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On July 11, nonprofit organization RespectAbility will host its third annual Disability Impact Awards in Washington, DC, honoring disability activist Rex Frieden and the world’s first Black deaf journalist, Steven McCoy.
The awards ceremony will take place at K & L Gates LLP, 1601 K St NW # 1, Washington, DC 20006. This diverse, disability-led organization works to bring about systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities, and advances policies and practices that help people with disabilities build a better future.
Frieden, one of the chief architects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), will receive the 2024 Steve Bartlett Award, named for Steve Bartlett, who served as a U.S. Congressman and was a key co-author of the ADA. The award recognizes an individual from the private or public sector who has demonstrated a strong commitment to using the political system to advance public policies that support people with disabilities.
Frieden, a quadriplegic caused by a spinal cord injury, is a longtime disability advocate who has served as chair and executive director of the National Council on Disability, a member of the United Nations Panel of Experts on the Standards of Persons with Disabilities, and president of Rehabilitation International.
“Through his work, Steve Bartlett has created opportunities for millions of people with disabilities,” Frieden said. “I am honored to receive this honor in his name.”
McCoy has been living with Usher syndrome, which affects his hearing and vision, since 2019. He will receive the Ben Spangenberg and Justin Chappell Memorial Award, which recognizes a former or current fellow of RespectAbility’s National Leadership Program who has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing the disability community in the areas of policy, entertainment and philanthropy.
With a deep passion for the arts, McCoy has covered countless red carpet events and brings a unique perspective and personality to his work. He is also the host of the popular podcast “Sessions with Steven,” where he conducts one-on-one interviews with media and celebrities to share their stories and insights.
As he progressed in his career, he noticed that despite his desire for accommodation, accessibility was still lacking. This inspired him to found the non-profit organization Spoken Heroes to empower people with disabilities and create a more inclusive society. Through various initiatives and programs, Spoken Heroes provides support, resources and advocacy to the deaf and blind community, positively impacting the lives of many.
“It is truly an honor to be recognized and follow in the footsteps of Ben Spangenberg and Justin Chappell,” said Steven McCoy, “and I hope to carry on their legacy by working toward positive change and empowerment within the disability community.”
“Frieden and McCoy’s work continues to inspire us and new generations of activists to keep working until all people with disabilities can truly be part of society,” said Ariel Sims, president and CEO of RespectAbility.
If you’d like to attend the 2024 Disability Impact Awards, which starts at 5.30pm, you can purchase tickets here. If you can’t attend the ceremony, you can still support RespectAbility and leaders with disabilities by donating here.