The National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities (NJC) recently honored the Cherokee Central Schools Related Professionals Team of Julie Ogletree, Tina Woody, Linda Lunnen, and Joanna Frizzell with the 2018 McLean Yoder Award for Professional Excellence (MYAPE). The MYAPE was named after Drs. James McLean and David Yoder, preeminent research scientists in the area of communication and intellectual impairment.
The award was established to honor a team that exemplifies high quality professional service to individuals with severe disabilities. Nominations were solicited from throughout the United States and judged according to the NJC’s published quality indicators specific to communication assessment, goal setting, and program implementation.
Amy Goldman, coordinator of the MYAPE selection process for the NJC, stated that this year’s award winner was particularly noteworthy due to the team’s commitment to inclusive practices and dedication to student success. “The Cherokee Central team’s devotion to persons with disabilities and their communication is simply amazing. These professionals work together seamlessly to promote cutting-edge, innovative practices for all their students.”
Nominations are open year-round and available at the NJC website – https://www.asha.org/NJC/.
– NJC release
