In 1971, Dr. Dawson, who was director of geriatric and rehabilitation services for the Virginia Department of Mental Hygiene and Hospitals, initiated this award with a $1,000 grant and presented the first award. It is presented for outstanding services to the disabled by a practitioner, who is not in an administrative or supervisory position. Awarded to a professional person having direct contact with persons with disabilities in the rehabilitation process, and whose efforts have had a significant impact on their lives.

2007	Ellen Braswell
	Dept. of Rehabilitative Services

2006	Bonnie Hawley, Rehabilitation Counselor
	Dept. of Rehabilitative Services

2005	Robin Metcalf
	The Choice Group, Richmond

2004	Eunice Griffin, Rehabilitation Counselor
	Dept of Rehabilitative Services

2003	John (Benjy) Burnett

2001	Steven Sommer
	Department of Rehabilitative Services

1992	Judy Dorman
	Department of Visually Handicapped
 
1991	Marika Byrd
	Department of Rehabilitative Services
 
1990	Lynne Seward
	Adult Development Center, Inc.
 
1989	Susan Dawkins Ireland
	Northwestern Workshop
 
1987	Dr. Pat Poplin
	Department of Education

1983	Janet Downs
 
1982	Thomas L. Jolly
	Department of Rehabilitative Services

1980	R. Edward (Ned) Strange
	Department of Rehabilitative Services
 
1979	Eammon P. McEvilly
	Department of Rehabilitative Services
 
1978	Dr. Mitchell Rosenth 
 
1977	Frank B. Hart. Jr.
 
1976	S. James Cutler
	MCV Audiology
 
1975	Thomas G. Powell, Sr.
 
1974	John J. Hawse
	Department of Rehabilitative Services
 
1973	Ruby Watkin
 
1972	Marshall L. Sanders
	Department of Rehabilitative Services
 
1971	Harry L. Rankin, Jr.
	Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center