2007 Annie Sullivan Award Winner: Nikki Lamproplos
This recipient began her career with Intermediate Unit 1 in September 2003. A resident of Greensburg, PA, this recipient graduated from Greensburg Salem High School. She then attended Reed College in Portland Oregon and Boston University, graduating with a degree in psychology.
Prior to starting her work with Intermediate Unit 1, this recipient worked at Westmoreland Regional Hospital as a Therapeutic Activities Coordinator and Specialist. There she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the inpatient psychiatric activities program. In 1997, she left the hospital setting to begin her own business - "Raisin K9s" - a dog obedience and behavioral consultation business, which she continues today. During this time, she returned to the Community College of Allegheny County, graduating with a degree in American Sign Language/English Interpreting.
Her first assignment with the IU was as an educational interpreter - working with a student with a profound hearing loss who attended an IU1 classroom for the hearing impaired and a regular kindergarten class in the Connellsville School District. The following year, when her student was placed in a regular first grade class full time, she continued as the student's interpreter, assuming an even larger role in her student's education.
In her role as an educational interpreter, this recipient has fulfilled her job responsibilities in an excellent manner. In addition to serving as the "communication link" between her student and the school community, she also works tirelessly to ensure that her student has access to the full range of opportunities that are afforded to all other students as part of their school experience. As a one-on-one interpreter for a student who is profoundly deaf, this recipient brings with her each day - not only excellent sign language skills - but also an excellent understanding of Deaf culture, a very real ability to function as an integral member of an educational team and, above all, a genuine love for what she does.
This recipient has been a member of her school's community for the past four years. During this time she has worked with the teachers, students and other building staff to help them better understand the unique communication needs of students who are hearing impaired. She has taken the time to work with each teacher to ensure they know exactly what is the role of an educational interpreter in the classroom. She has demonstrated the ability to work through difficult situations when they arise - while always keeping focus on her purpose within the school - that is, ensuring that her student receives the free and appropriate education to which she is entitled. During her time at her school, she has taught sign language classes to students/staff in order to help those individuals be able to communicate directly with her student.
This recipient continually stays abreast of events and happenings within the Deaf community. She keeps in very close contact with her student's family, encouraging them to participate in these activities so their children can begin to form these very important connections with other individuals who are Deaf. Some activities in which this recipient has participated include signed readings at bookstores, signed theatrical productions and picnics for children who are deaf.
To ensure that her student has access to as many experiences within the community as possible, she has made herself available- giving of her own time - to attend such activities as Brownie/Girl scout meetings, talent shows and other extracurricular activities.
In addition to her school activities, this recipient has found the time to be actively involved with the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), volunteering as an interpreter for the Deaf/Blind Lions Club and the Deaf/Blind Support Group.
As demands for skill levels for educational interpreters have increased in the state of Pennsylvania, she has continually engaged in professional development activities in order to maintain and improve her interpreting abilities. She has taken advantage of numerous training programs offered through the PA Dept of Education and has also completed many hours of independent practice by researching and participating in online courses. In addition, she has been willing to share this information with other interpreters and has offered suggestions to her program supervisor for in-service programs that would be beneficial to all the other IU educational interpreters.
Staff members at her school have commented that because of this recipient's approach to her role as an educational interpreter, they do not consider her student to be "handicapped". She has worked tirelessly to foster acceptance and understanding of all students with disabilities. Her enthusiasm and love for her job are evident each day and she definitely makes her school an environment in which her student is happy, accepted and making excellent progress within her regular education setting.
It is truly heartwarming to see someone who cares for her student as much as this recipient. It is with great pleasure that I announce to you the 2007 Annie Sullivan Award winner from the support staff, Ms. Nikki Lamproplos.
