MAYOR-PRESIDENT’S AWARENESS COMMITTEE FOR CITIZENS WITH DISABILITIES HONORS 2026 AWARD RECIPIENTS
The Lafayette Mayor-President’s Awareness Committee for Citizens with Disabilities (DAC) celebrated local champions of inclusion during its annual 2026 Awards Ceremony, held October 19 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.
More than 100 community members from across Lafayette Parish gathered for breakfast and fellowship as this year’s honorees were recognized for their outstanding leadership, advocacy, and commitment to building a more inclusive community.
This year’s honorees are:
- Non-Profit of the Year: DREAMS Foundation of Acadiana
For their remarkable commitment to accessibility and inclusion. With their dedication to creating opportunities, building community, and helping individuals with special needs discover their passion through sports, camps arts theater, job training, social activities, and community programs, DREAMS provides a place where everyone has the opportunity to dream big. - Business of the Year: We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym Lafayette
For providing a place for children to grow together. Their inclusive philosophy, uniquely designed sensory equipment, and their team and volunteers create and environment for children of all ability levels to play together while building strength, social skills, and confidence. - Youth of the Year: Daniel Vincent
A 12-year-old boy who has worked his hardest to regain his confidence and self-belief. His twice exceptionality or “2e” which means an intellectually gifted child who have one or more disabilities, has led him to struggle with anxiety, fear, depression. Through all of his struggle with academics and confidence, Daniel has persevered. Thanks to his support system at Red Oaks Cottage School, along with his hard work and growing independence, Daniel has been able to catch up in his studies and maintain straight As. - Public Servant of the Year: Stephanie Krielow
A vocal advocate for the Lafayette Autism Community for more than 10 years. Stephanie has spread autism awareness and information through her Autism 101 classes, and in 2019 she marched on the Louisiana State Capital Building Steps to urge our legislators to pass the law requiring cameras in special needs classrooms. - Lynette Fontenot Community Achievement Award: Caroline Nawas Jurisich
Who found her calling working with students with special needs. In 2014 Caroline was recruited to help build the UL Life Program, a program giving adults with intellectual disabilities a real college experience. Over her years as the program’s director, Caroline grew a small local pilot into a nationally recognized program; and in 2023 when she saw her graduates had nowhere to keep learning and connecting, she opened the Quad, Lafayette’s first enrichment center for adults with cognitive disabilities. - Vickie Nettles Advocacy Award: Lance Pelissier
Nominated for his passion or the autism community has led him to work with the Autism Society of Acadiana, even dedicating his birthday wish to ask people to donate to the Autism Society of Acadiana and continue to empower everyone in the Autism Community with the resources they need to live fully.
The DAC extends sincere appreciation to local sponsors and all those who made this morning’s celebration possible through their time, generosity, and continued support of the disability community.
The Lafayette Mayor-President’s Awareness Committee for Citizens with Disabilities promotes accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity throughout Lafayette Parish. For more information or to get involved, visit lafayettela.gov/dac or contact Harlon Cowsar, Disability Awareness Coordinator, at disability@lafayettela.gov or 337-291-8300.
