December 11, 2003               

Two Women Honored For Their Work Supporting Families with Children with Special Needs

 Parent to Parent of Vermont has announced the recipients of the Partners In Care Award, honoring two individuals who exemplify the practice of family centered care and provide invaluable support to families with children with special needs in Vermont. This year’s winners are Connie Curtin, Founder and Executive Director of the Vermont Parent Information Center in Burlington, and Phyl Macomber, a Speech-Language Pathologist in Windsor County.  The women received their award before 300 parents and professionals attending the Partners In Care Conference held in Burlington in December, which is annually co-sponsored by Parent to Parent and the Vermont Department of Health, Children with Special Health Needs.  In presenting the award, Parent to Parent’s President of the Board of Directors, Dr. Patricia Prelock described how each of the honorees epitomizes the philosophy that families possess a wide range of strengths and aspirations beyond their need for specialized services for their child.  “Both of this year’s recipients are the definition of family-centered care,” affirmed Dr. Prelock.

A parent who nominated Ms. Macomber wrote that she has never worked with a professional like Phyl.  “She consistently respects the family by recognizing their values, beliefs, rituals, dreams, concerns, emotions, wants and needs.  She encourages professionals to appreciate the strength and knowledge that families possess.”

On learning of Connie Curtin’s award, Senator James Jeffords said, “Connie Curtin’s advocacy stretches from her house to the White House.  Over the years, I have deeply appreciated Connie’s input on legislation pertaining to children and adults with disabilities.  I commend Parent to Parent for recognizing Connie with the 2003 Partners In Care Award.”  (Senator James Jeffords was himself an award recipient in 2000.)

Nancy DiVenere, Executive Director of Parent to Parent, described the thrill of reviewing nominations for this annual award and emphasized the honor in presenting the Partners In Care Award to individuals who display a commitment to the communities in which they live and work.  “In countless ways, both Connie and Phyl have demonstrated leadership qualities to be admired by their families, colleagues, students, and other education professionals.”