The Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department and the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues this week announced the honorees for the 2026 Disability Awards and Recognition Event (D.A.R.E.).

This year, the ceremony will be held 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at Steele Indian School Park Memorial Hall, 300 E. Indian School Road.

The award ceremony is held annually to honor and recognize residents that made a commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents and communities of Phoenix. The commission hopes it will inspire others to emulate the honorees and contribute positively to the community of Phoenix.

Attendees will hear remarks from Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and a keynote speech from accessibility advocate and champion of the Phoenix community, Mary Jo West.

The community is invited to attend the ceremony and celebrate the honorees. RSVP today here, spots are limited.

To learn more about the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues, visit phoenix.gov/mcdi.

2026 Honorees

Architecture Award

City of Phoenix Aviation Department

Community Service Award

Elisha Dunn

Detective Walter Olsen Lifetime Achievement Award

Jennifer Longdon

Outstanding Business Award

Roya Health

Outstanding Educator Award

Anthony Terrill, Gateway Academy

Outstanding Nonprofit Award

Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center

Editor’s note: The above was republished from a city of Phoenix news release.