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Advocacy Awards Nominations

Open January 1 - January 31, 2026

Dear Friends,


Happy New Year! We hope 2026 brings many blessings to you and your loved ones. At Porto Charities, we are energized by what this year holds for our brothers and sisters with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your support makes our mission possible, and today, we invite you to help us honor those leading the way.


Nominations are now open for our annual Advocacy Awards!


These awards celebrate the individuals, schools, and workplaces that champion inclusion and belonging for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Diocese of Arlington.


We need your help to shine a light on those who are making a tangible impact. This is your chance to give a well-deserved round of applause to the heroes in our community. Check out the five award categories and submit your nominations today!



 
 

St. Margaret of Castello Award

Named after St. Margaret, who lived with disabilities and was known for her deep faith and holiness, this award recognizes an outstanding educator who embraces the Catholic Church’s call for inclusion. This educator may be a General Education teacher, a special education teacher, or an aide who is making a positive impact on the learning experiences of children with disabilities in our Catholic Schools.

Bishop Michael Burbidge Award

Named after Bishop Michael Burbidge, who has led by example in hiring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), this award recognizes a school, parish, or business in the Diocese of Arlington that embraces individuals with ID/DD by providing them with volunteer and employment opportunities and fosters a workplace environment where they thrive. 

St. Timothy Award

Named after St. Timothy, companion and helper to St. Paul, this award recognizes an outstanding current or former peer mentor from each of the four diocesan high schools (PVI, DJO, BI, JPG). These students are committed to supporting individuals with disabilities and improving their academic and social outcomes, making a meaningful impact on their mentees and inspiring other peers to embrace people with disabilities. 

St. John Paul II Award

Named after St. John Paul II, who was known for his unique compassion and love for young people, this award recognizes an outstanding school that has been a leading example in making Catholic education accessible to youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These schools are committing significant resources to support these students in a welcoming environment.

Laura Lee Award

Named after Laura Lee, a nationally recognized advocate from Virginia, this award recognizes an outstanding individual with an intellectual or developmental disability who advocates for themselves and others in schools, workplaces, and the community. This individual inspires others through their achievements, challenges barriers, and promotes accessibility for people with disabilities.

 
 

Advocacy Awards will be presented at the 2026 Embrace Gala. 
Tickets and Sponsorships will open to the public on February 10, 2026.

 
 
 

Sponsor, attend, or become a vendor at the annual Conference on Disability


We are two months away from our disability conference featuring keynote speakers: Bishop Michael Burbidge, Mark Bradford, and Melody Escobar. Secure your spot today!



Click here to register.

 
 

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