Students Advocating for Disability Awareness announces inaugural award recipient

SADA awards the Arc with inaugural award

Jordan Rhone (left), president of SADA, poses with Maria Brandt (center), executive director of The Arc, and Jessica Degol (right), SADA's advisor, while presenting the first ever SADA Star Award to The Arc of Blair County.

Credit: Penn State

Penn State Altoona's Students Advocating for Disability Awareness (SADA) organization presented The Arc of Blair County with its inaugural SADA Star Award, which recognizes local groups for their efforts to improve the quality of life for those with disabilities.

The Arc was chosen to receive the Star Award for its sixty-three-year history of advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to fully participate in social, educational, employment and community activities.

Jordan Rhone, president of SADA, calls The Arc a champion within the local disability community. “Blair County is extremely fortunate to have this local treasure serving as a vital resource for people with disabilities in our area. Their advocacy, dating back to the 1950’s, has become a multigenerational pursuit of inclusivity for all. SADA has been inspired by their efforts,” Rhone said.

SADA's primary mission is to create inclusive environments on the Penn State Altoona campus.