**Award nominations are due by May 1, 2023**

Who is Janey Vermeulen?

Jane "Janey" Vermeulen was an advocate for disability rights. She was a vibrant, positive person who believed all people with disabilities should be respected and supported to live actively in their community. Jane was an ardent supporter of Self-Determination, self-directed services and supports, and community living. She shared her experience and knowledge with others as a Peer Mentor, supporting others to direct their lives.

What is the Jane Vermeulen Award?

Shortly after Jane's death in 2022, the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) at Wayne State University established the Jane Vermeulen Leadership Award in her honor. Jane was an active member of MI-DDI's Community Advisory Council. This award will be presented annually to a Michigan resident with a disability who exhibits leadership in their local and/or disability community. The award recognizes Jane's passion for Self-Determination, self-advocacy, support for person-centered supports and community living for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities - just the way Jane lived her life. The person chosen will receive a scholarship of up to $500 to attend a leadership training event or conference.

How to Nominate Someone or Apply for the Leadership Award Yourself

If you are a self-advocate, or know a self-advocate, who reflects the essence of Jane, please nominate yourself or them for this distinguished award.

The nomination period opens January 1, 2023 and closes on May 1, 2023. The winner will be announced on the MI-DDI website on September 1, 2023. The award will be presented to the winner at the September 2023 MI-DDI Community Advisory Council meeting.The recipient will receive a scholarship of up to $500 to attend a leadership training event or conference.

Please use the link below to open and complete the Jane Vermeulen Leadership Award nomination form.

Link to Nomination Form:

https://waynestate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3OtxNePBsteoaRU 

If you have any questions about the award nomination process, please contact MI-DDI staff at middi@wayne.edu or call (313) 577-2654.

The Jane Vermeulen Leadership Award has been officialy approved by Wayne State University.