Indian American Virginia State Senator Kannan Srinivasan has received the 2025 Hero Award by SPARC (Specially Adapted Resource Centers) in recognition of his advocacy for adults with severe disabilities.
The award underscores his ongoing efforts to support inclusion and dignity for vulnerable communities in the state.
“Honored to receive the 2025 SPARC Hero Award, recognizing our advocacy on behalf of adults with severe disabilities. SPARC does remarkable work championing dignity and inclusion in our community, and I look forward to continuing to partner with them!” Srinivasan posted on Instagram.
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SPARC operates six day-program centres across Northern Virginia, providing adults with severe and multiple disabilities access to structured learning, continued education, social engagement and peer communities.
The organization emphasizes leisure-learning formats that build life skills and reduce social isolation. Its advisory council, composed of program participants, helps ensure activities remain aligned with members’ needs.
SPARC notes that many participants require round-the-clock support not easily available elsewhere, making the program a critical resource for both individuals and families who depend on reliable daytime care.
Srinivasan, 59, who represents Virginia’s 32nd Senate District, has supported legislation aimed at expanding healthcare access and strengthening services used by people with disabilities.
Before his election to the State Senate in 2025, he made history as the first Indian American immigrant to serve in the Virginia House of Delegates.
As Senator, Kannan advocates for the health, safety, and well-being of Loudoun County residents, and pursues policies that uplift all Virginia families, according to his website.
Over his first two sessions, Kannan successfully passed 17 pieces of legislation through the House and Senate expanding access to mental health treatment for youth, enhancing consumer and renter protections, addressing the fentanyl/opioid crisis, and improving court efficiency.
Born in Chennai, India, Kannan earned his Bachelors’ degree in Commerce from the University of Madras and became one of the youngest individuals ever to complete the Chartered Accountant professional certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. In 1992, Srinivasan immigrated to Virginia to pursue his master’s in accounting at Old Dominion University.