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 (GCD) has selected the award winner and honorable mention of the 28th Annual Inclusion Award.

2019 Winners

2019 Inclusion Award 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.

The nomination forms for the 2020 Inclusion Award will be available this fall.

For additional information, please contact the Council at 573-751-2600 or by email at gcd@oa.mo.gov.