2024 APRIL Linda Gonzales Award Nomination

Linda Gonzales Award for Outstanding Rural Youth Advocate: 

Linda Gonzales was at the head of the table for the creation of APRIL. She was the first Executive Director of APRIL for 20 years, and was truly a visionary when it came to including youth with disabilities as leaders in the rural Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement and more specifically, the APRIL youth movement. Linda was all about empowering everyone but especially the youth coming up in the IL movement and knew it was vital to "pass the torch" to the next generation. Her legacy of love and uplifiting people with disabilities lives on through this award. It is a great honor to give this award to recognize and celebrate Linda’s many contributions to the youth movement and Independent Living.

Qualified award nominees must be under the age of 30 and made impacts in the lives of young people with disabilities. 

Qualified award nominees must also hold an active individual membership with APRIL.

Nominations for the award are due by September 13, 2024 at 11:59 pm EST.

Please consider the following Guiding Principles as you make your nomination and explain your reasons for nominating this particular person/organization.

  • CIL / SILC is a Member of APRIL
  • Directly assisted persons with disabilities living in Rural America
  • Exhibited a steadfast commitment to the improvement and growth of the Independent Living mission and philosophy;
  • Demonstrated the ability to bridge gaps and/or build strong partnerships among those concerned with improving and strengthening the Independent Living movement;
  • Demonstrated the commitment to improve access to Independent Living by all people eligible;
  • Demonstrated a commitment to broaden their own knowledge base and improve their ability to contribute to the cause;
  • Demonstrated a commitment to implement new and innovative ideas and/or projects in the Independent Living world; and
  • Promotes pride and action in the rural disability community.

Visit the APRIL website for nominations.

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