Nominations are now open for Vision Australia's Making a Difference Awards 2010

12 March 2010

Greg Miller holds a Making a Difference Award.

Hog's Breath Café Marketing Manager, Greg Miller accepted a Making A Difference Award in 2008.

Vision Australia's Making a Difference Awards were first held in 2006 and they now form a key part of Vision Australia's Morning of Celebration events that are held in May.

The awards aim to recognise individuals and/or organisations that go 'the extra mile' in considering the needs of people who are blind or have low vision in local communities

This year there are five categories:

Large Business - more than 100 employees
Small Business - less than 100 employees
Community groups/individuals
Education Establishments
Product

The product recognition category was suggested by members of the blindness community as a way to acknowledge the products that have really made a significant difference in their lives. For example the Apple ipod could be nominated for taking into consideration the needs of people who are blind or have low vision in its design.

There will be a maximum of one Making a Difference Award recipient from each category. Award recipients will be informed prior to the event.

What are the nomination criteria?

Previous Making a Difference Award recipients can only be nominated again after a five year lapse.
No Making a Difference Awards will be given to volunteers or volunteer groups as they are recognised in the volunteer recognition week.
No Making a Difference Awards will be given to fundraising initiatives as they are recognised by Vision Australia's Funding and Development team.
The award recipients must go the extra mile to be eligible for a Making a Difference Award. For example, a local council providing newsletters and publications in alternate formats is something that all councils should be doing so this is not really going above and beyond.

How can you nominate?

Nominations can be made by employees of Vision Australia, Vision Australia volunteers, members of the Client Representative Council, Vision Australia clients, donors and members of the community.
Details about the Making a Difference Awards will be made available through the Vision Australia's website, Vision Australia Radio, online networks and local media.
Only completed nominations will be submitted to the panel for their consideration. Submissions or nominations without all necessary information or completed by hand will not be accepted.
Nominations must be made using the official nomination form. Forms completed by hand or faxed will not be accepted.