In 2004, the Center on Disability Studies instituted an award to recognize individuals who have shown exemplary work for people with disabilities and their families in Hawai‘i. Two awards, one for a CDS staff member and one for a person in the community, are typically given out annually at the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity. The awards are based upon nominations from CDS faculty and staff and focus on the CDS mission to support the quality of life, community inclusion, and self-determination of all persons with disabilities and their families through service, training, and research.