DVIDB Awards
Our division offers five award each year.
Please take the time to nominate and honor an amazing colleague. Nominations are due October 31, 2025. Review the descriptions of each award below and nominate using this form: https://forms.gle/H4ACuH1FSzxTkZBg6
DVIDB Distinguished Service Award
The DVIDB Distinguished Service Award is to recognize exemplary leadership and commitment to the field of education and rehabilitation of students with visual impairments and deafblindness.
Exemplary Advocate Award
The DVIDB Exemplary Advocate Award is to recognize exemplary leadership and commitment to the field of education and rehabilitation of students with visual impairments and deafblindness.
Teacher of the Year Award
The DVIDB Teacher of the Year Award honors a person who is exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable and a skilled certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments or Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist in any state approved or accredited day or specialized school, who serves students who are visually impaired, ages birth through 21, with or without additional disabilities.
Virginia M. Sowell Student of the Year Award
The DVIDB Virginia M. Sowell Student of the Year Award recognizes a student who demonstrates a commitment to the education and/or rehabilitation of individuals with visual impairments and deafblindness. The award was named after Dr. Virginia Sowell whose lifetime contributions to the profession impacted the lives of numerous educators and countless children and adults with visual impairments and deafblindness.
Deborah D. Hatton Outstanding Dissertation of the Year Award
The DVIDB Dissertation of the Year Award is to recognize a DVIDB member who makes a significant contribution to the field through extensive study and research in their summative doctoral dissertation.