is presented to one exemplary special education student from each of Ohio’s sixteen State Support Team regions. This award was established thirty-four years ago by the Ohio Department of Education.

Named in honor of the late Dr. Raymond A. Horn, Assistant Superintendent of Public Instruction Emeritus, this prestigious award recognizes students’ remarkable performance. Acknowledged as a national leader in the field of special education, Dr. Horn devoted more than 60 years of service to improving the quality of life and learning for students with disabilities. Dr. Horn left behind a legacy and a challenge to all of us to ensure that every student with a disability be given the respect and the opportunities to which they are entitled.

is presented to one educator or team from each of Ohio’s sixteen State Support Team regions, who have made extraordinary contributions to the education of students with disabilities.

Named in honor of the late Dr. Franklin B. Walter, Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1977 until 1991, a post held longer than any other state superintendent in Ohio’s history. With over 50 years of service as a teacher and administrator, Dr. Walter’s leadership is evident in many of Ohio’s quality educational initiatives and programs. Among these is the development of the nation’s first statewide plan for children with disabilities. This is the 32nd year that this award has been given.

Margaret Burley, Executive Director Emeritus, of the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD). Margaret served as the Executive Director of OCECD for 39 years.

Since 1979, Margaret expanded the organization from five parent and professional organizations, working out of her home with no money for the phone bill or staff to assist her, to an over $2.5 million budget. Under her leadership, the Coalition was able to attract funding through state and federal entities, as well as receiving donations from multiple individuals and organizations.

Margaret directed public policy and research for OCECD and is known nationally for her work in the special education field since 1972. Tom, her son, is the youngest of four children who has multiple disabilities from Congenital Rubella Syndrome.

The Margaret Burley Outstanding Parent Award was established in 2018 by the Ohio Education for the Education of Children with Disabilities Executive Committee.