Nominations for the 2026 Disability Awareness Awards are now closed.
More than 13% of the adults and children who live and work in Arizona communities have a disability.* The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities believes every person, regardless of ability, has valuable strengths, infinite capacity to learn, and the potential to contribute to our community.
To that end, the Committee hosts our annual Disability Awareness Awards to create awareness about physical and developmental disabilities, teach the importance of inclusion within every aspect of life, and share the stories of individuals with a disability to show that a successful life is possible.
Nomination Dates
Open: Fall 2026
Close: Winter 2027
The Awards recognize deserving individuals in six categories: Student of the Year, Educator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Ally of the Year, Employee of the Year, and Employer of the Year. Nominations should reflect achievements in 2026.
Awards will be presented to winners at a Chandler City Council Meeting in February 2027.
2026 Award Winners
Please join us in congratulating our honorees:
- Educator: Donneen Mundt, "She empowers students to find their voice, families to feel supported, and the entire community to better recognize the strengths and contributions of individuals with disabilities."
- Volunteer: Gary Jantzen, "Gary has helped raise both funds and awareness, serving as a vital bridge between RAD and the Chandler community. He doesn’t just give his time, he gives his heart. We are grateful for his dedication and the lasting impact he continues to have on our community."
- Employee: Natalie Tate, "Her outstanding customer service, willingness to go above and beyond, and infectious work ethic have made a lasting impact on her coworkers."
- Student of the Year: Caleb Giannoccaro, Arizona College Prep High School, "Caleb’s journey reflects resilience, self-advocacy, and determination. He has supported fellow students by sharing his experience and encouraging others to pursue their goals."
- Ally of the Year: Irma Andrade Garcia, "Ms. Irma exemplifies the spirit of Chandler by ensuring that our most vulnerable residents are treated with the highest level of respect, safety, and care."
Nomination Information
A complete nomination packet includes the official nomination form and supplemental details that describe the specific accomplishments and contributions that qualify the nominee for the award. Award criteria are available below.
This award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to training or educating people with disabilities.
Criteria:
- The nominee must have worked in the field of education or habilitation for individuals with disabilities in Chandler during the past year.
- The nominee's involvement must have been hands-on and impactful, not a symbolic or passive role.
- The nominee's work must have led to positive, measurable outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
This award recognizes a student with a disability who has excelled by overcoming obstacles and reaching beyond their apparent limitations.
Criteria:
- Must be a resident of Chandler (at least one year).
- Must be between the ages of 3 and 22.
- Displayed the courage to learn and grow to their fullest potential.
- Demonstrated the willingness to pursue and achieve personal goals despite their disability.
This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional and ongoing volunteer service to individuals with disabilities.
Criteria:
- The nominee must have made a valuable contribution to the Chandler community within the past year.
- The nominee must have taken an active, hands-on role in their volunteer work, rather than serving in a symbolic capacity.
- The nominee must have dedicated a significant amount of time to their volunteer efforts.
- The nominee’s service must have led to positive, tangible outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
This award honors an individual who has shown exceptional dedication and advocacy in supporting individuals with disabilities.
Criteria:
- Demonstrated impactful service within the Chandler community in the last year.
- Played an active role in support or advocacy efforts, rather than a symbolic position.
- Dedicated substantial time and effort toward fostering inclusivity and accessibility for people with disabilities.
- Created or contributed to initiatives that led to positive, tangible outcomes for individuals with disabilities, enhancing their quality of life or access to community resources.
This award recognizes an employee with a disability who has overcome challenges and achieved excellence in their work performance. The award is based on the employee’s accomplishments in the workplace.
Criteria:
- The nominee must have been employed (part-time or full-time) within the Chandler city limits for at least one year, including within the past year.
- The nominee must be performing at or above an average level of performance in their job.
- The nominee must have shown initiative and dedication in pursuing both professional and personal goals.
This award recognizes an employer who has successfully fostered an inclusive workplace by actively hiring and supporting employees with disabilities. Eligible candidates include individuals, businesses, or agencies with a demonstrated commitment to employing and empowering people with disabilities.
Criteria:
- The nominee must have employed individuals with disabilities for at least two years.
- The nominee must be a business or agency based in Chandler.
- The nominee must have made reasonable accommodations, provided necessary training, and worked to ensure an accessible and supportive work environment for employees with disabilities.
- The nominee must have employed one or more individuals with disabilities within the past year.