AVRT Awards
At AVRT, we are proud to recognize exceptional professionals who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and service in the field of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. Through our annual awards, we honor those whose contributions go beyond expectations and make a lasting impact on the profession.
The Charlyn Allen Award
Charlyn Allen worked in the field of rehabilitation teaching for the state of Missouri for approximately 35 years. The last 10 years she was supervisor for the Missouri Bureau for the Blind. Mrs. Allen was president of the Mid-American Conference of Rehabilitation Teachers (MACRT), then MCHT, in the late 1950s, and currently AVRT, and then assumed a leadership role in all of MACRT’s conferences as well as other groups relative to rehabilitation teaching of persons with visual impairment.
Purpose:
MACRT named this award in honor of Charlyn Allen, a remarkable woman who happened to be blind, who exemplified dedication and service to the rehabilitation of persons who are blind. This award is presented annually at our Professional Development Conference awards luncheon.
Criteria:
- A nominee shall be an ACVREP-certified vision rehabilitation therapist.
- A nominee should demonstrate outstanding professionalism and service to the field.
- A nominee shall be a member of AVRT.
Nominating Procedures:
*All nominations should include a letter of nomination outlining biographical information, and a summary of the individual’s education and training, employment, leadership qualities, contributions and achievements.
*Any professional colleague of the individual should submit the nomination.
*If possible, a copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae or resume should be included.
*The Awards Committee shall select the award recipient based on nominations provided.
To submit your nomination materials, email John McMahon, Awards Chairman at jspirit211@outlook.com. For more information, contact John by email. All nominations are due by May 31, 2026.
Download the Charlyn Allen Award Document
The Alice Raftary Emerging Leader Award
Recognizing the Next Generation of Vision Rehabilitation Leaders
This award was named in honor of Alice Raftary in recognition of her continuous mentoring and support of new professionals to the VRT profession, and her years of dedicated work both within the field and the organization. Alice was a true legend, a wonderful mentor and an inspiration to many professionals. Her story can be found in the APH Hall of Fame Legends and Leaders.
Purpose:
The award shall be presented to an individual who demonstrates potential for exceptional leadership and is expected to provide a unique and lasting contribution to the field of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy.
Criteria:
*A nominee shall be an ACREVP-certified vision rehabilitation therapist.
* A nominee should have no more than three years of direct professional VRT service.
*A nominee should demonstrate outstanding professionalism and service to the field.
Nominating Procedures:
*All letters of nomination should include biographical information, and a summary of the individual’s education and training, employment, leadership qualities, contributions, and achievements.
*A supervisor or professional mentor should submit the nomination.
*If possible, a copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae or resume should be included.
*The Awards Committee shall select the award recipient based on nominations provided.
Nomination materials for the Alice Raftary award should be sent via email to John McMahon, Awards Committee Chair, at jspirit211@outlook.com no later than May 31, 2026.
The Lenore Dillon Leadership Award
Honoring Outstanding Leadership in Vision Rehabilitation
Lenore Dillon was a dynamic force in the field of the rehabilitation of the blind. Her influence extended not only to peers and colleagues in Indiana and Alabama, but to persons around the world. Her passion for the field of vision rehabilitation therapy could be seen in every interaction. She mentored, encouraged and challenged others, and did so with enthusiasm and exuberance.
Lenore was a member of AVRT and served on the Board for many years. She was a leader in promoting the field of vision rehabilitation therapy.
Purpose:
AVRT has created this award in Lenore’s honor to recognize outstanding leadership in our field. This leadership can be in an international, national or regional role.
Criteria:
The individual:
- Is current member in good standing (or if retired, past member) of AVRT.
- Demonstrates exceptional leadership in an international, national or regional role.
- Displays a high degree of enthusiasm and passion for the profession of vision rehabilitation therapy.
- Exhibits a commitment to promoting professionalism in support of continuing education, certification and mentorship.
- Awards may be presented up to two years after a nominee’s death.
Nominating Procedures:
*All nominations should include a letter of nomination outlining biographical information, and a summary of the individual’s education and training, employment, leadership qualities, contributions and achievements.
*Any professional colleague of the individual may submit the nomination.
*If possible, a copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae or resume should be included.
The Awards Committee shall select the award recipient based on nominations provided.
To submit your nomination materials, email John McMahon, Awards Chairman at jspirit211@outlook.com. For more information or to submit nominations, contact John McMahon.
All nominations are due by May 31, 2026.
Download the Lenore Dillon Award Document
The Outstanding Service Award in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy
Recognizing Extraordinary Service and Dedication
The Outstanding Service Award is presented by the AVRT Board of Directors to a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, leadership, and service to the field. This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond the expectations of their role, making significant contributions to the advancement of the profession, AVRT’s mission, and the empowerment of individuals with blindness or low vision.
Award Criteria:
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Nominees must be current or former Vision Rehabilitation Therapists.
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Nominees must be a current AVRT member in good standing (or past member if retired).
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The award recognizes contributions in service to AVRT, advancing the VRT profession, and exceptional service to clients.
Nomination Process:
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The nomination must include details about the nominee’s service to AVRT, advancement of the VRT profession, and exceptional service to clients.
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Nominees are submitted directly by the AVRT Board of Directors.
