Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards

As a woman living with epilepsy, and hard of hearing, Joyce Bender has dedicated her life to a crusade for youth and adults to gain the dream of competitive employment. To support this work, she founded Bender Consulting Services, where she serves as CEO, and the Bender Leadership Academy where she serves as Board Chair. Joyce was a disability employment expert for the U.S. State Department in Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Panama, Kazakhstan, Tunisia, Libya, and Nigeria. She serves as the Chair of the Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA, the Vice-Chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities, and as a Trustee for The Bazelon Center on Mental Health Law, World Institute on Disability (WID), Homeless Children’s Education Fund, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO), and Disability Rights of PA. She has hosted the radio show, “Disability Matters with Joyce Bender,” on voiceamerica.com for over twenty years.

Awarded Posthumously
October 20, 1978 – February 4, 2024
Brooke Ellison was a pioneering disability advocate and the first quadriplegic Harvard graduate. Despite being paralyzed at 11, she excelled academically, earning a B.S. in cognitive neuroscience from Harvard and later a doctorate in sociology from Stony Brook University (SBU). Brooke served as an associate professor at SBU’s School of Health Professions and cofounded the SBU VENTure Think Tank, advocating for ventilator users. Her impact extended beyond academia. She was politically active and ran for the New York State Senate in 2006. Brooke influenced policy on New York State’s Spinal Cord Injury Research Board and the Empire State Stem Cell Board and led the Tech Access Initiative as Vice President at United Spinal. Recognized globally, she received various accolades like the World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and induction into the Suffolk County Women’s Hall of Fame. She authored two books, including “Miracles Happen,” which was adapted into the movie “The Brooke Ellison Story.” Brooke leaves an immense, world-changing legacy behind as an advocate and educator, forever reshaping perceptions of people with disabilities.

Shakeel Khan is a beacon of hope and empowerment for persons with disabilities in Pakistan. Despite contracting polio during childhood, Shakeel’s indomitable spirit led him to become a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities’ rights and empowerment. Through tireless efforts, Shakeel has worked with government officials and stakeholders to create inclusive development initiatives, breaking down barriers and fostering a more equitable society. His passion extends to promoting sports for individuals with disabilities, recognizing the importance of physical activity in their lives. Shakeel’s message of leading a joyful and dignified life resonates widely, inspiring countless individuals to persevere and achieve greatness despite challenges. His relentless determination and unwavering commitment make him a true role model, leaving a lasting impact on society.

Andraéa LaVant is a nationally and internationally sought-after disability inclusion expert. Leading an award-nominated disabled, black-queer woman-led social impact-strategy and communications firm, she is dedicated to shaping the way the world reaches, views, and values disabled people. Andraéa specializes in cutting-edge corporate development and content marketing for brands and nonprofits, helping them confidently engage with disability issues. As a global disability justice advocate, her company served as the impact producer for Netflix’s Oscar-nominated film, Crip Camp, executive produced by President Barack and Mrs. Michelle Obama. In 2021, she became the first visibly disabled black woman to appear on the Oscars Red Carpet. Given her marginalized identities, Andraéa champions intersectionality and is committed to working toward a future where ALL people, particularly disabled people of color, are seen and valued in culture and society at-large.

Born with Cerebral Palsy and having a significant speech disability, Bobbi Linn fought to go to public school. As a teen she attended Crip Camp (Camp Jened) where she met Judy Heumann and other young activists, leading to the formation of Disabled in Action year later where she learned to protest, blocking traffic in midtown Manhattan. She received her BA and MA from New York University and became the first Advocacy Counselor at the Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York (CIDNY). In 1982, CIDNY wrote a successful grant for an Independent Living project in the Bronx. Bobbi became the founding Executive Director of Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS) when the program spun off from CIDNY. During her tenure, she was active in launching the New York State Independent Living Council as an independent entity. She retired in 2003, but continued her involvement with BILS as a Board member and now serves as President of the Board.

Born in Mexico and growing up in El Paso, Texas, Jose joined the Navy in 2000 to become a Hospital Corpsman attached to a Marine Sniper team. During his third combat tour, he was severely injured by a rocket attack, losing his left arm among other wounds. Despite his injuries, Jose went on to compete around the globe and for the US Paratriathlon Team, was appointed by President George W. Bush as one of the seven commissioners on the President’s Commission on Care for America’s Returning Wounded Warriors and has dedicated nearly two decades to advocating for severely injured veterans and people with disabilities through diverse nonprofit entities and the federal government. Jose currently resides in Great Falls, VA with his wife Jodie and their sons Donovan and Luke, spending his free time coaching youth sports.

Since 1991 when Irene and her mother were victims of a brutal terrorist bombing, resulting in the loss of her legs and several fingers, she has focused on helping others to overcome their barriers. Writer, speaker, and promoter of values among young people, and media journalist, Irene cooperates with several organizations that promote and defend freedom, peace, and the rights of disadvantaged people. She is the author of five books and since 2007 has been a member of Fundación Tambien’s Adaptive Alpine Ski team, with whom she has won many medals. Irene has received numerous important awards and honors, including the Children of Europe prize, presented to her personally by Lady Di (London, 1992); the Silver Microphone for her book To Know You Can (2005); and the Golden Antenna (2012). She was nominated for the Prince of Asturias Concordia Prize and the Victory Award (Washington). Irene created the Irene Villa Foundation to support disabled people and help them fulfill their dreams. The focus of the Foundation is labor integration for people with any kind of disability, and adaptive sports.