The Steve Bartlett Award recognizes and honors an individual in the private or public sector who demonstrates a strong commitment to using the political system to advance public policy in support of people with disabilities. The award recognizes local, state, and national leaders who advocate policies that help to advance opportunities for people with disabilities in different areas including economic growth, educational excellence and achievement, sustainability, workforce and employment, and equity.
The Steve Bartlett Award is in honor of Steve Bartlett, former Chairperson of RespectAbility, former member of Congress (1983-1991), and former mayor of Dallas.
Recipients of the award will be recognized in an in-person reception ceremony as well as with a $1,000 award.
Application Process
Nominee must demonstrate a strong commitment to public policy in the advancement of opportunities for people with disabilities. Nominee may not be a prior recipient of the award. Anyone can submit a nomination. Self-nominations are accepted.
For full consideration, the application form must be submitted before the deadline of Monday, April 15, 2024.
Submitting Application for the Steve Bartlett Award
All application materials should be submitted through the application form. If you are having any trouble accessing the application form, please reach out to awards@respectability.org for assistance.
Submit Your Application
Past Recipients of the Steve Bartlett Award
2023: Nicole Homerin
2022: Nicole LeBlanc
Learn More About Steve Bartlett
Steve Bartlett has been active in politics and public policy starting in the 6th grade. His passion for people and policy have led to a life and career that encompasses a wide spectrum of activities including as a contributor to national think tanks, advocate for others on numerous levels, and a catalyst for change through public policy. He has spent a lifetime using his political skills to achieve solid public policy through numerous channels from Republican politics and nonpartisan realms to national and local issues for change and empowerment.
Mr. Bartlett was the principal author of 18 major pieces of legislation including many initiatives on advancing independence for people with disabilities. In addition to being a principal Republican author of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), his legislation included Medicaid eligibility, Section 1619 for Medicare eligibility, supported employment, assistive technology, creation of Towards Independence, the President’s Council on Handicapped 1984 report, and mainstreaming reforms for IDEA.
Mr. Bartlett continues to engage and challenge the world of public policy to create positive change for people with disabilities. When not working, Mr. Bartlett spends as much time as he can with his eight grandchildren. His passion for life and family leads him to explore the world around him as much as possible, whether that be a nature walk in the countryside with his grandchildren or finding the beauty in local Texas towns where he resides.
