The Elsie Shaw Parent Scholarship Fund gives three annual awards to individuals who have made a difference in the lives of families who have children with disabilities.

The Kasidhe Olson Award

This award is given in the memory of Kasidhe Olson. In 2001 a new fund was established in the Elsie Shaw Scholarship Fund named after Kasidhe Olson. In memory of Kasidhe an award was established to give recognition to a parent who has made outstanding efforts to improve the lives of families of children with disabilities. This award is given annually at the Circles of Life conference.

The Shaw Brothers Award

The Shaw Brothers award is named for Elsie Shaw’s three sons, Barry, Elliott and Richard.  The three brothers have consistantly supported the scholarship fund over the past 25 years. In 2001 the Elliott Shaw Award was established and in 2021 the award was renamed the Shaw Brothers award to honor a professional who goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist families of children with disabilities.

The Barb Breen Award

In the fall of 2003 Barb Breen, a long time parent advocate passed away suddenly. Barb was involved in many different activities in the disability community. Barb was not only the Coordinator of the statewide WISPEI project, she was also a Parents in Partnership Facilitator and a Special Olympics Coach. As if this was not enough Barb helped to develop a local parent support group in Eau Claire. It is through this award we honor Barb. This award is given to the Parent Educator of the year.

If you would like to nominate someone for one of these awards please contact John Shaw at john@elsieshaw.org