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2007 Victor J. Contrucci  Outstanding Service Award Winner

From the start, Vic was a passionate advocate for fair, equitable, and effective services for children and their families. It is in this tradition that the Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities is proud to present the 2007 Victor J. Contrucci Outstanding Service Award to:

Roberta Sample

Roberta Sample is no stranger to advocating for children and adults with disabilities- she's been at it for 25 years. Her willingness to share her wealth of knowledge and information is inspirational.

If Roberta doesn't know an answer to a question, she will find out. As chair of the Parent Advisory Committee, Roberta remained on top of issues important to families. She made time for families when they were available whether it be days, nights or weekends.

Helping navigate the many challenges of having a child with a disability, Roberta has taken the stress and anxiety off of parents by being there during medical or school meetings. She speaks up for children if the parents are unsure or uncertain about what needs to be done. She is so good about working on behalf of families and children that she was hired as a parent liaison for the Janesville School District in 1998. Roberta meets with teachers, case managers, and support staff to share her expertise with them. The meaningful information that she provides contributes to positive outcomes for the children and families she supports.

Along with her husband, Ed, she has adopted and raised three children, all with special needs. To meet her is to become part of her family. She freely shares her own personal experiences with others and lets them know they are not alone. Roberta has passion and compassion for families with disabilities.

Congratulations Roberta - you deserve great recognition for the work you have done to build relationships between families, children with disabilities, educators, social workers, case managers, medical personal, and others involved in creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities.