2023 Conference Awards

The Planning Committee encourages families to submit nominations for our conference awards! Please email your nomination to John Shaw at john@elsieshaw.org. 

Nominations will be accepted until March 1. To learn more about these awards see the Elsie Shaw Foundation website.

This is a great way to give a parent, educator and/or professional statewide recognition.

OUTSTANDING PARENT AWARD

The Kasidhe Olson Outstanding Parent Award recognizes a parent who has made outstanding efforts to improve the lives of families of children with disabilities in their community. This award is given in memory of Kasidhe Olson who was loved by many and whose family volunteered at the Circles of Life Conference for many years. 

OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL AWARD

The Shaw Brothers Award honors a professional who goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist families of children with disabilities. The Shaw Brothers – Barry, Elliott, and Richard (Dick) – are Elsie’s children and are themselves grandparents and great-grandparents now. They have supported the Elsie Shaw Scholarship Fund with annual donations for over 30 years. Funds given by the middle brother, Elliott, who lost his battle with cancer in 2001, ensure that families with children impacted by cancer are supported by the Elsie Shaw Scholarship Fund.

EDUCATOR ADVOCATE AWARD

The Barb Breen Educator Advocate Award recognizes someone from the education field who has worked to support inclusion and leadership development in schools. This award honors Barb Breen, a long-time advocate, who passed away suddenly in 2003. Barb was involved in many activities in the disability community. She was the statewide WSPEI coordinator, a Parents in Partnership (PIP) facilitator and a Special Olympics coach.