The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) at Wayne State University recently announced the winner of its annual Jane Vermeulen Leadership Award, which is presented to a person with a disability who exhibits leadership in their local community and the larger disability community. The award was established in memory of Jane “Janey” Vermeulen, who died in 2022.
Vermeulen was an ardent supporter of self-determination, the ability for those with disabilities to take action in their lives to get what they want and need. This includes choosing where they live and work, plus daily decisions that those without disabilities make without a second thought.
The winner of this year’s Jane Vermeulen Leadership Award is Alexandra “Allie” Hayes. Hayes is an advocate for herself and other individuals with Down syndrome in her hometown of Troy, Michigan. She embodies self-advocacy, leadership, self-determination and a strong work ethic.
Hayes was selected by a committee of members of the MI-DDI Community Advisory Council who evaluated applications through an anonymous review process. Selection criteria included how a candidate exhibited self-determination in their own lives and on behalf of others; how they’ve uplifted their community; and how they’ve demonstrated the ideals of strength, courage and leadership.
Hayes embodies these ideals as evidenced in her longtime legislative advocacy. For six years, she provided testimony to the Michigan House of Representatives to pass the “Justice For Allie” bill, which became law in 2023. It implements protections and autonomy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state. The law aims to protect adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from online predators who seek to take advantage of this group of people. In addition to the law’s protections, it also ensures that these vulnerable adults maintain their autonomy by choosing to consent and make their own decisions.
Hayes has shared her own story several times, causing her to relive her past trauma. Despite this, she persevered, determined to share her story to advocate for others.
“I feel like I was really heard, and it felt really good,” Hayes said of her recognition. "I felt empowered.”
As the 2024 Jane Vermeulen Leadership Award winner, Hayes will receive $500 toward attending a leadership training event or conference of her choice.
Hayes attends Oakland Community College, where she was one of 25 recipients of the Outstanding Student Award — and the only student with Down syndrome to receive this honor in school history. In addition to her advocacy efforts, she enjoys connecting with her friends and peers, volunteering as a reader for elementary school students, and exploring the arts.
About MI-DDI: MI-DDI’s mission is to contribute to the development of inclusive communities and quality of life for people with disabilities and their families through a culturally sensitive statewide program of training and education, community support and services, research, and information development and sharing.
To learn more about the Jane Vermeulen Leadership Award, please contact MI-DDI Senior Associate Director Angela Martin at angela.martin@wayne.edu or 313-577-2654, or visit ddi.wayne.edu/janeyaward.