Two southeast Iowa residents, both originally from Sigourney, were honored with awards at the annual Make Your Mark! Self Advocacy Conference hosted by the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council.

Hugh Kelly of Sigourney was presented with the Mia Peterson Self-Advocacy Award, given annually to an individual who “works to advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities.” Kelly, a previous member of the Developmental Disabilities Council, is the co-founder of Allies in Advocacy, a nonprofit organization with the mission of helping disabled Iowans to be mobile, active, and self-sustaining.

Judy Warth of Iowa City was presented with the Rik Shannon Disability Champion Award. This award is given annually to an individual who has “devoted their careers to creating a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities by raising awareness, implementing positive changes, and advocating for equal opportunities.” Warth’s career of over 30 years includes work with the Iowa City Community School District, providing job coach training workshops, participation in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program at the University of Iowa, and co-hosting the Disability Exchange podcast.

The duo who share a hometown accepted their awards at the conference in Des Moines.