Dennis Borel Awarded ACBT certificate of appreciation

This fall, at the American Council of the Blind of Texas (ACBT) annual state conference, Dennis Borel was awarded an ACBT certificate of appreciation "for his outstanding perormance and lasting contribution to diligent effort and support of hb 1343, thus assuring greater pedestrian safety for blind and other disabled Texans".

Chase Bearden Wins Advocacy Award

Chase Bearden, CTD’s Director of Advocacy and Community Organizing, was honored at the Texas Rehabilitation Association's 2009 conference in San Antonio where he received the TRA’s Legislative Award for achieving distinction in his advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.

The TRA recognized Chase's work during the 2008-2009 legislative session, when he took the lead in efforts to make businesses owned by people with disabilities eligible for Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) status, in addition to his involvement in numerous other issues affecting people with disabilities.

CTD Director Recognized by National Council

The National Council for Independent Living (NCIL), recognized Dennis Borel, Executive Director of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD), for his innovative and strategic accomplishments in removing legal, regulatory, and social barriers that deny people with disabilities full participation in their communities.

Borel affirmed, “We must tear down barriers and truly clear the way for people with disabilities to participate in all aspects of the community. Systems advocacy is the key to making all of this a reality. I accept this high honor on behalf of all who take on the challenge of systems advocacy.”

The National Council on Independent Living, is the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization by and for people with disabilities. NCIL represents thousands of organizations and individuals nationwide.

AT&T Honors CTD:

Private Sector Cell Phone Accessibility Advocacy Project

Senator Judith Zaffirini and Susan Merrick of AT&T present an award to CTD's William Greer

CTD leveraged an excellent private sector advocacy opportunity with AT&T, the largest provider of cell telecommunications and a major marketer of cell phones. CTD was a prominent participant in a round table with key executives of the telecommunications giant, focusing on universal design for cell phones. In March 2008, AT&T subsequently announced a global policy effective in 160 nations requiring that all cell phones marketed would be required to meet universal design standards for users with disabilities. AT&T returned to CTD, honoring both Dennis Borel and William Greer for their invaluable contribution to this universal design project. They were presented awards at CTD's 2008 Annual Convention in San Antonio.   

Best Public Affairs Campaign

Gene Rogers, Philip Bellard and Secretary of State Roger Williams demonstrating an electronic voting machine for a television commercial.

CTD's public education program VOTEXAS won the "Best Public Affairs Campaign of 2006". This extraordinary communications program promoted the rights and responsabilities of voting, as well as introduced electronic voting to millions of Texas voters. The program, produced in Spanish, English and several Asian languages, included paid and earned media, community outreach with a focus on Texans with special needs and diverse ethnicities, an experiential marketing mobile exhibit tour that made 100+ stops, and a highly interactive website demonstrating voting machines and other voting facts and tips.

2007 Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities (AMCPD) Media Award

The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD), has received the prestigious media award from the Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities at the 28th Annual Disability Employment Awards for their role in the Legless Lizard Tour de Tejas event. CTD managed and promoted the tour nationwide through television, radio, internet, and print media.

As the winner of the Austin Mayor's Media Award, CTD is automatically nominated for the statewide Barbara Jordan Award from the Office of Texas Governor Rick Perry.  

Borel Wins University of Michigan Award

The University of Michigan announced that CTD Executive Director Dennis Borel was selected as the winner of the 2006 James Neubacher Award. The national award memorializes Neubacher, an advocate and journalist whose catchphrase was “Raise a little consciousness, raise a little hell!” Neubacher’s column for the Detroit Free Press acquired national recognition as a voice for those with disabilities during the 80s; many of his columns went on the national wire service. Borel, a 1974 Michigan graduate, said, “My time at UM was very special. To receive a professional honor from my university for work I love doing is exceptionally meaningful.” Jack Bernard, Chair of the UM Council for Disability Concerns, presented the Neubacher Award at a ceremony in Ann Arbor on October 27, 2006.

2006 ADA Champion Award from ADAPT

ADAPT's 21st Birthday Bash and Champion Awards was their way of thanking all the activists in Texas who have, over the last 21 years, tirelessly advocated for the rights and services that are necessary for the full integration, inclusion and independence of people with disabilities into our communities. CTD congratulates ADAPT on the day and their many successes and is very appreciative of this meaningful award.

2005 Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities (AMCPD) Media Award

"350 Miles...7 Days...By Hand!" won the 2005 Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities (AMCPD) Media Award. The AMCPD found the way the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD) raised awareness of the capabilities and will of people with disabilities through Mikail Davenport's 350 mile handcycle ultra marathon from South Padre to Austin very impressive. Diverse and extensive media coverage included TV, radio, print and internet. CTD used People First language in all media alerts and press releases. The images of Mikail dealing with physical exhaustion, heat, cold, rain, traffic and road construction are powerful and convey that his feat was at the limits of human capability, regardless of disability. In a glorious last mile up Congress Avenue to the State Capitol, kids with disabilities using racing wheelchairs and Mayor Will Wynn on his bike joined Mikail on the final leg of his journey. A crowd of over 200 welcomed the group, including multiple media outlets.

2004 Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities Media Award

2004 Barbara Jordan Special Contribution Award

CTD's Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival won both the 2004 Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities Media Award and the 2004 Barbara Jordan Special Contribution Award.

2003 Barbara Jordan Media Awards for: News Article, Photojournalism Special Contribution

CTD's Team Everest '03 project won three 2003 Barbara Jordan media awards for: News Article Photojournalism Special Contribution. Team Everest '03 was featured in over 200 newspaper and magazine articles, radio, internet and TV reports, including:

• TIME
• Newsweek
• Outside Magazine
• Sports Illustrated
• ABC World News Tonight

2002 Barbara Jordan Media Award from the Texas Governor's Office

CTD project, Team Everest '03, wins the 2002 Barbara Jordan Media Award from the Texas Governor's Office. CTD won this award for "excellence in the communication of the reality of disabled people".

The Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities chose to highlight CTD and Team Everest '03 on the official poster commemorating National Disability Employment Awareness Month. CTD and Team Everest '03 Challenge Trek member Sandra Murgia took the winning photo.

2003 Partnership Award from the Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities

CTD won the 2003 Partnership Award from the Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities.

2003 Media Award from the Dallas Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities

CTD's Team Everest '03 won the 2003 Media Award from the Dallas Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities.