Disability Belongs Announces Fifth Annual Disability Impact Awards to Celebrate Champions of Inclusion
Washington, D.C., July 13 – Disability Belongs, a leading disability-led nonprofit organization, is set to host its fifth annual Disability Impact Awards ceremony on July 16th in Washington, D.C. This highly anticipated event, held during the observance of Disability Pride Month, will shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of disabled advocates, activists, and their dedicated allies who are instrumental in advancing the rights, inclusion, and overall well-being of the disability community. The awards ceremony aims to not only celebrate past successes but also to galvanize continued efforts towards a more equitable and accessible society for all.
Established five years ago, the Disability Impact Awards have grown to become a significant platform for recognizing the tireless work and profound influence of individuals and organizations within the disability advocacy sphere. The event serves as a crucial touchstone, marking progress and inspiring future action. Each year, Disability Belongs meticulously selects honorees who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to driving positive change, fostering environments of true inclusion, and championing the voices of people with disabilities. This year’s ceremony continues that tradition, promising to be an inspiring evening dedicated to acknowledging those who are actively shaping a better future.
Among the distinguished individuals being honored this year is Sarah Todd Hammer, a dynamic 24-year-old who has already made significant strides in her career. Hammer is a three-time published author, an engaging and sought-after speaker, a consultant, and a prominent figure on social media, where she commands an audience of over 400,000 followers. Through her influential online presence, Hammer authentically shares her lived experiences as a disabled individual, fostering a powerful wave of awareness, understanding, and positivity. Her ability to connect with a broad audience and articulate the realities of disability has made her a compelling advocate for change and a source of inspiration for many. Her work underscores the growing importance of digital platforms in disability advocacy, allowing for wider reach and more direct engagement with the public.
Joining Hammer in receiving this year’s accolades is Mindy Henderson, a widely respected leader in the field of disability rights. As the Vice President of Disability Outreach and Empowerment at the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), Henderson has dedicated her career to advocating for systemic improvements across a multitude of critical areas. Her extensive advocacy efforts encompass a broad spectrum of issues, including the crucial need for accessible air travel, equitable healthcare access, the implementation of universal design principles, promoting inclusive employment opportunities, and driving progress in accessible fashion and product design. Henderson’s multifaceted approach and unwavering dedication have positioned her as a pivotal force, instrumental in creating tangible progress and expanding opportunities for individuals within the disability community. Her work at the MDA, a prominent organization dedicated to neuromuscular diseases, further amplifies her impact, reaching a significant population that benefits from her advocacy.
In addition to celebrating individual champions, the Disability Impact Awards will also recognize organizations for their significant contributions. Ashurst Perkins Coie, a distinguished law firm, will be presented with the Champion for Social Impact Award. This award acknowledges the firm’s long-standing and deeply ingrained commitment to corporate social responsibility, specifically their dedication to giving back to the community and providing support to those in need. Their consistent efforts in pro bono work and community engagement exemplify the kind of impactful partnership that is vital for advancing social justice.
Furthermore, the Champion for Cultural Transformation Award will be bestowed upon an organization that has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to advancing inclusion and representation within its sphere of influence. The recipient of this prestigious award is slated to be announced live at the event, adding an element of anticipation and excitement to the evening’s proceedings. This award highlights the critical role that institutions play in shifting societal perceptions and creating more inclusive cultural landscapes.
Ariel Simms, President and Chief Executive Officer of Disability Belongs, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event. "We are honored to bring together voices and visionaries from across the disability community to celebrate their profound contributions," Simms stated. "These awards are a testament to the power of advocacy, allyship, and authentic storytelling in driving societal change." Her sentiment reflects the core mission of Disability Belongs, which is to foster a society where disability is viewed not as a limitation, but as an integral part of human diversity, deserving of full inclusion and equal opportunity. The organization’s strategic focus on both cultural and policy change aims to create a lasting impact.
The Disability Belongs organization itself is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit dedicated to fundamentally altering how society perceives and values individuals with disabilities. Their work is geared towards advancing policies and practices that empower people with disabilities to achieve better futures. The overarching mission is to catalyze both cultural and policy shifts, ensuring the full representation and influence of disabled individuals, thereby fostering a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive society. This year’s awards ceremony is a direct manifestation of this mission, providing a platform to amplify the voices and showcase the achievements of those who embody these ideals.
The timing of the Disability Impact Awards during Disability Pride Month is particularly significant. Disability Pride Month, celebrated annually in July, commemorates the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990. It is a time for the disability community to celebrate its identity, raise awareness about ongoing struggles, and advocate for full civil rights and inclusion. By hosting the awards during this month, Disability Belongs underscores the ongoing importance of disability advocacy and celebrates the progress made while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done.
The ADA itself represents a landmark piece of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination based on disability. Its passage was the culmination of decades of tireless activism and advocacy. Since its enactment, the ADA has paved the way for greater accessibility in public accommodations, employment, transportation, and telecommunications. However, challenges persist, including issues related to employment discrimination, inaccessible infrastructure, and societal stigma. Events like the Disability Impact Awards serve to highlight individuals and organizations who are actively working to overcome these persistent barriers and to ensure the full promise of the ADA is realized.
The growing influence of social media in disability advocacy, as exemplified by Sarah Todd Hammer’s success, is a notable trend. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter have become vital spaces for disabled individuals to share their experiences, build communities, and challenge misconceptions. This digital activism often bypasses traditional media gatekeepers, allowing for more direct and authentic communication. The ability to reach hundreds of thousands of followers with personal narratives and advocacy messages demonstrates the power of these tools in shaping public perception and driving social change. Data from Pew Research Center consistently shows increasing engagement with social causes online, and disability advocacy is a significant part of this trend.
Mindy Henderson’s broad scope of advocacy also reflects the interconnectedness of various aspects of disability rights. The fight for accessible air travel, for instance, is not just about physical access but also about ensuring dignity and respect for travelers with disabilities. Similarly, advancements in universal design benefit not only people with disabilities but also children, older adults, and anyone who may experience temporary limitations. Henderson’s work highlights the holistic approach required to achieve true inclusion, recognizing that progress in one area can have ripple effects across many. The economic implications of inclusive design and employment are also substantial; studies by organizations like the World Economic Forum suggest that greater disability inclusion can lead to significant economic growth.
The recognition of Ashurst Perkins Coie with the Champion for Social Impact Award speaks to the crucial role of corporate partnerships in advancing social causes. Law firms, in particular, have the expertise and resources to contribute significantly through pro bono services, legal advocacy, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Their commitment demonstrates that social impact is not solely the purview of non-profits but can be integrated into the core operations and values of businesses. This collaboration is essential for creating sustainable change and ensuring that advocacy efforts are supported by robust legal and structural frameworks.
The upcoming announcement of the Champion for Cultural Transformation Award recipient adds another layer of intrigue to the event. This award is likely to recognize an entity that has demonstrably worked to shift cultural norms and perceptions surrounding disability. This could include media organizations, educational institutions, or cultural bodies that have actively promoted diverse representation and challenged stereotypes. Such efforts are vital in dismantling ingrained prejudices and fostering a society where disability is normalized and celebrated as a part of human diversity. Research into media representation of disability, for example, consistently shows that positive and authentic portrayals can significantly influence public attitudes.
For those interested in attending this significant event, tickets can be purchased and further details about the Disability Impact Awards can be found on the Disability Belongs website at DisabilityBelongs.org/annual-awards. The organization also extends an invitation for media to request access to the event.
For further inquiries, including media access requests or to arrange interviews with Ariel Simms, President and CEO of Disability Belongs, or honoree Mindy Henderson, interested parties are directed to contact Ashley Nyaley, Senior Director of Development and Communications, at [email protected]
The work of Disability Belongs, and by extension, the impact celebrated at these awards, is critical in addressing the persistent disparities faced by people with disabilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in four adults in the United States has a disability. Despite this significant population, challenges related to employment, education, healthcare, and social inclusion remain prevalent. The organization’s commitment to systemic change and its focus on empowering people with disabilities are vital in creating a future where these disparities are significantly reduced, and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to society to their fullest potential. The Disability Impact Awards serve as a powerful reminder of the progress being made and the continued dedication required to build a truly inclusive world.
