There is a class of people who inspire action and foster the achievements of others, while taking none of the credit for themselves.
They are catalysts.
In 2000, the Trace Center launched this award to honor such people and their contributions to the field of technology and disability. Named for the first recipient, Dr. Harry J. Murphy, the award is presented at the CSUN Conference on Technology and Persons with Disabilities. This annual conference, which Dr. Murphy founded, has become preeminent in its field, and a meeting place for people from around the world who are interested in using technology to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
"Catalysts are elements or chemicals that can cause or accelerate reactions but do not, themselves, get used up. They are, in this case, people who make things happen by their presence and by what they do. They don't necessarily do everything themselves, but they bring out the best in the rest of us. They connect the rest of us, and facilitate our interactions so that we all can do great things."
--Dr. Gregg Vanderheiden
Future Awards
No Catalyst Award will be presented in 2008. Contact us if you wish to make a nomination for a future award.
Past Catalyst Award Recipients
- Harry Murphy (2000)
- Judy Brewer (2002)
- George Kerscher (2004)
- Sheryl Burgstahler (2006)