synergy awards

2026 AWARD NOMINATIONS TO OPEN JULY 1st

EVERYONE can be a nominee. It can be an advocate, family member, person with a disabiity, local partner, a provider, a DSP, a county board staff, a teacher, an employer, a legislator, a community member, or anyone else you think is deserving of one of these awards. Nominations will be accepted for the following

Life Changer Award:

This award is presented to a person who embraces their daily call to do impactful, life-changing work for, with or as people with disabilities. This individual values partnership and is willing to go above and beyond, stopping at nothing, to deliver remarkable results. This person has demonstrated a commitment to accomplish excellence and service to people with developmental disabilities in the course of their work on a policy issue, workgroup, or specific project that benefited the DD system.

Leadership Award:

Great leaders deserve to be recognized. It doesn’t matter how you define a leader; they could be a person on the board of directors, a team member, volunteer, advocate, etc. A person who has demonstrated a long-term dedication to moving the DD system forward in line with the needs and desires of Ohioans with developmental disabilities. Awarded for courage and dedication resulting in an outstanding contribution to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Achievement Award:

This award honors an individual whose actions or advocacy helped change perceptions or bring about positive awareness for those with developmental disabilities. This person has had an impact in their community for people with developmental disabilities through innovative programs, volunteerism, advocacy, or awareness efforts.

Ultimate Teamwork Award:

eamwork makes the dream work! Almost every good idea or project is the result of a collaborative effort. Very rarely do people achieve greatness without the support of others. This award is presented to a person(s) who has achieved something remarkable. They met the challenge head-on and delivered a solution with tenacity and creativity. They believe it can always be done better together, and actively collaborate with Synergy to help improve lives.

2025 Award Winners

2024 Award Winners