BJ Stasio, Hingsburger Humanitarian Award 2025 Honoree

The Dave Hingsburger Humanitarian Award

BJ Stasio (2025)

The NADSP is proud to recognize BJ Stasio with the Hingsburger Humanitarian Award for 2025. BJ’s leadership and impactful career will be recognized in Buffalo at the 2025 NADSP Conference: ELEVATE on September 8th, 2025. 

We are proud to announce BJ Stasio as the recipient of the 2025 Dave Hingsburger Humanitarian Award. This prestigious honor celebrates individuals whose lives reflect a deep commitment to justice, inclusion, and the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

BJ Stasio is a lifelong self-advocate, educator, and leader whose impact has extended far beyond his home in New York State. His decades of service with the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and as President of the Self-Advocates of New York State (SANYS) exemplify his passion for making sure that people with disabilities are heard, respected, and empowered.

BJ has led major efforts to expand voter education and accessibility, launching the Get Out the Vote Task Force and partnering with groups like the League of Women Voters. He has influenced public policy through powerful testimony at the New York State Senate and played a key role in securing a much-needed OPWDD satellite office in Buffalo.

Co-founding Art of Advocacy, Inc., BJ is now building tools and resources to support the next generation of self-advocates, families, and allies. His advocacy isn’t just about systems—it’s personal. From helping a peer avoid homelessness to elevating “Rise Up” stories to the Governor’s office, BJ’s work is rooted in compassion and justice.

In the spirit of our late friend and mentor, Dave Hingsburger, BJ’s leadership reminds us what it means to live with courage, dignity, and purpose. We are honored to celebrate his remarkable journey with this year’s Dave Hingsburger Humanitarian Award.

Learn more about the Hingsburger Humanitarian Award by clicking here.