Atlanta, GA (March 10, 2024) – Attorney Franklin J. Hickman was presented with the 2024 Alice K. Nelson Mentorship Award by the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) at their annual conference in Atlanta, GA. This award recognizes outstanding mentorship of COPAA members or others in the special education advocacy community. COPAA honored Frank with the following tribute to his dedication and commitment to the organization:
Frank, along with Alice Nelson, created the concept of COPAA offering pre-conference skills training as part of the annual conference. Frank’s impact on the annual conference has been profound. His involvement in creating skills training not only aligned with our mission but also served as a vital source of funding for COPAA during challenging times. His dedication to training at the COPAA Conference has been remarkable, covering a diverse range of topics. Frank’s leadership as a “designer” and mentor has been invaluable, inspiring other trainers to bring their collective expertise to the forefront and energizing them to impart knowledge effectively.
His mentorship style is characterized by generosity, understanding, and providing sound legal guidance. Throughout his tenure on the COPAA Board of Directors, Frank’s contributions have been extensive, particularly in his diligent work on crucial tasks such as refining the Bylaws—an often overlooked yet indispensable responsibility. Frank approaches everything he does with care, humor, and dedication.
Frank’s lifelong commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities is evident in his advocacy efforts. He embodies strength and tenacity in championing their rights, and today, we honor his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication.
About COPAA
COPAA’s mission is to protect and enforce the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families. To learn more, go to https://www.copaa.org/.