Virginia Eernisse Legacy Award

Virginia Eernisse Legacy Award

Funder: The Arc of Texas

Geographic Scope: Texas

Focus Areas: Self-advocacy and self-determination for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD); disability rights advocacy

Award Purpose: Honors individuals who exemplify commitment to self-advocacy, self-determination, and disability rights advocacy in the tradition of Virginia Eernisse, who passed away in 2018.

About Virginia Eernisse

Virginia Eernisse believed in self-advocacy and compassionately supported individuals to have access to supports and services needed to live well in the community. Her accomplishments included:
• Appointed to the board overseeing closure of two state-supported living centers (SSLCs)
• Spearheaded establishment of The Arc of the Gulf Coast
• Founding member of Imagine Enterprises (nonprofit focused on self-determination through employment)
• Outspoken advocate for disability rights at the Texas State Capitol

Eligibility

Candidates should demonstrate:
• Dedication to encouraging participation in policymaking for the disability community
• Advocacy for self-determination and self-directed lives for individuals with IDD
• Grassroots disability rights advocacy work
• Personal experience and commitment to inclusion in community, workplace, and typical places to live

Recognition

Recipients are honored at The Arc of Texas's annual Boots & BBQ event.

Contact Information:

The Arc of Texas

8001 Centre Park Drive Suite 100

Austin, TX 78754

Phone: 512-454-6694

Email: info@thearcoftexas.org

Website: thearcoftexas.org