Bernie Veldman, CO, CEO of SureStep, South Bend, Indiana, was presented with the 2014 Exceptional Meritorious Service Award from the National Down Syndrome Congress on July 12, at its annual conference held at the JW Marriott, Indianapolis, Indiana. Since 1978, this award has honored and recognized an individual whose service and significant contributions to persons with Down syndrome and their families have had national or international significance.
Veldman was nominated for this award by Patricia Winders, PT, director of therapies and senior physical therapist at the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver. She nominated him for his creation of the SureStep system, which has helped children with Down syndrome, and his commitment to ensuring an active lifestyle for people with Down syndrome and other diagnoses with hypotonia. “In addition, [Bernie Veldman] also had demonstrated his commitment to educating, training, and providing excellent service to physical therapists, orthotists, and parents through his website, consultations, continuing education courses, and his participation in National Down Syndrome Congress conventions,” wrote Winders in her nomination letter.
“I am very humbled by receiving this award,” said Veldman.
