By Habari News | October 19, 2026
PHOENIX — Six individuals and organizations will be recognized at Phoenix’s 2026 Disability Awards and Recognition Event, honoring their commitment to improving quality of life for residents and communities across the city.
The Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department and the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues announced this year’s honorees ahead of the annual ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, October 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Steele Indian School Park Memorial Hall.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego will deliver remarks, and accessibility advocate Mary Jo West will give the keynote address.
Recognizing Contributions Across the Community
The annual event, known as D.A.R.E., recognizes contributions spanning architecture, community service, business, education, and nonprofit work. The commission hopes the recognition will encourage others to follow the honorees’ example and contribute positively to Phoenix.
The 2026 honorees are:
| Award | Honoree |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Jennifer Longdon will receive the Detective Walter Olsen Lifetime Achievement Award, while the City of Phoenix Aviation Department will be recognized with the Architecture Award.
The remaining awards recognize Elisha Dunn for community service, Roya Health for business contributions, Anthony Terrill of Gateway Academy for education, and Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center for nonprofit work.
Community Invited to Attend
Community members are invited to attend the ceremony and celebrate this year’s recipients. Space is limited, and organizers encourage advance registration.
Event details:
- Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Time: 4–6 p.m.
- Location: Steele Indian School Park Memorial Hall
- Speakers: Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and keynote speaker Mary Jo West
Register to attend the 2026 D.A.R.E. ceremony.
More information about the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues is available at phoenix.gov/mcdi.
Source: City of Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department and Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues announcement.
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