Pathfinder seeks nominations for LaMont Award

Pathfinder is now accepting nominations for the 2026 LaMont Award, an annual recognition honoring individuals or organizations who go above and beyond to create opportunities and advance inclusion for people with disabilities.

The award is presented in honor of Herbert D. and Kay LaMont, early champions of disability advocacy and longtime supporters of Pathfinder. Their legacy reflects a simple but powerful idea: communities are stronger when everyone has the opportunity to communicate, work and live as part of the community.

Each year, the LaMont Award recognizes individuals or organizations who carry that legacy forward by breaking down barriers and helping ensure people with disabilities have real opportunities to thrive.

New this year, nominations are open across all communities served by Pathfinder, expanding the award beyond its traditional focus on Huntington County. These communities include the following Indiana counties: Allen, Huntington, Kosciusko, Marshall, Starke, Wabash and Whitley.

“Advocacy and inclusion work is happening in communities throughout our service area,” said Christina West, director of executive operations at Pathfinder. “By opening nominations across all the communities we serve, we’re able to recognize more individuals and organizations who are helping create opportunities and build more inclusive communities.”

Pathfinder is seeking nominations for individuals, businesses, organizations or community leaders who consistently champion inclusion and help create meaningful opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

Nominees should demonstrate significant contributions toward helping people with disabilities reach their full potential through community integration, employment, advocacy or public education about the capabilities of people with disabilities. Nominations should include clear examples of the individual or organization’s efforts and the impact of their work.

Current employees of Pathfinder are not eligible to receive the award.

“Many of the people doing this work don’t seek recognition,” West said. “The LaMont Award gives us a chance to celebrate the individuals and organizations who are quietly making their communities more welcoming and inclusive for people with disabilities.”

To learn more about the award or to submit a nomination, visit here. Nominations for the 2026 LaMont Award are open through April 3, 2026.