MIUSA is pleased to announce that our CEO, Susan Sygall, has received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The award was established in 1981 to honor individuals who, in the course of public service activities, have significantly contributed to the growth and development of services that impact directly the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.  Ms. Sygall was recognized as being an influential advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and for her work to empower people with disabilities to achieve more than they – and society – thought possible.

Sygall is an expert in international development and leadership programs for people with disabilities and issues related to women with disabilities. During the course of her career, she has focused a spotlight on the under-representation in international development programs of disabled women as partners, staff, and clientele. She has spearheaded such gatherings as the 1995 International Symposium on Women with Disabilities in Beijing, the 1998 International Symposium on Microcredit for Women with Disabilities and four Women’s Institutes on Leadership and Disability. In addition, she has co-authored numerous publications, co-produced several award winning videos, and lectured around the world on topics related to international development and disability rights.

Before founding MIUSA in 1981, she was co-founder and executive director of Bay Area Outreach Recreation Program and the Disabled Women’s Coalition. She has developed programs with the US Department of State since 1983 to increase the number of participants with disabilities in international education and development programs, and has provided technical assistance training and consulting on international development issues in countries throughout the world.

Ms. Sygall has received numerous awards in recognition of her commitment to the rights of people with disabilities, including the “President’s Award” from Bill Clinton, a MacArthur Fellowship in 2000, a Kellogg National Leadership Fellowship (1986-1989), and a Rotary Scholar Alumni Achievement Award in 1998.

Other recipients of the Distinguished Public Service Award included Ralf Hotchkiss, founder of Whirlwind Wheelchairs and Dr. Stanley Yarnell, physician and former president of the World Institute on Disability.

For more information about Susan Sygall, please visit our About Us page.