SIX COMMUNITY MEMBERS RECOGNIZED AT THE 2023 LAFAYETTE DISABILITY AWARENESS AWARDS 

Lafayette, LA – The Lafayette Mayor-President’s Awareness Committee for Citizens with Disabilities hosted an award ceremony today to recognize six amazing citizens in our community. The committee was formed in 2007 to advocate for our community members with disabilities, and educate the public on disability awareness. 

The committee also serves as the voice for disabled citizens, making recommendations and requests on their behalf, advocating for their rights on issues affecting the disabled, and striving to make Lafayette a more inclusive community for all of our citizens. 

Mayor-President Josh Guillory recognized the winners for their “significant impact in our community, and we are proud to recognize them for their work,” and thanked committee members and Lafayette Consolidated Government Disability Awareness Coordinator Harlon Cowsar for their tireless work. 

Cowsar has been a huge advocate for the Downtown Accessibility Project, a project that will provide more American with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks throughout the downtown area and across Lafayette. 

Awardees: 

Jill Listi of Jill Listi Dance Studio - Business of the Year 

The Beluga Project - Nonprofit of the Year 

Ms. Johnnie T. Washington - Public Servant of the Year 

Ms. Ellie Grace Guidry - Youth of the Year 

Ms. Tiffany Richard - The Vickie Nettles Advocacy Award 

Mr. Damon Vincent - The Lynette Fontenot Community Achievement Award