Scholarships & Awards
Each year, The Arc New York presents scholarships and awards to individuals pursuing degrees in special education, physical or occupational therapy, or a field related to intellectual or other developmental disabilities, and those who go above and beyond to improve this field.
2025 Employer Recognition Awards
The Arc New York Employer Recognition Awards provide Chapters the opportunity to recognize an individual, corporation or business in New York State that has demonstrated outstanding support in providing job opportunities for people who have intellectual or other developmental disabilities. Four awards are presented annually. One award recipient will be selected from each region.
Nomination Eligibility Criteria Includes:
- The nominated business must not be owned, operated, or a subsidiary of a Chapter of The Arc New York
- The nominated business must employ people with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Each Chapter may submit one (1) nomination
Nominations are to be submitted by Friday, May 16, 2025.
Dr. John Kowalczyk Outstanding Citizenship Award
This award is designed to highlight and celebrate individuals supported by their local Arc New York Chapter by recognizing their achievements and contributions made to their local Chapter, community and/or peers. Nominees and recipients are individuals who not only use services provided by their local Chapter of The Arc New York, but also help to provide support to others in a manner that benefits other people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their community.
One (1) award in the amount of $500, along with a commemorative personalized glass award is presented annually. One nomination may be submitted per County within a Chapter.
Applications are to be submitted by Friday, July 11, 2025.
Volunteer of the Year Award
This award provides the opportunity for The Arc New York to honor and recognize a Chapter volunteer member who has shown continued dedication, exemplary service, and advocacy on behalf of individuals who have intellectual or other developmental disabilities.
One (1) award is presented annually. The recipient will receive a diamond and gold lapel pin and commemorative glass award. One nomination per Chapter may be submitted for this award.
Nominations are to be submitted by Friday, July 11, 2025.
Self-Advocate of the Year Award
This award recognizes and celebrates the achievements and contributions made by The Arc New York’s self-advocates. Nominees and recipients are individuals who not only use services of The Arc New York but also help to shape those services in a manner that benefits other people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
One (1) award in the amount of $500, along with a commemorative personalized glass award is presented annually. One nomination may be submitted per County within a Chapter.
Nominations are to be submitted by Friday, July 11, 2025.
Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award
This award recognizes Chapter staff who consistently demonstrate excellence, creativity and commitment in providing supports to people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Candidates will have displayed an exemplary level of performance over the course of their employment and will have shown commitment to improving the quality of life for people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
The award, in the amount of $2,500, is presented annually to four (4) Direct Support Professionals employed by a Chapter of The Arc New York. One nomination may be submitted per County within a Chapter.
Nominations are to be submitted by Friday, July 11, 2025.
Marc N. Brandt Exceptional Leadership Award
This award offers Chapters the opportunity to recognize a mid to upper management staff member or emerging leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership ability and commitment and has had a positive effect on the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
One (1) award in the amount of $1,000.00 is presented annually.
Nominations are to be submitted by Friday, July 11, 2025.
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
