The American Council on Rural Special Education has established a new award in honor of Kim Floyd, associate professor in the College of Applied Human Sciences School of Counseling and Well-being, and her son, Kasey.
The ACRES board created the Kim and Kasey Floyd Rural Social Justice Award to recognize individuals or organizations who have worked to personally address inequities in educational opportunities or access due to systemic social injustice for persons with disabilities who live in rural areas and are further disenfranchised or disempowered.
“To say we are honored and humble doesn't come close to what we each are feeling. This is a national award from one of the only rural special education organizations in the country,” Floyd said. “I am extremely proud of Kasey. He has triumphed time and time again within a system that was actively against him. He's done it all the while being kind and giving. It's faith building when something so positive comes from something that was so difficult.”
ACRES will consider individuals or groups supporting those identifying as LGBTQ+, persons of color and victims of trauma or violence. Additionally, candidates must show dedication to lessening inequities and improving educational access and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.
In addition to a $500 award, the recipient will receive a one-year membership to ACRES and free registration to the ACRES National Conference to present their work or research.
Floyd serves as the coordinator of the WVU Collaborative Assistive Technology Education Lab. She is a fully certified Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor. Floyd’s interests include trauma and resiliency in children, preschool inclusive education, assistive technology, autism and the translation of research to rural education practice.