For further information, contact:
Holly Riddle, NC Council on Developmental Disabilities, 919-850-2901
Roy Wallace, The Wallace Group, 877-832-4548 or roy@wallacegroup.com
CONCERNED PARENT WHO BUILT ORGANIZATION AIDING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
RECEIVES NORTH CAROLINA’S ‘HEFNER AWARD’
Connie Hawkins, co-founder of Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center, honored by NC Council on Developmental Disabilities for her outstanding contributions advocating for people with developmental disabilities
As the mother of a child with a disability, Connie Hawkins found that there were few places to turn for information and support. So, she took action and, working from a table in a walk-in attic at her home, she co-founded the Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center. Hawkins’ commitment and success in building the ECAC has led to her becoming the recipient of the 2011 Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award from the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities. The award is given in memory of a former Council member who was a dedicated advocate for 
people with disabilities.
Hawkins lives in Cornelius, N.C., near Davidson, where ECAC is headquartered. However, the parent training and information center also has offices in Raleigh, Wilmington and Asheville, in western North Carolina. Last year, ECAC responded to over 40,000 individual requests for information and assistance from NC parents and professionals. Along with providing guidance by telephone, by email and through the website, thousands of North Carolinians are educated through ECAC workshops and institutes held throughout the state each year.
Hawkins began the Exceptional Children’s Center together with another parent, Frank Graziadei, and Dr. Richard White, who are now board members emeritus. She continues as executive director of the organization, which today has some 30 employees and numerous volunteers.
“Connie Hawkins has played an exemplary role in her pioneering work to better inform parents of children with disabilities as to the educational resources and supports available to their children and their families,” said Holly Riddle, executive director of the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Discussing Hawkins’ tireless work to establish ECAC, her nomination letter describes how in addition to helping meet the needs of parents, families, students, and educators, she has become an advocate on the state and national level, helping to build understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. “She then continues to offer support and encouragement as they travel along their journey on becoming their child’s best advocate,” the nomination letter said, “providing knowledge and ‘cheerleading’ as they develop the confidence and skills needed to become leaders themselves.”
Among the many leadership roles she has held are memberships on the NC Legislative Study Commission for Children with Special Needs, the National Center on Education Outcomes Advisory Committee, the NC School Improvement Commission, and a host of other panels at the state and federal level.
While accomplishing so much in seeking to improve opportunities for people with disabilities, Hawkins worked closely in guiding her son through his levels of education to the point where he succeeded in becoming a college graduate. He now teaches English to college students in China.
The Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award was established in 1994 to celebrate the leadership of a man whose work inspired a generation of advocates and people with developmental disabilities. He served the Council for 22 years until his death in 1994. The Hefner Award is the highest honor given by the NCCDD in recognition of those who work to promote changes that enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.
“The commitment of ‘Big Jack’ to do whatever it took to enhance the lives of North Carolinians with developmental disabilities inspired a generation of passionate advocates to strive for full inclusion,” said Riddle. “This award is dedicated to keeping his legacy alive and honoring the families and self-advocates who've followed in his footsteps.”
The 40-member North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities was established in 1973 and seeks to support effective, innovative initiatives that improve the lives and promote community inclusion for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The Council awards grants to grass roots advocacy groups, government agencies, disability nonprofits and other community organizations.
# # #