In an effort to increase public awareness and acknowledge the efforts of those that have advanced the quality of life for Louisiana's disability community, the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs annually host the Governor's Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities Awards. These awards are presented to individuals, organizations, agencies and employers whose contributions have advanced the opportunities of individuals with disabilities or for those who have been selfless in serving the disability community in Louisiana.

For more information about the awards or to receive nomination forms please contact the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs at 877-668-2722 or email at Disability.Affairs@la.gov.

2009 Governor's Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities Awards

The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs hosted the 2009 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities Award Ceremony at the Old State Capitol, December 8th, 10:00am-1:00pm.   The Developmental Disabilities Council inclusive artshow winners adorned  the halls and Ms. Gwen Thompson played holiday music.  

Awards were presented to the following recipients on behalf of their commitment and service to persons with disabilities in Louisiana:

The Patsy Barrett Memorial – honors a woman with disabilities who was a human rights activist
The Ken Vince Memorial – honors a man with disabilities who was a rehabilitation counselor and advocated for persons with disabilities. 
The Youth of the Year –  in recognition of a teen ages 13-19 who is a model of achievement and inspiration to other youth with disabilities.
The Distinguished Merit – is bestowed upon an agency or individual for their extra-ordinary service in the disability field. 
Volunteer of the Year - recognizes extraordinary service by an individual who has enhanced opportunities for persons with disabilities. 
The Service Animal of the Year - The bonds between animals and humans are never more apparent than in those providing a serive to its human owner. In addition, animals serve as aides and provide companionship and therapy to people with specific physical and mental needs.
The Family of the Year –  No stronger bond exist than that of family. The example of family life and commitment as well as their service to the disability community.
The Employer of the Year – recognizes a company that actively recruits, hires and accommodates employees with disabilities.
The Educator of the Year- recognizes an outstanding individual who has contributed signficantly in educating persons with disabilities in our community.
Direct Supports Professional of the Year- is given to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated a strong passion to enhance the lives of those they serve.
Veteran of the Year- recognizes a veteran with a disability who has served honorably in the United States Armed Forces, and has a record of exemplary services in the disabled community.  

2009 Award Winners

Carole B. Glover– Patsy Barret Memorial Award
Larry L. Jones- Veteran of the Year Award 
Geneva Ordoyne- Direct Support Professional Award
Lanie Warner– Youth of the Year Award 
Carol Lirette– Distinguished Merit Award
Mary Lynn Odinet Baumgartner-Educator of the Year Award
Warren J. Chauvin– Ken Vince Memorial Award 
Whitney A. Langlois – Volunteer of the Year Award
Picasso- Service Animal of the Year
The Watkins Family – Family of the Year Award 
Albertson's – Employer of the Year Award 

2008 Award Winners

Laura Breaux– Patsy Barret Memorial Award
Justin Clement– Youth of the Year Award 
William Accousti – Distinguished Merit Award
Duane K. Ebarb– Ken Vince Memorial Award 
Gary n. Solomon – Volunteer of the Year Award
Murphy- Service Animal of the Year
The Reynolds Family – Family of the Year Award 
L & N Food Store  – Employer of the Year Award 
Mary Anne Perault- Lifetime Achievement Award

2007 Award Winners

Earline E. Roth – Patsy Barret Memorial Award
Richard “Daniel” Franszczak and Matthew Bouterie – Youth of the Year Award
Julie Nesbit, LATAN – Distinguished Merit Award
Reginald Steve Bryan – Ken Vince Memorial Award
Mary Ann Haase – Volunteer of the Year Award
Pat May - Direct Support Professional of the Year Award
Honorable Judge Jay and Joy Zainey – Family of the Year Award
Larry Thode, J.P. Morgan Chase and Company – Employer of the Year Award
Meg Farris, WWLTV - Media of the Year Award