10/20/2026
Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
Let's hear it for our Director of Operations & Training, Adair Jensen-Smith, who won The Karen Tefelski Collaborations Champion Award at the annual Collaborations Conference!!
The Collaborations Conference brings together disability service providers, rehabilitation professionals, educators, and advocates from vaACCSES, va-APSE, and VRA to boost awareness, strengthen best practices, and improve upon employment and community-based services for people with disabilities. The Choice Group has been a proud member and volunteer with these organizations throughout the Collaborations Conference's 28-year history.
The Karen Tefelski Champion of Collaborations Award recognizes individuals whose exceptional dedication and support help make the conference possible. Named in honor of Karen Tefelski, who served as Executive Director and lobbyist for vaACCSES for more than 25 years, the award celebrates those who carry forward her legacy of service and collaboration.
Adair's contributions over the years as a board member and committee member have made an indelible impact on the Collaborations Conference, and on the disability services community. This recognition comes with especial meaning, as she concludes her final year on the conference's Steering Committee.
Thank you, Adair, for your leadership, collaboration, and commitment to the disability community. The Choice Group is proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor, and we are all so grateful for what you do to advance opportunities for people with disabilities.