The Chandler Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities is now accepting nominations for the Disability Awareness Awards.

The awards celebrate individuals and organizations that make outstanding contributions to the disability community, according to a news release.

The purpose of the  annual awards help raise awareness about physical and developmental disabilities, showing the importance of inclusion in Chandler, the release states.

The Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities Chair Tom Fay, quoted in the release, said the awards "celebrate both individuals who have overcome personal challenges and those who work tirelessly to promote inclusion, accessibility and opportunity in our community." He said award winners are "champions help make Chandler a more welcoming city for all residents."

Applications for the 2025 awards are available at chandleraz.gov/DisabilityAwarenessAwards and are due by Friday, Jan. 31. The awards are free to enter and open to all Chandler community members.

The six categories include:

• Student of the Year Award: Given to a student with a disability who has excelled beyond their apparent limitations.

• Educator of the Year Award: Given to an individual who has worked in the field of training or educating people with disabilities.

• Volunteer of the Year Award: Given to an individual who has contributed consistent and outstanding service to people with disabilities.

• Employee of the Year Award: Given to an employee with a disability who has overcome barriers and has excelled in the performance of their work.

• Employer of the Year: Given to an employer who is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and empowering employees with disabilities.

• (New for 2025) Disability Ally of the Year Award: Honors an individual who has shown exceptional dedication and advocacy in supporting individuals with disabilities.

Guidelines, including the official nomination form and supplemental details describing the specific accomplishments and contributions that qualify the nominee for the award, are available online.

Mayor Kevin Hartke and the Chandler City Council will honor the award recipients during the Feb. 20 council meeting. The awards take place ahead of Disability Awareness Month, recognized by the City of Chandler annually in the month of March.

For more information about the awards or the nomination process, email adaptive.recreation@chandleraz.gov or call 480-782-2908.

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