Representative Jan Schakowsky and 2008 Paul G. Hearne/AAPD Leadership Award recipient Rahnee K. Patrick.

The Paul G. Hearne Award is an annual award presented by AAPD as an initiative to recognize and honor emerging leaders within the national cross-disability civil rights movement. The award is named in honor of Mr. Paul G. Hearne, a pioneer, advocate, activist, and national leader for people with disabilities.

Each year, AAPD selects up to two individuals whose work, life, and passion mirrors the life and legacy of Mr. Hearne.  Award recipients will each receive $10,000 to help them continue their progress as leaders. They will also have an opportunity to meet and network with national disability leaders at the AAPD Leadership Gala in Washington, DC each March. U.S. residents with any type of disability are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted August 1- September 30. For more information about the awards program or how to apply--> (PDF) (TEXT)

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE | 2008 Award Recipients' Videos

Paul G. Hearne was a strong advocate and visionary leader with a lifelong disability who achieved success as a nonprofit executive, foundation president, federal agency director, and mentor to countless people with disabilities. A passionate advocate for increased employment of people with disabilities, Paul opened doors for thousands through his leadership of Just One Break, an employment agency for people with disabilities in New York City, and The Dole Foundation for Employment of People with Disabilities in Washington, DC.

In addition to sharing his expertise and working as an advocate, Paul also used his wonderful sense of humor and positive outlook on life to “win people over” in many situations.

Until he died in 1998, Paul was consumed with two burning passions: to create a national association to give people with disabilities more consumer power and a stronger public voice, and to cultivate potential leaders to carry on the disability rights movement. Paul achieved his first goal during his lifetime with the 1995 creation of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), now recognized as the largest and fastest growing force for disability empowerment.
The Milbank Foundation for Rehabilitation established The Paul G. Hearne Leadership Awards in 1999 to honor their friend and former board member, and to help realize Paul’s second goal by helping to find and support emerging leaders with disabilities.
In 2000, the administration of the awards program was turned over to AAPD. Funding for the 2008 awards was provided by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. For more information about the awards program or how to apply--> (PDF) (TEXT)