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Fourth Annual DAC Achievement Award
Fresno, CA September 24, 2012
Each year, the City of Fresno Disability Advisory Commission (DAC) recognizes an individual and an organization that have improved the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in Fresno. This year, the winner of the individual Achievement Award is JIM SANTOS, and the winner of the organization’s Achievement Award is ARC FRESNO.

Mr. Santos has served as Director of Athletics for Special Olympics International in Washington DC, and has directed two Olympic Games. Locally, he is involved with schools, the community and volunteers in many local sporting events especially those related to children with disabilities. He is very active promoting the Universally Accessible Park in Fresno and is working with Resources for Independence Central Valley to raise funds for its development and maintenance. Jim has also served on many boards and committees, including serving as chairman for disabled committee of the Fresno Mayors Council of Fitness, the Sequoia Area 8 Board, and others.

ARC FRESNO has developed one of the largest and most active Aktion clubs in the Country. ARC provides individuals with developmental disabilities an opportunity to be part of a Community Service Leadership Program and part of the larger Kiwanis Service Organization. Since 1953, ARC has provided high quality services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Fresno County. They serve over 550 individuals. Arc is the premier service provider, always responding to the ever changing needs through creative and innovative programming with a highly skilled staff and dedicated board of directors.

“We have amazing individuals and organizations that promote equality and well-being for people with disabilities, and it was difficult to select just one individual and organization. We are so impressed with each nominee’s accomplishments, and while all are deserving of the award, we are pleased to recognize Jim Santos and ARC Fresno,” said Michelle Bronson, chair of DAC and Executive Director of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center. Both recipients were selected at the DAC’s September 11, 2012 meeting and will be honored October 4, 2012 during the City Council meeting as part of the commemoration of October as Disability Awareness Month.