DRI President Laurie Ahern is the winner of the $100,000 Encore Purpose Prize in recognition of her pioneering work to protect the human rights of children with disabilities detained in institutions. Laurie has been with DRI for over a decade, and has served as DRI's President since 2009. 

Each year, Encore.org awards the Purpose Prize to six outstanding individuals who are using their encore years - the time of traditional retirement - to undertake significant social impact projects. 

Watch Encore.org's video about Laurie and DRI's work. Read coverage of the Purpose Prize on the Washington Post.