The AAIDD Reimagining Spirituality Leadership Award

Purpose and Focus of the Recognition

The Reimagining Spirituality Leadership Award celebrates the influential contributions of a practitioner, provider, faith leader (lay or member of clergy) whose unique impact on the spiritual lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are local, national, or international. The programs, activities, and contributions show clear evidence of impact—whether through increased participation, documented changes in community attitudes, or tangible expansion of access and support. This award celebrates the creative ways the recipient has promoted opportunities for persons with IDD for personal spiritual growth, developing enriching relationships, and participating in spiritual or religious community.

Award Criteria

Bridge Building | Awardee demonstrates, in their life and/or work, successful bridge building of relationships and understanding across organizations, diverse groups, or faith traditions while respecting human dignity and the value of difference.

Dignity of choice | Activities ensure respect for the dignity of choice that reflect the unique identity and interests of each person.

Expanding Understanding | Achievements expand and enhance the understanding of the spiritual needs and gifts of people with IDD.

Calling and Vocation | Nominee demonstrates sustained vocational commitment to the spiritual inclusion of people with IDD.

Faith in Practice | Accomplishments demonstrate the understanding of and the capacity to blend the theological/theoretical and practical dimensions of spiritual supports and service with others.

Nomination Procedure

Nominations for the 2026 award are open! The deadline for submissions is December 13, 2025.

Nomination Form

History of the Award

Created in 2001 as the Henri J.M. Nouwen Award, the award was intended to reflect the compassion, commitment, ministry, and servanthood of Nouwen, finding rich value in the lives of people with disabilities. In 2021, the Religion and Spirituality Interest Network of AAIDD began discussion acknowledging relevant changes in the years since the award’s establishment. Factors that played a role in the discussion included:

  • The perspectives and lived experience of people with disabilities and changes in cultural attitude,
  • A maturing relationship among people of all abilities—one that has evolved from mercy to mutuality—and,
  • The contributions of many other leaders in the IDD field, and the corresponding increase in literature.

It was time to ‘reimagine’ the award while continuing to value the element of leadership at the intersection of faith and disability. Beginning in 2021, the interest network is proud to present the Reimagining Spirituality Leadership Award.

Past Award Recipients

  • 2025 Rev. Dr. Sarah V. McKenney
  • 2024 Rev. Dr. Erin Raffety
  • 2023 Karen Jackson
  • 2022 Dr. Jeff McNair
  • 2021 Shelly Christensen
  • 2020 Rev. Terry DeYoung
  • 2019 Rev. Andy Calder
  • 2018 Lida Merrill
  • 2017 Thomas Hoeksema
  • 2016 Dr. Benjamin T. Conner
  • 2015 Barbara J. Newman
  • 2014 Nella Uitvlugt
  • 2013 Sister Gabrielle Kowalski
  • 2012 Rev. Bill Gaventa
  • 2010 David Morstad
  • 2008 Rev. Joseph D. McNulty
  • 2007 Nancy Eiesland
  • 2006 Ron Vredeveld
  • 2005 Sara Simon
  • 2004 Charles Luce
  • 2003 Jimmy Olin Pierson
  • 2002 Ginny Thornburgh
  • 2001 Sr. Sue Mostellar