Save the Date:

The evening of May 8, 2026, will be the MDC annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Award Ceremony. This event would take place at U of L Rudd and Heart Lung Center located at 201 Abraham Flexner Way. During this ceremony we will recognize students, teachers, and community leaders who has went above and beyond the call of duty. There will be vendors starting at 4:30 pm followed by ceremony at 5:00 pm.

The Metro Disability Coalition (MDC) Inc is a nonprofit organization that was established in 2001. While serving individuals with disabilities throughout the Louisville metro area. The MDC Mission is to advocate and educate individuals seeking inclusion and accessibility. By continuing to break barriers for public education, public transportation, public housing, and community infrastructure. By doing this it helps individuals to have a better quality of life.

We are excited to announce the following Breaking Barriers Awards honorees:

Lifetime Achievement Award – Chuck Rogers

Merit Award – Briana Williams

Spotlight Award – Carla Ruschival

Special Recognition Certificate Winners:

Lecretia Dennis

Victor Gordon

Lorita Rowlett

Michael Bailey

Educator Honorees:

High School: Gwen Snow – ECE/EDL Teacher, Newcomer Academy

Middle School: Stacy Coogle – ECE Implementation Coach Binet School

Elementary: Caleh Miller – ECE Teacher Bloom Elementary

Early Childhood: Tara Patterson – Preschool Teacher George Unseld Preschool 

Student Honorees:

High School: Sophie Torres – Wagganer High School 

Middle School: Nyssa Collett – Hudson Middle School

Elementary School: Lucas Watcher – Hawthorne Elementary School

Sincerely,

Marcellus Mayes, President

Bobbie James, Vice-President, and Chairperson of Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards 

Metro Disability Coalition, Inc. (MDC, Inc.)

A Non-Profit Organization

Please add our event to your community calendar. We have included a flyer for the event. If you would like to setup an interview with a member of MDC, Inc please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

We look forward to seeing you at our event on May 8^th.    

WHO: Metro Disabilities Coalition, Inc.

WHAT: Announcing 24^th Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards Ceremony

WHEN: Friday, May 8^th at 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: UofL Rudd Heart and Lung Center located at 201 Abraham Flexner Way

WHY: To thank and celebrate those who follow the mission of our organization