From left, Barry Whaley, Michael Morris and Nanette Goodman at the annual conference of NARRTC on April 23
NARRTC, formerly known as the National Association of Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers, selected Michael Morris, senior advisor to the Burton Blatt Institute, as the recipient of the 2023 NARRTC Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of disability through research, teaching, service or advocacy. It is the highest recognition conferred by NARRTC.
Morris received the award at the NARRTC annual conference April 23 in recognition of more than 30 years of efforts to “promote equality of opportunity and economic self-sufficiency for all people with disabilities through research, advocacy, technical assistance, and program development.”
Through his work at the Burton Blatt Institute and the National Disability Institute, he has expanded knowledge and understanding of the financial status and economic challenges encountered by working age adults with disabilities and led the translation of research findings to policy changes such as the Achieving A Better Life Experience Act (ABLE).
A recipient of numerous grants over many years from the National Institute of Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research, he is the author of multiple publications about rethinking public policies to support income production, savings and asset accumulation for people with disabilities. He is currently a member of the research team for the NIDILRR funded Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Inclusive Employment Policy.
“I am honored to be this year’s NARRTC Distinguished Service Award winner and be added to a list of amazing leaders who have been past award winners who have made such important contributions to change what we know about and possibilities for more inclusive, independent and productive lives for people with disabilities,” Morris says.
