Move to Include Awards
About the Award
An Award that challenges its very name
Samuel Beckett, the novelist and poet observed, “Words are all we have.” If that is true then we need to be mindful of those we use.
The disability field is fond of the word “include,” believing it refers to society embracing and celebrating value in human diversity. The reality is that the word is derived from the Latin word meaning “to shut in, enclose.” It can mean to “make room for,” “take into account,” “work in,” “accommodate,” and “admit.” All of which, does not describe the Golisano Foundation’s Move to Include Award.
This Award is not given to individuals and organizations that strive to “fit people in,” and “make room” for people with intellectual disabilities. The Award is not intended to honor the movement to include people despite their disabilities; and certainly not because of their disabilities.
The Golisano Move to Include Award was designed to demonstrate that inclusion should never be an afterthought, a “make room” effort or a “do over” effort in social justice. The Award points out that in our society there are individuals and organizations that understand that inclusion, true inclusion is not something that is created through a mission statement, a tagline or a bumper sticker. The Move to Include Award celebrates the “movement” – the arduous and tenacious movement – that strives to embrace people, not as an afterthought, and equally important to move the psyche of individuals, systems, communities and societies that will one day eliminate the need to offer awards noteworthy for succeeding in “allowing people; people with novelties” to be welcomed into the fold.
We do not learn anything by simply “including,” “allowing,“ or “permitting” others to live and work alongside of us. We do not profit or grow by “accepting,” or even “welcoming” people with disabilities.
We, as a neighborhood, community and society learn, grow and profit by “believing” in the sanctity, value and merit of “together.” The essence of “together” transcends “inclusion.” The Golisano Award belongs to those who believe that being together, not by mandate, statute or fiat; is the only way we can benefit from the joys, challenges and perspectives that “believing in being together” can be promoted and realized.
The Golisano Move to Include Award is given to those who both “believe” and “act” in the purest realm of the essence of “move to include.” It is given in the hope that the understanding of “include” can be elevated, promoted, ingrained and demonstrated at the highest levels of human behavior.
2025 Award Recipients
Tom Clark – Trustee Emeritus, Golisano Foundation
Since its founding in 1985, Tom Clark has served as a dedicated Trustee of the Golisano Foundation, helping to guide its mission to promote dignity, opportunity, and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment have been integral to shaping the Foundation’s growth into one of the largest private foundations in the nation devoted exclusively to supporting programs that advance inclusion.
Tom’s service to the Foundation has always been deeply personal. As the parent of a child with an intellectual and developmental disability, he brings both lived experience and heartfelt advocacy to his work. He understands firsthand the barriers families face and has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Foundation’s investments create meaningful opportunities for education, employment, health, and community participation. His perspective has helped the Foundation stay grounded in the voices and needs of the families and individuals it serves.
Through his leadership as a Trustee and his devotion as a parent, Tom has helped move entire communities toward a future where people of all abilities are not only accepted but truly valued and celebrated.
The Golisano Foundation is proud to present the 2025 Move to Include Award to Tom Clark, whose personal and professional dedication has advanced the cause of inclusion and strengthened the Foundation’s mission from its very beginning.
Ann Costello – Inaugural Golisano Foundation Executive Director
For decades, Ann Costello has been a tireless champion of dignity, opportunity, and equity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the inaugural Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation, Ann guided the Foundation’s growth and vision, ensuring it became one of the largest private foundations in the nation dedicated exclusively to supporting programs that promote inclusion and improve quality of life.
Under her leadership, the Foundation launched transformative initiatives such as Special Olympics Healthy Communities and Special Olympics Healthy Athletes, reaching hundreds of thousands of athletes worldwide with health care, training, and advocacy. Ann’s efforts also expanded access to essential services, education, and employment opportunities, helping dismantle barriers and foster lasting change in communities across the globe.
The Move to Include Award reflects the values Ann has embodied throughout her career. Ann’s vision and leadership have moved entire communities to include, not out of obligation, but out of a shared belief in human potential. Her legacy is a world where people of all abilities are not only welcomed but celebrated as vital contributors to society.
The Golisano Foundation is proud to present the 2025 Move to Include Award to Ann Costello, whose extraordinary dedication has elevated the very meaning of inclusion and extraordinary leadership has forever changed the landscape of inclusion.
Annemarie Hill – Chief of Health Operations, Special Olympics
Annemarie Hill has dedicated her career to advancing the health, dignity, and inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through her leadership, advocacy, and innovation, she has ensured that thousands of individuals around the world are not only supported but celebrated as full participants in their communities.
In her current role as Chief of Health Operations for Special Olympics International, Annmarie oversees the largest global public health program for people with IDD. She has been instrumental in expanding Special Olympics Healthy Athletes and Healthy Communities, initiatives that provide access to vital health care, screenings, and education for hundreds of thousands of athletes. Her work has broken down barriers to care, trained thousands of health professionals, and shaped a more inclusive health system worldwide.
Annemarie’s career exemplifies the spirit of the Move to Include Award. She has moved entire health care systems to include, not out of mandate or obligation, but out of the belief in human potential and the right of every person to quality care and opportunity.
The Golisano Foundation is proud to present the 2025 Move to Include Award to Annemarie Hill, whose extraordinary leadership and commitment to health equity have elevated the meaning of inclusion and advanced a future where people of all abilities thrive together.
Norm Silverstein
For more than 25 years, Norm Silverstein has been a trailblazer in public media, using the power of storytelling, education, and broadcasting to promote understanding, inclusion, and accessibility.
As President & CEO of WXXI Public Media, Norm championed the role of media in advancing equity and representation, ensuring that voices too often left unheard were brought to the forefront. Under his leadership, WXXI partnered with the Golisano Foundation to create Move to Include™ an award-winning, national initiative that uses public media to promote disability inclusion, representation, and accessibility.
What began in Rochester grew into a national model embraced by PBS stations across the country. Through documentaries, news coverage, educational programming, and community events, Move to Include™ has opened hearts, changed minds, and reshaped how disability is represented in American media.
Norm’s vision has ensured that public media does more than inform and educate—it connects, empowers, and includes. His legacy is a broadcasting landscape where people of all abilities see themselves represented, their stories told, and their dignity affirmed.
The Golisano Foundation is proud to present the 2025 Move to Include Award to Norm Silverstein, whose leadership and innovation have elevated the meaning of inclusion and created a lasting national movement through the power of public media.
Karen Zandi
For more than two decades, Karen Zandi has been a visionary leader in the disability services community, dedicating her career to ensuring that children and young adults with complex developmental disabilities receive the dignity, care, and opportunities they deserve.
As President and CEO of the Mary Cariola Center, Karen has expanded and strengthened the organization’s programs, making it a national model for education, residential support, and family services. Under her leadership, Mary Cariola serves thousands of children and families, offering innovative educational approaches, therapeutic supports, and individualized care. Karen’s steadfast commitment has not only transformed lives but also influenced policy and practice, breaking down barriers and advocating for systemic change in how society values and supports people with developmental disabilities.
Her legacy is one of compassion and conviction: building communities where people of all abilities are not only supported but celebrated as essential contributors to the fabric of society.
The Golisano Foundation is proud to present the 2025 Move to Include Award to Karen Zandi, whose extraordinary leadership and dedication have elevated the meaning of inclusion and advanced the cause of dignity, equity, and opportunity for all.
Previous Award Recipients
2023 Recipient
Presented to Dalmath Associates CEO Jean Dalmath and VP Amanda Antinore on April 26, 2023 for the firm’s extraordinary partnership, starting on a journey together with the Golisano Foundation to build a more inclusive society for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dalmath Associates’ expertise in public relations and communications, positioned the Golisano Foundation as the preeminent supporter of services for people with IDD by effectively articulating our mission for social justice in all facets of everyday life – access to quality health care, the opportunity for sport, recreation and fitness, pre-vocational training and employment, educational supports, independent living, creative arts, and friendships.
Presented to Special Olympics International on March 14, 2023 for the unprecedented partnership and work with the Golisano Foundation since 2012 to work towards health equity for people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics and the Golisano Foundation have related missions, passion, and commitment working for social justice in all facets of everyday life – access to quality health care, opportunity for sport, recreation and fitness, pre-vocational training and employment, educational supports, independent living, creative arts, and friendships. Special Olympics imagines a different world for people with IDD, one that is inclusive, kinder, and accepting of people with different abilities. A world that puts human dignity, respect, and compassion above all other things.
2019 Recipient
2018 Recipient
2018 Recipient
2015 Recipients
These awards were presented October 15, 2015 at the Foundation's 30th Anniversary Celebration
Director of Employment Programs for the University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities, for expanding workforce development opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities through the Project Search program and other initiatives.
Founder and Director of Positive Exposure for his work internationally in raising public awareness and educating people to understand and see the beauty in human diversity and our shared humanity.
President of Al Sigl Community of Agencies, for a lifetime commitment and achievement on behalf of people with intellectual and other disabilities.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for providing innovative community-based integrated health services for people with intellectual disabilities.
Director of the York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute at Nazareth College, Professor of Speech-Language Pathology and former Dean of the School of Health and Human Services for her commitment and contributions to educate and train the next generation of health clinicians and human service professionals to serve people with disabilities.
Associate Professor and Director, Institute for Innovative Transition at the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education for increasing college options for students with intellectual disabilities.
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