The Ability Award

Honoring those who persist in the vision of communities where people with disabilities can participate, contribute, and belong.

The Ability Award

Honoring those who persist in the vision of communities where people with disabilities can participate, contribute, and belong.

April, 2025

Celebrating a Community Without Barriers Regardless of Ability.

The Ability Award is one of many ways we advance our mission and these priorities by honoring those on the Lakeshore who persist in the vision of communities without barriers.

Since its inception in 2011, the Ability Award has recognized over 100 nominees from our Lakeshore communities. Their work and impact stretches back more than 50 years. Their contributions include development of key supports such as transit systems, world-class housing options, deep systems-change advocacy, and much more. Ability Award nominees are indeed the “village” of the truism that “it takes a village.” Our communities are richer because of these continuing contributions.

Ability Award logo

Nominate

Nominations are closed. Please check back in March for your opportunity to nominate.

History

The Ability Award began in 2011 as a way to honor Disability Network Lakeshore’s Founding Director, Ruth Stegeman, who served in the organization’s leadership for two decades. During her career with Disability Network Lakeshore, Ruth had a strong passion to advocate for inclusive communities for people with disabilities.

The Ability Award was created to honor and perpetuate that spirit by recognizing people in our community who share the same passion and are making progress in the advancement of creating inclusive communities. The Ability Award recognizes leaders in Allegan and Ottawa counties who promote a philosophy of independence and advocate for fully inclusive communities where people with disabilities can participate, contribute, and belong. We hope that recognizing the efforts of all nominees will inspire others to take action.

Supporters

If you’re interested in supporting Disability Network Lakeshore’s Ability Award, please contact us!

Past Award Recipients

2011: Dan Wedge

2012: Louise Shumaker

2013: Donna Bunce

2014: Helen Brownson

2015: Deb Stanley

2016: Sandy Baker

2017: Barb Newman

2018: Mark Stephenson

2019: Lori Hastings

2020: Jeff Elhart & Christy Buck

2021: Jane Eppard

2023: Lucia Rios