The Phoenix Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues, Equal Opportunity Department and members of the disability community celebrated the 2023 Disability Awareness and Recognition event Friday.

D.A.R.E. honors individuals, organizations and businesses for their dedication and service to the disability community. This year's recognition included the following categories: business, nonprofit, outstanding educator, community service and the lifetime achievement award.

The Detective Walter Olsen Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to someone who has made an impact for many years in the lives of individuals with disabilities, according to a city release.

• Detective Walter Olsen Lifetime Achievement Award recipient: Anne Ronan

• Nonprofit Award: United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona
• Business Award: Piller Child Development

• Community Service Award: Shulea Davis

• Educator Award: Melanie Audet, Foundation for Blind Children

This year’s event took place at the Burton Barr Central Library.

For more information, visit phoenix.gov/eod.​