Yarmouth disability commission to create annual impact award honoring longtime advocate Evelyn

The Yarmouth Commission on Disability agreed on Feb. 13 to establish an annual impact award honoring a longtime commission advocate referred to as Evelyn and began drafting a nomination form and selection process.

Commissioners reviewed suggested criteria and examples for the award, including volunteering time, advocacy and education, direct support and caregiving, creating inclusive social spaces, employment and economic empowerment, and improving accessibility in public spaces and services. The commission discussed whether nominations should be open to citizens, businesses, organizations and town employees and whether the nomination form should list example categories or remain broad to avoid excluding valid nominees.

Members debated format and distribution (paper forms available on request and an electronic Google form when the town webperson is available). The commission set a deadline for input on the nomination materials: suggestions are due by March 7 so a revised form can be included in the March 13 meeting packet. Commissioners also discussed using a small subcommittee to screen nominations and present finalists to the full commission so the final selection could be made in public session without requiring an executive session.

Chair Gail Shoret urged concise language and accessibility for nominators; members suggested using the town seal on materials and keeping the nomination form simple and easy to complete. The commission discussed holding an award ceremony at a Select Board meeting once nominations are closed.