their footsteps."
The honorees for the inaugural awards are:
Julie Christensen, Director of Employment Programs for the University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities.
Rick Guidotti, Founder and Director of Positive Exposure.
Daniel Meyers, President of Al Sigl Community of Agencies.
Martha Mock, Associate Professor and Director, Institute for Innovative Transition at the University of Rochester's Warner School of Education.
Joseph Ruffolo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.
Shirley Szekeres, irector of the York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute at Nazareth College
The awards are being given out at The Golisano Foundation's 30th anniversary celebration on October 15th at the George Eastman Museum.
The award is named after the Move to Include initiative launched in 2014 with WXXI to advance inclusion in all aspects of our community.
