A call for the nominations of businesses, organizations, government officials, action groups and individuals has been announced by Walton Options for Independent Living. The Most Valuable Partner Community Awards are designed to recognize and honor those in the Central Savannah River Area that have worked to create a more inclusive community for persons with disabilities.
 
“There are so many organizations, business and individuals around the CSRA that create opportunities of inclusion and independence for persons with disabilities,” stated Tiffany Clifford, Executive Director at Walton Options for Independent Living. “We, along with our partners and consumers, have worked with some amazing organizations and people who share our passion for an inclusive community for all people, especially those with disabilities. These awards are a chance for the community to say thank you and recognize all the work the nominees have done. ”
 
The MVP Community Awards will select their winners based on nominees submitted by the public for five separate categories. The categories include Inclusive Employment, Community Government, Public Accommodations & Communications, Outstanding Service Organization and Outstanding Individual Advocate. The awards are open for public nominations July 1 – August 12, 2016 through online forms or downloadable hard-copy forms at www.waltonoptions.org/MVPawards. Hard-copy forms can also be picked at the Augusta Office at 948 Walton Way.
 
The MVP Awards were created by Walton Options following the success of the Americans with Disabilities Act 25th Anniversary Celebrations in May 2015. Local businesses and persons who have embodied the spirit of the titles of the ADA were honored during the course of a week-long celebration. Walton Options wanted to keep these honors alive and expand them through an annual awards program that is open to the entire CSRA community.
 
“Because we are honoring those who have worked to create an inclusive community, we wanted to be sure we included the community in our nomination process,” explained Ann Campbell-Kelly, Senior Coordinator for Advocacy, Outreach & Development. “Public nominations give us the opportunity to learn more about organizations, businesses and advocates that we might not be aware of. In addition to highlighting all the work they have done, it also allows us the opportunity to expand our network of resources and options for persons with disabilities in the CSRA.”
 
Finalists and winners will be selected by Selection Committees from across the Walton Options’ staff following the close of nominations. The finalist nominees will be invited to The MVP Community Awards Ceremony where the winners will be announced. This year the ceremony will be held during a luncheon on Thursday November 3, 2016 at the Legends Club, 2701 Washington Rd., Augusta, GA.