CEC is proud to recognize children and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated determination and achievement in multiple ways. Presented annually at the CEC Convention & Expo, the Yes I Can Awards honor 12 outstanding students with exceptionalities in six categories: Academics, Arts, School & Community Activities, Self-Advocacy, Technology, and Transition to Adult Life.

Award Categories:

•  The Yes I Can Academic Award recognizes students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated achievement far beyond expectations in areas such as math, science, reading, social studies, language arts, foreign languages, or overall academic performance, including exceptional results on standardized tests. This achievement can be demonstrated through competitions, special projects, or performances.  
•  The Yes I Can Arts Award honors students and youth with exceptionalities who have shown exceptional achievement in the arts, such as music, theater, dance, visual arts, graphic arts, sculpture, written expression, etc. This award may also recognize how the arts have contributed to the student’s social and emotional development or well-being.  
•  The Yes I Can Technology Award acknowledges students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated exceptional achievement through the effective use of technology, including assistive technology, to advance their academic and non-academic skills. This award also recognizes the positive impact of technology on the student’s social and emotional development or well-being.  
•  The Yes I Can Transition to Adult Life Award celebrates post-secondary students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities that have led to successful outcomes in work, vocational training, or independent living.  
•  The Yes I Can School and Community Award honors students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated outstanding achievement or leadership in organized activities at the school or community level. This includes involvement in school-based activities (such as yearbook, theater, debate, tutoring, peer mentoring, social clubs, or service) or community-based activities (such as volunteer work, Boy/Girl Scouts, church/temple participation, service projects, or environmental cleanup campaigns).  
•  The Yes I Can Self-Advocacy Award recognizes students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in taking practical responsibility for themselves. This includes effectively using their knowledge of legal rights, advancing personal goals, and advocating for their own needs—such as securing appropriate accommodations for themselves or others.  

Additional Information

• Nominations are welcome for students displaying ALL ability levels. The committee is interested in experiencing how the student chooses to share their own abilities and successes.
• While consideration is given to achievements, attention is also given to the student’s overcoming of obstacles to reach small and mighty goals.
• Exceptional students often have exceptional support systems. Be mindful to highlight the student’s assets that facilitated their achievement to a greater degree than his/her/their support system. 
• Please be sure to review the Nomination Essay Rubric in the "How to Nominate" section for additional information on how the nominations are scored. 

Tips:

Be creative and engage the student in a way that allows them to shine. This could include a performance video, showcasing their artwork, or another form of self-expression. Try to avoid a traditional interview approach, but if helpful, here are some prompts you can use to guide the student’s reflection:  

•  Tell us about your achievement in the nomination category.  
•  What is your biggest takeaway from pursuing this achievement?  
•  What do you envision for your future related to this achievement?  
•  How have you made a difference for other children and youth with exceptionalities?  

If there are existing videos or supporting materials that highlight the student’s achievements, feel free to use or draw from those. For example, if nominating a student in the Arts category, you could provide images of their work. Video Submission Instructions: All videos should be uploaded to this nomination form OR uploaded to YouTube or another video-sharing service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) and MUST be made public or shared directly within the nomination form. This ensures CEC can distribute the video to the reviewing committee. Resources on Sharing Videos:

•  How to share a video on YouTube  
•  How to share a file/video on Google Drive  
•  How to share a file/video on Dropbox

Please email Gennith Johnson, CEC's Chief Engagement Officer (gjohnson@exceptionalchildren) with any questions. Awardees will be notified in late October 2026.  

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and its Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) are devoted to promoting quality transition education services and programs for all students with disabilities. CEC and DCDT maintain the fields’ leading standards and competencies for preparing and credentialing professionals working in the transition field. CEC and DCDT have partnered together to offer the National Certification in Transition Services, currently offered to individuals who have successfully completed a DCDT approved transition specialist preparation program (scroll down to see a list of approved programs).  All certifications are valid for five (5) years. 

*CEC and DCDT are currently partnering to develop an alternate certification process for professionals who did not complete a preparation program at a DCDT Approved institution. Please sign up HERE to receive updates on this process.  

Provisional Certification (Initial)
  For applicants who have recently completed a DCDT approved transition preparation program and/or do not currently hold a certification. 

Professional Certification
    Requires a Provisional Certification and a minimum of three years of experience providing transition services. 

Application Fees:

• Provisional (Initial Application) DCDT Members: $100; Non-Members $175
• Provisional Renewal*  DCDT Members $125; Non-Members $200 
• Professional (Initial and Renewal) DCDT Members $125; Non-Members $200 

*Provisional may only be renewed twice.

 

CEC Accreditation Program Review follows these steps:

1. Submit the CEC Accreditation Eligibility Application and pay the eligibility application fee.

2. Once approved, the appropriate program review shell will be opened and your program will have three years to submit the program review report.

3. Submit the program review report and pay the program review fee.

4. For programs achieving accreditation, an annual report shell for each year will be opened to your program. This report is due. If your program achieves Provisional Accreditation, on year 2 this shell will open.

5. Submit the annual report or provisions report and pay the annual program fee through year 7 from accreditation date.

The CEC Special Education Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a CEC member who has made continued, sustained, and impactful contributions to the field of special education and fostered positive outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

Eligibility

The CEC Special Education Lifetime Achievement Award recipient must: 

1. Be a current CEC member at the time of nomination and granting of the award
2. Demonstrate CEC’s core values:

• Visionary Thinking: Demonstrated by forward-thinking and courageous decision-making dedicated to excellence and influence in an evolving environment.
• Integrity: Demonstrated by ethical, responsive behavior; transparency; and accountability.
• Inclusiveness: Demonstrated by a commitment to diversity, caring, and respect for the dignity and worth of all individuals.

In addition, nominees must have made continued, sustained and impactful contributions in any, or up to all, of the following areas:

• Strong emphasis on leadership competencies that have a positive impact on the education system
• Effective personnel preparation and/or retention or workforce diversification
• DEIA initiatives (related to practice/instruction, professional development, etc.)
• Development of effective programs or services (e.g., identification, assessment, instruction)
• Bridging research and practice
• Professional development and/or publications
• Implementation of improved teaching techniques
• Improved evaluation procedures
• Improved administrative procedures

Recognition and Benefits

The award recipient will be:

• Provided with complimentary registration to attend the CEC Convention & Expo
• Recognized, and receive a commemorative plaque, at an Awards Luncheon
• Given a $500 cash honorarium; and
• Featured in a press release on the CEC website (https://exceptionalchildren.org)

How to Nominate

Nomination Materials

• A letter/statement of support from the nominator
• Three (3) additional letters/statements of support, not including the nominator's, from a colleague, supervisor, or other professional
• The nominee's Vita/Resume

Nomination Process

• All application materials must be submitted together to CEC Headquarters by September 30, 2026.
• Alternatively, responses can be emailed to Stephen Alleyne at salleyne@exceptionalchildren.org.
• Please use file name(s) to clearly indicate reference to the nominee and award. (e.g., “Smith_Lifetime_Award.docx” or “Smith_Lifetime_Nomination.docx”).
• All materials become the property of CEC and will not be returned.

The Outstanding CEC Leadership Award honors a CEC member who has provided exemplary leadership to the organization at the unit, division and/or national/international levels over an extended period. The nominee’s achievements and contributions have resulted in advancing CEC’s leadership in the field and the Council’s work to improve positive outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

Eligibility

The Outstanding CEC Leadership Award recipient must:

1. Be a current CEC member at the time of nomination and granting of the award;
2. Demonstrate CEC’s core values:

• Visionary Thinking: Demonstrated by forward-thinking and courageous decision-making dedicated to excellence and influence in an evolving environment.
• Integrity: Demonstrated by ethical, responsive behavior; transparency; and accountability.
• Inclusiveness: Demonstrated by a commitment to diversity, caring, and respect for the dignity and worth of all individuals.

In addition, nominees must have provided exemplary leadership within CEC in various areas, including:

• Governance
• Unit and/or division leadership
• Committee/workgroup leadership
• Member engagement
• DEIA initiatives (related to practice, professional development, or membership)
• Professional development/training
• Policy and advocacy
• Professional standards and/or accreditation

Recognition and Benefits

The award recipient will be:

• Provided with complimentary registration to attend the CEC Convention & Expo
• Recognized, and receive a commemorative plaque, at an Awards Luncheon
• Given a $500 cash honorarium; and
• Featured in a press release on the CEC website (https://exceptionalchildren.org)

How to Nominate

Nomination Materials

• A letter/statement of support from the nominator
• Three (3) additional letters/statements of support, not including the nominator's, from a colleague, supervisor, or other professional
• The nominee's Vita/Resume

Nomination Process

• All application materials must be submitted together to CEC Headquarters by September 30, 2026.
• Alternatively, responses can be emailed to Stephen Alleyne at salleyne@exceptionalchildren.org.
• Please use file name(s) to clearly indicate reference to the nominee and award. (e.g., “Smith_Lifetime_Award.docx” or “Smith_Lifetime_Nomination.docx”).
• All materials become the property of CEC and will not be returned.

The CEC Special Education Research Award recognizes a CEC member or group* whose research has had a direct impact on practice, programs, or policy needs and has improved positive outcomes for children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

Eligibility

The Special Education Research Award recipient(s) must: 

• Be a CEC member at the time of nomination and granting of the award (*at least one of the lead researchers must be)
• The research of the nominee must be directed at improving the success of children and youth with exceptionalities

Recognition and Benefits

The award recipient will be:

• Provided with complimentary registration to attend the CEC Convention & Expo
• Recognized, and receive a commemorative plaque, at an Awards Luncheon
• Given a $500 cash honorarium; and
• Featured in a press release on the CEC website (https://exceptionalchildren.org)

How to Nominate

Nomination Materials

• A letter/statement of support from the nominator
• At least two (2), and up to four (4), additional letters/statements of support, not including the nominator's, addressing the specific research program of the nominee(s)
• At least one (1), up to two (2),  published article(s) related to the research project
• The nominee's Vita/Resume

Nomination Process

• All application materials must be submitted together to CEC Headquarters by September 30, 2026.
• Alternatively, responses can be emailed to Stephen Alleyne at salleyne@exceptionalchildren.org.
• Please use file name(s) to clearly indicate reference to the nominee and award. (e.g., “Smith_Lifetime_Award.docx” or “Smith_Lifetime_Nomination.docx”).
• All materials become the property of CEC and will not be returned.

The CEC Outstanding Student Chapter Advisor Award honors a college/university CEC Student Chapter Advisor who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to engaging students in their CEC Chapter and guiding their educational, personal, and professional development in the field of special education.

This award originally was initiated in 1982 to honor Dr. Susan Phillips Gorin and her contributions as coordinator of CEC student activities from 1975-1982.

Eligibility

The CEC Outstanding Student Chapter Advisor Award recipient must: 

1. Be a current CEC member at the time of nomination and granting of the award;
2. Demonstrate CEC’s core values:

• Visionary Thinking: Demonstrated by forward-thinking and courageous decision-making dedicated to excellence and influence in an evolving environment.
• Integrity: Demonstrated by ethical, responsive behavior; transparency; and accountability.
• Inclusiveness: Demonstrated by a commitment to diversity, caring, and respect for the dignity and worth of all individuals.

       3. Support CEC Student Chapter Members by:

• Providing mentoring, and peer mentoring opportunities by chapter members, to recruit, retain, and support special education teacher candidates;
• Designing and implementing service activities (e.g., tutoring, social engagement opportunities for students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents, after school programs, etc.);
• Providing networking opportunities to enhance employment opportunities for special education teacher candidates;
• Implementing culturally responsive/sustaining practices in recruiting diverse individuals as chapter members;
• Conducting fundraisers to support students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents (e.g., supplies/programs for teachers; special activities/programs for students, etc.); and/or
• Engaging in recruitment initiatives to encourage high school and other college/university students to consider becoming a special educator.

Recognition and Benefits

The award recipient will be:

• Provided with complimentary registration to attend the CEC Convention & Expo
• Recognized, and receive a commemorative plaque, at an Awards Luncheon
• Given a $500 cash honorarium; and
• Featured in a press release on the CEC website (https://exceptionalchildren.org)

How to Nominate

Nomination Materials

• A Letter/Statement of Support from the nominator
• Letter of Support from a colleague, supervisor, or other professional (not the nominator) familiar with the nominee’s work addressing their efforts in meeting the award criteria, and the outcomes/impact
• Letter of Support from a current or recent former student (within the past three years) addressing the nominee’s efforts in meeting the award criteria, and the outcomes/impact

Nomination Process

• All application materials must be submitted together to CEC Headquarters by September 30, 2026.
• Alternatively, responses can be emailed to Stephen Alleyne at salleyne@exceptionalchildren.org.
• Please use file name(s) to clearly indicate reference to the nominee and award. (e.g., “Smith_Lifetime_Award.docx” or “Smith_Lifetime_Nomination.docx”).
• All materials become the property of CEC and will not be returned.

The CEC Special Educator Rising Star Award honors CEC members in the first five years of their special education career. Recipients are birth through grade 12 teachers or specialized instructional support personnel who currently provide instruction to students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

Eligibility

CEC Special Educator Rising Star Award recipients must:

1. Be a current CEC member at the time of nomination and granting of the award
2. Demonstrate CEC’s core values:

• Visionary Thinking: Demonstrated by forward-thinking and courageous decision-making dedicated to excellence and influence in an evolving environment.
• Integrity: Demonstrated by ethical, responsive behavior; transparency; and accountability.
• Inclusiveness: Demonstrated by a commitment to diversity, caring, and respect for the dignity and worth of all individuals.

      3. In addition, nominees must demonstrate the ability to:

• Thoughtfully engage students, families and other stakeholders through effective communication and collaboration
• Create an engaging, inclusive learning classroom environment and have a positive impact on students (inspiring learning, building relationships, teaching self-determined behaviors, etc.)
• Make notable contributions to the students, classrooms or other settings, department, and/or school(s) they serve
• Show exceptional potential for leadership in teaching, service, and/or scholarship

Recognition and Benefits

Award recipients will be:

• Provided with complimentary registration to attend the CEC Convention & Expo
• Recognized, and receive a commemorative plaque, at an Awards Luncheon
• Given a $500 cash honorarium; and
• Featured in a press release on the CEC website (https://exceptionalchildren.org)

How to Nominate

Nomination Materials

• A letter/statement of support from the nominator
• One (1) additional letter/statement of support, not including the nominator's, from a colleague, supervisor, or other professional
• The nominee's Vita/Resume

Nomination Process

• All application materials must be submitted together to CEC Headquarters by September 30, 2026.
• Alternatively, responses can be emailed to Stephen Alleyne at salleyne@exceptionalchildren.org.
• Please use file name(s) to clearly indicate reference to the nominee and award. (e.g., “Smith_Lifetime_Award.docx” or “Smith_Lifetime_Nomination.docx”).
• All materials become the property of CEC and will not be returned.

CEC recognizes the essential role that paraeducators play in providing key support to teachers, aiding in student learning, and helping classrooms to be more inclusive. The CEC Outstanding Paraeducator Award honors CEC paraeducator members who are currently involved in direct or related services to students with disabilities and provide exemplary service to students and special educators.

Eligibility

The Outstanding CEC Leadership Award recipient must:

1. Be a current CEC member at the time of nomination and granting of the award;
2. Demonstrate CEC’s core values:

• Visionary Thinking: Demonstrated by forward-thinking and courageous decision-making dedicated to excellence and influence in an evolving environment.
• Integrity: Demonstrated by ethical, responsive behavior; transparency; and accountability.
• Inclusiveness: Demonstrated by a commitment to diversity, caring, and respect for the dignity and worth of all individuals.

In addition, awardees will be selected based on standards identified by the National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals Model. This includes assisting teachers with: 

• Building and maintaining effective instructional teams
• Maintaining learner-centered supportive environments
• Planning and organizing learning experiences
• Engaging students in learning and instruction
• Assessing learner needs, progress, and achievement
• Meeting standards of professional and ethical conduct

Recognition and Benefits

The award recipient will be:

• Provided with complimentary registration to attend the CEC Convention & Expo
• Recognized, and receive a commemorative plaque, at an Awards Luncheon
• Given a $500 cash honorarium; and
• Featured in a press release on the CEC website (https://exceptionalchildren.org)

How to Nominate

Nomination Materials

• A letter/statement of support from the nominator
• One (1) additional letters/statements of support, not including the nominator's, from a colleague, supervisor, or other professional
• The nominee's Vita/Resume

Nomination Process

• All application materials must be submitted together to CEC Headquarters by September 30, 2026.
• Alternatively, responses can be emailed to Stephen Alleyne at salleyne@exceptionalchildren.org.
• Please use file name(s) to clearly indicate reference to the nominee and award. (e.g., “Smith_Lifetime_Award.docx” or “Smith_Lifetime_Nomination.docx”).
• All materials become the property of CEC and will not be returned.

Overview

The Council for Exceptional Children’s Racial Justice Grant encourages and supports work focused on addressing the issues related to the ongoing racial disparities in educational experiences, opportunities, and outcomes for individuals with disabilities from minoritized racial groups. Grants up to $1,000 are awarded to CEC members for initiatives engaging practitioners, children/youth, families, or other stakeholders in support of students with disabilities from minoritized racial groups Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Developing Professional Learning Communities related to intersections of race and disability in direct support of students with disabilities 
• Professional development or mentoring programs centered on retention of diverse P-12 educators 
• Culturally responsive interventions directly serving students with disabilities from minoritized racial groups.
• Advocacy and community-based initiatives serving students with disabilities from minoritized racial groups

Awardees may be invited to present outcomes of the activity at a CEC conference or professional development event.

Proposals must meet the following requirements to be considered:

• The applicants(s) must be individual members of CEC at the time of application and not organizations, community groups, schools, CEC Divisions, Units, Chapters, etc.) 
• A Racial Justice Grant award cannot have been awarded to the applicant(s) in the past three years;
• Award recipients must submit a post-activity report of the project within three months of the completion of the project (format at recipient’s discretion);
• Funding may be used to purchase non-consumable supplies/materials, speaker honorariums, or other event costs; 
• Funds may not be used for travel, planner stipends, research participation fees, or food;
• No indirect costs may be taken by the host institution;
• Priority will be given to projects that have other partners aligned to support the work (school/community groups, Divisions/Units, partner organizations, etc.).

Review Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed and ranked using the following criteria. It is the responsibility of the individual submitting to ensure these elements are included in the proposal.

• Impact of the activity (number of individuals affected);
• Relevance of content/goals addressed;
• Appropriateness of the budget;
• Feasibility of completing the project within the timeline provided (12 month maximum). 

The Council for Exceptional Children is committed to upholding the vision of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to support all of our members, volunteers, and staff as well as the infants, toddlers, and students with exceptionalities and their families we serve, especially those differentially impacted by systemic racism. In this spirit, we invite CEC members of racially/ethnically diverse to apply for the Diversity Leadership Academy.

Overview:

The Diversity Leadership Academy is a substantive professional development program established for special education professionals who share a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field of special education. 

Program Purpose: 

● To support racial/ethnic minorities that have been historically under-represented in the professions of special education;

● To provide focused educational programming and activities to build and enhance leadership skills;

● To provide an opportunity for program participants to interact with mentors in the professions of special education.

Submission Deadline is Monday, June 1, 2026 @ 5pm EST

You can review the submission guide for Single Presenters on the CEC website. You can save your submission and return to it later by using the "Save Draft" button at the bottom of the form. You'll need to log in to your Submittable account again to view your saved drafts.

 Be sure to hit the "Submit" button before June 1 @ 5pm EST!

Submission Deadline is Monday, June 1, 2026 @ 5pm ET

You can review the submission guide for Group Presenters on the CEC website. You can save your submission and return to it later by using the "Save Draft" button at the bottom of the form. You'll need to log in to your Submittable account again to view your saved drafts.

 Be sure to hit the "Submit" button no later than June 1 @ 5pm ET.