2026 Award Winners
2026 eitas Annual Awards Ceremony
Celebrating Our 2026 Honorees
The 2026 eitas Annual Awards Ceremony brought together people supported, families, employees, providers and community partners to celebrate the people who strengthen our community.
Eleven honorees were recognized across nine award categories. Their stories included a new job, original artwork, trusted relationships and years of dedicated support. Each recognition gave us a chance to learn more about the person behind the award and the contributions they make.
Music, dancing and a shared meal also gave everyone time to connect and enjoy the celebration. The photos below capture some of those moments, along with the people we were proud to recognize.
Meet the 2026 Honorees
Kayvon McNight- Personal Achievement Award
Over the past two years, Kayvon has built new skills, formed friendships and grown more confident in his abilities. His hard work helped him reach an important goal: earning competitive employment with AC Hotels by Marriott.
Exceptional Humans, which supports Kayvon, also celebrated his award and the kindness he shares with his friends. This recognition honors the work Kayvon has put into pursuing his goals.
Immanuel Weaver- Creative Expression Award
Immanuel brings his imagination to life through original artwork, cartoons and animation. He shares his creations on Facebook and continues to explore new ideas and techniques at Imagine That.
His award recognizes both his creativity and his dedication to developing his craft. Through the characters and stories he creates, Immanuel gives others a chance to see the worlds he imagines.
Andrew Gabler- Direct Support Professional of the Year
Andrew, with CDD, builds trust by listening to the people he supports and following through on his commitments. He makes room for each person's preferences and supports their right to make choices.
His patience and advocacy help people pursue the lives they want. This award recognizes the care Andrew brings to those relationships every day.
Michelle Rehnberg- Innovation in Service Award
Michelle, with Hope Family Care Center, works to improve access to health care for Jackson County residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She looks for ways to remove barriers and improve how services respond to people's needs.
Her recognition celebrates the ideas and commitment she brings to making health care more accessible for people and their families.
Building on Dreams-Dr. John McGee Spirit of Gentleness Award
Herbie Jones, Mike Caetano and Micheal Vollrath have supported Bob for nearly 20 years through relationships grounded in trust and belonging. They describe him as their brother, and their everyday actions reflect that connection.
They keep his preferences at the center of decisions and advocate alongside him. Their award recognizes how consistent, gentle support can help someone feel safe, valued and included.
Catherine Donnell-Support Coordinator of the Year
Catherine brings her knowledge of special education and individualized education programs, or IEPs, to her work with families and fellow support coordinators. She helps colleagues prepare for meetings and joins them as they advocate for the people they support.
Her willingness to share what she knows makes her a trusted resource. This award recognizes her advocacy and the support she offers beyond her own caseload.
Rosalind Scott-DOT Driver of the Year
Rosalind's connection to eitas transportation began with her brother. His enthusiasm for riding the eitas bus encouraged her to apply to become a driver, a story she shared when she accepted her award.
Today, her own riders look forward to seeing her. Multiple coworkers nominated Rosalind, recognizing her kindness, positive attitude and willingness to help. One rider captured that connection simply: “I want Rosalind to be my driver because when she drives, we have so much fun.”
Howdy Homemade-Inclusive Business Partner of the Year
Howdy Homemade in Lee's Summit creates employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Employees receive support as they learn job skills, take on responsibilities and build confidence in their work.
This recognition celebrates a business that makes inclusion part of its everyday practices and values what each employee contributes.
Wade Fuller- Distinguished Service Award
Wade works behind the scenes to help people keep the services they need. He partners with the Utilization Review Team to keep Partnership for Hope budgets moving so providers can be paid and support can continue.
When funding questions arise, he brings people supported and providers together to find solutions. His award recognizes his follow through and his attention to needs that cannot wait.
Thank You for Celebrating With Us
We are grateful to the many eitas volunteers who gave their time and energy to help make the ceremony possible. Your work helped bring this celebration together and made it a welcoming day for our guests.
Thank you to Cupini's for catering the meal and to our fantastic DJ for bringing the music and energy that made the celebration so much fun. Sharing a meal and getting out on the dance floor gave everyone more time to enjoy being together.
We also extend our thanks to members of the eitas Board of Directors, Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota and Jackson County Legislator Sean E. Smith of the 6th District for joining us. We appreciated the opportunity to celebrate with you and recognize the achievements and contributions of this year’s honorees.
To everyone who attended, thank you for celebrating our honorees and making time for one another. People supported, families, employees, providers and community partners all helped make the day special.
Thank you as well to everyone who submitted a nomination and shared someone's story. To all of our honorees and nominees, congratulations. We are proud to celebrate your achievements and grateful to everyone who joined us.