Nominations are open through March 28 

Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky is proud to introduce a new award as part of the upcoming Mayor’s Ability Awards, an annual program honoring the perseverance and accomplishments of individuals thriving while navigating life with disabilities.  

Scottsdale students are invited to apply for the awards, through which scholarships are awarded to college- and trade-school bound students with physical or neuro diversities. The deadline for nominations is March 28. 

The scholarship recognizes students who have shown exceptional resilience in overcoming challenges and who demonstrate a strong commitment to furthering their education. The program is led by Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky’s office and sponsored through a partnership with the Gila River Indian Community.  

A notable addition this year is the creation of the Community Disability Advocate Award, which is an effort to celebrate the volunteers, business leaders and nonprofit heroes working daily to make sure all who live, work and play in Scottsdale are celebrated for their efforts.  

A Community Disability Advocate is someone who actively supports individuals with disabilities by providing valuable, information guidance, and advocacy for their rights. These advocates work to raise awareness, ensure safety, promote inclusion, and foster acceptance of people with disabilities in every facet of society. 

“The Disability Advocate Award honors an outstanding individual in Scottsdale who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advocating for a person or persons with disabilities,” said Kelsey Lamper, an operations supervisor at the city of Scottsdale who is focused on adaptive recreation.   

“Whether as a caregiver, educator, parent, guardian, volunteer, personal advocate, therapist, or business owner, this individual has made a profound impact by championing inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for people with physical or neuro diversities.”  

Nominations for the Disability Advocate Award should be submitted directly to Yvonne Cahill in Mayor Borowsky’s office along with a description of why the nominee is deserving of this recognition. RSVPs for the event can be made to Isol Morales. 

Recipients will be recognized at the Mayor’s Ability Awards Ceremony from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 18, at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way, in Scottsdale. 

Mayor’s Ability Awards scholarships open for Scottsdale students 

Eligible Scottsdale students who are planning to attend a college, university, vocational or trade school can submit their applications from now until March 28. 

To ensure the best chance for success in completing the application, students are advised to seek assistance from their local academic counselor or transitional counselor. Detailed scholarship information and eligibility requirements for parents and participants are available on the city’s website at  ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search "Ability Awards." 

Assistance is available for those who may encounter difficulties completing the online application form. Please contact the mayor’s office at 480-312-7977 for support. 

“We are here to help make this year’s Ability Awards the beginning of a new chapter in the celebration of the perseverance of those living and thriving with a disability here in Scottsdale,” Ms. Cahill, who serves as director of constituent services at the Office of Mayor Lisa Borowsky, said. “We hope to see all of you there next month as we look forward to this keystone community event.”