The city of Pelham and State Rep. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, recently received awards from the Alabama Association of Rehabilitation Facilities for their work with Easter Seals of the Birmingham Area.

The awards were presented at the annual AARF conference held at the Montgomery Conference Center.

Rehabilitation facilities from across the state were asked to submit nominations for individuals and organizations that have made an impact in the lives of children and adults with disabilities in the following categories: Outstanding Rehabilitation Professional, Achievement Award, Rehabilitation Partnership Award, Business Award, Community Service Award, Organization Award and Legislative Award.

Augmentation Inc. was also awarded for its contributions to Easter Seals, located in Pelham.

“It’s because of community partners like Pelham, Representative Ward and Augmentation Inc. that we are able to continue and expand services to adults and children with disabilities,” said Kelli Keith, director of development for Easter Seals of the Birmingham Area. “And we want to make sure they are recognized for all their dedication to our programs.”

The city of Pelham was awarded with the Community Service Award for its partnership with Easter Seals on creating the Opportunity League, a special needs baseball league for children with disabilities. This award is presented to an individual or organization making a significant contribution to people with disabilities through fundraising, physical plant improvement, program development, public relation activities, media relations, donations or in-kind contributions.

Ward was presented the Legislative Award for his continuing efforts in improving the treatment of autism and working with Easter Seals of the Birmingham Area to raise awareness about services offered to those in need. This award is presented to an elected official recognizing their outstanding efforts and work resulting in positive outcomes significantly impacting the quality of life for persons with disabilities. These officials may be national, state or local office holders whose efforts have brought significant and lasting change on behalf of persons with disabilities.

Augmentation Inc, was presented with the Business Award for their efforts in assisting Easter Seals of the Birmingham Area with placing adults with disabilities back into the working community. This award is presented to a business demonstrating exemplary hiring practices and personnel development with regard to individuals with disabilities.

Easter Seals of the Birmingham Area is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving children and adults with disabilities in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, St. Clair and Walker counties for more than 40 years. For more information about Easter Seals, visit Eastersealsbham.org.