Phoenix Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues

Members are expected to attend meetings on the third Wednesday at 4:15 pm, every other month, virtually on Webex. 

The Commission is made up of  17 volunteer citizens appointed by the Mayor and City Council for 3 year terms that have expertise and/or a strong interest in disability concerns and making Phoenix a barrier-free city for all its residents.

Nicole Anderson, Chair

Meaghan Kramer, Vice Chair

Mike Axelrod

Darrel Christenson

Carrie Collins-Fadell

James Deibler

Maurita Harris

Asma Isack

Stella kowalczyk

Jordan Moon

Josh Munoz

Jason Snead

David Steinmetz

Damir Tursanovic     

Melanie Zehnder

Recognizing ability, advocacy, accessibility, and achievements since 1993, the Phoenix Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues, the Equal Opportunity Department, and the City of Phoenix are proud sponsors of the Disability Awards and Recognition Event (D.A.R.E). D.A.R.E honors extraordinary individuals, organizations, businesses who tirelessly champion the cause of creating a more inclusive society for people with disabilities.

The award ceremony is held annually to honor and recognize champions that made a commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents and communities of Phoenix. It is our hope this will inspire others to emulate the honorees and provide inclusivity for the community of Phoenix. Award categories include the Architectural, Business and Non-Profit, Community Service, Outstanding Educator, and the Det. Walter Olsen Lifetime Achievement Awards.

ARCHITECTURAL AWARD

This award recognizes an architect, engineers, developer, builder, planner, group, or City departments that has developed innovative solutions, eliminated barriers, and improved accessibility to public/private buildings, roads, transportation, facilities, outdoor spaces, thoroughfares, etc. for inclusion of individuals with disabilities.

NONPROFIT AWARD

This award recognizes a nonprofit organization or non-governmental organization that maintains and implements within its mission, opportunities for full inclusion in all organizational activities. Such activities may include but not limited to providing products or services, offering community-based events, or opportunities for personal development and growth that may lead to employment, educational advancements, personal enrichment/growth, adequate healthcare, or housing for individuals with disabilities.

BUSINESS AWARD

This award recognizes a proprietary/for-profit business that maintains a diverse, inclusive, and equal opportunity workforce by hiring and/or offering full accessibility of services and products to all customers including individuals with disabilities, as well as has made outstanding achievements in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

This award recognizes an individual that has made significant contribution to and demonstrated dedication to individuals with disabilities through volunteerism, community involvement, support, and service by advancing the rights, advocacy, opportunities or independence of individuals with disabilities. Consideration will include hours of service, dependability, and commitment to the needs of individuals with disabilities.

OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AWARD

This award recognizes an education professionals who has demonstrated excellence in providing educational opportunities and/or advocacy for students with disabilities and has made exemplary efforts to meet the needs of students in/outside of the classroom using innovative approaches for all learners. This individual may be a teacher, aide, administrator, support staff, or other educational professional that has had a positive impact in the life of an individual student/s or groups. 

DETECTIVE WALTER OLSEN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Known as the Pride of Phoenix Award, this award recognizes an individual, group, or organization that has demonstrated a lifetime of committment to individuals with disabilities by enhancing the independence and inclusion of all people in our community.

• Det. Walter Olsen Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Gina Lipko (Posthumous)
  • Valerie Pieraccini
• Outstanding Non-Profit Award
  • First Place AZ
• Outstanding Business Award
  • CHESWORTH films    
• Community Service Award
  • Councilwoman Debra Stark
  • Darrel Christenson
• Outstanding Educator Award
  • Pauline Arrillaga 
• Architectural Award
  • City of Phoenix, Parks and Recreation Department, South Mountain Visitor Center