Annual Inclusion Award
The Governor’s Council on Disability’s annual Inclusion Award program recognizes and honors a Missouri resident, organization or business that illustrates excellence in leadership for best inclusion practices.
The Inclusion Award and one Honorable Mention are presented annually to recognize private and public employers, individuals, and organizations that have successfully included people with disabilities in education, employment, housing, leisure activities, universal design, and website accessibility. Individuals are also encouraged to nominate state and local government divisions or employees they truly feel excel in inclusive practices.
The winning award and honorable mention are presented annually at the Power Up assistive technology conference.
The Governor’s Council on Disability is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Inclusion Awards. Please see the instructions for nominations for more information.
Deadline for nominations has been extended to February 15, 2021.
2020 Inclusion Award – Instructions for Nominations
To submit a nomination for the 2020 Inclusion Award, please use one of the following forms:
- 2020 Inclusion Award nomination – fillable PDF
- can be completed and submitted online using Internet Explorer (IE Help) (Chrome Help)
- 2020 Inclusion Award nomination – fillable Word
- 2020 Inclusion Award nomination – Word (print)
2019 Winners
Winner: Artists First, St. Louis

Artists First is an inclusive art studio empowering artists of all abilities and bringing art to the community as a means of integration, healing, support and finding common ground. Through innovative art programs, Artists First supports more than 225 individuals and connects them to the resources they need to grow socially, intellectually, and emotionally through creative self-expression. Artist First’s participation in over 45 community events in 2019 provided opportunities for genuine community involvement and allowed artists with disabilities to be integrated into the art community and labor market.
Honorable Mention: BCI Skills Center, St. Peters

Boone Center, Inc. established BCI Skills Center in January 2019 as a first-of-its-kind vocational training facility for people with disabilities. BCI Skills Center partners with local businesses that embrace diversity to create custom programs to prepare individuals living with disabilities for employment. Upon graduation, students move directly into the integrated workforce and earn competitive wages.
For additional information, please contact the Council at 573-751-2600 or by email at gcd@oa.mo.gov.
Contact Information:
Governor's Council on Disability
301 West High Street, Room 620
P.O. Box 1668
Jefferson City, MO 65102-1668
(800) 877-8249 (v/tty)
(573) 751-2600 (v/tty)
(573) 526-4109 (fax)
E-mail GCD
Inclusion Award Winners: