Why are goals so important to us? They are points to strive toward in the future. Tasks that seem impossible or endless feel attainable when there are smaller goals in place and we can reward ourselves along the journey. When we receive awards for meeting goals, the tokens eventually form a physical record of the progress made. An athlete collects trophies, a student collects report cards and diplomas. The satisfaction becomes sweeter and the sense of recognition is greater when an award can be proudly displayed.

Awards are common in mainstream education and athletics, but Presenta Plaque knows awards can be expanded to other areas of achievement. For example, award certificates could be extremely beneficial to the physically disabled. Physical therapy and rehabilitation can be a grueling process depending on the extent of the disability. People who were gravely injured in an accident, military duty, etc. have an especially difficult rehab. These people are often fighting to regain the ability to walk, an action that was routine before. Since progress is so slow, award plaques can provide feelings of accomplishment and motivation throughout therapy. Perhaps a person learning to walk again could be awarded for standing without assistance, then for taking a step forward, then walking the length of a room, so on. Another benefit of award plaques is that all ages can benefit from this type of award. Eventually the recipient can look back at his/her collection of plaques proudly, physical proof that s/he overcame the seemingly impossible.

The mentally disabled can benefit from award certificates as well. They strive toward goals with the same energy as a person working to achieve a physical goal. It can be extremely discouraging and frustrating to the mentally disabled when they do not meet the same milestones as their peers. For example, many high schools have small classes of high-functioning autistic children. Traditionally, students graduate within four years, but commonly the autistic children are required to stay several extra years to prepare for higher education or a career. Award plaques give these students a greater sense of self-worth during a time when self-esteem is fragile and feelings of incompetence are common. People of all ages and mental capacities deserve to feel significant and accomplished.

All too often, awards are given for a few specific types of achievements. But, the physically and mentally disabled deserve reassurance of their achievements too. Award certificates validate hard work. Quite simply, plaques make people feel good about themselves. Presenta Plaque proudly produces awards for every achievement and encourages the implementation of award programs in unexpected places.