Annual Inclusion Award
Winners exemplify standards of excellence in enhancing life for individuals living with disabilities
The Governor’s Council on Disability’s annual Inclusion Award program recognizes and honors Missourians who demonstrate excellence in leadership for best practices in inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
The Inclusion Award and one Honorable Mention are presented annually to recognize private and public employers, individuals, businesses or organizations in Missouri that have worked toward greater disability inclusion by taking exceptional, proactive, and innovative measures to integrate and mainstream people with disabilities into their programs, activities, and operations.
The Governor’s Council on Disability selects one winner and one honorable mention from the submitted nominations. The winners will be invited to the awards presentation.
The Inclusion Award winner and Honorable mention will receive a recognition badge that can be used to highlight their achievements in email signatures, websites, LinkedIn profiles, etc.
For 2025, the Governor’s Council on Disability has selected two award winners and one honorable mention.
2025 Inclusion Award Winners
Ed Pupillo, Pupillo’s Wicked Chicken and Grand Slam Restaurants, Fenton
For more than three years, Ed Pupillo, owner of The Wicked Chicken and Grand Slam restaurants in Jefferson County, Missouri, has partnered with Lafayette Industries’ STEPUP Employment Training Program to empower young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). By opening his restaurants as hands-on community training sites and seamlessly integrating inclusive practices into his daily operations, Pupillo helps participants develop essential job readiness, teamwork, and communication skills in a real-world environment.
This operational collaboration has yielded remarkable results, with 75% of the STEPUP trainees who trained at his restaurants successfully securing competitive employment in the region. Beyond the doors of his own businesses, Pupillo actively advocates for inclusive hiring throughout the Jefferson County business community, helping to normalize these practices as a valuable local workforce strategy and fostering long-term community inclusion.
Jessica Ratsch, Platte County R3 Schools, Platte City
Special education teacher Jessica Ratsch has spent the past three years elevating inclusivity at Platte County High School. She established "Apartment 20," a specialized classroom setting where students learn essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and self-advocacy.
Furthermore, Ratsch advocated for and founded the Platte County Pirates Special Olympics Team, serving as head coach and recruiting mainstream peers to act as assistant coaches for her medal-winning athletes.
To foster social independence, she also helped create "The CREW," an initiative where teachers chaperone special education students at school dances and games, empowering them to fully participate in typical high school experiences alongside their peers.
Honorable Mention – Joyce Fenner, Jordan’s Place, Marshfield
Joyce Fenner has had groundbreaking achievements in accessible housing. Overcoming immense personal tragedy and industry doubts, Fenner successfully secured state and federal LIHTC funding as a single developer to build "Jordan’s Place," a $9.7 million, affordable housing community in Marshfield, MO. She spearheaded this first-of-its-kind, 40-unit development in Webster County specifically designed for adults with disabilities and senior citizens. By uniting local citizens, Fenner delivered universally designed, permanently affordable homes that currently house 80 residents in an intentionally circular community built to foster connection and inclusion.
The awards will be presented to the winners at the Missouri Rehabilitation Association (MRA) Conference at Lake Ozark on May 28, 2026.
The Governor’s Council on Disability will be accepting nominations for the 2026 Inclusion Awards in the fall.
2025 Inclusion Award Nominees
The Governor’s Council on Disability congratulates the following nominees on being nominated for the 34th Annual Inclusion Award:
Ann Deddens, Coeur Academy, St. Louis
Ann Deddens founded Coeur Academy to provide individualized, hands-on learning for students whose needs were not met by traditional models. Her student-led approach meets learners where they are, often utilizing peer-to-peer teaching techniques. Deddens has demonstrated exceptional personal commitment by occasionally foregoing her own salary to ensure that families facing financial barriers can still access the school’s transformative environment.
Kristen Ferguson, Jefferson City Public Schools, Jefferson City
Kristen Ferguson, a strings teacher at Cedar Hills Elementary, demonstrated creative advocacy to support a beginning violinist born without a left hand. By collaborating with technology teachers and a fellow student, she helped design and 3D-print a custom harness and pick. This innovative solution removed physical barriers, allowing the student to participate fully in the orchestra and share in the joy of musical performance.
Jessica Joyce, Columbia Public Schools, Columbia
Middle school teacher Jessica Joyce has advanced disability inclusion by integrating students from self-contained classrooms into her World Languages courses. She meticulously adapted materials for six different languages, incorporating AAC communication tools to support verbal and nonverbal learners. Her dedication ensures that all students have an equal opportunity to explore global cultures and grow their communication skills in a supportive environment.
Angie Knight, Marian Hope, Independence
Angie Knight, founder of Marian Hope, has spent two decades building innovative systems of care that honor the potential of every child. She established Marian Hope Academy, an inclusive micro-school where children with and without disabilities learn side-by-side. Recently, she expanded these specialized services to rural St. Mary’s, Kansas, ensuring that children in underserved areas have access to high-quality, community-centered support.
Paul Lenhart, Mercy Hospital, St. Louis
Paul Lenhart, Manager of Disability Inclusion Operations at Mercy, has developed a replicable Supported Employment Model that serves over 100 employees with disabilities. He standardized onboarding, coaching, and career advancement paths to ensure consistent support across departments. By sharing his own experiences with a learning disability, Lenhart reduces stigma and builds a culture of psychological safety where employees feel seen and supported.
Suzi Stefaniak, Office of Administration, Jefferson City
Suzi Stefaniak promotes disability inclusion through her talent acquisition role with the Missouri Office of Administration. She coordinates specialized talent showcase events that provide welcoming, individualized environments for job seekers with disabilities who may find traditional fairs overwhelming. Her dedicated outreach and special hiring initiatives ensure that individuals with disabilities have meaningful opportunities to overcome barriers and succeed within the state workforce.
Jennifer Wolff, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis
Jennifer Wolff has championed accessibility and disability inclusion at the Missouri Botanical Garden for 23 years. Her leadership resulted in universally designed signage and expertly trained volunteers to create a more welcoming environment for all visitors. During recent construction, she advocated for barrier-free restrooms and calming corners, ensuring the new visitor center remains an accessible, equitable space for individuals with disabilities to enjoy nature.
Coffee Creations, Branson
Raeanne Zurn leads Coffee Creations, a Branson business that hires and trains individuals with disabilities in a safe, inclusive environment. Operating under the slogan "Possibilities from True Abilities," the shop provides a platform for employees to showcase their skills while interacting with the community. Zurn’s leadership fosters a sense of belonging and independence, proving that everyone can succeed when given the opportunity.
Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks
Representing the Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks (DSGO), Scott Kirby helps lead an extensive support network for individuals with Down syndrome in Southwest Missouri. DSGO promotes disability inclusion through community outreach and unique initiatives like the Upside Down Mercantile, a retail project where individuals with Down syndrome develop, brand, and sell products. These efforts provide vital visibility and encourage quality employment opportunities and acceptance across the region.
Missouri Centers for Independent Living (MOCIL)
Patrick Lee represents the Missouri Centers for Independent Living (MOCIL), a network supporting 21 centers across all 114 Missouri counties. Guided by the philosophy of self-determination, MOCIL provides core services like advocacy, peer support, and transition training. Their statewide efforts help individuals with disabilities build independence, navigate complex systems, and participate fully in community life through accessible housing, transportation, and employment initiatives.
Progressive Community Services, St. Joseph
As Executive Director of Progressive Community Services, Heather Weddle has expanded regional accessibility through community partnerships. Her efforts secured funding for universal changing stations and sensory-friendly spaces at the InspireU Children’s Discovery Center. Additionally, her work with the All Students Achieve program and Regional Transition Network provides youth with disabilities the job experiences necessary for successful, independent adult lives.
The STABLEs Equine Therapeutic Foundation, Farmington
Roxanne Miller is the founder of The STABLEs Equine Therapeutic Foundation, which provides equine-assisted services to rural Missouri communities. The organization intentionally integrates individuals with disabilities into every aspect of operations, from riding lessons to volunteer leadership roles. By removing barriers and adapting systems to support individual success, Miller promotes an environment of achievement for riders of all abilities.
For additional information, please contact the Council at 573-751-2600 or by email at gcd@oa.mo.gov.