Spotlight Awards – General Information and Nomination Guidelines

General Information

The term developmental disability, as used in Spotlight Award category descriptions, is defined as a substantially handicapping condition beginning before age 18 that is expected to be life-long and is attributed to an intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or a condition similar to an intellectual disability.

Guidelines for ALL the Awards Categories

  • Complete one nomination form for each individual you wish to nominate in a particular award category.
  • Nomination forms must be completed in full to be considered.
  • Nominations are evaluated based on the nominee’s achievements and contributions, not on the number of nominations received.
  • A candidate may not nominate himself/herself or his/her organization.
  • Recipients can receive an award in only one category.
  • Nominations for individuals or organizations who have received a Spotlight Award in the past five years will not be considered.

Nominations

You may nominate an individual or an organization for a Spotlight Award. To submit your nomination:

1. Complete the nomination form online or download a nomination form and submit it as described in section 4 below.

2. Make sure you indicate the relevant award category for your nomination.

3. You will need to provide a description of the nominee’s achievements. This description should address the selection guidelines and eligibility criteria as detailed in this guide. If you are not completing and submitting the nomination form online, you may either:

  • Use the space provided below to complete your nomination, or
  • Complete your nomination on a separate page and attach it to the nomination form below.

4. Submit completed nomination forms in any of the following ways:

  • Online
  • Mail
    Attention: Executive Office
    Regional Center of Orange County
    P.O. Box 22010
    Santa Ana, CA 92702-2010
  • Hand-delivery
    Attention: Executive Office
    Regional Center of Orange County
    1525 N. Tustin Avenue
    Santa Ana, CA 92705
  • Fax
    Attention: Executive Office
    (714) 547-4365
  • Email
    spotlightawards@nullrcocdd.com

Individuals receiving services from RCOC who would like assistance completing a nomination form should contact their RCOC Service Coordinator.

Confirmation of Receipt of Nomination

Nominators will receive a confirmation notice within five business days of receipt of the nomination form.

If you do not receive a confirmation notice after five business days, please contact spotlightawards@nullrcocdd.com.

Awards Ceremony

The award recipient from each category will be invited to the Spotlight Award ceremony at no cost.

The recipient may also invite one guest, and a caregiver or support person, if required, to the awards ceremony at no cost.

Award recipients will be presented with their award at the ceremony to be held in the Spring of each year and the awards will be publicized.