COLUMBUS — A Sidney resident has received the 2015 Advocacy Award from the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities.

Preble County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Diane Knupp received the honor in a presentation recently at the Ohio Statehouse.

“This is quite an honor and I want to thank my peers, my co-workers and my family,” Knupp said during the presentation on Nov. 13. “It is very humbling to be recognized by the Governor’s Council and I can’t thank all of you enough!”

Knupp worked for the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities from 1989 to 2004.

Knupp is a career-long advocate. From her earliest work of teaching school-age children at the Orient Development Center to her current position at PCBDD, she has kept her focus on the individuals and families the agency serves.

Her latest success is the building of a partnership between PCBDD and Eaton Community Schools, National Trail Schools and Preble Shawnee Schools. She was instrumental in bringing the PLAY (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) Project to Preble County. PLAY is an early intervention program for children diagnosed with autism.

As a result of her advocacy, the Ohio Biennium Budge for 2016-17 included funding to support implementation into the schools mentioned above.

Knupp also received a proclamation from Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor as well as one from state Rep. Jeff Rezabek of House District 43.

She was nominated by former PCBDD Board President Jean Bussell.

The Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities exists to advise the governor and general assembly on statewide disability issues. The 16 member council advocates for partnerships at the local, state and national levels, promotes equality, access and independence and develops employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.