Steve Bartlett Award and Spangenberg-Chappell Memorial Award will be presented in Washington D.C. at 3rd Annual Disability Impact Awards.
June 6, 2024 – RespectAbility is proud to announce the recipients of its third annual Disability Impact Awards, which recognize individuals working to advance opportunities for people with disabilities. Lex Frieden, one of the chief architects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), will receive the 2024 Steve Bartlett Award, named after the Honorable Steve Bartlett, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and was a principal co-author of the ADA. The Spangenberg-Chappell Memorial Award will go to RespectAbility Fellow and groundbreaking deaf-blind journalist Steven McCoy. Both Frieden and McCoy will accept their awards at RespectAbility’s Disability Impact Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on July 11th, closing out a week of policy activity during Disability Advocacy Week.
Lex Frieden and Steve Bartlett
Lex Frieden, a quadriplegic due to spinal cord injury, has had a long career of advocacy for disabled people. Mr. Frieden has previously served as the Chairperson and the Executive Director of the National Council on Disability, a member of the United Nations Panel of Experts on the Standard Rules for Disability, and President of Rehabilitation International. He has also been involved in the organization of several groups of disabled individuals, including the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities, the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, and the Houston Coalition for Barrier Free Living. He is past Chairman of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). During his time as Executive Director of the National Council on Disability, he was instrumental in conceiving and drafting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Frieden is now a Professor of Biomedical Informatics and Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and he is Adjunct Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine. He also directs the Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas.
The Steve Bartlett Award recognizes and honors an individual in the private or public sector who demonstrates a strong commitment to using the political system to advance public policy in support of people with disabilities. The award recognizes local, state, and national leaders who advocate policies that help advance opportunities for people with disabilities in different areas including economic growth, educational excellence and achievement, sustainability, workforce and employment, and equity. The award honors Steve Bartlett, former Chair of RespectAbility’s Board of Directors, former Member of Congress (1983-1991), and former Mayor of Dallas (1991-1995).
“Through his work, Steve Bartlett has created opportunities for millions of people with disabilities,” said Lex Frieden. “I am most honored to receive this honor in his name.”
Steven McCoy with Whoopi Goldberg
Steven McCoy is an award-winning journalist, change-maker, writer, and speaker. In 2022, he made history as the world’s first Black deaf-blind journalist. With a deep passion for the arts, McCoy has covered numerous red-carpet events, bringing his unique perspective and personality to his work. He is also the host of the popular podcast, “Sessions with Steven,” where he engages in personal interviews with media and public figures, sharing their stories and insights.
McCoy’s journey took an unexpected turn in 2019 when he was diagnosed with Usher syndrome, which affects both his hearing and sight. After his diagnosis, he founded a nonprofit organization called Spoken Heroes. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Spoken Heroes strives to empower individuals with disabilities and create a more inclusive society. Through various initiatives and programs, Spoken Heroes provides support, resources, and advocacy for the Deaf and blind communities, making a positive impact on the lives of many.
A graduate of Essex County College with a degree in Liberal Arts, McCoy’s work has been featured in several prominent media outlets, including CNN, Yahoo News, Hollywood Unlocked, and Revolt. His powerful storytelling and ability to connect with audiences have earned him recognition and respect within the journalism industry.
The Ben Spangenberg and Justin Chappell Memorial Award honors a former or current Fellow of RespectAbility’s National Leadership Program who demonstrates a solid commitment to advancing the disability community in policy, entertainment, or philanthropy. The Award is named in honor of Ben Spangenberg and Justin W. Chappell, life and advocacy partners who devoted their lives to human and disability rights. Ben Spangenberg passed away September 29, 2023, and Justin Chappell passed away September 9, 2021. This award serves as a lasting tribute to the enduring impact that Spangenberg and Chappell have on the National Leadership Program and the disability community at large.
“Being acknowledged in the footsteps of Ben Spangenberg and Justin Chappell is truly humbling,” said Steven McCoy. “I hope to continue their legacy by striving for positive change and empowerment within the disability community.”
“We are truly honored to recognize such groundbreaking advocates during our third annual Disability Impact Awards, whose achievements reflects such passion and determination to ensure disabled people can fully participate in all aspects of community,” said Ariel Simms, President and CEO of RespectAbility. “We cannot wait to celebrate Lex and Steven and all their incredible accomplishments in the heart of the disability advocacy community in July. Their work continues to inspire us and newer generations of advocates to keep going until every person with a disability truly belongs.”
Tickets to the 2024 Disability Impact Awards are on sale now. Those who are unable to attend the ceremony can still support RespectAbility and leaders with disabilities by donating.
RespectAbility is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit that works to create systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities, and that advances policies and practices that empower people with disabilities to have a better future. Our mission is to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community.
