Disability Awareness Awards kick-off month of recognition in Terre Haute

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — After two years without the ability to hand out awards in person, the 7th annual DAWG awards were given out Tuesday.

Folks gathered at the Vigo County Public Library to honor the two individuals and one organization recognized with the award as well as numerous nominees. The DAWG Awards, standing for Disability Awareness Work Group, recognizes individuals living with disabilities as well as organizations and individuals who work to advance education about living with disabilities.

Before the awards were handed out Terre Haute Police Chief Shawn Keen read a proclamation from Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett declaring March in the city as Disability Awareness Month.

This year there were 14 nominees for the Disability Awareness Awards;

Evan Austin, Pete Ciancone, Dr. Elonda Ervin, Kelli Fuller, Hannah Gadlage, Infinity House, Kathy Mahalek, Noah Malone, Ramon Parks, Malcolm Royer, Ada Ruth Short, Gloria Stamper, Ruth Tobias, and Retta Wilson.

WINNERS

Infinity House was recognized as one of three winners this year. Infinity House opened in 2014 with the financial assistance of Hamilton Center and several devoted consumers, receiving accreditation in 2020. The house is for adults who have a diagnosed mental illness. It isn’t a shelter or day service. There are over 300 members with an average attendance of 30. The program provides a place for members to socialize, learn new skills, and find resources within the community. The goal is to improve lives and help prevent a return to hospitalization.

Pete Ciancone was one of two individuals given this year’s award. Ciancone recently retired from the Wabash Independent Living and Learning Center, a position he held for 13 years. Ciancone directed a comprehensive overhaul of the WILL center into a more professional and effective organization. “As he (Ciancone) steps down,” said nominator Don Rogers. “The WILL Center has the respect and support of our State Division of Disability and Rehabilitation Services, a well-developed network of support in West Central Indiana, and is staffed by highly competent and passionate professionals.”

Hannah Gadlage is the other individual to receive an award this year. Gadlage is the hostess at Texas Roadhouse. Julie Mahurin, who presented the nominees said that it’s evident how much Gadlage loves her job from the look on her face as she interacts with customers. Mahurin added that Gadlage “isn’t one to shy away from conversations because she always has something positive to say.” Gadlage has successfully retained er employment with the help of Vocational Rehabilitation and the ARC Community Work Services Program. Hannah is also the latest Friend Resident at the Terre Haute Friendship House where a representative reported “Hannah’s warm spirit and enthusiasm is a great addition to the house.”

Previous DAWG award winners: