Celebrating 36 years, the Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities honors businesses, agencies and individuals at their annual Disability and Employment Awards program in October. For a listing of past award winners, go to History of Awards and Recognition Ceremonies.  Select an award title below to complete a nomination form for that particular award.

Entrepreneurship Award

The Entrepreneurship Award is given to an entrepreneur with a disability who has displayed skills, leadership and initiative necessary to successfully own (at least 51%) and operate a for profit business in the private sector. 

Martha Arbuckle Meritorious Service Award

Named for an Austin citizen who has made a major difference in the community. Presented for public recognition of extraordinary contribution in support of the AMCPD's goal, thereby substantially enriching the personal, social, and economic lives of Austin citizens with disabilities. This award is reserved for an individual who demonstrates an exceptional degree of service to people with disabilities. Note: This award is not necessarily presented each year. 

Media Award

The Media Award is presented to an individual or organization that has produced and released public media that has made a contribution in eliminating attitudinal, social, economic and/or physical barriers for persons with disabilities. This includes any local newspaper or magazine article, a locally published photograph, a radio slot (submit a digital copy), television coverage (submit a DVD or electronically by e-mail), and in conclusion advertising or public relations design (submit poster, material design or art work). 

Note: Due to the diversity of possible entries, AMCPD may select a winner in each of the different media fields. Material submitted should appeal to the general public and not merely to a professional or specialized audience.

Employee of the Year

This award is presented to an Austin citizen who has a disability, whose employment attests to the strengths and talents employees with disabilities contribute to the economic life of the community, and whose selection would encourage the employment of other persons with disabilities. 

Distinguished Service Award

This award recognizes exemplary service provided by a citizen as a volunteer helping people with disabilities. 

Employer of the Year Award

This award is presented to employers who are local role models in providing outstanding recruitment and retention opportunities for persons with disabilities. The award has five categories:

  • Public Employer:
    • Federal Employer
    • Non-Federal Employer (county, city, municipal)
  • Private Employer:
    • Small Employer (25 or fewer employees)
    • Medium Employer (26-500 employees)
    • Large Employer (501 or more employees)

For entry information contact City ADA Program Manager David Ondich at:

Phone: 512-974-3256
Fax: 512-974-3296
505 Barton Springs Rd # 600, Austin, TX 78704
P.O Box 1088 Austin, Texas 78767-1088