Community Awards on the Capitol Lawn

Join the community for an awards event on the Capitol lawn. To start the day, there will be a one-hour program featuring remarks from community and government leaders and a celebration of incredible achievements through awards. This event also offers a chance to connect with state agencies and learn about programs and services available to deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals. Attendees will also enjoy an accessible tour of the Capitol.

Where

Minnesota State Capitol, Front Lawn

When

Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Accommodations

Sign language interpreters and CART provided. For additional accommodations, please email jessalyn.akerman-frank@state.mn.us by Friday, May 8, 2026.

Registration

Please let us know if you plan to attend so we have an accurate head count. Community Awards on the Capitol Lawn Registration

List of awards

Here is the list of awards. The deadline to submit your nominations is April 17, 2026.

Youth Award

The Youth Award is awarded to youth who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing who have demonstrated strong leadership skills.

Citizen Advocate Award

The Citizen Advocate Award is awarded to individuals who have done exemplary work in advocating for and with deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing Minnesotans.

Civic Engagement Award

The Civic Engagement Award is awarded to a person or an organization that has worked to increase the civic engagement of deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing Minnesotans.

Education Excellence Award

The Education Excellence Award is awarded to individuals who work in an education setting with deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing students.

Access Award

The Access Award is awarded to those who have done notable work in increasing the accessibility of services for and with deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing Minnesotans. Examples of accessibility support include captioning, interpreting, public access, or accessible technology.

Humanitarian Award

The Humanitarian Award recognizes the work of a deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing person or organization in our community who are devoted to the welfare of humanity.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded to those who have done distinctive work for and with deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing Minnesotans that spans 20+ years of contributions.