Jon Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award
The Jon Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a recipient who embodies the qualities and characteristics of the late Jon Peterson, a selfless leader and a great connector of people and developer of partnerships. He continually helped channel new ideas and suggestions into action and results.
First elected in 1998, Representative Peterson served five terms in the Ohio State House of Representatives. He also served as Delaware County Treasurer. Among his numerous accomplishments and achievements over the years, Representative Peterson was instrumental in sponsoring the legislation that started OCALI. This work was a direct result of the testimonies of hundreds of Ohio families who appeared and shared their individual stories before the Ohio Autism Task Force.
Representative Peterson served as OCALI governing board chair for several years, and was awarded OCALI's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. After his passing in 2019, that annual award is now known as the Jon Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award.
2019 Jon Peterson Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Peter Gerhardt Weehawken, New Jersey
Executive Director, EPIC School
“He has taken on and worked diligently to address the most difficult challenges that face the disability community – adulthood, employment, and supporting individuals with the most significant behavioral challenges. He could have been very successful working in the ‘middle lane’ of autism and disability, but instead, he travels on the rough edges because he knows very few will choose to be there. He strives to impact change in the way others think so that doors open for adults with disabilities to truly live their best lives.”