An award given by the American Library Association recognizing authors and illustrators for the excellence of portrayal of the disability experience in literature for youth. There are three categories - for children's books, middle grade readers, and youth adult literature. The award has been given since 2004 and is named in honor of Dr. Katherine Schneider, who was a blind student who was helped through school as a child by a librarian at the Michigan Library for the Blind. This is an annual award, announced every January at the ALA Midwinter Meeting.