Hannah Andino: Adair County SB40 Developmental Disability Board May 2024 Spotlight Award Recipient
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Adair County SB40 is thrilled to announce that Hannah Andino has been selected as the recipient of the May 2024 Kid’s Inclusion Spotlight Award from Adair County SB40. Hannah was nominated by Adair SB40 Service Coordinator Amber O’Dell, who praised her for being a strong self-advocate for her disability needs and her community.
Hannah’s mom, Carrie Orr, explained that Hannah was born profoundly deaf. She received Cochlear implants in 2013 and has been very good at explaining how they work. “She’s always willing to show people if they ask,” Orr said, “Hannah is an amazing student and does great in school. I have been very happy with the amazing team she has at school. She is in the marching band at Schuyler R1 as a percussionist. Hannah plays the drums and does an awesome job with them.”
O’Dell said “Hannah does well in educating her peers about the Deaf community, cochlear implants, and other assistive technology related to her disability needs. She is quick to ask for assistance, reminds others when to use assistive technology, and overall goes above and beyond in her day-to-day life. She takes a strong leadership role in group activities, but also takes the time to help others. Her school-based supports are always impressed with her strong work ethic and accomplishments. Hannah hopes to apply for an excelled program educationally. Overall, I’m excited to see what the future holds for Hannah.”
Raven Weaver with the Schuyler R-1 School District added “Hannah started receiving services from Schuyler R-1 School district when she turned three years of age. She has had the same team working for her as well as working with her team of doctors from Columbia. Hannah has been such a joy to watch grow over the years. I think most teachers would say they learned as much from Hannah as Hannah learned from them. She has had an amazing support team along the way including her mother Carrie, therapist, teachers, and her friends.”
Tina Leslie, who has worked closely with Hannah as her school-based Speech Language supports added: “Hannah takes strong ownership over her academic and personal responsibilities. She never ceases to amaze me with what she can accomplish. She has been a valuable member of the school band as a percussionist since fifth grade as well as the marching band during Junior High. Hannah was on the A honor roll this year. She has only been able to achieve these successes through strong, self-advocacy and communication with her teachers and band director. All of whom strongly support her and appreciate her willingness to share her experiences.”
Hannah’s leadership skills shine through in everything she does. She has shown incredible dedication by teaching her classmates about disabilities, especially related to the Deaf community. Her efforts help everyone understand and appreciate the importance of inclusion.
Hannah will soon be sharing her presentation with the Adair County SB40 Board of Directors at an upcoming meeting. She and her family are excited for the opportunity. Crystal Aminirad, Executive Director of Adair SB40, stated “Inclusion is very important because it makes sure that everyone feels part of the community, no matter what challenges they face. When kids like Hannah teach others about their experiences, it helps everyone learn to support and care for each other. This makes our schools and communities stronger and more understanding places. Hannah’s achievements are an inspiration to all of us. She shows us how being a leader can make a big difference. Her hard work and kindness are a reminder that we all have the power to help others and make our community better.”
Congratulations, Hannah Andino! We are so proud of you and look forward to seeing all the great things you will do in the future.
If you would like to nominate a great candidate for a monthly Spotlight Award, Adair County SB40 is accepting nominations. Anyone can make a nomination. Nominations can be made in any of the four following categories:
• Kids Inclusion Spotlight Award for children in kindergarten – 8th grade
• Youth Leadership Spotlight Award for youth in grades 9-12
• Community Volunteer Spotlight Award (any age)
• Entrepreneur or Employee Spotlight Award (any age)
In March 2025, all monthly Spotlight Award winners will be recognized at the annual awards banquet. Nominations can be made throughout the year by visiting the Adair County SB40 website or by contacting a SB40 staff member to assist you at (660) 665 – 9400. You can also find more information about the four nomination categories by visiting Adair County SB40’s website, https:// www.sb40life.org.
