DDAWNY is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2026 DD Day Awards, honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership, compassion, advocacy, and service continue to strengthen opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the WNY and Finger Lakes region.
The awards will be presented during the DD Day Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 12:15 PM to 1:30 PM at the Conference Center Niagara Falls as part of the annual DD Day Conference.
This year’s honorees reflect the very best of our field and community through their dedication to inclusion, advocacy, innovation, and person-centered support.
Personal Achievement Award — Courtney Helmich
Courtney Helmich has continually demonstrated resilience, advocacy, and creative leadership through her work as a self-advocate and author. A graduate of Pioneer High School and Genesee Community College, Courtney has written more than twenty books under the pen name “Annie Lynne.” Her work explores disability experience, identity, and self-expression while encouraging others to pursue lives defined by possibility rather than limitation.
Courtney also remains actively involved in self-advocacy initiatives and presentations focused on person-centered planning, empowerment, and independence.
Service Provider Award — Kyle Rook
As Athletics Coordinator at The Arc Allegany-Steuben, Kyle Rook has transformed and expanded Special Olympics programming across Allegany and Steuben Counties. Through his leadership, athletic opportunities and participation have grown significantly, including the addition of practices and programming in underserved areas.
Kyle also organized a successful fundraiser that helped provide new uniforms, equipment, and future athletic improvements for participants. His commitment to inclusion and teamwork continues to positively impact athletes and families throughout the region.
Family/Caregiver/Advocate Award — Erik Elsaesser
Erik Elsaesser is being recognized for his extraordinary dedication, compassion, and reliability in supporting Paul Porter III through his work with Aspire WNY. Erik consistently goes above and beyond to ensure continuity of care and meaningful community inclusion.
His support allows Paul to remain actively engaged in appointments, recreation, travel, and community life. Erik’s willingness to include Paul in activities with his own family and friends reflects the compassion and respect that define his advocacy and caregiving.
Community Partner Award — West Herr Automotive Group
For more than 75 years, West Herr Automotive Group has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to giving back throughout the region. Through its West Herr Cares initiative, the organization supports efforts focused on accessibility, transportation, food security, healthcare, and community inclusion.
Among its many contributions, West Herr has donated accessible and transit vehicles to community organizations and supported long-term accessibility initiatives benefiting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the region.
Lifetime Achievement Award — Doug Digesare
For nearly four decades, Doug Digesare has served as a transformative leader and advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Since becoming CEO of The Arc Erie County New York in 2018, Doug has overseen significant organizational growth and modernization while advancing innovative projects such as Black Water Acres, a sensory-informed inclusive farm opening later this year.
Widely respected throughout the human services field, Doug’s leadership, vision, and person-centered values have helped shape services and supports across the WNY and Finger Lakes region for generations.
DDAWNY extends sincere congratulations to each of this year’s award recipients. Their dedication and leadership continue to strengthen our community and advance inclusion, opportunity, and dignity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the WNY and Finger Lakes region.