10/23/2009

2009 URA Conference Award Winners

2009 URA AWARDS


 

On October 21, 2009 eight individuals were honored by the Utah Rehabilitation Association for their work in serving the needs of persons with disabilities and promoting the advancement of the rehabilitation counseling profession.

 

Rehabilitation Professional Award: Everest Bacon, Utah State Office of Rehabilitation

 

This professional will do anything for anyone, even travel around the state to make sure people with vision impairment are able to access the technology they need to fully participate in employment and life. He is patient, caring, and driven to stay on the cutting edge of every technological device that may be of benefit to his clients. He works very hard to ensure that the technology fits the individual. He has made a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities as the Technology Specialist at the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

 

Advocate of the Year: Matt Knotts, Disability Law Center

In his position as Executive Director of the Disability Law Center, this person is at the forefront of public policy issues affecting people with disabilities. He has worked tirelessly on issues such as accessible housing, accessible public transportation, and fairness in government services. He is calm, intelligent, and works to build consensus through his outstanding leadership skills. 

 

The Support Professional of the Year Award:Tiffany Roberts, Utah State Office of Rehabilitation

This Tiffany Roberts works as a Rehabilitation Technician for the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation in Provo Utah. She has been a great influence on assisting clients and counselors with obtaining success outcomes. Tiffany also goes the extra mile to developed community liaisons. She provides education to the community regarding VR and people with disabilities, and does outreach at community events.

 

Vendor of the Year: Mary Ellen Gauthier and Rozanne Russell of Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University is recognized as the vendor of the year as a result of their continuing partnership with the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation in providing quality services for VR clients attending post secondary educational programs. Mary Ellen and Rozanne are recognized specifically for their willingness to collaborate, to act as friends to those with disabilities, and for their representing the values of Utah State University. 

 

Garth Eldredge Award of Excellence: Russell Thelin, Utah State Office of Rehabilitation


Russ Thelin currently serves as the Director of the Division of Rehabilitation Services for Utah. He has a long history of advocating for people with disabilities wherever he goes. He has developed several community programs through out the state such REACH in Millard County to assist with Transition, DWS/VR Coordination meetings, and legislative advocacy groups. His leadership has changed the face of public VR in the state of Utah through his focus on leadership training, mentoring, and staff development. 


 

President Service Award: Kyle Walker, Utah State Office of Rehabilitation

Kyle Walker has a long history in providing leadership for the Utah Rehabilitation Association. He is currently completing his third term as President of URA. Kyle works for the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation where he has held the positions of Rehabilitation Counselor, Supervising Counselor, District Director, Field Service Director, Administrative Services Director, and is currently the Case Service Director. Kyle is an advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities and is dedicated to promoting independence and self-sufficiency. In addition, Kyle works tirelessly to ensure rehabilitation counselors have the opportunity for growth, networking and professional development.



URA President Award: Utah State Representative Ronda Rudd Menlove

Ronda Rudd Menlove currently services as a Utah State Representative. Ronda has a Ph.D. in Special Education and worked as an educator for several years. Ronda began her career in politics when she was elected to the Utah Legislature in 2004 and was re-elected to the Utah House in District 1 in 2006. Ronda is an advocate for people with disabilities and a supporter of vocational rehabilitation programs. In 2009, Ronda was the chief sponsor of the recently passed Vocational Counselor Licensure Act.