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SourceAmerica Announces Finalists for the 2026 Achievement Awards

On December 3, 2025, SourceAmerica®, a recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities, announced the finalists for its prestigious 2026 Achievement Awards. This annual event celebrates individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, especially in alignment with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The Achievement Awards serve as a beacon of hope and recognition for those who have shown exceptional dedication, resilience, and advocacy in transforming the workforce landscape. According to SourceAmerica's president and CEO, Richard Belden, these awards highlight not only individual success stories but also the profound impact disability employment has on innovation, workplace culture, and a more equitable economy. The awards exemplify the values of capability and perseverance, emphasizing the significant contributions of people with disabilities in various sectors.

Award Categories and Finalists

Among the honored finalists, several categories will recognize outstanding achievements in different aspects of disability employment:

1. William M. Usdane Award for Outstanding Achievement and Exceptional Character:
- Derek Point (Melwood, Upper Marlboro, Md.)
- Eugene Lene (Lanakila Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii)
- Tyrrell Best (Eastern Carolina Vocational Center, Inc., Greenville, N.C.)

2. Evelyne Villines Award for Advancement into Management:
- Christopher Lofstedt (The Corporate Source, Garden City, N.Y.)
- Italy Turner (Goodwill Industries of North Georgia, Decatur, Ga.)
- Zane Sanford (VersAbility Resources, Inc., Hampton, Va.)

3. Honor Roll for Veterans Award for Outstanding Achievement:
- Robert Miller Jr. (Phoenix, Huntsville, Ala.)
- Shantrell Mansfield (ServiceSource, Oakton, Va.)
- Valentino Corbett (PRIDE Industries, Fort Rucker, Ala.)

4. Tom Miller Advocacy Award for Outstanding Achievement and Self-Advocacy:
- Irving Middleton (Palmetto Goodwill Services, Charleston, S.C.)
- Leroy Stanford (SOAR365, Richmond, Va.)
- Simeon Fowler (Brevard Achievement Center, Rockledge, Fla.)

Winners across all categories will be disclosed during SourceAmerica's 2026 Xforce Conference, scheduled from May 18-20, 2026, in Grapevine, Texas.

The Significance of the Awards

The Achievement Awards do more than just provide recognition; they underline the critical role that inclusive employment plays in defeating societal stereotypes surrounding disabilities. SourceAmerica’s mission revolves around fostering an environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive professionally through the AbilityOne Program, which is instrumental in securing federal contracts that create job opportunities within the private sector.

Belden emphasizes that the stories of the finalists serve as reminders of the importance of meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities, shaping not only their lives but also contributing to economic growth and innovation across communities in America.

As the nation gears up to honor its finalists, the message is clear: the path to a more inclusive workforce starts with celebrating those who lead by example. For more information on SourceAmerica and the ongoing initiatives surrounding the Achievement Awards, visit SourceAmerica.org and follow their social media channels on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

In conclusion, the 2026 Achievement Awards not only celebrate excellence in the field of disability employment but also forge a pathway towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the economy, irrespective of their abilities.