• Sampsons Legacy Foundation

  • 2026 Paw Prints for Humanity Award

  • Leaving a Lasting Paw Print on the Lives of Others


    The Paw Prints for Humanity Award, presented by Sampson’s Legacy Foundation, recognizes an exceptional individual whose actions, leadership, advocacy, innovation, or service have made a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of people with disabilities.

    Sampson’s legacy is one of perseverance, inclusion, advocacy, and changing what is possible. This award honors individuals who carry that spirit forward—people who recognize barriers and work to remove them, challenge the status quo, create opportunities, advocate for meaningful change, or simply refuse to accept that someone should be excluded because of a disability.

    We invite you to nominate someone whose work has left a lasting paw print on the lives of others.

  • Award Eligibility:


    Nominees may come from any profession, industry, organization, community, or area of service.

    A nominee does not need to work exclusively in the disability community. The Paw Prints for Humanity Award is intended to recognize individuals whose actions have meaningfully advanced one or more of the following:

    • Accessibility and inclusion
    • Disability advocacy
    • Equal access and opportunity
    • Education or employment opportunities
    • Independent living
    • Innovation or inclusive design
    • Policy or institutional change
    • Community engagement
    • Awareness and understanding of disability
    • Removal of physical, attitudinal, institutional, or systemic barriers
    • Other meaningful efforts that improve the lives or opportunities of people with disabilities     

    Nominees should demonstrate a meaningful commitment to creating positive change. Impact may occur at the individual, community, institutional, professional, regional, or broader level.

    Self-nominations are not accepted unless specifically authorized by Sampson’s Legacy Foundation.

    Submission of a nomination does not guarantee selection.

    Must be a U.S. citizen to be nominated.

  • Selection Criteria:


    Nominees will be considered based on the overall strength of their contribution and impact rather than any single achievement.

    The selection committee may consider:

    Impact
    Has the nominee's work made a meaningful difference in the lives, opportunities, access, or experiences of people with disabilities?

    Advocacy & Leadership
    Has the nominee demonstrated leadership, courage, persistence, or a willingness to advocate for change?

    Accessibility & Inclusion
    Has the nominee helped remove barriers or create environments in which people with disabilities can participate more fully and equitably?

    Innovation
    Has the nominee developed, supported, or implemented creative approaches, practices, programs, policies, technologies, or solutions that advance disability inclusion?

    Commitment
    Does the nominee demonstrate a genuine and sustained commitment to improving access, inclusion, opportunity, or quality of life?

    Lasting Influence
    Has the nominee's contribution created change that extends beyond a single action or individual and has the potential to influence others or continue into the future?

    There is no requirement that a nominee meet every criterion. Sampson’s Legacy Foundation recognizes that meaningful impact takes many forms.


     

  • TELL US ABOUT YOU

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • ABOUT THE NOMINEE

  • TELL US THEIR STORY

  • Areas of Impact

  • In which area(s) has the nominee made an impact?*

  • Supporting Information / Uploads

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  • NOMINATOR STATEMENT & CONSENT

    By submitting this nomination, I certify that the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that submission does not guarantee selection for the Paw Prints for Humanity Award. I understand that Sampson’s Legacy Foundation may contact me for additional information and that information submitted may be reviewed by Foundation leadership and individuals involved in the award selection process.

  • Privacy & Use of Information

    Information submitted through this nomination form will be used by Sampson’s Legacy Foundation for purposes related to evaluating nominations, administering the Paw Prints for Humanity Award, contacting nominators and nominees, and recognizing selected award recipients.

    Personal contact information submitted through this form will not be publicly shared solely because a nomination was submitted.

    If a nominee is selected, Sampson’s Legacy Foundation may contact the nominee directly before publicly announcing or publishing information regarding the award.

    Please do not include confidential medical information, private records, or other sensitive personal information that is not necessary to explain the nominee’s contributions or impact.

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