The Circle of Corydon award is presented to individuals that have made remarkable contributions to the betterment of Indiana and its people.
On Thursday morning at Echo Effect in downtown Shelbyville, State Representative Jennifer Meltzer (R-District 73) and State Representative Robb Greene (R-District 47) presented the Circle of Corydon award to Don Collins.
“What Don has done for Shelby County and Shelbyville over the years, and for those individuals who are disabled, is a huge benefit to our community,” said Meltzer after presenting the award. “He is just a wonderful voice for the disabled community and our community as a whole. I was humbled when someone suggested him. It was such an easy ask to the governor’s office to explain why Don was worthy and absolutely deserving of this award.”
The award also comes with an Indiana state flag that was flown over the Indiana Statehouse. Collins’ flag flew over the Statehouse on Aug. 23, 2023.
Collins had a daughter with a disability who died in 2008 which led to him championing improvements for all people with disabilities. Upon his retirement, he found his new purpose in life.
“I retired at the age of 61 and I felt that was a new turning point in my life,” said Collins. “You can look at that in several different ways. A lot of people, I think, choose to travel and do other things they enjoy, and that’s great. I never quite had all that ambition. My ambition was to continue to work with people with disabilities.”
Not only has Collins championed for people with disabilities, he helped open Senses, a non-profit sensory gym for children ages 1-6, in Shelbyville.
“I am very appreciative of the recognition,” he said. “If anything is achieved because of it, I hope that more people realize the needs of people with disabilities and include them in more public events – the more, the better.”
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