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The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities seeks to honor individual who has demonstrated dedication and service on behalf of people with disabilities

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities is inviting nominations for its prestigious Hefner Award, which recognizes a state resident for outstanding advocacy and service on behalf of improving the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Nominations for this significant NCCDD award, which is open to individuals with disabilities or family members, will be accepted through Friday, September 27, 2013. 

The award is the highest recognition given by the Council to those who work to better the lives of people with developmental disabilities and honors Jack B. Hefner, who served the Council for 22 years until his death in 1994.  “’Big Jack’ inspired a generation of advocates to do whatever they could to enhance the lives of North Carolinians with disabilities,” said Holly Riddle, the NCCDD’s executive director.  “This award is intended to keep his legacy alive and to honor the families and self-advocates who followed his example.” 

The 2013 Hefner Award will be presented at the NCCDD’s annual meeting in November in Cary.   

Nomination forms and more information can be obtained by going to the Council website at nccdd.org or by contacting Melissa Swartz at the Council office at 919-850-2901.  Completed forms need to be mailed to the NCCDD office at 3125 Poplarwood Court, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC  27604 and postmarked by September 27, 2013 or faxed to (919) 850-2915 by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 27.