Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues Announces 2026 D.A.R.E. Honorees

The Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department and the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues announced the honorees for the 2026 Disability Awards and Recognition Event (D.A.R.E.)

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. The commission hopes it will inspire others to emulate the honorees andcontribute positively to the community of Phoenix.

This year, the ceremony will be held at Steele Indian School Park Memorial Hall on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, 4-6 p.m. Attendees will hear remarks from Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and a keynote speech from accessibility advocate and champion of the Phoenix community, Mary Jo West.

The community is invited to attend the ceremony and celebrate the honorees. RSVP today, spots are limited.

To learn more about the Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues, visit phoenix.gov/mcdi.

2026 Honorees:

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