David P. Beaver Disability Advocacy Award

Dr. David Beaver was an adapted physical education specialist and coordinator of the graduate in-depth study area in adapted physical education in the department of Kinesiology at WIU. He served WIU from 1976 – 2001. Working in physical education for more than 40 years, Beaver made significant contributions in the areas of physical education, sport and recreation involving persons with disabilities. He was an active member and contributor to the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education Recreation and Dance; the Illinois Coalition of School Professionals and University Programs in Adapted Physical Education; and the Adapted Physical Activity Council. Beaver established the first Achieving a Balance in Adapted Physical Education Conference in 1992. The conference was held annually on the WIU campus until 1998. He was also instrumental in forming the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes in 1976 and was elected to key positions in the International Blind Sport Association. This award was established by Kinesiology faculty and his peers, who wished to honor his passion of adapted physical education.

CRITERIA:
 Must be either:
o Presenting at SHAPE America, IAPHERD, NCPEID, NAFAPA, IFAPA or
o Attending one of the above conferences or
o Employed or interning in a position at camps or sports organizations for persons with disabilities
 Current, full-time undergraduate or graduate student majoring within an area of the Kinesiology department.
 In good standing within the department
 Must respond to an essay question on how the experience of attending one of the afore mentioned experiences will support their professional goals
 Preference given to those pursuing advocacy with the disabled.