21st Century Distinguished Service Award The Arc in Hawaii knows that there are many unsung heroes in the field of intellectual and related disabilities. Quite often these are the parents that spend countless hours working to provide for their family and volunteering to advocate for their child and others with disabilities. Other heroes include professionals that advance the welfare of people by promoting and implementing progressive services, supports or programs. In order to recognize these unsung heroes, The Arc annually presents a 21st Century Distinguished Service Award to a person or group that has made a significant contribution to improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.