LCG Hosts 2026 Disability Awareness Awards Ceremony

LCG INVITES COMMUNITY TO 2026 DISABILITY AWARENESS AWARDS CEREMONY

Lafayette, LA –Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG)’s Awareness Committee for Citizens with Disabilities invites the community celebrate the individuals and organizations helping make Lafayette Parish more accessible, inclusive and supportive for people with disabilities at the 2026 Disability Awareness Awards Ceremony.

The annual ceremony will take place Monday, October 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Ballroom 2 of the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

Each year, the Disability Awareness Awards recognize individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations and public servants whose advocacy, leadership and service are making a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities throughout Lafayette Parish.

This year's award categories include:

• Business of the Year: Recognizes a Lafayette business demonstrating exceptional service and support for people with disabilities through inclusive employment, programming and efforts that foster greater participation and belonging.
• Non-Profit of the Year: Recognizes a disability-focused nonprofit serving as a vital community resource through programs, outreach, grants or expanded services for people with disabilities.
• Youth of the Year: Recognizes a young person under the age of 18 whose advocacy or actions have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the disability community.
• Public Servant of the Year: Recognizes an individual in public service who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to creating opportunities, providing support and fostering belonging for people with disabilities in Lafayette Parish.
• Vickie Nettles Advocacy Award: Honors an adult with disabilities who has demonstrated exceptional advocacy and representation while using their experiences and achievements to make a difference for others.
• Lynette Fontenot Community Achievement Award: Recognizes an individual whose extraordinary dedication to the disability community has advanced support, inclusion and accessibility.

For more information about the awards and nomination process, visit lafayettela.gov/dac or contact LCG Disability Awareness Coordinator Harlon Cowsar at hcowsar@lafayettela.gov.