The Ohio Rehabilitation Association, founded in 1954, has a long and rich history in the field of rehabilitation. Our officers, leadership and membership are proud of our achievements and contributions to the field. During the course of our careers, many of us have been fortunate to be mentored by skilled and dedicated colleagues; inspired by persons with disabilities who have overcome obstacles; or had opportunities to contribute to the success of local business enterprises by providing creative job development options or supportive job coaching.
ORA members and Community Partners are invited to nominate those individuals, agencies and companies who have made significant contributions in our field. Help ORA celebrate those who deserve recognition and accolades! ORA will review Awards throughout the year and may choose to honor an award recipient at any time; however, our primary recognition occurs in conjunction with ORA training events.
Employer of the Year Awards are presented to one large employer (200 or more employees) and one small employer (fewer than 200 employees) to recognize employers who have intensively hired and successfully incorporated employees with disabilities into the workforce.
Organizational Award is presented to an organization with an outstanding record of service to persons with disabilities, past or present. The organizational objectives demonstrate effective concern for the care, treatment, education or rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and/or the organization has made a contribution to the well-being or rehabilitation of persons with disabilities in activities over and beyond the purpose for which the organization was established.
Ohio Bell Greve Award was established by ORA to honor Bell Greve, a woman educated as a lawyer, who had a great emotional investment in persons with disabilities. She pioneered in rehabilitation through mobilizing local resources to establish the Cleveland Rehabilitation Center.
Doris Brennan Award of Excellence Award was established by ORA to recognize a person with a disability that has shown extraordinary drive, determination and resourcefulness in overcoming barriers to his/her independence. In 2001, ORA designated this award in memory of Doris Brennan, whose contribution to the field of rehabilitation, specifically to disability rights and independent living, exemplify the spirit of this award.
Excellence in Media Award is to recognize an outstanding, accurate and balanced approach in presenting to the public the abilities of persons with disabilities, the problems encountered by persons with disabilities or the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities.
Ohio Governmental Affairs and Public Service Award is to be presented to a public official who has demonstrated leadership in improving rehabilitation services for people with disabilities through legislative action.
ORA Distinguished Rank of Fellow Award is to be given to an individual who has demonstrated years of faithful service and leadership to ORA through any segment or combination of segments of association activities or life. Emphasis is placed on both the length of service and levels of service. The award is given only to persons showing outstanding service or leadership, both qualitatively and quantitatively, who has provided outstanding membership effort and leadership for a period of 10-15 years, e.g., or who has been exceedingly active in chapter, division and/or committee efforts and has demonstrated leadership for a similar period of time. Sustained ORA membership is required
Please complete our Nomination Form and provide a narrative that supports your nomination based on the award requested. Statements should be specific as to the nature, scope and importance of the contribution made by the Nominee to the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. You may add explanatory statements and/or corroborating materials from other individuals or organizations.
Completed nomination packets can be submitted to the Awards Committee click here to be sent. Please use our Contact Us page for questions.
