Margaret Burley Impact Award
Named in honor of Margaret Burley, who served for thirty‑nine years as executive director of the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities, the Margaret Burley Impact Award celebrates an individual whose work has meaningfully improved the lives of people with disabilities. As a parent of a son with disabilities, Margaret was a powerful advocate for his right to learn, grow, and contribute to his community. Under her leadership—and with the support of many partners—the Ohio Coalition grew from a single part‑time director into a statewide organization with more than twenty‑five staff members and a $2.5 million budget.
Nominees for the Impact Award have served as mentors, coaches, advocates, and connectors within the disability community. They demonstrate sustained passion, dedication, and support, carrying forward the spirit of impact that defined Margaret’s life and work.
Required Responses
- Nominee's name, email, city/town, state, role/job title
- Nominator's name and email
- Describe at least one or more specific way(s) the nominee has improved the lives of people with disabilities, including who was impacted and what changed as a result of the nominee's work. For privacy purposes, please use generalities rather than specific names when answering who was impacted.
- How has the nominee demonstrated long-term dedication to the disability community? Include length of involvement, roles, or ongoing efforts.
- Provide 1–3 specific examples of the nominee’s work as a mentor, advocate, coach, or connector.
- How does this nominee reflect Margaret Burley’s spirit of advocacy, leadership, and impact?
Submit your nomination today! The deadline is 11:59 pm EDT, Monday, August 31, 2026.
Submit a Nomination (Microsoft Form)
2025 Award Recipient
Lindsey Brinkman
Licensed School Counselor, Ottawa-Glandorf High School
Lindsey Brinkman, licensed school counselor, is the ninth and tenth grade school counselor at Ottawa-Glandorf High School, where she is also an alumna. With thirteen years of experience in education, Lindsey earned her bachelor of science in secondary education from Bowling Green State University and her master’s in school counseling from Liberty University. She began her career as an English teacher at Ada Exempted Village Schools and later at Olentangy Orange High School before transitioning into counseling. Passionate about helping students find joy and overcome life’s obstacles, Lindsey has been honored as a Most Influential Teacher and invited back to Ada to serve as a keynote speaker for National Honor Society and graduation. She also serves as a Key Club advisor, helping students engage with their community and give back in positive ways; she is grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that shaped her. Outside of school, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her husband, their four beautiful children, as well as extended family and friends.