NE Valley Times

Nominations are now open for the Mayor’s Ability Awards, an annual event in Scottsdale recognizing individuals who excel while living with disabilities. Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky announced a new addition to the awards program: the Community Disability Advocate Award. This award aims to honor volunteers, business leaders, and nonprofit workers who support people with disabilities.

Scottsdale students can apply for scholarships available through the awards program. These scholarships are intended for students with physical or neuro diversities planning to attend college or trade school. The deadline for nominations is March 28.

The scholarship acknowledges students who have shown resilience in overcoming challenges and are committed to furthering their education. The initiative is led by Mayor Borowsky's office in partnership with the Gila River Indian Community.

The Community Disability Advocate Award will recognize individuals who actively support those with disabilities by providing guidance and advocacy. "The Disability Advocate Award honors an outstanding individual in Scottsdale who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advocating for a person or persons with disabilities," said Kelsey Lamper, operations supervisor at the city of Scottsdale focused on adaptive recreation.

Nominations for this award should be submitted to Yvonne Cahill in Mayor Borowsky’s office, along with a description of why the nominee deserves recognition. RSVPs for the event can be made to Isol Morales.

Award recipients will be recognized at the ceremony scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, April 18, at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.

Eligible students are encouraged to apply for scholarships before March 28 and seek assistance from academic counselors if needed. More information is available on the city’s website under "Ability Awards."

For those encountering difficulties with online applications, support is available through the mayor’s office at 480-312-7977. "We are here to help make this year’s Ability Awards the beginning of a new chapter in the celebration of perseverance," said Ms. Cahill, director of constituent services at Mayor Borowsky's office.

Potential sponsors interested in supporting this event can contact Ms. Cahill at 480-312-7977.